Gadgets Now Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Audio and Television
The Gadgets Now Awards 2026 have officially concluded, unveiling the winners across all audio and television categories. This year's selections highlight a fascinating evolution in consumer electronics, with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds now incorporating fitness tracking and real-time translation capabilities. Headphones have advanced noise cancellation to such an extent that silence itself feels like a premium feature, while Mini LED televisions are challenging OLED displays with superior picture quality.
Audio Innovations: Indian Brands Compete Globally
In the audio segment, Indian brands like Noise demonstrated strong performance against international giants. Meanwhile, Xiaomi continued to impress in the TV space by offering affordable QLED panels that deliver exceptional value. Below is a detailed breakdown of every winner and what sets them apart in the competitive market.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best TWS of the Year
The JBL Tour Pro 3 secured the Editor's Choice award, while the Apple AirPods Pro 3 was honored as the People's Choice winner.
JBL Tour Pro 3: Editor's Choice
The JBL Tour Pro 3 transcends mere music playback, functioning as a compact command center from your pocket. Its Smart Charging Case 2.0 features a 1.57-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than previous models, enabling track skipping, ANC adjustments, and caller ID checks without a phone. With AUX or USB-C connectivity, it doubles as a wireless audio transmitter for planes or gym TVs. A hybrid dual-driver setup combines a balanced armature for highs and an 11mm dynamic driver for bass, supported by LDAC, JBL Spatial 360 with head tracking, and True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0 that samples environments over 50,000 times per second. Additional features include full Auracast support, Bluetooth 5.4, IP55 rating, and 8+24 hours of battery life with ANC, all packaged at approximately $300.
Apple AirPods Pro 3: People's Choice
Apple adopted a strategic approach with the AirPods Pro 3, maintaining a familiar exterior while overhauling internal components. Noise cancellation is now twice as effective as the previous generation, and an infrared heart rate sensor in each bud tracks pulse across 50 workout types without an Apple Watch. Live Translation leverages Apple Intelligence for real-time conversations in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Enhanced fit comes from foam-infused ear tips in five sizes, including XXS, with an IP57 rating for water immersion. Battery life remains at 8 hours with ANC, and the U2 chip enables extended-range Precision Finding, all priced at $249.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Affordable Premium TWS of the Year
Noise Master Buds earned the Editor's Choice award, and OnePlus Buds 4 was the People's Choice winner.
Noise Master Buds: Editor's Choice
Indian brand Noise continues to elevate its offerings, with the Master Buds exemplifying flagship features at a non-premium price. These earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation, a well-tuned sound profile, and reliable call quality, all housed in a premium build. The accompanying app provides ample customization, making them an ideal choice for daily use under Rs 5,000.
OnePlus Buds 4: People's Choice
OnePlus maintains its reputation for value with the Buds 4, offering ANC that outperforms its price range and warm, detailed sound. While not matching high-end models like the JBL Tour Pro 3, they excel in core functionalities at a compelling price point.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Affordable TWS of the Year
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r swept both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Editor's Choice and People's Choice
This dual award win underscores the Nord Buds 3r as the standout budget option. Priced comparably to a few movie tickets, they offer a clean audio experience, decent passive isolation, and a comfortable fit. Key attributes include solid bass, clear vocals, and sufficient battery life for extended commutes, making them unbeatable in 2025.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Headphones of the Year
Sony WH-1000XM6 claimed both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
Sony WH-1000XM6: Editor's Choice & People's Choice
Sony's dominance in premium headphones continues with the WH-1000XM6, featuring enhanced noise cancellation with faster adaptive algorithms and improved ear seal for better isolation. LDAC and DSEE Ultimate support hi-res audio, while reduced weight enhances comfort during long sessions. Battery life exceeds 30 hours with ANC, multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with devices, and call quality has seen significant improvements.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Portable Speaker of the Year
Philips S1209 won both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
Philips S1209: Editor's Choice & People's Choice
In a market dominated by brands like JBL and Sony, the Philips S1209 stands out by focusing on fundamentals. This compact speaker delivers clear, balanced sound with adequate bass for small spaces, a full-day battery, and no unnecessary features, outperforming competitors at its price.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Home Audio of the Year
Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 secured both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
Sony Bravia Theatre System 6: Editor's Choice & People's Choice
This system replaces full home theatre setups with a soundbar, satellite speakers, and subwoofer, offering deep bass and spatial audio via Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Integration with Sony Bravia TVs through acoustic center sync creates a unified audio experience, and its sleek design minimizes cable clutter.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best TV of the Year
Samsung Neo QLED QN90F won both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
Samsung Neo QLED QN90F: Editor's Choice & People's Choice
Samsung's Neo QLED lineup sets benchmarks with the QN90F, utilizing Quantum Matrix technology for precise backlight control via thousands of Mini LEDs. High peak brightness suits well-lit rooms, while the Neural Quantum Processor handles real-time upscaling and AI adjustments. Gaming features include a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and sub-10ms input lag, with an anti-reflective coating reducing glare.
Winners of GN Awards 2026: Best Affordable TV of the Year
Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro claimed both the Editor's Choice and People's Choice awards.
Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro: Editor's Choice & People's Choice
Xiaomi leads the affordable TV segment in India with the QLED TV FX Pro, offering a QLED panel with wide color gamut, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, and a premium metal-frame design. Solid brightness, dual OS with PatchWall and Android TV, and decent built-in speakers make it a top choice for budget buyers seeking QLED quality without premium brand prices.
The Gadgets Now Awards 2026 reflect a dynamic year in technology, with innovations pushing boundaries in both audio and television categories, offering consumers enhanced features and value across price points.
