Tested by Cutting-edge technology has never been more accessible. These days, you can control appliances with your voice, start the dinner from your phone and transform your skin from the comfort of your sofa.
Since opening its doors in 1924, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been at the forefront of testing the newest innovations in the home. In the 1930s, we reviewed the Atmos, a ‘mechanical housemaid’ that claimed to be a ‘clothes washer, ironer and vacuum cleaner’; we tested the first Dyson vacuum released in 1993; and we’ve cooked up a storm in more than 60 air fryers in the past three years.
Today, we continue to test the very latest products in our state-of-the-art lab. So, in the culmination of our centenary celebrations this year, the GHI VIP Awards are recognising the tech that’s changed our lives in 2024.
Meet the experts
How we tested
All the products with a score against them have been put through rigorous testing in our lab to ensure they deliver on their claims. With robot vacuums, for example, we ground pet hair and dirt into carpets to assess their pick-up. With wellness trackers, we used heart rate and medical SpO2 monitors to check they provided accurate readings. Where relevant, we also sent products to a panel of at-home testers, who trialled them for a minimum of two weeks (depending on claims), before giving detailed feedback. All this contributed to their final scores.
Our VIP winners have been chosen either because they were first-to-market, they’re making innovation accessible to a wider audience or because they’re the highest scorer within a cutting-edge field.
In the tech category, because the pace of change is so rapid, the products have been chosen by Good Housekeeping’s tech editor, who has had a chance to trial them first-hand.
Introducing the game-changers…
Sleep and wellness winners
Score: 85/100
Popular with celebs and athletes, this AI-powered, smart mattress topper is designed to improve your sleep in a meaningful way, not just monitor it. It makes automatic adjustments to the temperature of your bed throughout the night to suit your body’s individual rhythms (it heats up to 43C and down to 13C), with separate zones for you and your partner. Thanks to undetectable biometric sensors, it also provides plenty of useful data, from sleep stages to respiratory rate. Testers noted improvements in the quality of their rest – especially those who struggled with hot flashes and night sweats.
Score: 81/100
This futuristic workout tool – which looks like a standard full-length mirror at first glance – uses AI technology to deliver interactive workouts in the comfort of your living room. As you follow the PT on the life-sized screen, it tracks your movements via a camera embedded in the mirror and provides instant feedback on your technique. It scored highly for ease of use and our expert appreciated the enthusiastic trainers and variety of workouts on offer, from strength training to dance classes.
Score: 80/100
This is the first smartwatch to provide 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, with European Medical Device Regulation Certification. It houses a tiny inflatable airbag within the strap, which measures your blood pressure throughout the day and takes readings almost silently overnight, to detect symptoms of hypertension. Our expert found it lightweight and comfortable to wear. It also tracks key health metrics including heart rate, blood oxygen, stress levels, skin temperature, breathing awareness and sleep, providing detailed reports.
Score: 74/100
Though Oura dominates the market, Samsung is the first tech giant to launch its own version of the discreet smart ring. The AI-powered wearable tracks your sleep and activity levels, as well as monitoring heart rate, skin temperature and menstrual cycle, to provide an overall ‘energy score’ and offer a host of personalised health insights. A great choice if you’re not a fan of clunky wrist watches, it only works with Android devices, but unlike other smart rings, you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription to access all the features.
Beauty winners
Score: 85/100
The heat from our hairdryers is known for dehydrating and damaging our scalps, especially if the nozzle gets a little too close for comfort. As well as five easy-to use styling attachments, this smart new hairdryer from the experts at Dyson contains a special ‘scalp sensor’, which adjusts the airflow temperature to avoid burning your roots. It left our testers’ hair glossy with minimal fly-aways, with one person even telling us: “This is the best hairdryer I’ve ever used.” What more could you want?
Score: 84/100
IPLs and laser hair removal tend to work most effectively on those with fair skin and dark hair, as the device needs to see the hair to treat it. But, with its new model, Silk’n is looking to make pulsed light therapy available to many people previously excluded. It works by using galvanic energy (a low-level energy current) to open the pores and target hair. Those with the darkest skin tones and grey hair will still struggle to see results, but many panellists said it was the first IPL that worked for their skin tone and hair colour combo.
Home appliance winners
Score: 98/100
Most vacuums only pick up dust and debris when moving forward, but this intelligent design features a multi-directional nozzle that tackles debris in both directions for quicker, more efficient cleaning. It also automatically boosts power when dirt is detected – our experts were fans of this feature – and adapts to different obstacles and surfaces. Its sleek docking station charges and empties the device after each clean, while the two brush rolls are designed to suit all floor types. Testers found it intuitive to use and rated the suction power.
Score: 98/100
Dyson’s most-advanced air purifier was already our highest-scoring model, and this upgraded version has a new filter, which the brand claims removes three times more nitrogen dioxide. There’s also a CO2 filter and sensor that provides real-time feedback on air quality, letting you know when the levels are too high and you need to open a window. On test, it quickly removed all the particles our experts introduced, and it lived up to the ‘Quiet’ in its name. It does take up floor space, but the concealed wheels mean it's easy to move.
Score: 93/100
This stand mixer is designed to take the guesswork out of baking. There are seven sensor-driven programmes (including cake mix, pasta dough and egg whites), which continuously monitor the mixture, adjusting the speed when necessary and automatically stopping the machine when it’s reached the perfect consistency. Our experts found it simple to use and it resulted in a light, well-risen cake. The design is robust, and it even has integrated weighing scales, so it really does all the hard work for you.
Score: 91/100
This robot vacuum and mop was the first to contain a dual water tank, so it can collect dirty water and clean the mop as it goes. It’s heavier as a result, but it wowed our testers, who said it didn’t smear any stains beyond the already-dirty area when cleaning – something rarely seen in the lab. It has a multi-tasking docking station too, providing an almost hands-free user experience (you’ll need to programme it via your phone and empty and refill the station when required). As for its vacuuming, it was methodical and effective.
Score: 90/100
Samsung’s American-style fridge freezer combines an internal camera and AI technology to identify and record groceries, helping you keep track of what’s inside. You can then check the contents via the SmartThings app when you’re in the supermarket. It has a large touch-screen panel on the door, where you can view your calendar, build meal plans, browse the internet and even stream TV and music. There’s also a ‘FlexZone’, which you can switch from freezer to fridge when you need extra space.
Food & drink winner
Score: 77/100
Developed in response to the challenges faced by climate change, Floreal is a new hybrid grape varietal that’s resistant to some of the most common vineyard diseases. This hardiness means there’s less reliance on pesticides, which means reduced tractor usage, helping to cut CO2 emissions and enhance biodiversity in the process. Of course, that’s only good if it also makes deliciously drinkable wine. Our experts enjoyed notes of lemon, elderflower, tart gooseberry, apricot and peach and found it not dissimilar to the home-grown Bacchus grape, used to make many English wines.
Parenting winners
Score: 95/100
A smart add-on to Thule’s Shine pushchair, this air purifier canopy
is the first of its kind and is bursting with innovative features. It has a concealed filter inside the hood that catches pollution particles – including pollen, bacteria and viruses – and pushes out clean air towards your baby. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery, has three settings and reminds you when the filter needs changing. It performed well both in and out of the lab, and our expert found the fan reassuringly quiet.
Score: 94/100
The Elvie Stride 2 is portable and discreet, while still offering hospital-grade suction. It connects to an accompanying app, so you can control it from your phone (there are 10 intensity settings) and track your milk volume and pumping history. The brand’s newest launch is even lighter than the original Stride, has fewer washing parts for easy cleaning and is whisper quiet. The ultra-soft silicone cups mean it’s comfy to wear under clothes and it comes with six funnels to accommodate different nipple sizes.
Score: 75/100
This clever hybrid solution – which transforms from a car seat to stroller (and back) in a matter of seconds – is loved by celebs from Rochelle Humes to Ed Sheeran. It’s a practical, time-saving pick if you’re always on the go with your little one. Featuring three recline positions and an adjustable headrest (which is useful as your baby grows), it’s made from breathable fabrics that can be easily removed for washing. We only tested it as a stroller, but it adheres to the latest car seat safety regulations.
Tech winners
Apple's first foray into virtual and mixed reality doesn't come cheap but trust us when we say we've never experienced anything quite like it. When you put the headset on, the space around you is transformed into a digital display. You can experience your videos and photos in a way that makes it feel like you're travelling back through your memories. It's highly intuitive to use too, with eye-tracking and simple pinch gestures. It also works as your own personal cinema or a versatile space for work or gaming.
It isn’t the most futuristic smartphone ever made, but the Fairphone 5 is arguably the most sustainable. Just like the old Nokia phones, you can remove the back panel to access the replaceable battery, the expandable storage and the SIM card slot. With a bit of DIY, it’s also possible to replace many of the modular parts yourself as needed – including the cameras, the display and the charging port – saving the cost of a new phone. It comes with a great display, a long battery life and it’s a solid option for mobile photographers too.
The 2025 watchlist
Our experts have also done some future-gazing and given us the inside scoop on the upcoming launches they’re excited about for 2025 and beyond. Coming to the lab soon...
UMIA AI Nail Painting Robot
“We will soon be able to get our nails done by a robot. I was one of the first people in the UK to try this, and although I was dubious at first, you can’t argue with the efficiency. It takes 20 minutes to paint a full set of nails, whatever design you choose, and (if you stay completely still) the effect is fairly neat. When it launches in 2025, the founders want one ‘on every corner’, much like an ATM, offering 24-hour manicures.” Florence Reeves-White, GHI Senior Beauty Writer
Miele ‘Vooper’ Concept Vacuum
“Miele has imagined what vacuum cleaners will look like when they’re designed with circularity in mind. The prototype is entirely modular, so it’s easier to repair or upgrade throughout its lifecycle. When you’re finished with it, it's also possible to thoroughly dismantle and recycle its parts. It’s not the most glamorous tech I’ve seen, but it’s the direction I hope all appliances will move towards as we seek out more sustainable solutions for people and the planet.” Hannah Mendelsohn, GHI Homes Editor
Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro Smart EEG Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
“We're all used to the idea of activity-tracking wearables. And many of us rely on noise-cancelling headphones to get through the workday. But what happens when you combine the two? The result is Neurable's smart headphones. They use electroencephalography (EEG) and artificial intelligence to read your brainwaves and work out when you're most focused or when you need that break for a cup of tea. We're fascinated to find out if they actually live up to their claims.” Simon Cocks, Tech Editor
LG Self-Driving AI Home Hub
“If the robots are indeed coming, I want mine to look like this one. LG’s frankly adorable vision of a home hub can wheel around your home, communicate with you, control all your smart appliances and keep any pets or little ones company when needed. It’s still a little too early to say whether it will ever land on our shelves, though!” Hannah Mendelsohn, GHI Homes Editor
Apple AirPods Pro 2
“Not a new product per se, but Apple’s iconic AirPods Pro 2 could soon double up as clinical-grade hearing aids. This revolutionary tech will be suitable for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss – the buds will offer scientifically validated hearing tests and, if required, users will then be able to adjust the settings to enjoy enhanced audio on media and calls. There isn’t a UK release date yet, but these features are set to be rolled out in more than 100 countries across the globe.” Priyankaa Joshi, GHI Senior Health & Wellbeing Writer
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
