Overview

hands holding small portable video camera

Best vlogging camera

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

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$519 Amazon

Best action camera

GoPro Hero 12 Black

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$399.99 Amazon

iphone with fisheye lens over back cameras

Best external phone lens

Death Lens Fisheye

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$45 Death Digital

Best smart glasses

Viture One XR glasses

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$439 Amazon

Best over-ear headphones

Beats Studio Pro

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$349.99 Amazon

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2023 has been...weird. Join Mashable as we look back at everything that's delighted, amazed, or just confused us in 2023.

We're constantly testing products to see if they're worth the hype — and money. Whether we're comparing cameras on the latest Apple phones, spending hours watching robot vacuums go over our carpet, or battery-testing headphones while we listen to the latest albums, you can trust that we've put the product through the wringer. Some gadgets stand out against the rest, and for those, we reserve the Mashable Choice Award.

Our scoring system is out of five, and anything rated 4.5 or higher is considered for a Mashable Choice Award. Some factors might hold an item back from receiving the award even if it's scored highly, such as poor battery life compared to competitors or a price tag that's just too high.

If we've named something Mashable Choice, you know it's worth buying. We reviewed approximately 110 tech gadgets, home appliances, trending items, and more this year. Here are the Mashable Choice Award winners for 2023.

Home Gym Starter Kit Best Duffel Bags Mashable Choice Best Toys 2022 All Best Products

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Best vlogging camera

$519 Amazon

Read our full review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Our rating: 4.8/5

We try to avoid using the word "perfect" in our reviews here at Mashable, but contributor Timothy Beck Werth said that "perfect" was the word that repeatedly came to mind while testing out the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. He describes it as a phenomenal gimbal camera, and it boasts excellent face tracking, vertical video mode, motion stabilization, and wireless connectivity.

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$519 Amazon

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Best action camera

$399.99 Amazon

Read our full review of the GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Our rating: 4.7/5

Compared to its predecessors, the GoPro Hero 12 promises drastically better battery life, improved video stabilization, a new wide-angle lens accessory, and new tools for content creators. Contributor Timothy Beck Werth declared that GoPro has overdelivered with its latest action camera.

The Good

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Details

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$399.99 Amazon

Death Lens Fisheye

Best external phone lens

$45 Death Digital

Read our full review of the Death Lens Fisheye.

Our rating: 4.5/5

Contributor Kenneth Bachor said that the quality of the Death Lens is superior to any iPhone fisheye lenses he's bought in the past and that so many cheaper versions are unsuccessful in recreating the '90s aesthetic it accomplishes. It comes with a phone case into which you screw the lens so it stays secure on your phone. The accompanying app mimics the interface of an OG camcorder and is super easy to use. Bachor wrote that for under $50, the Death Lens is "a great timeless accessory that’s small and easy to throw in your pocket."

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$45 Death Digital

Viture One XR glasses

Best smart glasses

$439 Amazon

Read our full review of the Viture One XR glasses.

Our rating: 4.8/5

The Viture One XR glasses connect to your phone, laptop, or gaming console to show you content on a 120-inch screen within the glasses lenses. No matter where you look, the "screen" is in sight, so you can game or watch TV while lying down in bed or sitting on an airplane. Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon dubbed the Viture One glasses her favorite tech device she tested this year.

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$439 Amazon

Beats Studio Pro

Best over-ear headphones

$349.99 Amazon

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Pro headphones.

Our rating: 4.5/5

Beats' Studio Pro headphones are an Apple product that works seamlessly with Android devices, and the ease with which they work across operating systems Tech Reporter Alex Perry says might be the most impressive thing about them. And, as you'd expect from a pair of Beats, they sound fantastic and the active noise cancellation is amazing.

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$349.99 Amazon

Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

Best iPhone

$799 Apple

Read our full review of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

Our rating: 4.8/5

The iPhone Pro line is better than ever with the introduction of the 15, but the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are giving the Pro a run for its money. The base model iPhone now has the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, bringing them a lot closer to the Pro phones. Plus, the iPhone 15 got the USB-C treatment finally. Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said that "the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are probably the prudent choice for most buyers."

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Details

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$799 Apple

front and back of iphone 15 pro and pro max

Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

Best Pro-level iPhones

$999 Apple

Read our full review of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Our rating: 4.5/5

First of all, the upgrade to USB-C alone is enough to praise the iPhone 15 line. Add in the new A17 Pro chip and improved cameras and the Pro models snag a Mashable Choice Award. Senior Editor Stan Schroeder wrote, "There's no doubt that the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are better phones than last year's versions." The phones are lighter, nicer looking, more powerful, more versatile, and have significantly improved cameras.

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$999 Apple

samsung galaxy phone sitting on fake grass

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Best foldable phone

$1,799.99 Samsung

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Our rating: 4.5/5

Tech Reporter Alex Perry concluded that Samsung is officially the standard-bearer for flagship foldables. He found that the Z Fold 5's inner display is great for reading, watching, and playing things, and Samsung has done more than enough to prove to skeptics that foldable phones have a purpose.

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$1,799.99 Samsung

hand holding white apple pencil with usb-c charging port

Apple Pencil USB-C

Best Apple accessory

$79 Amazon

Read our full review of the Apple Pencil USB-C.

Our rating: 4.5/5

While testing the Apple Pencil USB-C, Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon found that is has great battery life, glides easily across iPad screens, is awesome for note taking, and even helped with her animation skills. One downside: It doesn't come with a charging cable. Classic Apple.

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$79 Amazon

tablet open to homescreen with apps and search bar

Amazon Fire Max 11

Best tablet that's not an iPad

$229.99 Amazon

Read our full review of the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet.

Our rating: 4.6/5

Obviously, iPads are top dog in the tablet world and Amazon is mostly known for making cheap tablets that aren't jam-packed with impressive features. But the Fire Max 11 is a little different from Amazon's norm. Contributor SaVanna Shoemaker called it the sleekest and largest Fire tablet yet, and it "packs some impressive specs behind the moderate price tag we’ve all come to expect." It's fast and ideal for entertainment, however; it's limited by the Amazon Appstore which has a small offering and lacks any Google apps.

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$229.99 Amazon

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro

Best MacBook

$1,999 Amazon

Read our full review of the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro.

Our rating: 4.5/5

According to Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon, the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro doesn't have any staggering upgrades, but during her testing she did find that it has a significant performance jump over the M2. This laptop's battery lasted almost 17 hours on a single charge during Gedeon's trial, she said it's just the right size, and its speakers are arguably "the best set of speakers on the laptop market."

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$1,999 Amazon

HP Victus 16 gaming laptop

Best cheap gaming laptop

$1,199 Amazon

Read our full review of the HP Victus 16.

Our rating: 4.7/5

The HP Victus 16 was the best cheap gaming laptop Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon tested in 2023. She was impressed by its ability to remain cool, its top-of-the-line gaming performance, and stylish look. Plus, it ran Cyberpunk 2077 (one of the most graphics-intensive games on the market) like a champ.

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$1,199 Amazon

gaming laptop open with gaming controller sitting on keyboard

Acer Nitro V 15 gaming laptop

Runner-up cheap gaming laptop

$839 Amazon

Read our full review of the Acer Nitro V 15.

Our rating: 4.7/5

For less than $1,000, the Acer Nitro V 15 (formerly called Acer Nitro 5) is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that certainly makes some compromises to maintain an affordable price — its display could be brighter and more vivid. It's still one of our favorite cheap gaming laptops, though. Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon wrote, "If you're just looking for a gaming laptop that ditches all the bells and whistles for impressive gaming performance, the Nitro V 15 is the one for you."

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$839 Amazon

Peacock

Best streaming service

$5.99 Peacock

Read our full review of Peacock.

Our rating: 4.5/5

For The Office and Parks and Recreation fans, Peacock is a must-have streaming service. But that's not even close to all Peacock offers. The service features live sports, Bravo TV, new and old movies, original series, and plenty more. Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote, "Whether you relish old TV shows, crave new movies, revel in reality TV binge-watching, or rally every game day, there are plenty of options to make this subscription worth your while."

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$5.99 Peacock

Shark FlexStyle

Best hair tool

$279.99 Shark

Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle.

Our rating: 4.5/5

The Shark FlexStyle is easily our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe. It uses the same Coanda technology to wrap your hair around curlers using air for minimal heat damage. Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard wrote, "The resemblances aren't just in its appearance. I've throughly tested both products, and at the end of the day, the performance is nearly indistinguishable. If anything, the Shark offers a few new features that make me reach for it more."

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$279.99 Shark

white face mask with red light coming from eye holes

Therabody TheraFace Mask

Best skincare device

$599 Therabody

Read our full review of the TheraFace Mask.

Our rating: 4.6/5

Therabody's latest foray into the beauty space came in the form of an LED face mask that stands out against competition thanks to its red, infrared, and blue lights and massage features. Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote, "If you’re a casual skincare user, I have a hard time telling you to buy a $600 device. But if you’re someone who’s been wanting an LED mask but hasn’t been able to decide which one to invest in, the TheraFace Mask is certainly a winner in my eyes."

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$599 Therabody

pink liquid dispensing into sheet mask shaped mold

BioFace Facial Mask Machine

Best DIY skincare device

$39.98 Walmart

Read our full review of the BioFace Facial Mask Machine.

Our rating: 4.6/5

BioFace is a device that allows you to create customized face masks using ingredients such as real fruits and vegetables. You just have to liquify your choice of ingredients and pour them into the machine, then it'll dispense a jelly-texture sheet mask. Contributor Michelle Rostamian found that this machine is great for those leaning into simpler skincare routines and it helps reduce waste in both your beauty routine and kitchen. As for the actual benefits of the masks, Rostamian said her skin felt rejuvenated, fresh, and hydrated after each use.

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$39.98 Walmart

foldable kayak unfolded on the shore of a lake

Oru Lake kayak

Best portable kayak

$499 Oru Kayak

Read our full review of the Oru Lake kayak.

Our rating: 4.5/5

The Oru Lake Kayak is the kayak for people with limited storage space. It folds down to roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, but when unfolded is stable and durable enough to take on the water. The kayak is rated for up to 20,000 folds without weakening. Compared to kayak rental prices, Deputy Shopping Editor Jae Thomas says the Oru Lake is totally worth the investment if you plan to take it out on the water for at least 25 hours in its lifetime.

The Good

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$499 Oru Kayak

large bowflex treadmill with TV show on its screen

Bowflex Treadmill 22

Best treadmill

$2,799 Amazon

Read our full review of the Bowflex Treadmill 22.

Our rating: 4.8/5

In her review, Contributor SaVanna Shoemaker wrote, "The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the biggest treadmill I’ve ever laid eyes on… and I love it." The treadmill takes up a good chunk of space even when folded up, but the performance is highly impressive. Its 22-inch screen is beautiful for watching TV or movies or for following along with workouts from the included JRNY app membership. The treadmill also has nice built-in safety features that provide peace of mind for homes with children. With the price and size, this treadmill is certainly not for everyone, but Shoemaker says it's a great investment for serious runners and for people who enjoy connected fitness.

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$2,799 Amazon

shark robot vacuum picking up heart-shaped cheerios

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum

$299.99 Amazon

Read our full review of the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum.

Our rating: 4.6/5

The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 is not a high-end flagship robot vacuum, so Contributor Timothy Beck Werth wasn't sure what to expect while testing the vac. However, he concluded that it's "absolutely one of the best robot vacuums for sale in 2023." The budget robovac was able to hold its own in terms of suction and cleaning power compared to more expensive robot vacuums.

The Good

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$299.99 Amazon

double basket air fryer sitting on kitchen counter

Beautiful 9-quart TriZone air fryer

Best air fryer

$139 Walmart

Read our full review of the Beautiful 9-quart TriZone air fryer.

Our rating: 4.6/5

This air fryer from Drew Barrymore's collection demands counter space. But while it is large, it's also powerful. Contributor Michelle Rostamian cooked her meals in this air fryer when her oven died on her, and it adequately took the place of a full-on oven. The dual baskets set this air fryer apart from others, allowing you to chef up two separate dishes using different cooking methods at the same time. It doesn't hurt that the Beautiful air fryer lives up to its name with a sleek look you'll want to show off in your kitchen.

The Good

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$139 Walmart

big silver and black breadmaker appliance

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

Best breadmaker

$399.99 Amazon

Read our full review of the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker.

Our rating: 4.6/5

The Zojirushi breadmaker takes a lot of the grunt work out of baking. It has presets for different types of bread, but it's also good for making cake, jam, and pasta. This is a versatile machine that our beginner baker was able to master. Contributor Mallory Minich noted that she doesn't have the patience to knead bread, let it rise, and repeat the cycle until it's ready to bake, so she loved that the Virtuoso Plus did all the steps for her — she just had to toss in the ingredients.

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$399.99 Amazon

white compost appliance with lit-up green power button sitting on a kitchen counter

Lomi countertop composter

Best countertop composter

$499 Amazon

Read our full review of the Lomi countertop composter.

Our rating: 4.6/5

The Lomi countertop composter brings a new level of accessibility to composting at home. It's compact and runs an electrical cycle that churns compost out so much faster than traditional methods. Lomi makes different types of compost depending on what you throw into it, with the cycles ranging from three to 20 hours to complete. Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart noted that one of the composter's main draws is the variety of food and non-food items you can compost with this device. In addition to raw foods that would stink up your fridge, you can also toss paper products and bioplastics into the Lomi.

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$499 Amazon

trash can-sized food recycler with cat and cardboard box next to it

Mill food recycling bin

Best food recycler

$396 Mill

Read our full review of the Mill food recycler.

Our rating: 4.8/5

Unlike most at-home composter, the Mill doesn't sit on the countertop — it's also not technically a composter. It's a trashcan-sized food recycler that dehydrates food scraps and turns them into chicken food that you can mail back to the company. The Mill app lets you know what can and can't go into the recycler, so there's no confusion resulting in you just tossing your compostables in the garbage. Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart loved the Mill so much she spent her own money to purchase the unit she tested for her review.

The Good

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$396 Mill

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo smart base

Best smart bed frame

$1,999 Tempur-Pedic

Read our full review of the Tempur-Ergo smart base.

Our rating: 4.6/5

While Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern doesn't think the Tempur-Ergo smart bed frame is a necessity, it is a really cool sleep tech gadget that's worth the money if you have it. It comes with a remote that lets you control its position, activate massage features, and turn on the under-bed lights. But the coolest part is that it tracks your sleep. Kern wrote, "Like with most widely-available, non-medical grade sleep trackers, I’m not accepting all of these metrics at face value. But they do seem impressively accurate for something that’s not even touching my skin while I sleep." There's also a sleep coach within the Tempur-Pedic Sleeptracker app that provides tips for actually improving sleep. Overall, this thing is a pretty dope bed.

The Good

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$1,999 Tempur-Pedic

Topics Reviews Mashable Choice

How we tested

How we test products obviously depends on — you guessed it — the product. In general, we like to spend at least one to two weeks with each item we review and use it in our day-to-day lives, not in a lab. This is because that's when you, the reader, are likely going to be using these products. Unless you have your own personal lab. In which case, that's very cool and very Dexter's Laboratory of you.

Depending on the product, we test for:

Battery life
Ease of use and setup
Quality over time
Connectivity
Price point

For a more specific look at our testing methodology, read our full reviews.

Miller Kern

Deputy Editor, Shopping and Reviews

Based in New York City, Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor, Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, and deals about tech products including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She has five years of experience writing buying guides, gift guides, and deals, and covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.