ARTICLE – A few weeks ago I asked everyone on the Gadgeteer team to send me a list of their favorite products of 2020. I told them that the products that they pick didn’t need to be restricted to the items that they had reviewed this year, but that they could include any products that they have enjoyed using the most during 2020. Was there one type of gadget that was the most popular with the entire team or was it a mixture? Let’s find out. Here we go with part one of the Gadgeteer’s favorite gadgets of 2020. Be sure to check out part 2 and part 3 when you’re done.
Julie Strietelmeier
I’ve been fortunate to review a lot of great gear this year, so it’s tough to choose only 3 products as favorites. But I set up the challenge, so here are mine in no particular order.
After paying crazy money per month for a T1 line to my house (I live in a rural area with no other broadband solutions) for about 10 yrs, I switched to a wireless internet option called 4G Antenna Service. Then I was picked to be in the beta test program for T-Mobile’s Home Internet and it’s been FANTASTIC in both reliability, price, and speed. Visit T-mobile to sign up.
KIKR S1 dual wireless charging stand review – My new favorite wireless charger
Yes, it’s just a wireless charger. But I really like the fact that I can adjust the angle of the screen so that I can use it for Facetime and Marco Polo video calls while it’s charging. It’s also cool that it has 2 chargers so I can also charge a pair of wireless earbuds.
I love taking pics with my phone and I love adding those pics to my journal. This is the best pocket printer I’ve reviewed to date. It’s more expensive and the cost of the cartridges is more expensive than other pocket photo printers, but I think it’s worth it. You can buy one for $99.99 on Amazon.
Michael Strange
Greenworks Pro 60V 20-inch Cordless Electric Snow Blower review
I reviewed the Greenworks Pro Snowblower back in February, and I loved it. It made snow removal so much faster and easier. And because it’s powered by a 60V battery instead of gas, it runs quiet and requires none of the maintenance of a gas-powered machine. They are $299.99 at Lowes.
2020 was a big year for cordless battery-operated devices. One of my favorites was the Roborock H6 cordless stick vacuum. The H6 is lightweight and powerful. And it does a great job on both hard and carpeted surfaces. Add to that a long-lasting rechargeable battery, plenty of useful attachments, and you get a great portable vacuum. They are $449.99 at Target.
To continue the theme of battery-operated devices how about a heated vest? I just reviewed the IUREK heated vest in December, but it immediately became one of my favorite reviews of 2020. The vest has four heating zones, pockets, mid-back, and the collar. It is powered by a rechargeable 10000 mAh battery that also doubles as a portable power bank. The IUREK heated vest is stylish, lightweight, and most importantly, it will keep you warm with temperatures ranging from 100-131 degrees F. Get one for $129.98 on Amazon.
Raul Sanchez
I love having this ring light as a source of steady light. It is such a fast and easy setup when I have to shoot product photos or product videos.
The ring light is perfect for doing self-portraits, or vlogs, since it gives off a nice even lighting effect with minimal shadows.
Plus, the catch light, or eye light, it creates gives a nice touch to your subject or to your own self-portrait.
I like that you can quickly dial up and down the brightness of the light. Plus, you are able to do the same with the temperature value of the light from cool to warm, which helps in setting the camera’s white balance. They are $89.99 on Amazon.
The ZEPP E Smartwatch is one of those products I literally use every day, one way or another. I really like the look of this watch because of its minimal design. The glass face and round bezel give the watch a nice polished and sleek look. Plus, the glass has been surprisingly tough and durable. I can’t tell you how many times I have accidentally banged the watch against the wall, the door frame, a table, my car door, and more, and I still have not seen a nick or scratch on the watch face. Along with the watch’s sturdiness, I like how responsive the touchscreen is as well as the performance of the watch. From the time I reviewed the ZEPP E smartwatch, it has been my favorite watch to wear and I have not switched out this watch yet. Plus, I really like getting notifications from my phone right to this watch when I don’t have my phone within arm’s reach. Get one for $249.99 on Amazon.
I really enjoyed reviewing the FeiyuTech AK200C Gimbal Stabilizer because it was something I have been wanting to use for a while now. I started out using a Glidecam, which is similar to the Steadicam type camera stabilizers. But the Glidecam consists of a camera sled, a vest, and an articulated spring arm. So, the AK2000C was a nice switch from wearing and carrying all that stabilization gear to holding a small electronic 3-axis gimbal. Not only am I able to still get smooth and steady footage but having the extra features that the AK2000C offers is such a great bonus. The AK2000C is also small enough to carry in a gear bag, luggage, and even a backpack. It is a huge difference from having to pack the Glidecam and its other parts to just one compact gimbal stabilizer. Plus, the setup time with the AK2000C is just a fraction of what it took to set up and balance the Glidecam. Grab one for $229 from Amazon.
Bob Patterson
Hey, Gang! I hope everyone is safe and coping with the new normal.
2020 has been another year for great gadgets, and I had a tough time whittling it down to my three favorites. Here you go! I hope you all have a fantastic new year!
This was my first experience with the Wotoncraft brand, and it did not disappoint! I love the blend of retro styling and modern aesthetics. The modular configurations allow to you adapt it to exactly what you need for your intended mission. And the flexible design enables this bag to carry much more than you think despite its small size. They are $199.99 from wotancraft.
I’ve tested a number of different meditation devices and apps, but the Core Meditation Trainer is the one that sticks with me. Its intuitive design makes it approachable without being intimidating, something that encourages continued use. Just a great user experience from start to finish. They are $149 from core.
This one has to be on my list. I use it 3-4 times a week as part of my regular workout routines. As a single device, it enables me to hit just about every muscle group with the ability to adjust the intensity to fit my needs. I’ve been relying on this for my strength training since the start of the quarantine, and it will continue to be the center of my home gym. The system is $195 from T2.
I love the Artisan Revere Chef’s Knife, and its baby brother is just as excellent in paring knife form. It’s like wielding a surgeon’s scalpel for small & delicate cutting work. It’s an investment, but it’s worth every penny. I’ve paired this with the chef’s knife and don’t need much else in my kitchen. $195 from the Artisan Revere web site.
Alex Birch
Choosing just three favorites from reviews this year is tough. To help me narrow it down, I decided to go for ones that are seeing the most use or have generally become indispensable. Here they are in no particular order.
Sure there are more expensive headphones out there and ones that I’m sure sound better, but these Soundsurge 85 ANC Headphones from Taotronics have been solid performs, sound good enough for daily use and are both light enough and comfortable enough for extended hours of use. For the price, that’s hard to beat. They are currently $49.99 on Amazon.
Hey, it’s 2020 and we can all use a little more purifying right? This unit sits right next to my bed and lulls me to sleep every night with its white noise while it helps clean the air during my recuperating hours. Still running strong and quiet. Currently $79.99 on Amazon.
Look Optic Blue-Light Glasses review – Fear not the fine print
It may seem funny to list a pair of reading glasses in a top three list, but this pair of frames fit my face really well, the magnification is spot on for my needs and the blue light filter helps as far as I can tell. My eyes took a dive in the last 18 months and I pretty much have to have readers on me anytime I wear contacts, so these are on me a lot. Shop for glasses at Look Optic.
Andy Chen
I have many flashlights, but I keep coming back to this tiny wonder. Small, bright and equipped with a USB-C port. It’s my go-to EDC light. $29.99 on Amazon.
This may be the year I’ve finally gotten serious about charging things via USB-C, and these chargers fulfill all my charging needs in a compact package. Check the Zendure store on Amazon.
I did not expect to like this little pump, but I do. It’s small but packs a mighty punch for inflating those air mattresses. I may never have to blow one up with my mouth again. Currently $31.99 on Amazon.
Lynn Lopez
I use this almost every day this time of year when I let the dog out to do his thing. It gets dark so darn early it helps me keep track of him. The three levels of light also make sure I am not blinding my neighbors. It is also my go-to flashlight for any time we need extra light in the house. It holds a charge forever. I have only had to recharge it twice since I received it back in April. $94.95 from the imalentstore.com
I keep this on my work desk in my office at home. I use it pretty much every day, especially when I have to eat at my desk. It does a great job of picking up crumbs and the plethora of dog fur. Currently $99 on Amazon.
I use this stand every day to charge my iPhone 11 Pro and my Apple watch. I keep it by my bedside. I love the upright stand because it makes me place the phone in the correct position every time for charging. I had another stand where you laid it down on a flat surface, and I would wake up sometimes where the phone did not charge as it should. $139.95 on Zagg and Apple.
Garry Kolb
Ecovacs OZMO Pro electrically oscillating mop attachment review
Ecovacs auto-emptying charging base review – Make the OZMO T8 vacs even better
My favorite three review items for 2020 all work together – the Ecovacs Deebot OZMO T8 AIVI robotic vacuum along with its optional OZMO Pro oscillating mop accessory and auto empty station. I’ve used different vacuuming and mopping systems, but none hold a candle to the Deebot T8 AIVI. It’s fast, does a very good job both vacuuming and mopping and with the self-emptying base, it is the most hands-off floor cleaning solution I’ve ever used. Our floors have never been cleaner! Visit the Ecovacs store on Amazon.
Guanshan Fix
This toy provides the perfect combination of mental stimulation and durability. The center ball spins around inside the halo and twists off for easy filling and cleaning. Available in multiple sizes, it is a great way to keep your dog entertained indoors. You can buy the small one on Amazon for $11.95.
A very affordable way to keep an eye on your house. Since it connects via WiFi, the camera can be installed anywhere with an outlet. The app is simple and easy to use while providing high quality audio and video recording. Currently $37.98 on Amazon.
James Garris
My favorite gadget of the year is definitely the Eve Water Guard. Our washer sprung a leak during the fall, and the Water Guard detected it and alerted us. Because it caught the problem before much water spilled, we were spared from a massive water damage event. I like the Water Guard so much that I bought five more of them to give to family members, the only gadget I’ve ever done that with. They are $79.95 on Amazon.
My second gadget is the leaf blower from SnapFresh. Despite its diminutive size, it’s perfect for what I need: Something to quickly and easily blow the grass and dust off the front and back porches. They are $69.99 on Amazon.
My third gadget is the T20 suspension boom arm mic stand from Tonor. For 6 months now it’s been rock solid, holding my Blue Yeti in place without any sagging or slipping and rotating out of my way when I’m playing a single player game. It’s so much better than the stand that came with the mic. Currently $36.99 on Amazon.
Steve Holt
The SHIVR is the best set of over-the-ear headphones that I have ever owned. The quality of sound, the comfort, the 3D sound feature, and the price make this a great gadget! Currently $139.99 on Amazon.
The Treblab X3 earbuds are comfortable, affordable, convenient, and they stay put on your ears regardless of what you are doing because of the ear hook design. A great choice for those folks who live an active lifestyle. $69.97 on Amazon.
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ALL CAPS BECAUSE I AM SHOUTING.
THANK YOU JULIE AND TEAM FOR YET ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF EXCELLENT REVIEWS !
Wishing Julie and team an outstanding 2021.
Thanks Lex!!!! And we send the same good wishes to you 🙂