CES 2019 Award Winners

TOP GEAR FROM THIS YEAR’S CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

Our top finds from the Consumer Electronics Show.

Every year, our team combs the far reaches of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to find the best new technology for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users. The following Best of CES 2019 Awards go to the most forward-thinking and useful iOS gear coming to market this year.

TELEVISION

Samsung TVs with AirPlay 2

Finally, a Samsung line has come out with AirPlay 2 built in, meaning direct broadcast from iOS devices to TVs without a dedicated Apple TV unit connected via HDMI. An on-screen iTunes Movie & TV app will allow for movie and TV streaming as well as rental via iTunes. Last year's Samsung TV models will have firmware update options so you won't have to upgrade to take advantage of the new AirPlay 2 feature.

CAR MOUNTS

iOttie Easy One Touch Connect with Alexa Built-in Car Dash Mount (Price TBD)

We love the Easy One Touch Connect; a combination of the Alexa app and iOttie's smartphone mount with its easy-to-use lock-and-release mechanism. Drivers can access over 80,000 Alexa skills, including driving directions, weather, music, and smart home control. We saw the dashboard model at CES, but iOttie will also release vent and CD mount options.

CHARGING

Belkin Boost Charge USB-C to Lightning Cable ($24.99–$34.99)

Apple just announced a Made for iPhone (MFi) certification for USB-C to Lightning cables that fast charge iPhones in less than a half hour. Belkin's cables featured the highest-quality construction at CES and include a Kevlar-like inner layer and a braided nylon exterior. The cables come in 4-, 6-, and 10-foot lengths, a variety of colors, and include a five-year warranty. Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel ($59.95)

Available May 2019. When you're off-grid, a charger for your iPhone is a must. Avoid bulkier options and choose the Nomad 5, Goal Zero's smallest solar panel yet. The Nomad 5 can charge an iPhone in six to seven hours and attaches to a power bank (separate purchase) to store excess energy. The kickstand allows easy positioning for maximum solar gain.

AUDIO

Sony WH1,000XM3 OverEar Headphones ($349.99)

We love the features offered by these smart overear headphones. A dedicated processor keeps noise cancellation from affecting sound quality, and the headphones sense your activity and adjust ambient sound settings automatically. This pair of headphones wins out over 1more and Jabra's offerings, but the price reflects that. Jabra Elite 85H Over-Ear Headphones ($299)

These headphones have wireless connectivity, USB-C charging, AI active noise cancellation, 32 hours of battery life, soft over-ear cups, attractive colors and materials, plus hands-free Alexa, Siri, or Google. They're even dust and water resistant. Even on the noisy CES show floor, they did a good job of blocking out noise and highlighting the music.

CASES

Incipio Aerolite Case ($39.99)

This attractive, deceptively slim case comes in a variety of colors and is designed to protect your iPhone from drops of up to 11 feet. Incipio was able to achieve this level of protection thanks to specially contoured corners, a raised bezel, and rubber ridges along the inside of the case that cushion the phone and absorb shocks from impact. Otter+Pop Symmetry Series ($59.95 plus $8 for additional PopGrips)

Two of the iPhone Life team's favorite things are Otterbox cases and the convenience of PopSockets, which act as a grip and kickstand for your iPhone. The biggest drawback of PopSockets? They can interfere with wireless charging. Otter+Pop Symmetry cases feature builtin PopSockets called PopGrips that can be removed with a simple twist for easy charging. Varied designs from companies like Disney add to the PopGrip appeal.

BAGS

Targus Qi-Based Charging Mobile ViP+ Backpack ($199)

Previous charging backpacks always involved a series of wires strung throughout the bag and connected to a power pack. We love the Targus case for its unique slot that wirelessly charges a Qi-enabled phone and keeps it secure. Of course, you can also run wires to charge your iPad or other gadgets, but it's nice to have a dedicated, wire-free spot for your iPhone. Just remember to charge your backpack once in a while!

SMART HOME

Lockly ($249.99)

This Google Home and Alexa-enabled smart lock allows multi-user access and features a 3D fingerprint sensor and algorithm-based passcode tech. The digits on the passcode display randomly reshuffle for each use, so your code can't be easily guessed or memorized. The lock comes in latch and deadbolt versions; the Lockly app or Alexa can open the deadbolt.

Ring Door View Cam ($199)

Realizing that many landlords weren't allowing tenants to install the Ring Video Doorbell, the company went to work designing an HD camera that fits on any door with a peephole. Users get smartphone notifications any time someone's at the door and can video chat with their visitor whether they're in the house or across the world on a business trip.

HEALTH

Withings BPM Core Blood Pressure Cuff ($250)

The BPM Core measures your blood pressure and heart rate, helps track your heart health, and detects diseases that sometimes present no symptoms, including an irregular heartbeat (AFib) and valvular heart disease (VHD). Reliable, accurate results empower individuals to take charge of their health (FDA approval is still pending).

IPAD

HyperDrive iPad Pro 6-in-1 Hub ($99)

This USB-C hub allows 2018 iPad Pro users to expand port options to include HDMI, 35mm audio jack, SD, micro SD, USB-A 3.0, and USB-C data and power delivery. It's great for connecting the iPad Pro to multiple screens and uploading photos and videos from a DSLR camera or compatible external hard drive. The HyperDrive is compact, matches the iPad Pro in color, and won't interfere with Apple's Smart Folio.

AIRPODS

Nomad Rugged AirPods Case ($29.95)

We're fans of Apple's AirPods at iPhone Life, and want to preserve our investment by taking good care of them. Nomad's Rugged AirPods Case stands out with Horween leather that offers drop and scratch protection, and just gets better looking as it develops a patina. We're into the new Natural color option, a lighter hue.

MULTIMEDIA

Shure MV88+ Video Kit ($249)

The newest iPhone cameras can be used to shoot professional-quality videos, but the microphones don't match up! Shure MV88+ Video Kit solves that problem by drowning out loud background noise and focusing in on the person speaking. We used this mic while at CES and loved how easy it is to use. The kit includes Lightning and USB-C cables, and the tripod even closes into a handheld grip that stabilized our shots as we walked the CES floor.

For More CES 2019 Winners:

Scan the following QR code to read up on the rest of the innovative companies who won an award from iPhone Life.

Please note that while a couple of the award winners are or have been iPhone Life sponsors, the editorial award selection process was independent of our advertising department; we just really like those particular products! Additionally, all product names and prices in this list are as accurate as possible but may change as manufacturers bring them to market.