USA TODAY Best Tech Products
2026 USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Best Tech Products
Earn USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Recognition
The USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Best Tech Products 2026 recognize products that make technology more useful, accessible, enjoyable and meaningful in everyday life.
Each submission is considered by USA TODAY’s editorial team for Editor’s Pick recognition—an honor reserved for products that demonstrate exceptional innovation, performance, design, usability and consumer value.
From personal electronics and smart-home products to entertainment systems, connected appliances, workplace tools and emerging technology, the program highlights products that stand out in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Why Submit?
Earning USA TODAY Editor’s Pick recognition tells consumers your product has been identified by USA TODAY editors as one of the most noteworthy in its category.
Products selected as an Editor’s Pick may receive:
- Official USA TODAY Editor’s Pick recognition
- Inclusion in USA TODAY consumer technology editorial coverage
- National exposure across USA TODAY’s digital platforms
- An opportunity to license the official USA TODAY Editor’s Pick badge
- Increased credibility with consumers, retailers, media and industry professionals
What is USA TODAY Editor’s Pick?
USA TODAY Editor’s Pick is an editorial recognition awarded to products that distinguish themselves through innovation, performance, design, usability, reliability and overall consumer value.
Selections are made independently by USA TODAY editors through editorial research, product evaluation, supporting documentation, expert input and hands-on testing when appropriate.
Editor’s Pick recognition helps consumers discover technology that solves real problems, improves everyday experiences or introduces meaningful advances within its category.
If you have any questions, please contact the team at EVG Media, and a representative will get back with you as quickly as possible.
Please note that while other companies may approach you, EVG Media is the only official licensing partner for the USA Today Editor’s Pick Best Tech Products.
Ready to Earn USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Recognition?
Complete the submission form below and tell us why your product deserves editorial consideration. Every submission is reviewed independently by USA TODAY editors.
Submission fee: $350 per product
Your submission fee covers:
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- Editorial submission processing
- Product intake and administration
- Editorial research and evaluation
- Consideration for USA TODAY Editor’s Pick recognition
Submission fees do not influence editorial decisions and do not guarantee that a product will receive Editor’s Pick recognition.
You may submit up to three products at one time on this form.
Please be patient. The form page make take a few seconds to update once you’ve submitted your entry. If you experience any issues or have any questions, contact EVG Media.
Submission Schedule
The USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Best Tech Products 2026 program accepts submissions on a rolling basis. Products may be submitted at any time during the editorial year and are reviewed as editorial schedules permit.
To be considered for the current editorial cycle, submissions are accepted beginning 5 August 2026 and must be received by 1 December 2026. We encourage submissions throughout the nomination window rather than waiting until the deadline.
Editorial Independence
USA TODAY maintains complete editorial independence throughout the selection process.
Submission fees support the administration of the awards program and do not guarantee recognition as a USA TODAY Editor’s Pick.
USA TODAY editors retain sole discretion regarding:
- Products selected for review
- Evaluation criteria
- Editor’s Pick recognitions
- Publication timing
- Categories and editorial features
Products may be declined or removed if they do not meet USA TODAY’s editorial standards.
If Your Product Is Selected
Brands receiving USA TODAY Editor’s Pick recognition will be notified directly. Recognized brands may have the opportunity to:
- Be featured in USA TODAY editorial content
- License the official USA TODAY Editor’s Pick badge
- Promote their recognition across advertising, packaging, websites, and social media
- Purchase optional commemorative awards and marketing materials
Licensing opportunities are offered separately and are never required.
What Products May Be Submitted?
The USA TODAY Editor’s Pick Best Tech Products 2026 recognize innovation across the ever-evolving world of consumer technology.
We welcome submissions ranging from established market leaders to breakthrough startups, including hardware, software, connected devices, smart-home products, AI-powered solutions, personal technology, and emerging consumer innovations.
The categories below are intended as examples only and are not all-inclusive. USA TODAY editors reserve the right to evaluate products in the category they determine is most appropriate or to create new categories as technology continues to evolve.
The program welcomes products across a broad range of categories, including but not limited to:
Computers, Tablets and Mobile Technology
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Tablets and e-readers
- Smartphones
- Mobile accessories
- Chargers, power banks and cables
- Keyboards, mice and computer accessories
- Monitors and displays
- Storage and networking products
Audio and Entertainment
- Headphones and earbuds
- Speakers and sound systems
- Televisions and projectors
- Soundbars and home-theater products
- Record players and audio equipment
- Streaming devices
- Portable entertainment products
Gaming
- Gaming systems and consoles
- Gaming computers and monitors
- Controllers and accessories
- Gaming headsets
- Keyboards and mice
- Gaming furniture
- Virtual- and augmented-reality products
Smart Home and Security
- Smart speakers and displays
- Connected lighting
- Smart locks and doorbells
- Security cameras
- Home monitoring products
- Smart thermostats
- Sensors and detectors
- Home networking and Wi-Fi products
- Energy-management technology
Kitchen and Household Technology
- Connected kitchen appliances
- Cooking gadgets
- Robotic vacuums and floor-care products
- Laundry technology
- Air-quality and climate products
- Cleaning devices
- Home-maintenance technology
- Robotic lawn and pool products
Personal and Wearable Technology
- Smartwatches
- Fitness trackers
- Smart rings
- Sleep technology
- Health-monitoring devices
- Personal safety devices
- Accessibility technology
- Technology designed for older adults
Photography and Content Creation
- Cameras and lenses
- Action cameras
- Drones
- Webcams
- Microphones
- Lighting equipment
- Mobile photography accessories
- Podcasting and content-creation tools
Work, Productivity and Education
- Home-office technology
- Collaboration tools
- Presentation equipment
- Portable displays
- Scanners and printers
- Educational technology
- Digital note-taking products
- Productivity accessories
Travel and Outdoor Technology
- Travel adapters and chargers
- Portable power stations
- GPS and navigation devices
- Outdoor speakers and cameras
- Camping technology
- Automotive accessories
- Cycling technology
- Weather and emergency devices
Emerging Technology and Innovation
- Artificial-intelligence-enabled products
- Robotics
- Accessibility innovations
- Sustainable technology
- New product concepts
- Products using new or emerging technologies
- Products that create a new consumer category
Products do not need to fit perfectly within one of these categories. USA TODAY may place a submission in the category editors consider most appropriate.
What Editors Consider
Products may be evaluated using a combination of factors, including:
- Innovation and originality
- Product performance
- Design and build quality
- Ease of setup and use
- Reliability
- Compatibility and connectivity
- Accessibility
- Privacy and security considerations
- Sustainability
- Quality relative to price
- Usefulness in everyday life
- Meaningful improvement over previous products
- Overall consumer experience
Editors may also consider supporting research, independent reviews, third-party testing, previous recognition and the product’s position within the broader marketplace.
A product does not need to be the most expensive or technically advanced in its category. Editors may recognize products that offer exceptional value, solve a specific consumer problem or make technology easier to use.