This year’s wearables stopped trying to be impressive on paper and started showing up in real life.

They trained with us, traveled with us, helped us focus, and sometimes gave us the companionship we didn’t realize we needed.

This year’s favorites are not defined by hype or spec sheets. They earned their place by fitting into routines, surviving our day-to-day lives. They made our everyday feel a little more intentional.

Here’s why they’re our favorite picks:

Redmi Buds 6 Pro

Vincenz: Budget-friendly true wireless earbuds should deliver solid sound and features at a shockingly low price. The Redmi Buds 6 Pro makes a strong case for it. While the ANC does not lead the category, it remains a compelling entry point for buyers who want value without feeling shortchanged.

READ: Redmi Buds 6 Pro review

HONOR Earbuds Open

Rodneil: Comfort, sound quality, and a genuinely useful AI translation feature come together in a design that feels effortless to wear daily. The HONOR Earbuds Open earns its place for being practical, modern, and surprisingly delightful.

READ: HONOR Earbuds Open review

Xiaomi Watch S4

Luigi: The Xiaomi Watch S4 delivers a clean, minimalist smartwatch experience that covers health tracking and connectivity without overcomplicating things. This is a dependable everyday wearable that focuses on the essentials and does them well.

READ: Xiaomi Watch S4 review

Sony WH-1000XM6

Luigi, Rodneil, and Michael Josh: This remains the gold standard for noise cancellation and balanced audio in a travel-friendly design. The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns favorite status by doing everything right and setting the benchmark yet again.

Read: Sony WH-1000XM6 review | Watch: Why it’s the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones right now

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

Vincenz: SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 3 Wireless combines lightweight comfort, strong gaming audio, and expressive color options in a headset that feels fun and functional. It stands out for gamers who care about performance and personality.

READ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless review

QCY MeloBuds N70

Vincenz: Price-to-performance ratio feels almost unreal with the QCY MeloBuds N70. With strong ANC, long battery life, excellent sound, and premium features at an accessible price, it redefines what budget earbuds can deliver.

READ: QCY MeloBuds N70 review

Huawei FreeBuds SE 4

Tom: The Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 focuses on reliability above all else. Solid sound, comfortable fit, and a marathon-like battery life make it an easy recommendation for students and professionals who need something dependable every day.

READ: Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 review

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Michael Josh: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 refines an already excellent formula with even better sound and noise cancellation while keeping the same launch price. For iPhone users, it remains the most complete and seamless earbuds experience.

WATCH: Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

QCY H3S

Vincenz: The QCY H3S proves that great sound doesn’t need a premium price tag. Clean design, impressive audio, and accessible pricing make it one of the strongest budget headphones of the year.

READ: QCY H3S review

Dyson OnTrac

MJ: The Dyson OnTrac earns its place as a lifestyle statement piece that excels at silence and comfort. While sound lovers may look elsewhere, it resonates with those who value design and aesthetics.

READ: Dyson OnTrac review

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic

MJ: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 Classic blends timeless watch aesthetics with modern smartwatch intelligence. This is for users who want health tracking and smart features wrapped in a design that still feels traditional and refined.

READ: Life with the Galaxy Ecosystem

JBL Tour One M3

Levi: The JBL Tour One M3 delivers rich, dynamic sound and strong noise cancellation at a price that feels justified. This is a confident all-rounder for listeners who want immersive audio without excess flash.

READ: A ‘Silent Concert’ experience with the JBL Tour One M3

Shokz OpenFit 2+

MJ: The Shokz OpenFit 2+ stands out by supporting movement, spartial awareness, and all-day comfort without compromise. For active lifestyles, it becomes less of a gadget and more of a constant companion.

READ: Shokz OpenFit 2+ review

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro

Luigi: With the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro, elegant design and impressive audio quality meet at a midrange price that feels generous. It’s a stylish open-ear option that doesn’t sacrifice listening enjoyment.

READ: Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro

Huawei Watch Fit 4

MJ: The Huawei Watch Fit 4 focuses squarely on fitness with accurate tracking, long battery life, and compatibility with different smartphones. This makes it an accessible training partner that keeps things light and reliable.

WATCH: Huawei Watch Fit 4 review

moto buds loop

Luigi: The moto Buds Loop’s ear-loop design, Bose-tuned audio, and smart voice features create a wearable that feels forward-looking and fashion-aware. It earns its place for blending sound and style in a fresh way.

READ: The moto buds loop comes with real Swarovski crystals

Which one’s your pick?

Our Favorite Wearables of 2025 aren’t chasing perfection. They’re chosen because they fit real lives.

Some are affordable wins, and some are luxury splurges. Some might be emotional purchases, but most of it became daily essentials.

What they all share is simple: They showed up when it mattered. And that, more than any spec or trend, is what makes a wearable truly worth wearing.

GadgetMatch doesn’t revolve with just smartphones alone.

2025 has been bombarded by all sorts of gizmos — cameras, laptops, earbuds, and a whole lot on the table.

And, much like our approved smartphones list, here goes our 2025 GadgetMatch Approved Devices.

* This listicle has been arranged in a descending order — from the latest to oldest article published.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro by Luigi

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro made me eat humble pie. After years of snobbery towards ultra-light wireless mice, Razer’s latest peripheral mended my ways and convinced me to drop the weightier mouse.

But that’s just me. If you’re already a fan of wireless mice, the DeathAdder V4 Pro is a no-frills gaming mouse that brilliantly prioritizes function over form. It’s simple, fast, and reliable as a plug-and-play peripheral. But when it needs to be better, it can tailor your entire experience to give you a competitive edge.

The only aspect that might make you think twice is its price. At US$ 169.99, the DeathAdder V4 Pro asks you to pay for a bit more than other alternatives. It’s still within the range of its contemporaries, but the price tag is a heavy ask.

It’s still a Super Swipe for me, though. Price aside, it’s a perfect mouse for all occasions.

Shokz OpenFit 2+ by MJ

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ is not for everyone. But, it is for people like me. The ones who train and the ones who move. The ones who sweat through sessions and still have a full day ahead of them.

It is for people who want comfort, durability, awareness, and audio that levels up their way of life.

At PhP 11,990 / US$ 199.95, it feels like a steal when you consider how much higher other open-ear wearables cost for similar quality.

More importantly, it has earned a place in my life longer than any other open-ear earbuds I have owned. Long enough that when I lost one pair, I got another. That alone tells the full story.

DJI Osmo Action 6 by MJ

The DJI Osmo Action 6 excelled in every environment I threw it into. Water, low light, heat, fast movement, and unpredictable conditions? It handled everything with ease.

If you live an active life and thrive outdoors, the Osmo Action 6 will meet your needs. You will appreciate how quick it is to use, and you will love the size, durability, and picture quality.

It feels like the kind of gadget you bond with. And, anyone who wants a companion for adventures will find comfort in the Osmo Action 6.

QCY H3S by Vincenz

The QCY H3S has a shockingly affordable price of only US$ 49.99 / SG$ 43 / RM 299 / as little as PhP 1779 in the Philippines.

Just like me, you’re probably wondering how on earth was it possible for QCY to deliver excellent sound and affordable price tag at the same time. It’s something only the company can answer. For me though, my answer is as crystal clear as how the pair sounds.

Given, the QCY H3S may not be the flashiest and most elegant of the bunch. However, its clean aesthetics, mean sound punch, and even lean pricing all make this a deserving pair.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro by Michael Josh

While I still firmly believe that the MacBook Air is the MacBook for most people, think of the base M5 MacBook Pro as the “Pro without the overkill.”

It’s perfect for someone who loves the MacBook Air’s portability, but needs a little more power, ports, and longevity.

Maybe if you’re a student in design or film, a content creator, or someone who just wants a quieter, cooler Mac that will last longer under heavy loads, this is the device I recommend.

If you need it now, I say go for the upgrade!

Apple M5 iPad Pro by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is, without question, a device for professionals. Every part of its hardware shines — power, performance, fast connectivity, studio-quality cameras and mics. This is the iPad Pro we’ve been waiting for!

It’s almost as if Apple is saying “this isn’t just a tablet. It’s a new kind of computer.” One powerful enough for work, creative enough for play.

While the M5 iPad Pro might seem like another refresh, to me it’s another start of a new chapter. A powerful, intelligent tool, that finally feels ready for the future of creativity.

BOYA Magic by Luigi

I love the BOYA Magic. The 4-in-1 mic is easily the most versatile audio solution for any creator. The number of ways to use the mic easily trumps any other option today. Besides being a great mic, the package is also filled with several just-in-case accessories for the unpredictability of outdoor shoots.

Plus, the price is just right. The base package — with only a USB-C receiver — comes at only US$ 89.99. All three will set you back by US$ 129.99. The tripod, unfortunately, is a separate purchase, costing you US$ 30.00.

Still, just for the sheer flexibility and audio quality, the BOYA Magic is an easy Super Swipe.

DJI Osmo Nano by MJ

I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one that never slows you down, and the Osmo Nano fits that perfectly — especially for an athlete and storyteller like me.

Even if you’re not living life on the move, it’s still a Swipe Right, especially considering how complete the package is for its price: PhP 15,990 for the 64GB model and PhP 18,390 for the 128GB model.

Of course, it’s not flawless. But as a new device, the Osmo Nano is promising. So promising that five automotive journalists I was with in Zhengzhou bought one on the spot after seeing mine in action.

If that’s not convincing enough, I don’t know what is. Because right now, as most people see it, the DJI Osmo Nano deserves a spot in your camera arsenal, and perhaps, a place in the story of your life on the move.

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro by Luigi

At PhP 7,699 (US$ 130), the OpenWear Stereo Pro places itself firmly as a midrange earbuds option. However, for its audio quality and its elegant design, this feels like a steal.

Personally, there are other (more expensive) options I’d go for, but that’s purely based on subjective opinion because of auditory preferences. However, if you’re in the market for somewhere around this price range, Xiaomi’s latest wearable is a worthy option.

Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition by Luigi

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 by Michael Josh

If you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds, there’s nothing better than the AirPods Pro 3 — both in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation. All other features like the Heart Rate Sensor and Live Translation are icing on an already yummy cake.

The best part? AirPods Pro 3 have the same US$ 249 launch price as the AirPods Pro 2. Definitely a must-have accessory if you’re an iPhone user. More so, if you’re often on the road.

QCY MeloBuds N70 by Vincenz

With a price of just US$ 59.99, most people will doubt how reliable the QCY MeloBuds N70 are. But, the buds’ price-to-performance is just unmatched. There’s honestly no reason to Swipe Left except if you don’t prefer the sucker type of wireless buds.

In contrast to the previous earbuds I have reviewed, QCY’s offering is more compelling for being able to beat them (or at least be in the same level) in terms of battery life, ANC effectivity, and overall sound quality — all for an even lower, more affordable price tag that major brands barely slap on nowadays.

Backed by a good software experience, hi-res LDAC audio alongside Lossless audio playback, plus the additional wireless charging support, what more can you ask for?

ASUS Gaming V16 by Luigi

The ASUS Gaming V16 starts at only PhP 59,995. With how high a gaming notebook can usually go, this price tag is an absolute steal. Now, if you had some more cash to spare, I’d still recommend going for a TUF Gaming laptop. But honestly, the new ASUS Gaming lineup is still the perfect choice for beginners.

It’s an easy Super Swipe for students or young professionals who want to start their gaming journeys while saving up for something more robust in the future. To be clear, this notebook can easily stand on its own, but it’s also a good bridge to more setups in the future.

Sony WH-1000XM6 by Michael Josh

Whether you’re looking for solid noise cancellation, or headphones that can produce dynamic, well-balanced audio, you currently can’t get any better than the Sony WH-1000XM6.

They’re comfortable to use, take up less space in the bag, and do everything we expect them to do right, and do it better.

I guess the only consideration is price. It is a little bit pricier compared to its competitors. But, if you’re looking for the best of the best, I definitely believe it’s worth every penny.

Still a mouthful, still a great buy!

ROG Flow Z13 (2025) by Rodneil

Personally, the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) fits seamlessly into my lifestyle. It’s a perfect match for the kind of work, chill, and play loop I throw myself into.

The AMD Ryzen AI+ 395 processor powering this machine is promising. It’s already impressive as it is, but it’s bound to get better over the years. I’m excited for its potential and what other possible form factors it can manifest into in the near future.

Its USD 2799.99 / PhP 174,995 price makes it a little tough to recommend. I can think of a few other ways to spend that sum that would satisfy my personal work, chill, and play loop in a different way on a platform I’m more comfortable working on.

Still, it’s a unique device. There’s literally nothing quite like it in the market right now that offers the same overall package.

Apple M4 MacBook Air by Michael Josh

I’ve always loved the MacBook Air. And this year, it’s really quite near-perfect.

If you’re in the market for a new MacBook, I highly recommend the M4 MacBook Air. It’s the laptop I recommend to most people. Because, there really is no laptop quite like it. It balances power, portability, and price quite nicely.

Apple M3 iPad Air by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is way more powerful for what I use my iPad for. And for that reason, I’d be more than happy with the iPad Air.

And when it comes to iPads, there’s nothing more well-rounded, more worth your money, than the iPad Air.

I’ve said this over the years, and I still believe it’s true today: the iPad Air is the iPad for most people. This iPad delivers on everything most users will need, and then some.

Xiaomi Pad 7 by Luigi

Normally, I don’t gush over tablets. After all, the form factor is essentially just a smartphone on a much bigger screen. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7 changes everything for me. I can’t stop talking about how great the tablet is for entertainment and productivity.

Now, if you’re already a connoisseur of tablets, you might have a much more robust set of options that accurately caters to your needs. But, if you’re looking for a clean all-around experience on a larger screen, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is worth every penny.

And speaking of, the tablet costs only EUR 399 (or approximately US$ 416 or PhP 24,078). That’s bang for your buck!

HONOR Buds Open by Luigi

The HONOR Earbuds Open will immediately become my go-to pocket earbuds owing to its combination of being comfortable to wear, sounding great, and a cool extra AI translation feature.

This has been one of the easiest gadgets to recommend. Of course, if circumstances allow, it’s still best to go to a store and try one for yourself. Comfort and fit matter a lot for a device like this and you have to make sure it’s to your liking.

Outside of that, I’m confident people will enjoy its sound quality, noise cancellation, and other features.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro by Rodneil

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, bundled with its Pro suite of accessories is a Super Swipe. The whole set is exactly what I want and need for a tablet. The 11.5-inch display and overall footprint is the sweet spot in terms of size. The IPS LCD display can be better, sure, but it’s adequate for what it is. And the performance is just what the doctor ordered for an all-rounder tablet.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you might want to just get the same set but opt for the Xiaomi Pad 7 instead. Our editor who has been testing it says it’s also more than decent for what you need a tablet to do, all the while coming with a suite of accessories that offer great value to the product.

Lemokey L5 HE 8K by Luigi

For a long time, I never understood the hype for high-quality mechanical keyboards. The Lemokey L5 HE 8K educated me on how a good keyboard can drastically change your experience. Increased actuation sensitivity, even at an absurd 0.01mm, is a godsend and will have you never looking back again.

On its own, the keyboard costs US$ 199 via the company’s Kickstarter page. It’s pricey for a new keyboard, but you get exactly what you paid for — and you get a lot of features. If you’re looking for a highly customizable keyboard with a lot of comfort, this is the one for you!

Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD 4K TV by Vincenz

The Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD is a smart TV worth considering this 2025. It was able to delight me with its harmony of hardware and software features that totally made the product compelling. It’s mid in price but not in performance.

Moreover, the price is justifiable especially for budget-conscious consumers who want to buy a shiny, new Smart TV in 2025 from a Korean tech giant that’s been tried, tested, and trusted for several decades.

That’s also an honest opinion from someone who doesn’t earn that much and is living in an inflation-fested third-world country.

Naga LAKAN 15 by Luigi

The Naga LAKAN 15 starts off at PhP 73,500, touting a Ryzen 7 processor and an RTX 4060 GPU. The Intel variants start off at PhP 79,900 and top off at PhP 115,000.

As a gaming notebook, it does cost a pretty penny. However, compared to similar gaming notebooks with top-of-the-line specs, the Naga LAKAN 15 is impressively priced. Being able to play the latest Call of Duty for only a fraction of what you might pay for a new PC is amazing.

SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds by Rodneil

As great as it is, we can’t say the SteelSeries isn’t for everyone. It also comes at a price range that might turn some off.

Still, the Arctis Gamebuds is a dream in-ear headphones for multi-platform gamers. It sounds phenomenal for play and more than adequate for other listening activities. The customization and control capabilities are cherries on top that make this deserving of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

Polar has launched a screen-free wearable band called Polar Loop. The band is designed to discreetly and comfortably track activity, sleep, and overall health 24/7.

The Polar Loop is a one-time purchase, with every feature available out of the box without monthly fees. It is priced at US$199 / GBP 149.50 / INR 19,999 / SG$ 269.

The device packs half a century of pioneering sports science and heart rate monitoring into a sleek, reimagined form factor, collecting accurate data quietly to provide powerful fitness, recovery, and sleep insights.

Designed in Finland, the Polar Loop offers solid quality while remaining feather-light. It has a soft textile band paired with a slim buckle, available in Greige Sand, Night Black, and Brown Copper.

Meanwhile, the enhanced Polar Precision Prime sensor technology quietly captures all metrics. All data syncs automatically to the free Polar Flow app. This app consolidates sleep, recovery, activity, and more into an easy-to-understand platform.

The device supports every aspect of an active lifestyle, from everyday movement to focused training. Throughout the day, it tracks steps and active moments.

When it’s time to train, users can choose from multiple ways to log their workouts. They can start a session directly in Polar Flow, or let the automatic training detection recognize and record the session.

Moreover, those seeking advanced training options can rely on Polar Flow’s in-app training features, add route recording, voice guidance, customizable targets, and more features.

At the end of the day, Polar’s advanced sleep tracking monitors sleep quality and duration for valuable insights.

The Polar Loop lasts up to eight days of continuous use, while its memory stores four weeks of data.