I tested dozens of home gadgets last year – these are my 3 absolute favorites
These are the appliances that truly blew me away
As one of TechRadar's Homes Editors, I test dozens of gadgets and appliances each year. And 2025 was an especially strong year. So many products really impressed me that I wanted to showcase them in their own article.
What's that you say? We're way too far into January to still be looking back on last year? You might have a point, but I'm doing it anyway. And the good news is that because these picks aren't brand-spanking new any more, I'm starting to see price drops on many of them.
There were too many great products to list here. Particular shout-outs should go to the Dyson Airwrap i.d. (which is clever enough to turn even me into a capable hair stylist) and the Hoover HW3 wet floor cleaner (which proves products don't need to be ultra-flashy or expensive to make your life tons easier). But I've brutally narrowed down all the products I tried out last year to just my absolute favorites. Read on for the top 3 gadgets that truly blew me away...
#1. Dyson V8 Cyclone
What is it?
An updated version of Dyson's iconic V8 cordless vacuum, which came out almost a decade ago now but remains a bestseller. Dyson has kept the essence of that design, but added some key upgrades (longer runtimes, a removable battery, stronger suction) to turn it into a cordless vac that's fit for modern times.
Why do I love it?
It's not the fanciest vacuum around, but the V8 Cyclone is one mean cleaner. In my group test to find the best cordless vacuums around, this model sailed through my cleaning trials, performing way better than I'd expect for the price. Speaking of which – I love that Dyson has kept the cost relatively affordable here. It's only slightly pricier than the original V8, even though it's a way better vacuum all round.
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Read my full Dyson V8 Cyclone review
#2. Roborock Saros 10
What is it?
One of Roborock's 2025 flagship robot vacuums. The headline feature is a streamlined design that can get beneath low furniture, partly thanks to a LiDAR puck that can descend when the robot senses it's entering a low-height space.
Why do I love it?
Firstly, it can clean the space under my sofa, which otherwise would be getting a twice-yearly vacuum at most. Otherwise, it's just a super-capable robot vacuum. Even though dozens of robovacs make their way through my doors each year, this is the one that's earned a permanent spot in my home – it vacuums and mops extremely well, it's reliable and very user-friendly. Oh, and I love the swish, glossy dock, despite it being a fingerprint magnet. Because there's a newer version out now (the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic), I've spotted some big discounts on this older model, too.
Read my full Roborock Saros 10 review
#3. Segway Navimow X3 Series
What is it?
A robot lawn mower from a sister brand of the guys that make the self-balancing, two-wheeled transporters so beloved by tourists and hen dos. This model is designed for massive lawns. It's built to mow quickly, efficiently and precisely, leaving large yards looking smart with minimal effort.
Why do I love it?
After testing a few robot mowers that caused me big headaches, this Segway bot was a breath of fresh air. It was easy to set up, the app was nicely designed and actually made sense, and it did the job it was designed to do. It mowed my sister's massive garden quickly and with no fuss, taking tree coverage and awkward perimeters in its stride. The brand has announced its 2026 lineup now and it packs some cool-looking upgrades, but the X3 is still an outstanding product.
Read my full Segway Navimow X3 Series review
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Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, fans, air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3.
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