Pickr’s recommended list covers the best tech rated strongly by our reviewers. We’ll never tell you to just go and buy something, but if you’re looking for the gadgets we love most that scored well in our review period, this list covers it.
Consider this the best technology you can find in Australia, a buyer’s list for the recommended technology we’ve found right now. Updated all the time, every time we review something that we’d recommend.
Everything here either scored at least 4.25, or was so good, we had to give it a “Pickr Recommendation”, which you can see with the “recommended” stamp on the right side. Some of these gadgets are so good, they go on to win a Best Pick award at the end of the year, covering best phones and best tech.
So what technology are we currently recommending?
Best phones
Oppo Find X9 Pro reviewed: on another level
One of the last major phones of the year also turns out to be one of the best. What’s so special about the Find X9 Pro that puts it on another level?
Apple iPhone 17 reviewed: a compelling choice
Only a few hundred more than the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17 makes the case for why spending a little more is worth it.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max reviewed: the biggest and best
Easily one of the most expensive phones of the year, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers best in class everything, in a phone that will last you years.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro reviewed: one of the year’s best
Starting at nearly $2K, the iPhone 17 Pro is easily one of the year’s best phones, offering excellence across camera, performance, and more.
Google Pixel 10 reviewed: a new standard
Once the domain of the best phones, the Pixel 10 sets a new standard for great value, with three cameras in a solid design.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 reviewed: slimpressive
It’s sleek, it’s slim, and it could be the most impressive phone Samsung has made in a decade. Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a foldable worth owning?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge reviewed: an elegant preview
Big phones are hardly thin, but Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge gives the world a preview of a thin phone future.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus reviewed: the one with the better battery
Bigger than the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus is more of what people want from an iPhone made for everyone: a bigger battery.
Google Pixel 9a reviewed: stellar value
With the Pixel 9a, Google is standing out with a phone that could stand the test of time, or at least the next few years.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro reviewed: a phone that stands out
At $849, you wouldn’t expect a challenger brand like Nothing to really hit hard with an offering that stood out. But the Phone 3a Pro is built to do just that.
Apple iPhone 16e reviewed: everything you might need
The first new iPhone in ages for under a grand, the iPhone 16e trickles down the great iPhone experience to more friendly price points.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra reviewed: slick and future-friendly
A minimalist design in a maximum size, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra brings the features for one of the year’s first phones.
Oppo Find X8 Pro reviewed: a flagship alternative
Delivering great tech at a fraction of the cost of other flagships, the Oppo Find X8 Pro deserves to be considered as your next Android.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE reviewed: flagship and economical
If you’re after a flagship phone without the obvious flagship price, the Galaxy S24 FE could be one of the best deals all year.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro reviewed: handheld powerhouse
Not everyone wants a bigger phone. If this is you, the iPhone 16 Pro has your name, delivering Max tech in a regular space and size.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max reviewed: big and brilliant
Armed with improvements just about everywhere and a bigger screen, the iPhone 16 Pro Max impresses in a seriously solid way.
Apple iPhone 16 reviewed: the new standard
Brighter colours and better cameras are the obvious updates to the iPhone 16, but is it the iPhone worth buying in 2024?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL reviewed: the whole package
Featuring a big screen, big camera, and big battery, the Pixel 9 Pro XL aims to impress. Is it one of the year’s best phones?
Moto Razr 50 Ultra reviewed: an instant classic
Compact phones are largely a thing of the past, but the Moto Razr 50 Ultra brings small back in a big way.
Google Pixel 8a reviewed: a good, reliable balance
A new year, a new mid-range phone from Google. Does the Pixel 8a continue the momentum from previous Pixel A-series phones?
Best tablets & computers
SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD USB4 reviewed: sturdy and speedy
Internal storage is fast, but external typically isn’t as fast. The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD changes things, though. It may well be the best portable drive we’ve ever seen.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition reviewed: fast and capable
There’s no shortage of laptops in the world, but the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition sets owners up for the AI PC era with specs and battery life aplenty.
Apple’s M3 iPad Air reviewed: more of the same in a good way
The new generation of iPad Air doesn’t look different from the old one, but the M3 iPad Air carries significant power.
Apple’s 2025 Mac Studio reviewed: a compact powerhouse
The design hasn’t changed, but the sheer amount of performance on offer makes the 2025 Mac Studio a compact powerhouse.
Apple M4 MacBook Air 15 inch reviewed: utterly brilliant
More powerful and yet also a little less expensive this year, the M4 MacBook Air could be the year’s best laptop and an excellent deal.
Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro 16 inch reviewed: performance and perfection
The 2024 MacBook Pro may look just like the 2023 and 2022 before it, but the M4 MacBook Pro has performance where it counts.
Apple’s M4 Mac Mini reviewed: mini but mighty
The M4 Mac Mini is a fine example of how something small and inexpensive doesn’t have to be underpowered to match.
Microsoft’s 2024 Surface Laptop 7 reviewed
Aluminium and premium, the Surface Laptop 7 is Microsoft’s latest play for a flagship laptop. And with Snapdragon inside, it has battery life to spare.
Valve Steam Deck OLED reviewed: genuinely clever
Australia has missed out on one of the biggest handheld gaming PCs for a couple of years, but now that Valve’s Steam Deck has arrived, the competition is here.
Apple’s 2024 iPad Mini reviewed: pint-sized and premium
With big phones now the norm, small tablets have largely disappeared. Is the 2024 iPad Mini a return for the category?
Dell XPS 13 reviewed: a win for portability
Tiny and mighty, the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon inside is small, slim, and surprisingly capable. Just about everything a laptop should be.
Apple M2 iPad Air reviewed: well-balanced
It might not seem like much has changed, but the 2024 M2 iPad Air delivers a more obvious value for pro-grade users looking to save on a better everyday tablet experience.
Apple’s M4 iPad Pro 13 reviewed: best in class
It’s been over a year since the iPad Pro received a refresh, and in 2024, what an update it is. Is the M4 iPad Pro 13 the best tablet around?
Logitech Casa reviewed: home away from home
Taking work to go means leaving your WFH setup behind, but what if you didn’t have to? With the Logitech Casa, that’s now possible.
2024 Dell XPS 14 reviewed: a best-in-league PC
Slim, fast, and sexy, the Dell XPS 14 stuns and shines with some clever design. It’s pricey, but premium where it counts.
Apple M3 MacBook Air 13 inch reviewed: practically perfect
Apple has long been perfecting the MacBook Air, and in its latest revision, it may have done it. Is the M3 MacBook Air practically perfect?
2023 Mac Studio reviewed: beautifully minimalist workstation
Our last review for 2023, the 2023 Mac Studio is a premium machine made for content creators with money to spare.
Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro 16 reviewed: nothing comes close
Now available in black, the M3 Max MacBook Pro might just be the most powerful laptop you’ve ever used. You just need to be able to afford it.
Apple M2 Mac Mini reviewed: tremendous value
No keyboard, no mouse, no screen, no problem? The M2 Mac Mini makes the case for a value-driven Mac if you don’t need those things.
Journey Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat reviewed: highly recommended
The next addition for your desk won’t just make it look nicer, but help you get rid of a couple of chargers, too.
Best wearables
Life360 Pet GPS reviewed: peace of mind
If you have no idea where your cat or dog goes when you’re not there, the Life360 Pet GPS offers a digital way to track and check, with real peace of mind.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 reviewed: built to last
There’s not much of an upgrade for older Ultra owners, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 keeps what worked and improves the battery a little more.
Apple Watch SE 3 reviewed: fantastic
The Apple Watch SE 3 makes a value case with one of the best priced wearables on the market.
Apple Watch Series 10 reviewed: a better looking wearable
Sporting a new design and a lighter build, the Apple Watch Series 10 impresses in look and feel. Is there more to it than that?
Withings ScanWatch Nova reviewed: looks classic, feels premium
The look of a classic diver watch beats with the smarts of a modern health-focused wearable in the Withings ScanWatch Nova. And we like it a lot.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 reviewed: one of the best
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a minor update and won’t give owners of the old model a reason to switch. But the best Apple Watch is now a little better, with a hint of what’s to come.
Apple Watch Series 9 reviewed: minor improvements FTW
Minor updates make the Apple Watch Series 9 surprisingly solid, with brightness and a new chip the main features.
Apple’s 2022 Watch SE reviewed: enough of a smartwatch for most
If you find yourself wanting the look of the Apple Watch, but not necessarily the high-end feature set, the 2022 Watch SE could be right up your alley.
Series 8 Apple Watch reviewed: still one of the best
For its latest outing, the Series 8 Apple Watch will bring just that little bit extra to the same slick design we’ve seen preciously. Is it worthy of your wrist?
Withings ScanWatch Horizon reviewed: smart and classic
Smartwatches tend to be shiny screens all the time, but the Withings ScanWatch Horizon changes that with a diver style. Is it a winner?
Apple Watch Series 7 reviewed: more iconic
A minor update can make a big difference, as the Apple Watch Series 7 fits its clothes a whole lot better than before. What makes the new watch stand out, and is it worth an update?
Withings ScanWatch reviewed: a smartwatch you can depend on
Smartwatches tend to be all about screen and sensor, but the Withings ScanWatch throws a bit of old school design and new school tech. And it works.
Apple Watch Series 6 reviewed: an absolute winner
It’s been five years since Apple first launched its smartwatch, but in the 2020 model, the Apple Watch Series 6 has hit its stride.
Samsung Galaxy Watch3 review: a great watch that makes sense
In Samsung’s latest watch, the Galaxy Watch3, the circle is back, and that makes it a cinch to use. What else has changed?
Apple Watch Series 5 reviewed: worthy of your wrist
Watches are no longer the staple of the modern day, thanks to phones, but the Apple Watch Series 5 could return your dependence to your wrist, less to your phone.
An easy buy: Belkin Boost Up Wireless charger reviewed
If you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch in your life, you’re probably taking up a couple of USB ports to charge both, but the Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charger does both with the one gadget. It’s that easy.
Work week watch: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch reviewed
Is a full work week of battery life capable from a wearable device like a smartwatch? The 46mm Samsung Galaxy Watch shows other smartwatches how it’s done. Kinda.
Best ear/headphones
CMF Headphone Pro reviewed: a solid bargain
Priced under $200, the CMF Headphone Pro attract on design and price, delivering tuning by Nothing and some clever controls. Is it a solid bargain?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd-gen) reviewed: one of the best
There’s not a lot of major difference between the first and second gen, but Bose’s latest cans make difference where it counts, sounding better nearly everywhere.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 reviewed: feature-packed
Three generations in, the newly updated AirPods Pro 3 deliver the best noise cancellation around hands down.
Edifier Stax Spirit S5 reviewed: made for listening
Most headphones come with noise cancellation, but the Edifier Stax S5 goes a different route, focusing on excellent audio without the cables. Are these worthy of your ears?
AirPods Max USB-C (2025) reviewed: balanced yet breathtaking
Wired lossless joins the extreme comfort and delightful spatial in the AirPods Max USB-C, the only major change on a pair of headphones first launched in 2020.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd-gen reviewed: still the best
There’s so much competition in noise cancelling earbuds, you might wonder how Bose can improve? In 2025, it starts with better ANC and sound in the Ultra Earbuds 2nd-gen.
Nothing Headphone (1) reviewed: clear challengers
If the idea of standing out means something to you, the Nothing Headphones (1) will win you over in design and possibly engineering, too.
Sony WH-1000XM6 reviewed: a new benchmark
At roughly $700, the Sony WH-1000XM6 pushes noise cancellation benchmarks even higher. But are the XM6 headphones worth the high price?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 reviewed: worth considering
Between a durable design, comfy fit, solid sound, and a heart rate tracker, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 make a case worth considering.
Technics AZ100 reviewed: damn good
Compact and capable, the Technics AZ100 are one of the better pairs of in-ears around, showing it’s not just Bose nailing the brief.
2024 Bose QuietComfort EarBuds reviewed: a value-driven refresh
A refreshed take on Bose’s 2020 QuietComfort Earbuds sees the 2024 edition Bose noise cancelling buds for a better price.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 reviewed: like magic
Fitness earphones are typically made to let you hear the world, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 let you do that in all the right ways.
Apple AirPods 4 ANC and AirPods 4 reviewed: better different
Apple’s earbuds haven’t won everyone over in the past, but in the AirPods 4, something different has arrived. And you just might be a convert on sound, comfort, and price.
Sonos Ace Headphones reviewed: a high-end pair
Proving headphones can be for more than just music, the Sonos Ace makes the case for movies, too, providing soundbar support and great sound, to boot.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro reviewed: perfect but pricey
Sennheiser’s latest pair, the HD 490 Pro show that wired headphones still reign supreme, even if there’s a clear reason these exist.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones reviewed: a bubble of brilliance
Sporting top notch ANC and spatial for everyone, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may be one of the best pairs around.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds reviewed: so solid, so good
ANC and spatial have largely been limited to folks living in the apple ecosystem, but with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, that changes.
Sony WF-1000XM5 reviewed: a great option
For years, Sony has led the way with its truly wireless ANC. Can the Sony WF-1000XM5 keep its lead, or is there better ANC around?
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC reviewed: little stunners
What type of earphones can you get for under $200? If the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are any indication, turns out some pretty decent ones.
Sennheiser HD 25 reviewed: beautifully balanced
Most headphones these days are cordless, and it’s a feature you pay for. In the Sennheiser HD 25, the feature you’re paying for is accuracy of sound. Is it worth keeping the cord to get perfectly rendered sound?
Best speakers
Yoto Mini Player reviewed: a compact entertainer
A kids gadget worth having, the Yoto Mini Player builds a version of screen-less entertainment for kids any parent can get behind.
Sonos Arc Ultra reviewed: a stunning upgrade
The Arc Ultra is clearly a big soundbar, but you don’t realise how big the sound is until you hear it and how it works. Is it the best addition to a home cinema?
Yoto Player reviewed: screen-free entertainment at its best
The Yoto Player could be one of the most intriguing gadgets for kids and parents alike, encouraging listening and dancing with a creative speaker.
Bose SoundLink Max reviewed: big and bold
Bose’s latest big speaker aims to impress with a bold delivery, plenty of volume, and a carry handle. Is the Bose SoundLink Max the ideal speaker to go?
Sonos Move 2 reviewed: weekend warrior
Loud, proud, and happy to scream its heart out all weekend, the Sonos Move 2 is a friend of days and nights, and one of the best portable speakers around.
Sonos Era 300 reviewed: Atmos-pheric
Sonos is no stranger to spatial, what with its Arc and Beam, but the Sonos Era 300 is different again, and brings Dolby Atmos to more than movies.
Apple HomePod 2nd-gen (2023) reviewed: amazing for Atmos
If you love your music and subscribe to Apple Music (or plan to), the reworked 2023 HomePod is all about spoiling you with excellent sound.
BlueAnt X0i speaker reviewed: compact and cost-effective
Taking your tunes to go doesn’t always need something big, and the BlueAnt X0i proves it, with a compact box that keeps the price down for your tunes wherever.
Sonos Sub Mini reviewed: a thumping success
Sonos soundbars already offer a decent spot of bass, but if you need more, you may need to spend up. And that’s where the Sub Mini comes in, offering bass for a little less.
Sonos Ray reviewed: entry-level excellence
Well designed and next to impossible to fault, the entry-level Sonos Ray is one of the more accessible and expandable soundbars yet.
IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame reviewed: a picture of great sound
Need a speaker to fit in with the home decor more than a box sitting on a shelf? The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame turns sound into decorative art, and it makes a compelling case, at that.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 reviewed: better than your TV
The latest Sonos speaker packs good looks and solid sound in a familiar package, but the addition of Atmos may not be the big feature you think it is.
BlueAnt X5 reviewed: screams party in a wallet-friendly way
A party speaker that lets you save money for the actual party? The BlueAnt X5 might make a compromise, but with its price, that might not bother you.
Sonos Roam reviewed: a speaker for your life
If it seems like every brand has a small portable speaker, it’s because it basically does. But few do what the Sonos Roam does, which is basically a pint-sized speaker made for both home and to go.
Google Nest Hub 2nd gen reviewed: a great addition to the home
Google’s first smart display is getting an upgrade, as the 2021 Nest Hub — the Nest Hub 2nd gen — adds volume and sleep tracking. Is it an upgrade worth picking up?
2020 Amazon Echo gen 4 reviewed: this speaker stands out
It’s not just Google with a new smart speaker this year, as the 2020 Amazon Echo 4 keeps the sound competitive, and almost everything else, too.
Google Nest Audio reviewed: loud and proud
A new Google Home has arrived, and at $149, it might just be one of the finest introductions to smart home speakers you can find.
Sonos Arc reviewed: a stellar soundbar with so much
The next generation of the Sonos soundbar may well be one of the best for your home. Find out what makes the Sonos Arc special, and if it’s worth your time.
Sennheiser Ambeo reviewed: the biggest sound
Soundbars are now the goto place where you can make TV sound better than ever, and Sennheiser’s Ambeo isn’t just about better, but bigger overall.
The best big smart speaker yet: Google Home Max reviewed
Smart speakers come in lots of sizes, but most are small and medium. What if you want a big sound in your home? You might want the Google Home Max.
Best tech at home
Lego Brick Like This reviewed: fun and competitive
A party game for kids and adults, Lego Brick Like This is all about giving the right instructions and building stuff, and is fun for everyone.
Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo reviewed: a clever duo
When a robotic vacuum can’t do it all, you need a separate vacuum. Fortunately, the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is both. It’s a match made in heaven.
Roborock Qrevo Edge reviewed: a winning combination
Part vac, part mop, and mostly automated, the Roborock Qrevo Edge matches its high price with high performance and expectations.
Stoov Big Hug XL reviewed: electric blanket made modern
Cold nights demand cool tech to warm you up, and that’s exactly what the Stoov Big Hug aims to be. Is it worth the price?
Kobo Libra Colour reviewed: an eBook reader to grow with
For nearly twenty years, eBooks have been in black and white. But with the Kobo Libra Colour, Australia is seeing more shades and hues, and the result is very cool.
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro reviewed: a clever addition
Ring’s Battery Video Doorbell Pro isn’t just another video doorbell, but one that could tell you where people are going. Maybe.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 reviewed: peace of mind security
Not sure if you need security or a doorbell? Try both, as the Ring Video Doorbell 4 demonstrates with a simple design and solid feature set.
Cubo AI Plus reviewed: a must have for parents
A baby monitor made for today, the Cubo AI Plus isn’t just another security camera, but a proper solution to let you check up on your bub.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima reviewed: effortless lattes
Marrying milk frothing to Nespresso’s bigger coffee pods, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is coffee made easy and instant made better.
Arlo Go 2 4G WiFi reviewed: for home and to-go
Security cameras at home are typically for one place, but what if they’re not? The Arlo Go 2 4G makes the case that your security camera can travel with you, as well.
Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker reviewed: bread without thinking
Wish you didn’t have to go outside for a new loaf of bread? That’s something technology can assist with, as we learned with the Panasonic SD-R2530 bread maker.
DeLonghi La Specialista Arte coffee machine reviewed: manual made easy
We don’t all have a barista living with us, but DeLonghi’s La Specialista Arte guides you into being the barista at home.
Xbox Cloud Gaming reviewed: your games from anywhere
It’s been so long since we had the time to play through a full game, but Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming makes it possible to play and finish games at home and to go.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition reviewed: definitely evolutionary
The eBook reader is a great way to experience books, but this year, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition evolves the how you read just that little bit more.
Kobo Libra 2 reviewed: go your own way
In the Kobo Libra 2, Rakuten has shown that competing with the Kindle doesn’t mean making the same device. Rather, it can hold its own with some distinctive features.
Dyson V15 Detect reviewed: a real game-changer
With a green laser and a special dust counter sensor inside, the Dyson V15 Detect isn’t your regular vacuum. And it’s pretty impressive, too.
Apple Music Spatial Audio reviewed: great with the right headphones
With Apple Music’s Spatial Audio support, the way you listen to music may never be the same again. Provided you have some decent headphones.
Apple Arcade reviewed: a cure for boredom mid-flight
Looking for a game but aren’t quite sure you want the investment? Provided you have an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, Apple Arcade makes the case for gaming services.
First look: Amazon’s 2019 Kindle Oasis is easier on the eyes
A new day, a new Kindle, as Amazon embraces a warmer page colour that you can make cool with the slide of a finger.
A joy to use: Nespresso’s Lattissima One reviewed
Coffee machines are known to not only take space, but require a manual to use. Is the Nespresso Lattissima One the most kitchen-friendly machine, and can it make excellent coffee simple for you?