ZDNET's Unbiased Tech Recommendations Guide Informed Buying Decisions

ZDNET's editorial team is dedicated to providing unbiased tech gear recommendations to help readers make informed purchasing decisions. Through independent testing and thorough research, the team ensures that the information they provide is accurate and reliable, gathering data from various sources, including vendor and retailer listings, independent reviews, and customer reviews. The team follows strict guidelines to ensure editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

The team's recommendations cover a wide range of tech products and services, from the best all-around passive outdoor speaker, the OSD Audio AP650, to thebest electronic keypadlock, the Yale YRD256 Assure Lock SL. They also provide guidance on the best bike patch kits, spending 96 hours testing to recommend the best levers, patches, hand pumps, and more for most bike owners. Chromebooks for computing on the go are recommended with options for every budget, and the Belkin BoostCharge Pro is praised for being the best compact mechanical keyboard due to its MagSafe capabilities, long cord, and handy built-in stand.

In addition to tech gadgets, ZDNET's editorial team offers recommendations for home goods, including the best sheets for hot sleepers, platform bed frames, blankets, and multifunctional decor for tiny bedrooms. They even provide advice on the best Nespresso compatible pods and utensil sets, conducting over 200 hours of research and testing to recommend 11 sets in a wide range of designs and prices. The team also suggests gifts for lovers of tarot, astrology, and mysticism, including gifts for dads, such as coffee-related items, jazz enthusiast gifts, and outdoor gear like the Marmot PreCip Eco Pants for comfortable wear in wet weather and the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter for a roomy, sun-protected canopy tent.

For cycling enthusiasts, the team recommends the Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bike Repair Stand for easy at-home repairs and the Quad Lock smartphone bike mounts for secure phone mounting, tested over 120 miles of smooth and rough roads. Fanny packs, water shoes, and no-show socks are also suggested for convenient and stylish travel and wear. The team has tested 33 drones to find the best for most photographers and videographers, the DJI Air 3, and has evaluated every type of projector to find the best fit for various needs.

As Mother's Day 2024 approaches, ZDNET's editorial team has rounded up 15 of the best tech gadgets that can upgrade daily activities, all tested by the team to ensure they meet the highest standards. Top picks include the Oura Ring Gen3, a smart ring that tracks health data, which smart ring expert Nina Raemont uses in her daily life. "I'm pleased with how it's helped me further understand myself through health data. It even captured my higher stress levels on one tear-filled night," Raemont shares. The Sony XM5 Earbuds are also highly recommended, with the team stating, "The sound is honestly almost as good as many over-the-ear headphones... you'll hear instruments and details in these earbuds that you didn't realize were part of the track, and you'll hear a layered depth to the music that's quite impressive."

The team's recommendations also include the best mechanical keyboards, with thousands of hours spent typing on various options to find comfortable and satisfying choices for different needs and budgets. Wireless earbuds are another popular category, but the team advises considering the trade-off between convenience and longevity because the limited lifespan of their small batteries is a significant factor. For travel, the Tripp Lite Protect It 3 Outlet Surge Protector has been the top pick for eight years running, being easily packable and reliable. The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is recommended best instant camera for high-quality, retro-style photos, while the Viofo A229 Pro dash cam provides peace of mind for drivers, overall top choice.

Expert insights from the editorial team members provide valuable guidance for readers. Ivy Liscomb states, "If you spend a lot of time typing, a mechanical keyboard can be a great quality of life improvement." Lauren Dragan adds, "Many PC games are best played with a controller, and the Xbox Series X S controller is the best one to buy." The team also offers tips on reducing the carbon footprint of new gadgets, improving Wi-Fi, and buying the right TV, explaining tech terms and answering important questions.

Key Takeaways

• ZDNET's editorial team provides unbiased tech gear recommendations through independent testing and research.
• The team covers a wide range of tech products and services, from speakers to keyboards to bike gear.
• Recommendations also include home goods, gifts, and outdoor gear, with thorough testing and research.
• Expert insights provide valuable guidance on topics like mechanical keyboards, wireless earbuds, and travel accessories.
• The team offers tips on reducing carbon footprint, improving Wi-Fi, and buying the right TV, explaining tech terms and answering questions.