2025's greatest gadgets

WE ROUND UP THE BEST BITS OF KIT TO HIT THE MARKET IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS

- JUSTIN CONNOLLY

THIS year certainly has been yet another stellar year in the tech world with advancements across the board... and there's no sign that's going to slow down in 2026.

But before we get into what's coming our way in the new year next week, let's take a look back at some of my favourite things from 2025.

RETRO

We Are Rewind

I am certainly something of a sucker for smart tech in retro colours - but this year's best retro device is not all that smart at all - we have actually selected two devices from the same maker... and they are both cassette players.

Could that be any more retro? It would seem the answer is yes - the Walkman-style WE-001 and the boombox GB-001 from We Are Rewind have all kinds of vintage features.

They're not all old hat, though - there's Bluetooth for headphone and smartphone connectivity. And the sound quality is also a cut above what we all had to put up with back in the 80s.

■GB-001 costs £389, and WE-001 costs £129 at wearerewind.com

RING

Oura Ring 4

Smart rings became a bit of a thing in 2025 with lots of pretenders to Oura's throne throwing their hat into the ring. But the original is still the best and most rounded offering out there.

It's great for those who want to track health and sleep but don't want to wear a smartwatch.

A stress-relieving factor is also the Oura Ring's battery life - it lasts for eight days.

You do have to pay a subscription fee to get the most out of it - that costs £69.99/year, which you may well find a bargain if the data it provides you with can lead you to a healthier and happier life.

■£349 from ouraring.com

WATCH

Apple Watch SE

There are few bargains as good as the Apple Watch SE in a tech world where you really do tend to get what you pay for.