Accessories for our phones and audio are among the most important aspects of our technology, yet they sometimes get overlooked. But what you don’t realize is that these are the products that add flavor to our personality.
While I go back and forth between using a case and not, this year, I learned about a bunch of phone case brands that really are trying to redefine what a traditional phone case looks like. From sturdy materials to exciting new designs, we are so excited to share this years winners!
Best phone case brand: Spigen
Spigen won the votes for the best phone case manufacturer this year, which shocked no one. The brand offers some of the most affordable cases for the best smartphones, and it's very consistent in what it puts out. If you have no idea what phone case to buy, you can't go wrong with anything from Spigen.
The brand’s lineup is also pretty versatile, with clear cases, magnetic options, rugged numbers, and a growing number of smartwatch accessories and add-ons such as phone holders and wallets. Spigen absorbed its sister brand Caseology in January 2025, further solidifying the brand’s image as a case maker with a little something for everyone.
Runner-up: Thinborne
As for the runner up, Thinborne came in second place this year. Although this Texas-grown case manufacturer prices its creations pretty steeply, the quality is undoubtedly premium. If you need an impossibly thin case that can take a beating and still manages to include a magnetic ring inside, Thinborne has what you're looking for. Almost every phone case from the brand is priced over $60, but I promise you, this small business does not play around. It is absolutely worth the splurge.
Honorable mention: BURGA
It's unusual for me to mention a third option when talking about the best case makers of the year, but I feel like not mentioning BURGA would be a crime. This Lithuanian brand has put itself on the radar and has offerings comparable to well-respected players in the industry, such as CASETiFY. The designs that BURGA offers are so unique and fun, and every product has a personality. It's a brand with a soul, and even if it didn't get the votes, I say it's up there with the very best phone case makers of 2025.
Best wireless headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
In 2025, Sony showed us that they listen to consumer feedback, Bose stayed on Sony’s neck in the battle for ANC supremacy, Nothing brought their “A” game with the striking design of the Headphone 1, and brands like Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins, and Noble Audio brought hardware with flagship-killing sound to market.
Despite all of that, it may come as no surprise that our winner for best wireless headphones is Sony’s latest WH-1000XM6, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) being our runner-up. Some of the headphones mentioned above may sound better, but none implement ANC quite as effectively as Sony and Bose.
Between the two, Sony edges out Bose very slightly due to its slightly better handling of high-frequency noise cancellation, and some listeners prefer its app’s much deeper customization options to Bose’s more minimalist offering. Sound is all about preference, though: Sony is more neutral, while Bose is warmer in the bass and sub-bass frequencies. Both are excellent choices and have been market leaders in wireless ANC headphones for years, so it really boils down to preference. There’s no bad choice here!
Best wireless earbuds: AirPods Pro 3
It was an excellent year for wireless earbuds, with new models from Apple, Bose, Beats, Samsung, and Google leading the charge. Out of all of the options, Android Central’s top pick is the AirPods Pro 3. They’re affordable (we’ve already seen AirPods Pro 2 discounted to less than $200) while adding improved ANC and a new design.
Even if you live outside the Apple ecosystem, it’s hard to ignore the excellence of the AirPods Pro 3. The ear tips use a hybrid foam-and-silicone design for better fit and sound isolation, while the earbuds themselves feature new vents for airflow and a built-in heart rate monitor.
Apple’s bold claim for the AirPods Pro 3 is that they pack “the world’s best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones,” and you know what? It’s probably true. If they fit right and you find them comfortable, the AirPods Pro 3 offer the strongest active noise cancellation of any earbuds I’ve tested.
However, the fit still isn’t perfect for everyone, despite Apple switching things up here. If you’re looking for alternatives, our honorable mentions go to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Best charging/power bank manufacturer: Anker
Anker was near-unanimously ranked as the go-to brand for chargers and power banks in 2025. It's so hard to pick a single great option to recommend, though, because the company has that many products. Some cult favorites include the Anker Nano lineup of chargers and the Anker Prime GaN power banks, available in various sizes.
While not the most budget-friendly, Anker’s charging tech is dependable and frequently goes on sale throughout the year. Anker's chargers and power banks are heat-efficient, intelligent, powerful, and compact. All you have to do is look at their portfolio, pick something based on your needs, and you can trust whatever you pick to serve you well for a good few years.
Honorable mention: INIU
If you are looking for an alternative, INIU is a fantastic underdog in the game. Far too many people have been sleeping on the brand and its superb offerings. I highly recommend picking something from INIU for your next power bank.
The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 impressed me so much that it's still sitting in my purse as I type this. I take it literally everywhere I go. Having access to 45W charging, a tiny USB-C charging cable, and 10,000mAh to top off my Pixel 10 Pro twice in such a cute little form factor is a dream. After Anker, INIU deserves the crown as the best power bank creator of the year.
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