Graduation Gift Guide: The Best Tech Gadgets for the Class of 2025

The HP Envy x360 16” blends versatility with a premium aluminum chassis and an OLED touchscreen that makes streaming and note-taking pop — during our review the 360-degree hinge made switching between laptop and tablet modes effortless. We found the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS provides solid everyday performance, but real-world battery life was underwhelming at about 6.3 hours, and audio quality felt hollow during video calls. Our experience shows the touchpad can be sluggish, so if battery life and strong speakers matter you may want other options.

The Roomba Combo j7+ delivers impressive vacuuming performance and handled pet hair and daily messes very well during our review, making it tempting for grads moving into busy apartments. We found the integrated mopping function, however, was largely ineffective in our testing and didn’t add much value, which is a notable drawback. Our experience shows the self-emptying bin works but is excessively loud, and with only about 75 minutes of runtime its usefulness is situational — it’s a mixed 6.5/10 recommendation.

The HP Envy x360 is a flexible 2-in-1 that’s great for grads who want a vivid OLED display and everyday performance without breaking the bank. During our review the OLED panel made streaming and note-taking pop and the AMD Ryzen 7 7730U handled multitasking smoothly, yet our experience shows battery life tops out near 8.5 hours and the speakers are quiet and flat. It’s a solid 7/10 pick for dorm study sessions, but expect a sluggish touchpad and bring a charger for long days.

Lightweight and business-ready, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 pairs a sleek chassis with a vibrant OLED display and the excellent ThinkPad keyboard — in our testing the typing experience and portability really stood out. We found the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U handles everyday multitasking smoothly, but the 8–9 hour battery life and a small, less comfortable touchpad hold it back during long travel days. Priced at $1,429 and rated 7/10, it’s premium-feeling but not the best value if battery endurance is a priority.

If long battery life and ease of use top your list, the MacBook Air 13-inch is one of our top picks — during our review the Apple M4 chip delivered snappy everyday performance and we found the battery stretched to about 20 hours on light tasks. The trade-offs are the limited port selection (just two USB-C ports and a headphone jack) and modest base storage, which may push power users to upgrade. At $999 and a 9/10 score, it’s ideal for grads who want a reliable, long-lasting laptop.

Dell’s XPS 13 is a clean, efficient ultraportable that stood out in our testing for excellent battery life — we saw runtimes up to about 19 hours in lighter use, which is fantastic for long lecture days. The Snapdragon X Elite chipset keeps things efficient, but the laptop’s limited port selection (only two USB‑C ports and no 3.5mm jack) and the touch‑sensitive function row that lacks tactile feedback are noticeable annoyances. Priced at $709.99 and rated 7/10, it’s a great battery-first pick if you can live with fewer ports.

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED blends a striking 14‑inch OLED screen with a light, portable chassis — during our review the display’s deep blacks and vivid colors made streaming and photo work pop. We found battery life around nine hours in everyday use, which is solid, but the integrated graphics struggle with heavy creative workloads and the cooling fans can get noisy under load. With soldered RAM limiting upgrades and a 7/10 score at $1,299.99, it’s a great choice for students who prioritize display quality and portability over raw GPU power.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 keeps the hallmark ThinkPad keyboard and a lightweight carbon‑fiber build that we appreciated in our testing, and the inclusion of HDMI out plus a Nano SIM tray adds practical flexibility. Our experience shows battery life is shorter than the previous generation (around nine hours), and the lack of an SD card reader plus soldered RAM limits expandability for power users. Priced at $1,399.99 with a 7/10 score, it’s a dependable workhorse if you prioritize typing feel and durability over upgradeability.

Affordable and camera-forward, the Redmi 13 packs a 108MP rear shooter and a 90Hz display that punches above its $178 price, and during our review we appreciated the large 5030mAh battery for extended sessions. We found battery life in real-world use sits around 10.5 hours, but some users report faster-than-expected drain, so power management can be hit-or-miss. Our experience shows the IPS LCD isn’t as vibrant as OLED panels and the lack of 5G connectivity, plus the 205 g heft, keep it from ranking higher than a 6/10.

The Google Pixel 7 is a compelling midrange pick with a bright 6.3-inch OLED and smooth 90Hz refresh delivering an excellent everyday display — during our review we liked the clean software and smart home integration for controlling devices. We found battery life comfortably beyond 24 hours in typical use, but the phone’s 20W wired charging feels slow compared with rivals and the absence of a telephoto lens limits optical zoom for distant shots. Overall it’s a solid 7.5/10 option for grads who value software polish.

If you want a camera phone that really stands out, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a top pick — it earned a 9/10 in our roundup. In our testing the 200MP main sensor captures astonishing detail and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 keeps everything snappy for photo editing and multitasking. We found the 5,000mAh battery and roughly 19.5-hour endurance reliably power a full day of heavy use, but the 45W wired charging feels slow compared with rivals and the large, weighty body can be cumbersome for pocket carry.

The iPhone 14 Pro remains a strong all-around phone for grads who value battery life and photography — in our testing the 48MP main sensor with pixel‑binning improved low‑light shots and the battery lasted about 23 hours on typical use. We found the design is familiar rather than revolutionary, and continuing to use the Lightning port instead of USB‑C is a downside for wider accessory compatibility. With a score of 8.5/10 and a sub-$700 price point here, it’s a compelling balance of camera power and endurance.

Built for gamers but useful for anyone who wants a powerhouse phone, the ROG Phone 9 dazzled us in our testing with a 185Hz AMOLED display and a huge 5,800mAh battery that supports marathon sessions. The Snapdragon 8 Elite and up to 24GB of RAM make performance feel future-proof, yet the camera and audio disappointed — we experienced haloing in bright light and thin, tinny sound — and the two-year Android update policy is shorter than many rivals. At $999.99 and a 7.5/10 score, it’s best if display and raw power outweigh multimedia compromises.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB is a camera-forward flagship that earned an 8/10 in our testing thanks to its 200MP main sensor and AI that can act across multiple apps. During our review we found those imaging and AI features make content creation and multitasking effortless for grads entering creative fields. However, our experience shows the phone’s large size and the S Pen’s loss of Bluetooth remote functions reduce everyday comfort, and the $1,419.99 price makes it a heavier lift as a graduation gift.

With a standout 60-hour battery and rich sound, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is excellent for long study sessions and travel — in our testing it lasted multiple days between charges. We found the comfort and support for high-resolution codecs like aptX Adaptive elevates listening, but noise cancellation isn’t quite on par with leading competitors. During our review the touch controls felt unintuitive at first and the lack of water resistance limits outdoor use, which helps explain its solid 8/10 score.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 earned its high 8.5/10 rating by delivering class-leading noise cancellation and rich, detailed audio that makes focus sessions and flights much more pleasant — in our testing the ANC cut distractions impressively. Our experience shows the 30-hour battery and comfortable fit are ideal for long days studying or travel, but the $399 price and non-foldable design make portability and value a consideration. During our review we also noted the lack of water resistance, so be cautious around rain or sweaty workouts.

The AirPods Max deliver powerful active noise cancellation and luxurious build quality, ideal for flights or library study sessions — in our testing ANC performance was top-tier for focus. We found the Apple ecosystem integration makes pairing and spatial audio effortless, but the $549 price and the lack of a 3.5mm jack limit wired options for audiophiles. During our review the included Smart Case offered minimal protection and battery life sat around 20 hours, so they’re best for Apple users who want premium noise control.

If you’re trying to revive a well-loved Jabra Elite 85h, these replacement ear cushions restore comfort but aren’t perfect — we scored them lower overall. In our testing they quickly brought back a soft, renewed fit that made long listening sessions more pleasant, but our experience shows the foam quality is inferior to the original and faux leather can peel after a year of daily use. These are a budget-friendly refresh, just know they won’t match the longevity of OEM cushions.

The Noise Cancelling 700 headphones earned a respectable 7.5/10 for top-tier ANC and call clarity that’s ideal for study sessions and commuting. We found the active noise cancellation and advanced microphone array keep conversations clear and distractions low, and the comfortable design held up during extended use. During our review battery life topped out around 20 hours and the non-foldable frame makes them less portable, and Bluetooth latency on some PCs caused annoying AV sync issues.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a comfortable, high-performing choice for grads seeking strong ANC and balanced sound — they scored an 8/10 in our guide. During our review the ANC was exceptional and the fit stayed comfortable through long study sessions, while Snapdragon Sound support delivered a clear, balanced audio profile. We found battery life around 24 hours, but immersive modes shave that down and the price is higher than some alternatives, so they’re best if comfort and quiet are priorities.

Anker’s Life Q20 headphones are a wallet-friendly pick with an incredible 40-hour battery that’s perfect for long study days and travel, earning a solid 6.5/10. In our testing the memory foam ear cups offered lasting comfort and the ANC reduced ambient noise effectively, though our experience shows the tonal balance leans warm and lacks fine detail. Touch controls can be finicky and the slightly bulky build impacts portability, but if battery life and comfort top your checklist, these are worth considering.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones earned an 8.5/10 in our testing for stellar adaptive noise cancellation driven by the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3. We found the 12-microphone setup silences library and travel distractions, quick charging gives about three hours from a three-minute boost, and the improved magnetic carrying case is easier to stash in a backpack. During our review the 30-hour battery with ANC on felt merely average next to some rivals, USB audio support is missing, and the clamp may feel tight on larger heads — all worth considering at $449.99.

The E26 Smart Bulb Starter Kit is a polished entry into connected lighting that integrates smoothly with major smart home systems — during our review setup was seamless and the app’s customization options felt intuitive. We found the kit great for creating routines and mood lighting in a dorm room or apartment, but full functionality requires a hub, and the higher $129.99 price plus limited light output may not suit larger spaces. For grads wanting easy smart home control, it’s a solid 7.5/10 choice.

The Apple MacBook Air with the M2 chip is our top-rated choice for grads, earning an outstanding 9.5/10 thanks to stellar performance, a thin design, and a vibrant display that makes editing and streaming feel snappy. During our review we found battery life reachable up to around 18 hours in light use, which is great for long study days, although the base model’s slower storage and a still-disappointing webcam are notable trade-offs. Our experience shows the Midnight finish looks great but attracts fingerprints quickly, so keep a cloth handy.

The Google Nest Thermostat is an approachable smart-thermostat option that’s easy to install and control from your phone, which is handy for a first apartment. In our testing setup was straightforward and it supported most HVAC systems, but our experience shows it doesn’t learn your patterns and lacks compatibility with remote sensors, and the design is noticeably less refined than other Nest models. It’s a decent 6.5/10 pick if you want basic remote control without premium smart learning features.

If you want an affordable entry into video doorbells, the Video Doorbell Wired makes sense for budget-conscious grads with existing wiring. In our testing the 1080p HD video and customizable motion zones delivered clear, reliable footage, but our experience shows installation requires doorbell wiring and the unit doesn’t support your existing chime, meaning extra purchases for indoor alerts. With a 6/10 score it’s practical for renters or first apartments, just plan for the wiring and limited HDR performance.

The Echo Show 15 brings a large 15.6-inch display and broad smart-home compatibility to common spaces, which is great for roommates and shared apartments. During our review the screen size and support for Zigbee, Matter, and Thread impressed, and the 13MP camera with a physical shutter is a nice privacy touch, but we found touch responsiveness can be sluggish and audio lacks bass and clarity. It’s a 6/10 option if you need a family hub more than a high-performance media center.

Compact and affordable, the Echo Dot punches above its size with enhanced audio drivers that improve bass and clarity — in our testing the speaker outperforms older entry-level smart speakers for podcasts and casual music. We found the built-in motion sensor handy for automations, but its limited range and the modest temperature sensor accuracy mean it won’t replace dedicated smart home hardware. Priced under $50 and scoring 7.5/10, it’s a practical dorm-room hub if you want Alexa smarts without spending much.

The Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini is an inexpensive, space-saving way to add smart control to lamps and small appliances — during our review the compact design let us avoid blocking the second outlet on a power strip. Our experience shows its usefulness is limited by compatibility: it doesn’t support Apple HomeKit and only works on 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi, which can be a deal breaker for some iOS users or modern routers. At under $8 for a 2‑pack and a 5.5/10 score, it’s great for budget setups but not for every smart-home ecosystem.

The Anker 737 Power Bank is built for power users who need laptop-level charging on the go, and it scored a reliable 7/10 in our guide. During our review the 24,000mAh capacity and 140W output handled multiple device charges and fast laptop top-ups, and the integrated OLED gave useful real-time info. We found the unit is bulky and heavier than portable options, and small, low-contrast port labels made setup fiddly, so it’s best for travelers who prioritize capacity over pocketability.

The Anker Nano Power Bank is a pocketable charger that impressed us with fast 22.5W output and a built-in USB‑C connector — during our review that convenience made topping up a phone effortless. Our experience shows the 5,000mAh capacity is the real compromise: it’s great for quick boosts but won’t fully refill larger phones multiple times, and some units got noticeably warm while charging. At $29.99 and a 6.5/10 score, it’s a solid grab-and-go option if you prioritize size over capacity.

Compact and practical, the Samsung 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is a tidy nightstand upgrade that powers a phone, earbuds, and a watch at once — in our testing it cleared cable clutter and saved space. We found the multi-device charging handy for dorm rooms or a first apartment, but charging speeds are slower than wired fast charge, which is a noticeable trade-off. During our review the watch pad needed precise placement and could be finicky, so expect a little patience with alignment.

For grads who want a portable PlayStation-like controller for their iPhone, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a sleek, comfortable option that scored 7/10 in our testing. We found its DualSense-inspired styling and plug-and-play compatibility with Lightning iPhones make mobile gaming effortless and very portable. During our review the missing haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and dedicated touchpad — plus asymmetric thumbsticks — remind you it isn’t a full PS5 substitute, so weigh those downsides against the ~$84.98 price.