Tech publications pick fall 2026's best gear, from earbuds to robot mowers

ZDNet's Aug. 7 back-to-school accessories roundup includes the JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker, JLab Go Pop+ wireless earbuds, Logitech Pebble 2 mouse, Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 keyboard and the 11th-generation iPad. A ZDNet editor said the JBL Go 3, purchased during Black Friday 2025, had not run out of power in nearly a year of sporadic use. The article also says the iPad's A16 chip and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display make it a fast, reliable tablet, though it lacks Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro support.

In a separate robot mower test published Aug. 11, ZDNet named the Mammotion Luba 2 the best overall robot mower. The GPS-guided, all-wheel-drive model handles slopes up to 38 degrees and comes in versions for 0.25 to 2.5 acres, starting at $2,000. ZDNet also featured the Yardcare E400, a $340 model intended for small, flat yards.

Wired updated its audio guides on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10. In its wireless earbuds guide, Wired chose the Google Pixel Buds 2a as the best for most people, praising their small fit, IP54 rating, noise canceling and seven-hour battery life. For iPhone owners, it recommends the AirPods Pro 3, citing eight-hour battery life, an IP57 rating and class-leading active noise canceling. A separate workout headphone guide from Wired picks the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as the best wireless earbuds for exercise and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 as the best over-ear workout headphones.

Wired also tested compression boots and found the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus the most feature-packed, with pneumatic compression, vibration and infrared LED therapy in a $1,150 wireless system. The Therabody JetBoots Prime, about half the price, offers four compression levels and three session lengths, while the Normatec Go was named the most portable option.

Engadget published two explainers on wireless connectivity this week. One compares Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2.4G, noting that Wi-Fi is the only one that provides internet access and has the longest range, while 2.4G is often used for gaming peripherals because it has lower latency than Bluetooth. The other explains that the PS5 does not natively support Bluetooth audio, but a USB-C Bluetooth adapter can work; Engadget recommends a dedicated gaming headset for less lag and more stable microphones.

Engadget also reported on headphone use while driving. No state completely bans headphones in cars, it said, but Louisiana, California, Maryland and Washington prohibit them in both ears, and some states restrict usage to one earbud or allow it only for phone calls or GPS instructions. Drivers can still be cited for distracted or reckless driving, Engadget warned, and wearing headphones can affect liability in an accident. It advised using a car's built-in speakers instead.