Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Computing
Audio/Video
Mobile
Gaming
Cars
Smart residence
Las Vegas is overrun. Every billboard on the town is shouting about AI, resort bar tops now sport a sea of laptops, and after hours The Strip is elbow to elbow with engineers toting yard-long beers.
That means CES, the 12 months’s largest tech bacchanalia, has come to city, and Digital Trends editors have spent the final 4 days frolicking amongst subsequent 12 months’s crop of unimaginable TVs, computer systems, tablets, and EVs. We’re in heaven.
With 4,500 exhibitors, there’s no manner for anyone particular person to see all of it, however our crew of editors has performed its finest to discover each backwater and annex of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We’re assured we’ve dug up the perfect of the perfect for our Top Tech of CES 2025 awards. From displays to sensible gardens, desktop audio system to a very killer Steam Deck competitor, there’s one thing for everybody to get enthusiastic about right here.
Computing
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i
Wacky issues have been performed within the identify of lowering bezels through the years. Ugly notches. Nosecams. Hidden or removable cameras. Perhaps the worst answer is eradicating the webcam fully. The newest model of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i, although, makes an attempt an audacious technological leap to create an invisible webcam that may fully disappear from sight.
The answer is an unimaginable feat. When the digicam is engaged, the OLED show turns off a small circle of pixels to permit the 32-megapixel digicam situated behind the display screen to shoot by way of the panel and generate a picture on the opposite facet. Toss in a sprinkle of AI, and you’ve got a half-decent digicam feed for video calls. Is it a bit over-engineered? Maybe. But if you’re not bothering together with your digicam and also you get to take pleasure in a bountiful sea of display screen unencumbered by bezels and webcams, I don’t suppose you’ll thoughts.
– Luke Larsen
Asus PG27AQNR Pulsar gaming monitor
In the period of refresh charges above 500Hz, you’d suppose that the movement readability problem for aggressive avid gamers have been solved, however Asus’ PG27AQNR proves in any other case. It’s 360Hz and 1440p, however that’s not what’s particular about it. The monitor is among the many first to debut Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar tech.
It’s an enormous deal when you’re into aggressive video games. Essentially, Pulsar permits dynamic backlight strobing in a show, blanking out the picture between refreshes based mostly on what’s truly occurring in your sport. The end result? You see a static picture on every refresh, locking the goal that you simply’re monitoring into place for movement readability that even the perfect OLED gaming displays can’t match.
Although Pulsar isn’t angled towards each PC gamer, it’s a large step ahead for aggressive avid gamers, and Asus is placing that on full show with the PG27AQNR.
– Jacob Roach
Samsung Odyssey 3D
You have each proper on the earth to be skeptical of a 3D gaming monitor. I do know I used to be. But I’m telling you — as somebody who’s tried out a number of generations of this expertise through the years, the Samsung Odyssey 3D gaming monitor lastly nails it.
The demo of The First Berserker I performed looks like an enormous development over the prototype expertise we noticed final 12 months. Having your head within the “sweet spot” is not an element, getting the complete 3D impact in a a lot wider vary of viewing angles and distances. Yes, there’s nonetheless loads of work to be performed to convey builders on board in time for launch, or maybe develop a 2D-to-3D conversion that truly works in video games.
But the expertise itself? It’s prepared for showtime. Once avid gamers get an opportunity to see it for themselves, I’ve a sense they received’t wish to return to the boring world of two dimensions.
– Luke Larsen
Asus Zenbook A14
A can of soup. A small pineapple. A pair of heavy socks. Google says these are a couple of home items that weigh about as a lot because the Asus Zenbook A14. At simply 2.18 kilos, it’s the lightest laptop computer in latest reminiscence — a minimum of for a tool that doesn’t fully sacrifice a serious function alongside the best way. After all, in terms of laptops, nobody desires to sacrifice options, sturdiness, ports, or performance for lightness. The Zenbook A14 proves you may have the perfect of each worlds. When I picked this laptop computer up for the primary time, I couldn’t consider how mild it felt in my hand.
The complete laptop computer is comprised of Asus’ “high-tech ceramic” materials — in any other case often known as Ceraluminum — which offers its distinctive texture and its unimaginable lightness. All that, as is widespread with Asus, begins at below $1,000. That’s a profitable mixture, and it simply would possibly make for the final word laptop computer to journey with.
– Luke Larsen
Audio/Video
Hisense 116UX TriChroma LED TV
The Hisense 116UX does mini-LED in a brand new manner. Instead of blue or white LED backlights shining by way of a colour filter, the TriChroma LED TV makes use of tens of 1000’s of RGB Local Dimming optical lenses that every include particular person purple, inexperienced, and blue LEDs. The lenses are then managed in clusters, with dimming performed at each the cluster and lens ranges.
The particular person RGB LEDs — with out a colour filter — enable the 116UX to realize, in accordance with Hisense, 97% of the BT.2020 colour area. The RGB clusters are additionally extra environment friendly, lowering energy consumption.
We’re persevering with to study the intricacies about how the expertise works, but it surely’s an apparent dynamic change to LED TV expertise.
– John Higgins
Panasonic Z95B OLED TV
It was nice to see Panasonic return to the U.S. market in 2024, and CES 2025 has proven that it’s again in earnest. While it has three new TVs for 2025, the flagship Z95B OLED caught our eye essentially the most because of its unimaginable increase in brightness over final 12 months’s Z95A.
Panasonic revealed that it’s utilizing Primary RGB Tandem Panel expertise — a brand new four-layer panel construction consisting of purple, inexperienced, and blue (truly two blue) layers that enables for a greater separation and purity of colour and better brightness, all with out MLA (Micro Lens Array) expertise. In addition, Panasonic engineers designed the ThermalFlow cooling system, impressed by aerodynamic race automotive design, to enhance warmth dissipation.
It’s a step ahead in OLED panel design that we’ve been speculating about, and Panasonic has delivered it and proven us what it’s all about.
– John Higgins
TCL QM7K Mini-LED TV
There’s loads of superb TV tech at CES 2025, and the TCL QM7K undoubtedly has its share. TCL has developed a number of enhancements in its backlight expertise, and the 2025 collection of QM televisions (the QM7K included) are part of the Precise Dimming Series. With a brand new chip, lens construction, lower within the optical distance — from the backlight to the diffuser plate — and a few processing enhancements to just about get rid of lag from enter sign to backlight response, all points of the backlight efficiency on the QM7K appears to be improved over final 12 months’s QM7.
Best of all, although, is that, in contrast to a few of the different flashy TV tech on show, the QM7K will probably be a TV that matches inside most individuals’s budgets. Even with all the enhancements, the QM7K is anticipated to be comparable in worth to final 12 months’s mannequin (which began at $1,100) and we must always see it someday round midyear.
– John Higgins
Technics EAH-AZ100
If we have been to present this award a sub-category, it may be “most improved wireless earbuds.” That’s as a result of the Technics EAH-AZ100 are full of enhancements over their predecessors, the EAH-AZ80. Smaller, lighter, higher ANC, higher name high quality, and manner higher battery life — all are robust causes to acknowledge these new buds. They’ve even obtained spatial audio with head monitoring and Auracast compatibility through Bluetooth LE Audio — two options the AZ80 lacked. But the kicker is their sound.
For the AZ100, Technics tailored its revolutionary Magnetic Fluid driver expertise from its $1,100 wired IEMs, which provides the AZ100 ultra-low distortion and wonderful sound high quality.
Taken collectively, these adjustments make the Technics EAH-AZ100 the perfect wi-fi earbuds of CES 2025.
– Simon Cohen
Onkyo GX-30ARC
On the floor, Onkyo’s $299 powered desktop GX-30ARC audio system seem like, properly, audio system. But this can be a case of excellent issues coming in small packages. Onkyo’s a long time of amplification heritage shines by way of in these audio system — they’re bi-amped, which suggests every driver will get a discrete supply of energy — and we suspect that’s an enormous cause for his or her highly effective sound, which impresses with each its readability and low-end authority.
They’re additionally loaded with enter choices, together with USB-C, Bluetooth (with LE Audio and Auracast), optical, stereo RCA (with selectable line-in and phono settings), and an HDMI-ARC port, which provides the GX-30ARC a part of its identify.
Add to this bundle a magnetically hooked up grille, your selection of two colours, an included set of angled woodgrain stands, and a distant, and also you’ve obtained a compelling set of powered audio system whether or not you’re a creator or simply an avid listener.
– Simon Cohen
Mobile
Belkin Stage PowerGrip
Belkin is at all times a robust drive at CES, however at CES 2025, it introduced considered one of its most unusual iPhone equipment so far: the Stage PowerGrip. What precisely is the Stage PowerGrip? Well, it’s loads of issues.
Imagine a 10,000mAh battery pack that attaches to your iPhone through MagSafe. And it has an built-in USB-C cable to cost different gadgets. And it acts as a stand to prop up your telephone on a desk. And it has a digicam grip. And it has a digicam shutter button. And it is available in some actually pretty colours. That’s the Belkin Stage PowerGrip.
It’s actually thrilling to see this degree of creativity from Belkin, and I hope we see much more of it within the years to return.
– Joe Maring
Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3
The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 isn’t an Android pill I anticipated to see once more in 2025. Virtually each producer appeared to have given up on compact Android tablets with flagship-level specs, however that’s exactly what you get with the brand new Legion Tab.
The iPad mini monopolizes the compact pill market. Google’s Nexus 7 tablets was once wonderful options, however we haven’t had a brand new mannequin since 2013 — and it didn’t appear to be anybody had any curiosity in throwing their hat within the tiny-tablet ring.
But Lenovo has, and the Legion Tab Gen 3 appears like a legitimately nice revitalization of the area of interest.
– Joe Maring
Amazfit Active 2
Smartwatches are in every single place in 2025. As such, standing out within the crowd is an enormous ask. But I believe the Amazfit Active 2 has what it takes to do this.
Take one take a look at the Active 2’s spec sheet or function checklist, and it’s obtained nearly all the pieces you could possibly ask for — together with exercise and sleep monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, automated exercise detection, and extra. What’s spectacular is you get all of that with as much as 10 days of battery life, a high-quality AMOLED show, and a compact physique. What’s much more spectacular is that the watch begins at simply $100.
The worth proposition right here is among the finest I’ve seen shortly, and my early impressions of the Amazfit Active 2 are actually promising. It feels unreal {that a} smartwatch of this high quality exists at this worth, however one way or the other, Amazfit pulled it off.
– Joe Maring
Anker 165W Power Bank
Once you’ve seen one energy financial institution, you’ve seen all of them — proper? That’s what I believed till Anker introduced its new 165W Power Bank. Unlike most energy banks, which offer you a couple of 10,000mAh battery capability and name it a day, Anker’s newest one crams in a large 25,000mAh capability, plus a couple of further options which are equally ridiculous and sensible.
One of these options is built-in USB-C cables. The Anker Power Bank has two of them, that means when you’re touring with two gadgets, you may simply convey the 165W Power Bank with you and never should fuss with bringing cables.
Is the Anker 165W Power Bank overkill? Maybe. But does it even have the makings of one of the crucial full energy banks we’ve ever seen? Absolutely.
– Joe Maring
Gaming
Lenovo Legion Go S
On its floor, the Lenovo Legion Go S might seem like one more Steam Deck imitation that’s trying to re-create Valve’s success. It is that to some extent, but it surely’s an important improvement within the present handheld PC arms race. Rather than attempting to outplay Valve by loading its Legion Go variant with further bells and whistles, Lenovo lastly understands that one of the best ways to beat the competitors is to affix it.
And thus, we’ve got our first transportable PC not made by Valve to make use of SteamOS, the streamlined working system that’s helped the Steam Deck preserve its dominance towards experimental Windows-based rivals. With the Legion Go S, we lastly have a viable different to the Steam Deck that also capabilities like an easy-to-use handheld. Not solely that but it surely’s a strong handheld that’s each extra snug and cheaper than its predecessor. All of that creates an ideal recipe for achievement.
– Giovanni Colantonio
MSI Forge GK600 TKL Wireless
How many extra methods are you able to innovate a gaming keyboard in 2025? MSI’s Forge GK600 TKL Wireless proves that there’s nonetheless loads of room to good one thing that’s been performed to dying. This is a mechanical keyboard with a hot-swappable printed circuit board that comes with some stable KTT HiFi linear switches. It comes loaded with spectacular options, from its twin connectivity to its 4,000mAh battery.
That would possibly all sound slightly par for the course, however what’s particularly spectacular is the value tag. All of this solely prices $80, which is extraordinary for a gaming keyboard as function wealthy as this. While there’s a premium trade-off or two to perform that, like an all-plastic design, the GK600 TKL places fierce rivals like ROG Azoth (a former Digital Trends Best of CES choose) to disgrace. Expect it to turn out to be the mechanical gaming keyboard to personal.
– Giovanni Colantonio
Cars
Honda 0 Series Saloon
We’d be tempted to present this futuristic EV a nod on its Blade Runner appears alone, however Honda packed it with a lot tech that we don’t should. Thanks to a military of sensors and a few heavy-duty silicon from Renesas, the Saloon must be able to degree three autonomy when it launches in 2026 — that’s the true “eyes off” driving expertise Tesla nonetheless can’t ship.
Unlike loads of the questionable AI makes use of we’ve seen at CES 2025, the Saloon will make use of it to study from human drivers and course of altering environments on the fly, therefore the necessity for all that computing energy. Honda has even resurrected its beloved Asimo robotic because the namesake for the Saloon’s Alexa-style Asimo OS. Just forgive the cringey advertising. “It comforts me when I’m sad,” says a doe-eyed driver, “with Saloon I can always be myself.” Stick to the chauffeuring, Asimo.
– Nick Mokey
BMW Panoramic iDrive
For years, we’ve watched heart console screens develop larger and greater, however with the Panoramic iDrive system, BMW strikes away from bragging rights on display screen measurement and focuses on practicality. The strip of display screen nestled on the base of the windshield places very important info like pace, instructions, and cost state proper within the driver’s eyeline, and it may possibly even be augmented with an non-obligatory 3D heads-up show.
Haptic buttons on the steering wheel management all the pieces, or you may communicate instructions which are processed through giant language mannequin (LLM). After seeing a lot “tech for tech’s sake” shoveled into automobiles, we love how Panoramic iDrive appears squarely centered on drivers, and lets drivers give attention to the highway.
– Nick Mokey
Smart residence
Roborock Saros Z70
Robot vacuums have been round for a very long time, and I believed I’d seen principally all they needed to provide. The Roborock Saros Z70 proved me mistaken. This highly effective robotic vacuum is greater than only a method to clear and mop your flooring; it has a built-in, extendable arm that is ready to choose up socks, small towels, and even light-weight sandals. It’s one step nearer to Rosie from The Jetsons.
Imagine: a robotic vacuum that may clear obstacles from its personal path. Combined with an clever navigation system, the Saros Z70 (and the opposite entries within the Saros line) is the sort of innovation the robotic vacuum business has so sorely wanted.
Roborock wasn’t agency with worth or a launch date, so the fee could possibly be a bit onerous to swallow — but it surely would possibly simply be value it, if the arm works like I believe it’s going to.
— Patrick Hearn
Plantaform Smart Garden
Smart gardens have at all times felt like they got here straight from science fiction, however the Plantaform takes it to a brand new degree (particularly as a result of it makes use of NASA tech). This pod totally encloses the plant and helps it develop by way of fogponics, allotting a positive mist all through the inside that doesn’t overwhelm the crop and permits the roots to extra simply entry water.
The enclosure is considered one of my favourite points of this sensible backyard. Almost all sensible gardens use synthetic UV mild to speed up plant progress, but it surely’s extremely vibrant. The tinted home windows of the Plantaform pod block nearly all of that mild, making it far more believable to maintain indoors. Other items, just like the Gardyn, are vibrant sufficient to mild complete rooms on their very own.
The Plantaform doesn’t use soil and is totally self-sufficient; as soon as you set the plant in, your solely job is to take a seat again and wait to reap the crop. At $500, it’s a bit costly, however competitively priced for the market.
— Patrick Hearn
Petkit Purobot Ultra Automatic Litter Box
A litter field won’t appear that flashy, however because the proprietor of three cats, I recognize something that does the cleanup for me. The Purobot Ultra is especially spectacular not just for its cleansing functionality however for the 180-degree monitoring digicam on the entrance. It can acknowledge every animal individually and takes an image of the deposit earlier than it sifts it.
Slightly gross? Sure — however cats are infamous for hiding well being situations, and this litter field makes it a lot simpler to trace your pet’s toilet habits. It additionally has quite a few security sensors that maintain your four-legged pal protected. The Purobot Ultra can hook up with different Petkit merchandise, like a water fountain and an automated feeder, to present you a high-level overview of your cat’s habits.
This gadget is slightly area of interest, however any cat proprietor will immediately see the utility of solely emptying the field as soon as each 20 days.
— Patrick Hearn