Engadget's Best of 2026 Honors Pixel 11, iPhone 18 Pro, MacBook Neo and MacBook Air M5

Engadget described the Pixel 11 as an iterative update that looks essentially the same as the Pixel 10 and carries a similar camera array, a new Tensor G6 process, double the starting storage and a $100 price increase. The publication said the Pixel 10 was strong enough that Google did not need to reinvent its formula, and that refinements, software updates and new colors made the Pixel 11 a compelling choice. The phone is one of few in its class with three rear camera lenses, including a capable 5x telephoto, a feature Engadget said is unavailable on the otherwise-comparable iPhone 17 and better than the 3x camera on Samsung's Galaxy S26. Google's software additions include Rambler, which turns rambling dictation into clearer text, and Proactive Suggestions, which prompt users to add items to their calendar based on conversations. Engadget also cited build quality, fast performance and long battery life.

For iPhone, Engadget chose the iPhone 18 Pro. The publication said Apple's changed release strategy in 2026 left only three models to consider: the iPhone 17e, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo had not been reviewed and was not eligible; Engadget said its first-generation status and high price made it unlikely to suit most buyers. The iPhone 17e was described as a solid phone for its cost, but the iPhone 18 Pro took the top spot for its combination of features. New hardware includes variable aperture and pro camera controls for manual photographers, sensor-signed Apple Reference Image authentication to help users identify manipulated photos, a smaller and more functional Dynamic Island, improved thermal management and faster battery charging. Engadget also noted new burgundy and blue color options.

The MacBook Neo won best affordable laptop. Engadget said Apple delivered a $600 budget laptop that did not feel too different from a premium notebook such as the MacBook Air. The laptop now costs $100 more because of the ongoing AI-induced RAM crisis, according to the publication, but remains a strong deal. It is fast enough for everyday computing even with 8GB of RAM, has a screen bright enough for direct sunlight and includes an excellent keyboard and trackpad. Engadget said the MacBook Neo has become a trendsetter that other PC makers are rushing to copy, though no Windows machine offers the same combination of premium build quality and components.

The MacBook Air M5 was named best macOS laptop. Engadget said the ultraportable combines speed from Apple's M5 chip with premium build quality and portability. It called the machine a complete package that can handle light gaming and video editing, is sturdy enough to last years and runs silently because it has no cooling fan. The publication said lighter Windows laptops exist, but they are not as performant as Apple's hardware and often provide a worse user experience.

Editor's Summary

Engadget's best-of-2026 list selected the Google Pixel 11, Apple iPhone 18 Pro, Apple MacBook Neo and Apple MacBook Air M5 as category leaders. The picks reflect iterative hardware updates and software features rather than major redesigns, with Apple taking three of the four highlighted categories. The list also underscores the continued attention to value and performance in the premium and budget device segments.