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It’s been a busy week for tech news, with Apple unveiling its latest iPhones and AirPods. But there was plenty of other news in Berlin, which hosted IFA 2025, the tech trade show that’s something of a European counterpart to CES. Unlike CES, however, IFA is open to the public, giving enthusiasts a chance to see what’s next in tech.
The trade show, which kicked off on Sept. 5 and wrapped on Sept. 9, saw product releases from the likes of Lenovo, Dyson, Samsung, Anker, and more. IFA CEO Leif Lindner offered his take on everything new at IFA, including the growth of AI and where consumer tech is going in the next few years.
“I think we’ll continue to see technology move in a more human direction,” said Linder. “Products are getting smarter, but also more intuitive and personal. They’re being designed to fit into how people already live, rather than asking people to adapt to the technology.”
Linder’s philosophy extended to AI, too. “A few years ago, a lot of companies were adding AI to their messaging because it sounded exciting. Now they’re taking a step back and asking, ‘How does this actually help the user?’ It’s becoming more thoughtful.”
With the 2025 edition of IFA in the rearview, here’s our take on the most innovative, exciting, and actually useful products to hit shelves soon.
best home audio
AudioPro W-Generation Speakers
WiiM’s affordable music streamers turn your home HiFi system into WiFi speakers, but WiiM has been slow to make its own smart speakers. Now, Scandinavian audio brand Audio Pro is rolling out the W-Generation speakers, with improved compatibility with music streaming services, features like room correction, and more, all powered by WiiM’s excellent platform. Audio Pro already had a WiiM-powered speaker, but this expanded line, which includes traditional-looking tower speakers, is a welcome upgrade from two of the most underrated brands in audio.
best headphones
JLab JBuds Open Back Headphones
JLab unveiled the JBuds Open Headphones. They’re open-back wireless headphones, a unique take on a typically wired form factor. JLab has been a go-to brand of ours for affordable headphones and earbuds, but budget doesn’t have to mean disposable, and JLab’s IFA releases are proving that. According to the brand, their “new battery strategy will use universal coin cell rechargeable batteries for earbuds and soft pack batteries for headphones and cases, all designed for easy at home replacement.” Given that batteries are often the first things to fail, JLab is taking a major step in sustainability, and one that other brands should follow.
best earbuds
Baseus Inspire XC1 Open-Ear Earbuds
There’s a new contender in the open-ear earbuds space. Baseus’ Inspire XC1 earbuds feature a 2-way driver system, and there are some impressive features considering the affordable price point. The earbuds have Sound by Bose, with sound tuned by the trusted headphone brand. There’s support for LDAC, Sony’s high-res Bluetooth codec, and the XC1 earbuds boast up to 40 hours of battery life with the case, or eight with the earbuds. The clip-on open-ear design and IP66 rating also makes them a solid option for outdoor workouts. Overall, they’re an impressive take on an emerging category.
best robot vacuum
Eufy MarsWalker
Anker was plenty busy during IFA 2025. The tech brand, which makes everything from 3D printers to headphones under its various sub-brands, rolled out a wide range of new products, including mobile charging solutions, home theater, and more. One of the most interesting was the MarsWalker, a robot designed to foil robot vacuums’ biggest rival: stairs. The MarsWalker isn’t a vacuum itself, but rather a piggyback for compatible Eufy vacuums. If you’ve been looking for a truly set-it-and-forget-it robot vacuum, Eufy’s newest innovations look promising.
best car accessory
Belkin BoostCharge Retractable Car Charger 75W
There’s a growing market of retractable charging cables, which is a welcome development if, like most people, you hate the look of cluttered cables. The BoostCharge Retractable Car Charger from Belkin has a USB-C and USB-A port, plus a retractable USB-C cable. The 75W max output means you can charge multiple devices at once — even laptops. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who’s constantly working on the go.
best outdoor gadget
Acemate Robot
Perfecting a backhand is difficult, but the hardest part of tennis might just be finding a partner who’s free when you are. Acemate’s innovative robotic tennis robot is designed for realistic rallies. It’s outfitted with multiple cameras, wheels to move it across the court, and a large net that catches balls. While ball machines are nothing new, the fact that the Acemate reacts and responds to your gameplay adds an exciting, realistic dimension.
best smartphone
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Samsung rolled out its flagship phones earlier this year, but there’s a new, more affordable smartphone joining the lineup. The S25 FE has many features found on Samsung’s higher-end phones, including Android’s Gemini assistant, Google Circle to Search, and more actually useful AI features. As for hardware, there’s a 12 MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 50 MP wide-angle camera, and an 8 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
best projector
TCL PlayCube
TCL’s quirky PlayCube projector was inspired by the Rubik’s Cube. The twistable design lets you adjust the viewing angle, and the projector boasts 750 ISO brightness for viewing in different lighting conditions. Plus, with up to three hours of battery life, you can get through most (non-Scorsese) movies on a single charge.
best smart home
Philips Hue Bridge Pro
Smart home devices don’t feel so smart when they don’t play well together. Philips’ new Bridge Pro acts as a hub for your Philips Hue light bulbs, making it easier to control your home lighting. One of the most innovative features is the new motion sensor feature that adjusts the lighting as you move around the house. Additionally, Philips announced some entry-level, affordable home lights, as well as light strips. Setting the right mood has never been easier.
