At PCMag, reviewing technology isn’t just something we do—it’s the foundation of our entire operation. This year alone, we’ve evaluated well over a thousand products, putting each one through our rigorous testing regimen so we can tell you, with confidence, what’s worth your money and what’s better left on the shelf. Our collective years of hands-on experience across numerous technology categories is what powers every recommendation we make.
When a product truly rises above the competition, it earns our Editors’ Choice award. But only a rare handful ascend to an even higher tier: a perfect 5-star ‘exemplary’ score. We reserve that rating for technology that is near-perfect and groundbreaking. These products demonstrate exceptional performance, design, value, or innovation. It’s a distinction we award sparingly—just 17 reviews this year have 5-star ratings. Below, you’ll find each of these standout picks, along with why they impressed us so much. Dive into the linked reviews for the full story behind every perfect rating.
Looking for more top-notch tech? A select group of products and technologies earned our Technical Excellence Award this year. We’ve also assembled our annual mega-list of the best products of 2025 (including plenty of near-perfect contenders).
