Submissions for the Android Authority Best of 2026 Awards are now open
The Android Authority Best of 2026 Awards recognize the year’s most outstanding consumer technology products. As one of the world’s largest independent tech publications, reaching tens of millions of readers every month and more than seven million followers across social platforms, an Android Authority award is a powerful signal of product excellence to both consumers and the industry.
We’re inviting manufacturers and brands to submit products for consideration across 30+ categories spanning smartphones, smart home, wearables, audio, and more.
Key dates
Submissions open: Now
Submissions close: September 1, 2026
Winners announced: October 2026
Award categories
Products can be submitted to one or more of the following categories:
Smartphones & Tablets
- Best Smartphone (Editor’s Choice + Reader’s Choice)
- Best Mid-Range Phone
- Best Budget Phone
- Best Foldable Phone
- Best Camera Phone
- Best Tablet
Wearables & Smart Glasses
- Best Smartwatch
- Best Fitness Tracker
- Best Smart Glasses
Audio
- Best Earbuds
- Best Headphones
- Best Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Gaming Headset
Smart Home & Robots
- Best Smart Home
- Best Indoor Gadget
- Best Outdoor Gadget
- Best Robot Vacuum
- Best Robot Mower
- Best Robot Pool Cleaner
Accessories & Power
- Best Smartphone Accessory
- Best Charger
- Best Power Station
Entertainment
- Best Handheld
- Best Projector
Cross-Category Awards
- Best Smart Brand
- Best Design
- Best Innovation
- Best UX
- Best Ecosystem
- Best Application of AI
- Best Gadget
What we’re looking for
Our editorial team evaluates every submission independently and our awards are based entirely on merit. Here’s what matters to us:
Product excellence. Does the product do what it promises, and does it do it well? Build quality, performance, reliability, and value for money all factor in.
Innovation. Does this product push the category forward? We’re looking for meaningful advances, not spec-sheet upgrades.
User experience. Is it a pleasure to use? Great products disappear into the background and just work.
Real-world impact. Does it solve a genuine problem or meaningfully improve people’s lives? We value practical usefulness over novelty.
Design. Does the hardware and software design reflect thoughtfulness and intent? We appreciate products that look and feel considered.
How winners are selected
All category winners are selected by Android Authority’s editorial staff through careful testing and evaluation. Our editors are product reviewers and technology journalists who use these products on a daily basis. Their judgment is informed by real-world experience, not spec sheets or press releases.
The one exception is the Best Smartphone — Reader’s Choice, which is determined by a public reader vote.
Submissions help ensure your product is on our radar, but they do not guarantee a win or editorial coverage. Products do not need to be submitted to be considered. Our team regularly evaluates products independently.
What winners get
Editorial recognition. Winners receive an Android Authority Best of 2026 award badge displayed on relevant buying guides and editorial content across the site, signaling editorial endorsement to millions of readers actively researching purchases.
Social amplification. All winners are announced across Android Authority’s social platforms, reaching more than 7 million followers and subscribers on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Badge licensing. Winners will have the opportunity to license the Android Authority Best of 2026 award badge for use in their own brand marketing campaigns, packaging, and retail materials.
Sponsorship opportunities. Winners can explore sponsored video and editorial content opportunities with our team to further amplify their win.
How to submit and eligibility criteria
Use the form below to submit a product for consideration. You may submit multiple products across different categories. All submissions must be received by September 1, 2026.
To be eligible for consideration, a product or service must have achieved consumer availability within the calendar year of 2026 in at least one of its major launch markets.
Questions?
For questions about the awards program, submissions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us.
Android Authority is an imprint of Authority Media. The Best of 2026 awards are editorially independent. Submissions and sponsorship opportunities do not influence winner selection.