The Top Products I Tested In 2024

Now that we’re a month into 2025, I’m starting to look back at 2024 with a twinge of nostalgia. I went hands-on with dozens of high tech products last year, ranging from portable power stations to turntables and even a first for me–a battery powered snowblower. These are the ones that really made a lasting impression. In no particular order, here are what I would consider the best products I reviewed in 2024.

U-Turn Audio Orbit Theory Turntable

U-Turn Audio’s Orbit Theory turntable was probably my favorite review experience of the year. Spending hours listening to records on a meticulously crafted piece of audio equipment? Yes, thank-you, I’ll take that assignment. The Orbit Theory was an outstanding performer, from its single-piece tapered magnesium tonearm, to the ultra-quiet, AC synchronous computer-controlled motor and the optional Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge on my review unit. My record collection never sounded better. And with the Orbit Theory’s sustainably harvested 3/4-inch hardwood plinth (white oak), grooved acrylic platter, and black metal hardware, my spinning vinyl never looked quite so good either.

Spigen glas.tr EZ Fit Glass Smartphone Screen Protector

There’s nothing glamorous about a smartphone screen protector. After all, part of what makes a good one is that you don’t even know it’s there. The other and more critical part is that it protects your device. The Spigen glas.tr EZ Fit once again proved itself last year, saving several of my family iPhones from potentially devastating drops (hard enough to shatter the glass protector itself) while not detracting from the beautiful display of an iPhone Pro. What takes these particular screen protectors over the top is the jig that Spigen includes in the box. It takes the need for steady hands out of the process for perfectly aligned installation. As the guy who ends up having to put screen protectors on five family iPhones, I appreciate this ingenious approach.

Klipsch Three Plus Premium Bluetooth Speaker

The Klipsch Three Plus fits a powerful audio system in a mid-century modern cabinet that will sit nicely on a tabletop or bookshelf. Behind the wood veneer, cloth speaker grill and the chunky metal dial volume control lurks a pair of 2.25-inch opposing full range drivers, a 5.25-inch high excursion woofer, 120W of power, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C and optical inputs, plus an integrated Phono pre-amp with dual RCA jacks.

Andover Audio SpeakEasy 4 Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Powered bookshelf speakers are a great option for delivering true stereo sound without the extra cost and footprint of an amplifier. At $399 for the pair, Andover Audio’s SpeakEasy 4s set a new bar for affordable performers. They offer a wide range of digital and analog inputs and outputs (including a built-in Phono pre-amp), Bluetooth for wireless streaming, 75W per channel of power driving 4-inch long excursion woofers and silk dome tweeters, all housed in braced MDF bass reflex enclosures with removable cloth speaker grills.

Rabbit Air A3 Air Purifier

Air purifiers are a big deal in my house. The past two years have been a non-stop barrage of wildfire smoke and dust from (seemingly) never ending home renovation projects. Add our two big dogs and two cats to the mix, and keeping our air fresh and breathable while reducing dust, fur and pet dander and smells has been a challenge. Oh, and three kids in college, working part-time, riding busses and living at home, bringing home every virus known to man? I have been more than happy to test a series of air purifiers.

Last year, this included the Rabbit Air A3 which was outstanding in performance and effectiveness, smart to operate with its touchscreen and app controls and reasonable in replacement filter costs. With wall-mount support and optional custom art panels, this air purifier also blends into home decor better than most.

Morel Hifi BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Morel Hifi’s BIGGIE portable Bluetooth speaker sounded great with a 60W Class D amp driving a 4-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter with dynamic EQ to ensure every track sounds it best. Even better when two of them were wirelessly paired for stereo sound. What really made this portable speaker stand out, was its minimalist design, stylish leather carrying handle and eye-popping rainbow of nine different color options.

Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station

This is a truly portable power station. No AC electrical outlets, it’s aimed at charging your mobile devices, with a 288Wh LiFePO4 battery and a variety of USB ports. What made it memorable was its pop-up light that makes this power station an ideal choice for campers. Other portable power stations have built-in LED emergency lighting but this design really lights up a room, deck, or campsite

Fluance RT81+ Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

The very first turntable I reviewed for Forbes back in 2016 was the Fluance RT81. Last year, I had the opportunity to spin up the company’s upgraded version of that classic. The RT81+ improves on the original with an acrylic platter mat over a dampened aluminum platter, an Audio Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge with a diamond elliptical stylus and three adjustable isolation feet. Fluance turntables are always a great value for the price and this one also includes the solid MDF plinth the lineup is known for, a Texas Instruments phono preamp with gold-plated RCA connectors, auto-stop, an S-shaped tonearm and switchable 2-speed operation. At $299.99 the Fluance RT81+ proves you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high quality turntable.