In some ways, 2019 was a transitional year in tech. Instead of life-changing new devices, we got better versions of things that already existed. That’s not a complaint. Putting together a Best Tech of 2019 list was still pretty hard. 

We truly loved using each and every one of these gadgets, from the iPhone 11 Pro and its mind-blowing camera to the first genuinely consumer-friendly VR headset.

Pixelbook Go

Yeah, yeah. We know ChromeOS isn’t the best, especially if you like gaming. Still, if you can work within its considerable limits, the Pixelbook Go(opens in a new tab) is an absolute joy to use. Google not only produced what could be the best Chromebook of 2019 with lightning-fast performance, a MacBook killer of a keyboard, and a sharp display, but it did all that while adding a neat ridged bottom that’s sure to be a conversation starter. 

Bose noise cancelling 700 headphones

Sometimes you just need to shut out the world and throw on something with bass that’ll knock you to the ground. Bose’s new noise-cancelling headphones(opens in a new tab) aren’t cheap at $400, but their top-tier noise cancellation is joined by beautiful sound that’s sure to flatter anything you listen to on a daily basis. Oh, and awesome noise rejection tech makes phone calls in noisy environments easier than ever before.

Roku smart soundbar

As TVs get bigger and more beautiful, their built-in speakers somehow become more useless. Try watching any action movie without keeping one finger on the volume button because loud scenes are too loud and quiet scenes are too quiet. Roku’s newest foray into home theater audio might not be the most luxurious speaker, but it’s a darn good one(opens in a new tab), doubling as an excellent 4K- and HDR-enabled streaming box.

AirPods Pro

When we did a mid-year roundup of 2019’s best tech, the second-gen AirPods Apple released earlier this year got high marks. Then, with just a couple months left in the year, Apple went and launched an even better model with a more comfortable form factor, increased grip, and noise cancellation. Seriously, the AirPods Pro (opens in a new tab)are a big step up that should be the standard bearer for wireless earbuds going forward. 

Oculus Quest

2019 was a year full of smart, but incremental upgrades to existing devices. As great as some of these things are, it’s hard to feel like they push any particular industry forward. Oculus Quest(opens in a new tab) is the exception. For the first time, we finally have a legit VR headset that’s relatively affordable and doesn’t require a powerful gaming PC to use. Oculus Quest is a revelation, and what VR should have been all along.

OnePlus 7 Pro/7T

One terrible recent trend is that high-quality smartphones are harder to come by for less than $800. OnePlus delivered an eye-watering 90Hz screen, killer performance, and a novel camera setup for less than $700 this year with the 7 Pro(opens in a new tab) and the cheaper 7T. For the price-conscious Android enthusiast, it’s pretty tough to beat. 

Apple Watch Series 5

If you’re looking to splurge on a smartwatch, the best in the game got better in 2019. The Apple Watch Series 5(opens in a new tab) only made one major change, but it was a big one: The display is finally always on. Now, your do-it-all Apple wearable actually works like a watch! What a world. 

Google Nest WiFi

If you really care about tech, reliable WiFi is as important to your daily habits as blood to your vital organs. That may be a stretch, but Google Nest WiFi(opens in a new tab) seriously impressed us this year with its ability to turn any dead zone into a flourishing online sanctuary. As a bonus, every piece of this mesh network is also a Google Assistant-powered smart speaker.