Article illustration 1

As summer transitions into back-to-school season, July 2025 saw a surge in tech purchases fueled by major retailer sales. ZDNET’s exclusive data—drawn from aggregated, anonymized reader purchases via affiliate links—highlights the gadgets that dominated wishlists. Crucially, every product listed underwent rigorous hands-on testing by ZDNET’s editorial team, ensuring recommendations are grounded in real-world performance rather than marketing hype. This snapshot isn’t just a popularity contest; it’s a barometer of evolving tech priorities, where seamless connectivity, portability, and multipurpose tools reign supreme.

The Top 10 Tech Purchases: Why They Matter

  1. AA Wireless Android Auto Adapter ($65 at Amazon)
    ZDNET’s Editors’ Choice winner for April 2025, this adapter eliminates cables for Android Auto users. Our tests confirmed its flawless pairing and low latency, addressing a pain point for drivers seeking safer, clutter-free infotainment. Its top spot signals growing demand for automotive tech integrations that prioritize user experience over complexity.

  2. Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Solar Portable Power Station ($1,182 at Amazon)
    Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ two-week home power trial proved its reliability for off-grid scenarios. With rising climate-related outages, this reflects a broader shift toward decentralized energy solutions among tech enthusiasts—blending sustainability with practical resilience.

  3. Chipolo Card Point Bluetooth Tracker ($24 at Amazon)
    A budget-friendly Android alternative to AirTags, praised for superior accuracy in ZDNET testing. Its inclusion highlights the escalating need for cross-platform device tracking in fragmented ecosystems, especially as smart homes expand.

  4. Jakemy 160-Piece Screwdriver Set ($45 at Amazon)
    This toolkit’s popularity underscores a DIY resurgence. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes noted its versatility for repairing devices like smartphones and laptops—pointing to consumer pushback against disposable tech culture.

  5. Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro ($158 at Amazon)
    Boasting a 90-hour battery life, this Android smartwatch outperformed rivals in endurance tests. Its appeal lies in mitigating the ‘daily charge’ fatigue plaguing wearables, emphasizing battery innovation as a key purchase driver.

  6. ProtoArc Case Up Combo Foldable Keyboard ($100 at Amazon)
    A portable workstation consolidating keyboard, mouse, and stand. Ideal for hybrid workers, it exemplifies the demand for ergonomic, travel-ready peripherals in an era of nomadic productivity.

  7. Chipolo Pop Tag ($29 at Amazon)
    Another Chipolo entry, doubling as a selfie remote. Its success reinforces the appetite for multifunctional accessories that simplify daily routines without bulk.

  8. Dottorpod iSesamo Spudger Tool ($13 at Amazon)
    Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ ‘keychain hero’ for gadget repairs. At just $13, it symbolizes how niche tools gain traction when they solve specific, frequent frustrations—like prying open devices safely.

  9. Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen) ($270 at Amazon)
    Praised for subtlety in ZDNET’s review, these glasses offer audio without earbuds. Their rise mirrors interest in ambient computing—tech that integrates invisibly into daily life.

  10. Viture Pro XR/AR Glasses ($359 at Amazon)
    Featuring a 135-inch virtual display, these glasses cater to both remote work and entertainment. Matthew Miller’s testing noted their enhanced brightness and refresh rate, signaling AR’s move beyond gimmicks to practical utility.

The Bigger Picture: Trends and Implications

This list reveals three core tech shifts: First, wireless freedom dominates, with top sellers like the AA Adapter and Chipolo trackers cutting cords across automotive and personal tech. Second, portability is paramount, evidenced by power stations and foldable keyboards enabling work and play anywhere. Third, value-driven precision wins—readers opted for affordable, tested solutions (e.g., the Jakemy toolkit) over premium branding. For developers, these trends underscore opportunities in frictionless integration, battery efficiency, and modular design. As one ZDNET editor put it: 'The best tech doesn’t shout; it seamlessly solves problems.'

Source: ZDNET