From smartphones to folding skis, the top gadgets of the year selected by technical experts from The Guardian, iNews, TechRadar and Wired

Cutting-edge technology is usually very expensive, difficult to use and not flexible enough. This is not the case with Samsung's latest folding screen phones. The reinvention of the Z Fold 3 phablet hybrid and Z Flip 3 flip phone is smooth, slick, and even waterproof, with a large screen in a compact body. Fold may still be very expensive, but the cost of Flip 3 is about the same as the average top smartphone, but it is much more interesting. Samuel Gibbs

Fairphone 4 uses cutting-edge technology in different ways, proving that a good phone can be ethically manufactured, durable, and can be repaired at home with a small screwdriver. This Android phone is a bit thicker than the iPhone or Samsung, but has its own excellent design, users can replace the battery and pop-up modules for components such as the screen and camera. It even has 5G now. SG

Unlike the first iteration, it did not pull out of the Manila envelope on the stage, but giving up Intel for Apple's first custom-designed M1 chip in the MacBook Air also changed the rules of the game. It turns the original "Ultrabook" into a thin, silent power unit, and its battery life is almost twice as long as everything else. The best consumer laptop within a mile. SG

Sonos’ first truly portable speaker shows that Bluetooth speakers don’t have to be too bad. The good-looking Roam has Bluetooth, wifi for use at home, microphone for Alexa or Google Assistant, 10-hour battery, supports almost all music services under the sun, and has many party skills. The best part is the sound, which can blow away anything of this size or weight, so it won't accumulate dust in the drawer in the end. SG

Their name is still terrible, but Sony keeps this in mind with its fourth-generation true wireless earbuds. They meet almost all requirements: first-class noise reduction, shiny sound, long battery life, rock-solid Bluetooth, a more compact case, and a smaller, truly comfortable design. Unfortunately, like most earplugs, they are not repairable and you cannot replace the battery, so there is still some work to be done. SG

If you have been weighing the purchase of a pair of true wireless earbuds, but can't stand the price of Apple's AirPods Pro (£239), then Nothing ears (1) may just meet the requirements. They are priced at £99 and are on the more affordable end, equipped with advanced noise reduction technology and a comfortable fit. Their transparent design also makes them stand out among many general-purpose headphones. Riannon Williams

Apple’s latest iPad mini absorbs the best parts of the high-end iPad Pro and compresses them into a more compact 8.3-inch design, including a faster A15 chip, Apple Pencil compatibility, and a more powerful front camera. Small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, it can also play more comprehensive audio thanks to the repositioned speakers and a clearer and brighter screen. RW

If you can do it yourself, Nintendo’s Switch OLED will surely please fans who have been hoping to upgrade to a popular video game console. The new model has a larger 7-inch screen (compared to the 6.2-inch display of the previous version) and a greatly improved protective stand, which allows you to tilt it back and play at a certain angle. RW

If you like a smartphone with a slightly different standard price from Apple and Samsung, then Google is making a powerful and affordable phone at a fraction of the price of its competitors. Pixel 6 is an excellent all-round phone, showing the essence of its Android operating system, stylish design, and most importantly, it is also an excellent camera with great value for money. RW

The magnetic attachment of Dyson’s popular Supersonic hair dryer guarantees a smooth, mirror-like luster, which is traditionally difficult to achieve at home without professional assistance. The hooked end of the device uses the powerful airflow of a hair dryer to smooth loose hair without resorting to higher temperatures that are more likely to damage them, and it also doubles as a styling tool. RW

Fitness trackers are great and will prompt you to take the stairs instead of the elevator, go to bed early, or even give up extra dessert help, but they are usually very ugly. Luxe is attractive enough that it won't bore you even when you walk 10,000 steps before going to bed. Cat Ellis

It's like the idea of ​​running, but you always find yourself moving slowly along the same route, and not actually getting faster? Forerunner 55 is a watch for you. Not only can it track your running and measure your pace, it can also tell you how long you should rest between training sessions, and suggest different exercises to help you mix training so as not to fall into the routine. Chief Executive

Similar to a glowing alien parasite, Incus Nova is a small device that can be placed on your back and track your status while you are running and swimming. Unlike a watch, it can monitor the movement of your entire body and provide suggestions on how to adjust your technique so that you can exercise more effectively without hurting yourself. It will soon also be able to monitor cycling, making it ideal for triathletes. Chief Executive

These small earplugs are designed for night wear and can play a variety of soothing sounds to help you fall asleep. Options include the patter of rain, the murmur of whales, the crashing of waves and even the snoring of kittens. Once you doze, they will track your heart rate and exercise, and provide you with a detailed sleep report in the morning. Chief Executive

Does your toothbrush really need Bluetooth? Well, no, but it doesn't hurt. iO Series 6 connects to the Oral-B application on your smartphone, and provides you with real-time guidance when brushing your teeth, ensuring you don't miss any place. The brush also gives you feedback in the form of emojis on the handle, which is surprisingly motivating. No one wants to be caught by their toothbrushes. Chief Executive

Millo is a 500W (12,800rpm) sci-fi super chopper, which uses a magnetic system similar to that in an electric toothbrush. This thing is not only twice as efficient as a standard mixer, but also four times quieter. More importantly, the companion app has presets for smoothies, etc. Once the wireless base is fully charged, you can quickly leave and move the cable-free Millo around your house or garden at will. Jeremy White

This 18.9 kg aluminum electric bicycle has excellent 43-mile auxiliary power, but the real selling point of Cowboy 4 is its simplicity: no unnecessary complicated decoration, only pedals and power. Even the lights are integrated, and your phone can be parked on the handlebars for direction help and happily recharges while you are riding. Jiewei

Choosing a TV is difficult-there are too many variables. LG's excellent G1 TV can meet almost all your needs, but it is especially good for gaming. You will get a pitch-black 65-inch OLED 4K screen and a lightning-like 120Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which are key features for smooth, clean, and artifact-free playback. If you don’t like playing games, just revel in the bright, vivid images that you can easily present when watching Netflix. Jiewei

These new award-winning Voyager skis are based on a design originally developed for the military, folded using a four-axis mechanism, and then reinforced with carbon panels that can swing into place. Surprisingly, you end up with the same hardness as a "normal" snowboard. I tried them. On the snow, I dare not let you notice the difference. The lux package includes skis, retainers and foldable poles-all in a custom travel bag. Jiewei

Los Angeles earmuffs convert various forms of light-outdoor and indoor-into energy. They also include active noise reduction. This means that wireless fans get rid of battery anxiety once and for all. On a sunny day, spending an hour outdoors produces three hours of play time. If it is cloudy, 60 minutes will give you two more hours. They can even be charged under indoor ambient light. If that is not enough, the Los Angeles has 50 hours of battery life with a 750 mAh (milliampere hour) power pack. We have tested these-solar technology works, they sound great, you can even get a suitcase. Jiewei

Samuel Gibbs is the Consumer Technology Editor of The Guardian; Rhiannon Williams is the Technical Correspondent of iNews; Cat Ellis is the Fitness and Health Editor of TechRadar; Jeremy White is the Executive Editor of Wired Magazine