We are just weeks away from closing out the year and if 2021 has taught us anything, it's that obstacles and challenges exist for us to overcome. In a year plagued by chip shortages and supply chain attacks, we saw companies -- small and large -- adapt their business models and forge new paths to satisfy the demand of consumers worldwide. And in doing so, ZDNet has been at the forefront to cover, review, and make recommendations on tech products in numerous categories.

From the Google Pixel's return to premium, to Apple's M1 supremacy, the ZDNet team of subject-matter experts and industry veterans have spent the past year dissecting all that the tech space had to offer. And while hundreds of gadgets earned outstanding ratings and the hearts of many, only the best of the best clinched a spot in our year-end gala. Each selection has proven to bring an improved quality of life, endured the test of time, and worthy of your hard-earned money. And now, presenting to you, our readers, ZDNet's pantheon of the best tech products reviewed in 2021.

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Best phones, smartwatches, earbuds

These mobile gadgets not only improved on the shortcomings of its predecessors but added fuel to the fire of competition.

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
  
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
• Google Pixel 6 Pro
• OnePlus 9 Pro
• Apple iPhone 13 and Mini
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

• Apple Watch Series 7
  
• Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3
  
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
• Fitbit Charge 5
  

• Sony WF-1000XM4
• OnePlus Buds Pro
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
• Jabra Elite 3
  

Laptops, tablets, and more

Chips aside, there was no shortage this year of some of the best laptops and tablets that we've ever tested.  

• Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021, M1 Max)
• Dell XPS 13 9310
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (8th Gen)
• HP Elite Dragonfly G2
• HP Spectre x360 14

• Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen)
  
• Apple iPad (2021)
• Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Useful tech that we can't stop thinking about

These gadgets made a memorable first impression and continues to impress.

• VanMoof S3 Electric Bike
• NZXT BLD Gaming PC Kit
• Dreame Bot W10
  
• Keychron Q1 QMK
• NexDock 360 Touch
• Apple AirTags
• XGIMI Aura Ultra Laser Projector

Did your pick for best tech product of 2021 make it onto the list? Comment down below and let us know. If you haven't already, also check out ZDNet's most innovative tech reviewed in 2021. 

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