Rolling Stone Essentials 2026: Our Favorite Gear, Brands and Services of the Year
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H ere at Rolling Stone Recommends, a good portion of our workload (and the most fun part of our jobs) is testing new products. Throughout the year, our team of shopping experts and editors get to take hundreds of new products into the real world. After this testing, a small chunk of products get our ultimate seal of approval: a spot on the annual Rolling Stone Essentials list.
For Rolling Stone Essentials 2026, we selected around 50 of our favorite products, services, and brands that more than caught our attention this year. Our Essentials finalists represent the best examples of utility, innovation, and design in the product world right now, including everything from new cutting-edge TVs to the coolest fashion brands to the best streaming services. It’s all the gear we can’t get enough of — and recommend everyone consider for their holiday shopping and 2026 purchases.
Audio Gear
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
Bowers & Wilkins upgraded its excellent Px8 headphones with better noise-canceling and improved comfort, while retaining the same excellent audio quality and the luxurious design for the S2 version. Yes, they’re $800, but the Px8 S2 headphones are some of the best-sounding and most stylish headphones on the market. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds are, simply put, the most effective noise-canceling earbuds on the market. If you’re after monastic silence in even the noisiest places, the Ultra 2 earbuds deliver, but that’s not the only reason to buy them. The sound quality is crisp and enjoyable, they’re comfortable enough for all-day wear, and Bose made meaningful improvements to call quality. – Jonathan Zavaleta
JBL Grip
The design of JBL’s Grip Bluetooth speaker was inspired by a seltzer can, making this portable speaker the go-anywhere, do-anything solution for listening to music. True to JBL’s reputation, the Grip speaker pumps out seriously loud sound in a surprisingly small package, with a durable build to withstand every adventure. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Sonos Era 300
Sonos Era 300 speaker combines a quirky design with excellent sound, and the versatile speaker works just as well in a multiroom music setup as it does for watching movies. Thanks to Dolby Atmos, the Era 300 delivers a truly immersive experience. Sonos’ compatibility with most music apps, its voice assistant, and features like AirPlay 2 give users a variety of ways to listen. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Fluance RT82
Fluance’s RT82 turntable offers one of the best values for audio enthusiasts. The design and build quality make for a turntable that looks like it should cost more than it does, and the turntable has the creature comforts vinyl enthusiasts look for, without any unnecessary gimmicks. There’s a cue lever for the tonearm and an auto-stop function that stops playback, and the Ortofon OM 10 Cartridge brings out the best of your vinyl collection. – Jonathan Zavaleta
KEF XIO
KEF is bringing its decades of audio excellence to the soundbar space with the luxurious XIO soundbar. It’s expensive, but it delivers top-tier audio for everything from music to movies. It’s also packed with smart features, including compatibility with a range of music streaming services, plus AirPlay, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. And the stylish design is a standout. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Tech
TCL
Year after year, TCL manages to raise the bar for value in TVs, while also pushing TV technology forward. With Quantum Dot and Mini-LED technology, TCL’s TVs are versatile home entertainment solutions for movies, sports, gaming, and everything in between. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Google Pixel 10
Google’s Pixel 10 phones boast impressive cameras, smooth performance, and plenty of smart features for everyday use. The latest phones utilize Qi2 for more reliable wireless charging, and you can unlock the phone with either the fingerprint sensor or your face. In short, the Pixel 10 is Android at its most versatile. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Nikon Z6III Mirrorless Camera
You’d be hard-pressed to find a camera that makes you feel more like a professional than the Nikon Z6III. With multiple image processors, it delivers crystal-clear photos and is easy enough to use for beginners just starting out. It also features video recording capabilities, allowing you to capture the moments you want to relive over and over again, all in one place. – Alexis Mikulski
Microsoft Surface Pro
I’ve been a devoted Mac user for decades, and the thought of using a PC once felt completely foreign to me — until I met the Microsoft Surface Pro. This genius little device, integrated with AI, makes all your tasks that much easier. It feels like having a personal assistant built into a fast, efficient machine. Simply put, it’s everything you could want in a computer. – Alexis Mikulski
Boox Go 10.3
From phone-sized tools to note-taking tablets, Boox’s devices prove that e-ink isn’t just for books. With Android capability, Boox’s tablets let you download your most-used phone apps, meaning you’re not just limited to reading and writing. Boox’s tablets are worthy contenders, whether you’re looking to cut down on phone time or you’re the tech-savvy type looking for a new productivity tool. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025
While other streaming devices have upped the ante — and the price — Roku has stuck to a tried and true formula of affordable, dependable streaming sticks. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus delivers 4K picture, a voice-enabled remote, and an easy set up. Its small size, combined with the fact that it can be powered by the TV’s USB port, means it’s a great option for travel, too. — Jonathan Zavaleta
Google Pixel Watch 4
Google’s latest Pixel Watch is a winning combination of design and features; the domed display gives it a stylish look, while fitness and health tracking make it easier to reach your goals. The watch is integrated with Gemini, making it easier to get wellness insights or respond to messages without having to pull out your phone. And with up to 40 hours of battery life, the Pixel Watch 4 goes the distance. — Jonathan Zavaleta
Leica Cine Play 1
With the Cine Play 1, Leica understands that most home projector buyers want a unit that’s stylish and fits into their home, not something that looks like it should be in a corporate conference room. The Cine Play 1 marries good looks with performance. It delivers an impressively bright picture, a reliable interface, and surprisingly robust sound, all in a (relatively) portable package. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Streaming
DIRECTV
From sports to entertainment to news, DirecTV has you covered. The distribution giant has evolved to meet the customer where they are, offering a variety of packages, exceptional coverage, and even a great optional streaming device. Besides its large streaming plans, DirecTV now also offers Genre Packs like MySports and MyNews that bundle channels in the same genre for a lower price, ensuring you get all the channels you need for the best possible price. If you need to watch cable or local channels in 2026, DirecTV is our best solution. – Oscar Hartzog
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN recently unveiled a new sports streaming service, ESPN Unlimited. They hit it out of the park. ESPN Unlimited gets you access to all ESPN content, including livestreams of every ESPN channel and streams of on-demand content, all for a relatively low price of $29.99 a month. – Oscar Hartzog
Philo
As nearly every streaming service jacks up prices, bundles are becoming more valuable. The best bundle right now it’s from Philo, which delivers more than 70 live TV channels, HBO Max, and Discovery+ for just $33 a month. In other words, Philo offers more for less. That’s a winning combination. – Oscar Hartzog
HBO Max
It’s been over a decade since streaming services started producing exclusives, but none of them have been able to dethrone the king of originals, HBO Max. From classics like The Sopranos and The Wire to modern hits like The White Lotus, The Last of Us, and The Pitt, HBO Max consistently has the most talked-about, most acclaimed original series of any streaming service. – Oscar Hartzog
Hulu + Live TV
If you’re looking to replace your cable box or satellite, Hulu + Live TV is the way to go. The live TV streamer offers 95 popular channels, including sports, local, and entertainment networks. Add ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu’s whole on-demand library, and you have one of the best all-around streaming services on the market. – Oscar Hartzog
Welness & Fitness
Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2 Infrared Sauna
I’ve never felt more relaxed at home than I did in the Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2 Infrared Sauna. It’s like having the best parts of a five-star resort right in my own apartment. The sauna heats up quickly, connects via Bluetooth so you can control how you want to vibe-out, and is spacious enough for two — though I often enjoy it solo for some extra peace and quiet. – Alexis Mikulski
Theragun Mini Plus
The Theragun Mini Plus is the latest offering from Therabody; it takes the portable yet powerful Mini and improves it with the addition of heat therapy. The heated massager allows for quick post-workout relief in the same portable package that’s ideal for travel, gym, or home use. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Thorne
The supplement market is extremely crowded, and many of the brands are gimmicky or downright untrustworthy. Thorne stands out from the pack. The brand’s best-selling products, which include everything from creatine to magnesium, boast clinical validation and rigorous third-party testing. They’re probably best known for sports performance supplements, but their sleep, stress, and beauty products are equally great. – Oscar Hartzog
Polar Monkeys
Cold plunges have been steadily growing in popularity for years now, but Polar Monkeys has retained its seat on the throne (er, tub). The brand’s plunges are comfortable with plenty of room to stretch out and well-designed with fun graphics that actually look good in your yard. Polar Monkeys’ chillers work fast and reliably (they can also heat up for a hot tub experience), and drainage is very easy. If you want to see why cold plunging has become so popular — or you’re already converted — this is the one to get. — Oscar Hartzog
Future
Future, a new virtual training app, solves two big hurdles to reaching fitness goals: finances and schedules. The digital personal training platform matches you with a coach who offers personalized training around your schedule. The app’s monthly subscription price is also much cheaper than in-person personal training. In short, Future is better personal training that works around your schedule and your budget. Tom Brady is the brand’s co-chairman, and they have “Athlete Advisors” that include Simone Biles, Tony Hawk, Usain Bolt, Derek Jeter, and other champions. – Oscar Hartzog
Speediance GM2 Gym Monster
Most home gyms promise the same thing: the ability to get fit and stay motivated without leaving your house. But few actually deliver like Speediance’s Gym Monster 2. With its interactive screen assisting you through workouts, compact design that fits even small spaces (I store mine in a 700-square-foot studio apartment), and personalized adjustments, it can actually replace your gym membership. After just a few months of using the Gym Monster 2, our product tester lost 20 pounds — that speaks for itself. – Alexis Mikulski
Outdoor Gear
Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill
When is camping equipment more than camping equipment? When it’s made by Snow Peak, of course. The brand’s stylish offerings bring Japanese design to the outdoors. The Takibi Fire & Grill is built for cooking and camping, with a portable, collapsible design that’s as stylish as it is practical. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Hoka Challenger 8
There’s a reason you’ll find the Hoka Challenger 8 in the closets of both marathon runners and casual joggers (like me). This best-seller provides support exactly where your feet need it, offers comfort for issues like overpronation or flat feet, and won’t wear or tear. Whether you’re doing a jaunt down the street or logging miles across the country, these shoes will never do you dirty. — Alexis Mikulski
Aer City Pack Pro 2
Aer’s City Pack Pro 2 combines minimalist style with excellent functionality, making it a versatile bag for everything from travel to daily commutes. The heavy-duty Cordura ballistic nylon withstands daily wear-and-tear, while the luggage strap makes it easy to tote it through the terminal. And because the clamshell design opens flat, it’s easy to find what you need without rummaging. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Solo Stove
Solo Stove makes fire pits for every kind of backyard, whether you have hundreds of acres or just a small city balcony. You can choose from smokeless fire pits that bring the heat, or smaller tabletop versions that provide just the right amount of warmth on a chilly day. But no matter the size, the quality is consistently impressive. – Alexis Mikulski
Nike ACG
Nike might be best known for sportswear, but they continue to hit it out of the (national) park with ACG. The outdoor gear label (which stands for All Conditions Gear) produces rugged gear for running in harsh conditions. They make some of the best trail running shoes, running jackets, and durable shorts on the market — stuff that also works great for hiking and camping. – Oscar Hartzog
Apparel
Timex
Timex is our back-to-back winner for the world’s best watch brand. Sure, they’re not as fancy as the big Swiss or French names, but they’re arguably just as stylish and — most importantly — actually accessible to everyone. The 170-year-old brand has been killing it recently with throwback designs like the Eighties-inspired 1983 E line and the sold-out 1995 Intrepid Reissue. They’ve got character, famous durability, and price points that make watch collecting a reality, not a dream. – Oscar Hartzog
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch underwent a major overhaul a few years ago, and it’s now our go-to menswear brand. From their basics, like tees and jeans, to their statement pieces, like coats and sweaters, everything is right on the trend bullseye — not to mention comfortable, durable, and very reasonably priced. And we’re not the only A&F fans: It’s one of the few mall labels that regularly sells out of product. – Oscar Hartzog
Ten Thousand
With shorts, shirts, and pants built for every kind of workout, Ten Thousand is one of the most versatile brands for the gym. The signature style is their Interval short, which is available with or without a liner and comes with plenty of smartly designed pockets for fuss-free storage, and Ten Thousand’s minimal-meets-functional design ethos extends across its stylish offerings. – Jonathan Zavaleta
Bleusalt
Searching for women’s clothing can feel overwhelming, but Bleusalt takes away the stress and brings back the fun of shopping. The Malibu-based brand offers everything from timeless sweaters to elegant evening dresses, all flattering, chic, and affordable. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone looking to refresh their wardrobe while still having enough left over to pay for the closet it’s all housed in. – Alexis Mikulski
On
On has become the IYKYK brand among serious runners. The Zurich-based company started in 2010 and quickly flight thanks to its namesake cloud-like outsoles that provide serious cushion for long runs. They’re responsive too, though, and look better than most running shoes on the market — you’ve probably seen people wearing them casually for this reason. – Oscar Hartzog
Grooming & Beauty
Lumin
Small recipe lists, big results. That’s what you get with Lumin, and it’s why we’ve named them our favorite men’s skincare brand two years in a row. Everything in their lineup, from moisturizers and cleansers to charcoal scrubs and dark circle treatments, is clean, fresh, and effective. If your skincare isn’t cutting it, we highly recommend Lumin. – Oscar Hartzog
Indie Lee
I have very sensitive skin and often struggle to find a good cleansing routine, but Indie Lee’s products have saved my face. They don’t cause breakouts, feel lightweight on the skin, and avoid the harsh, synthetic smells of other products. The brand notes that they use vegan-based formulas. The stunning packaging is just an added bonus — I’m proud to display them right on my bathroom shelves. – Alexis Mikulski
Dr. Squatch
Dr. Squatch was our favorite bar soap last year, and we haven’t found a better one since. Using real ingredients (and none of the harmful stuff you’ll find in most soaps), Dr. Squatch makes rich, luxurious soap that cleanses and exfoliates. Their scents are all designed for dudes, with great-smelling options like wood barrel bourbon, castaway coconut, and cool fresh aloe. – Oscar Hartzog
Gillette
There are plenty of new shaving brands doing cool things, but they can’t beat the tried-and-true stalwart that is Gillette. Overall, Gillette remains unbeaten — whether you’re on the hunt for razors, electric trimmers, or fluffy, great-smelling shaving cream. – Oscar Hartzog
Jack Henry
Although technically a unisex brand, Jack Henry has figured out men’s hair. Whether it’s their shampoo and conditioner or styling clay, expect pure, natural ingredients that make your hair look great after using and even better after prolonged use. – Oscar Hartzog
Oribe
My hair is a nightmare. I’ve come to terms with it. No matter what I do, tangles appear instantly, and another brush meets its demise. That was true until I tried Oribe. From their detangling spray, which smells like a dream, to their shampoos and conditioners that protect my hair color, these are salon-grade products at their finest. I’ll put it this way: you’d have to pry them from my cold, dead hands, that’s how much of a fan I am. – Alexis Mikulski
Home
Meraki
This Meraki espresso machine is as good as it looks. The semi-automatic machine boasts dual boilers for barista-level features, an integrated grinder, and a PID controller for perfect pulls every morning. All of this is packaged in one of the most handsome units we’ve seen and controlled with an intuitive circular touchscreen. Add a relatively accessible price point (for something of this caliber), and you have the best espresso machine of 2025. – Oscar Hartzog
Brooklinen
I recently threw a party in my apartment, and one of the things people complimented most was my Brooklinen (Tandem Stripe in Pebble) sheets. And I wasn’t surprised. Like so many Brooklinen products, the sheets are some of the most stylish on the market. And, what my guests didn’t know is that they’re also the comfiest sheets I’ve ever owned. They’re lightweight and fluffy, making an excellent choice for the summer months (they’re even cooler than my linen sheets), but still substantial enough for cozy winter nights. If we need new bedding, Brooklinen is our first stop. – Oscar Hartzog
Purple
Great mattresses are so hard to find, which is why Purple feels like striking gold. The brand uses unique technology, like their supportive GelFlex Grid system and breathable Ultra Comfort Foam, to make some of the best mattresses on the market. Purple makes mattresses that don’t just work for most people; they make mattresses that most people love — us included. – Oscar Hartzog
Chita Living
It feels like there’s an endless number of sofas on the market that promise a “cloud-like” feel but deliver anything but. Chita Living solved that problem once and for all. Their modular sofas are incredibly comfortable; I genuinely find it hard to leave mine, easy to clean (yes, a wine spill or two happened, and it snapped right back to its original color), and they are simply stunning. The most impressive part? The price. It’s about half that of competitors, with quality that’s just as good, if not better. – Alexis Mikulski
Frigidaire
Frigidaire is our top choice in the wine fridge game, offering high capacity, high performance, and a sleek, ergonomic design you’ll want to show off rather than hide away. – Alexis Mikulski
Travel
July CaseSafe Carry On
As someone who overpacks, even for weekend trips, I was delighted at the fact that this recently released, hardside suitcase’s Y-strap compression system allowed me to take every single piece of clothing I needed (and probably didn’t need) without it spilling out as I tried to zip the bag. Other things to love? It’s the world’s first trackable suitcase, effortlessly pairing with your phone’s Find My app and also coming equipped with a lock that works via the luggage’s zippers. I was impressed by its lightness, on-trend colorway (the Dark Brown one I own has already ran out of inventory), and telescopic handle that can be customized 20 different ways. With July’s CaseSafe Carry On, you’ll be living in the future — and flying stress-free, no Apple AirTags needed. — Stacia Datskovska
Peak Design Travel Duffel
Duffel bags are sometimes overlooked, but that might be because many of them are poorly designed. This Peak Design duffel will convert anyone. It’s spacious and cleverly designed not just to fit your stuff but keep it organized. It comes in four sizes and features a super durable weatherproof nylon shell to weather whatever your travels throw at you. Get it in a 35, 50, 65, or 80-liter size. – Oscar Hartzog
Anker Nano Power Bank
There’s a case for power banks that are built to power every device you own twice over, but sometimes you just need a little extra juice — or peace of mind. Anker’s tiny Nano Power bank is built for such situations. The Anker Nano won’t fully power most phones, but it delivers just enough power in a pocket-friendly design, and the built-in USB-C connector means you’re never stranded without a charging cable. – Jonathan Zavaleta