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Android Authority: The Best of 2021 Awards
July 23, 2025
We pride ourselves onour reviewshere atAndroid Authority, whether it’s a bleeding-edge smartphone, a wireless charger, a Chromebook, or a robot vacuum. No matter what the product category, we figure out what makes that product tick, who it’s best suited for, and whether it really lives up to the claims its manufacturer makes. After a year of reviewing hundreds of products, these are the best we’ve come across in 2021.
Related:The best Android phones
Best smartphone: Google Pixel 6
TheGoogle Pixel 6is without a doubt the best value-for-money smartphone released in 2021. It delivers the same premium Android 12 experience as the Pixel 6 Pro and packs much of the same hardware. While the Pro model naturally offers a bit extra, the Pixel 6 more than makes up for it with an unbeatable price of $599. Find out which Pixel is right for you with ourPixel 6 buyer’s guide.
Best wearable: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
TheSamsung Galaxy Watch 4is one of those rare smartwatches that gets better over time. It has received some updates that have helped in a big way on the software front, earning the Watch 4 our top spot for wearables this year. It’s a real showcase for Wear OS 3 and offers a great experience considering it’s the first wearable Samsung has released on Google’s wearable platform for years. To decide which model fits your needs, check out ourGalaxy Watch 4 buyer’s guide.
Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
TheAcer Chromebook Spin 713is our favorite Chromebook of 2021. With its excellent performance, display, build quality, and ports, the Spin 713 is the upper mid-range Chromebook to get. Its convertible form factor and MIL-STD-810H rating add tons of flexibility, meaning it never has to leave your side. As Eric said in our review: it may not look like much but it’s got it where it counts. Take a look at more of thebest Chromebooks.
Best laptop: Apple MacBook Pro (M1 Pro)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you may’t have missed the impact the new 2021 MacBook Pro has had. TheMacBook Pro with M1 Pro chiprepresents a seachange in what we can expect from laptop performance on battery power. With the reintroduction of MagSafe charging, the SD card slot, and HMDI port, along with improvements to the display, speakers, and battery life, the MacBook Pro 2021 is the Mac we’ve been waiting for. Check out more of thebest laptopsmoney can buy.
Best headphones: Sony WF-1000XM4
TheSony WF-1000XM4are, without a doubt, the best true wireless earbuds with ANC available right now. They offer far better active noise cancellation, fit, and battery life than the AirPods Pro, their closest rival. The Sony WF-1000XM4 provide great customization options on paired Android devices (and only slightly fewer on Apple devices). At $279 they’re not the cheapest ANC earbuds around, but they are the best. See more of thebest true wireless earbudswe’ve tried.
Best smart home product: Roborock S7
TheRoborock S7is a revolution in robot vacuums that also mop. Its clever VibraRise system detects carpet and lifts the vibrating mop bracket to avoid getting your carpet or rugs wet. Once it’s back on a hard floor, the mop lowers back down and the vibration motor scrubs your floors clean. All that and it vacuums with 2,500Pa suction power too. The Roborock S7 can also be paired with a convenientauto-emptying dock. Check out more of ourfavorite robot vacuums.
Best streaming device: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
TheRoku Streaming Stick 4Kis a powerhouse in a tiny package. With crisp 4K resolution and an upgraded processor, it catapults Roku’s $50 streaming stick into the top tier. It supports HDR 10/10+ and Dolby Vision and the bundled remote lets you search yourfavorite streaming platformswith your voice. Don’t miss ourRoku device buyer’s guidefor more.
Best accessory: Anker Powerport III 25W
You don’t see many 5-star rated accessories onAndroid Authority. TheAnker Powerport III 25W, however, deserves every bit of credit we can give it. It’s truly the only phone charger you’ll need, with support for USB Power Delivery PPS, Quick Charge 4+, and Anker’s PowerIQ3 for legacy charging standards including those for iPhones. That means you may fast charge any phone you have with the same charger. Check out more ofour favorite charging accessories.
Be sure to check out ourReader’s Choice phone of the yearand take a look at all ofAndroid Authority‘s top picks in ourEditor’s Choice phone of the yeararticle. Let us know your favorite products of 2021 in the comments below!
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