PCMag Announces Gift of the Year Tech Picks
PCMag's experts select top tech gifts across multiple categories for 2026.
The Brief
- Dell XPS 13 named best laptop under $800.
- Apple Mac mini M6 wins desktop gift of the year.
- Google Pixel 11 is top phone pick for 2026.
PCMag has released its annual Gift of the Year awards, highlighting the best tech products for holiday shopping. The selections are based on expert testing and affordability, with a focus on gift-worthy items for various recipients.
The Dell XPS 13 was selected as the best laptop under $800, offering features typically found in more expensive models. It includes a high-quality touch screen, a responsive keyboard, and a lightweight design, making it a strong competitor to Apple's MacBook Neo.
For desktops, the Apple Mac mini M6 was named the winner. Despite a price increase due to a memory shortage, it remains the most powerful desktop under $1,000, featuring Apple's latest chip and advanced graphics capabilities.
The Google Pixel 11 was chosen as the phone gift of the year, praised for its slim design, improved camera system, and AI tools such as Magic Capture and Magic Cue. It also offers up to 19 hours of battery life, making it a practical choice for users.
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