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One of the great things about this job is that we get to write about all sorts of gadgets. Many times, the stuff that catches our eye isn't the hot-ticket item like a new iPhone, but the smaller, stranger, and sometimes more obscure stuff. These are things you might never have known existed, but they enter your life and change it for the better.
And looking at the list of top-selling gadgets that ZDNET readers have been buying so far in 2026, it seems that readers share our taste for smaller gadgets that turn out to be super useful.
Also: 12 travel gadgets that can upgrade your spring break
So let's take a quick look at what our readers have been buying from the beginning of the year through April. Note: (Your privacy is protected -- we only have access to aggregate data from our user base, and there is no way for us to identify individual people's purchases.)
The 10 most popular gadgets among ZDNET readers in 2026 (so far)
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
While are the best choice for iPhone users, Bluetooth tracker options for Android users have been somewhat limited over the years. But a few companies have stepped up to the plate to fill that void, and one of those is Chipolo.
The Chipolo One Point key fob is very much like an AirTag, powered by a battery that lasts about a year. It's also water-resistant to IPX5 standard (which means it's splashproof). It's a great tag, and goes a long way to end the frustration (and arguments) that come from things like lost keys!
Also: I finally found Bluetooth trackers for Android that beat AirTags
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OK, probably one of the weirdest gadgets to make it onto ZDNET -- a 1080p smartphone-controlled camera that's supposed to go into your ear and help you excavate wax buildup.
"I can't confirm or deny whether I've stuck this in my ear at any point, that's not why it's on this list," ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says. "This is a super-handy camera for poking into crevices, looking for water leaks, lost screws and bolts, and other stuff that might be happening outside of where I can get my eye into."
The business end of the camera is just 0.17 inches/4.3 mm in diameter, so it's perfect for probing into random places. And the business end of the unit is IP67 rated for water and schmoo resistance, and it can be cleaned with a cloth or alcohol wipe.
Also: The weirdest tool I own is also one of the most useful
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This toolkit is proof that good tools can last a long time. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes bought his Wera Tool Check Plus kit back in 2015, and he says it's still going strong.
"The Tool-Check Plus holds everything together in a tough polymer carry case. There's a small 1/4-inch ratchet, a screwdriver bit holder, and a selection of bits and sockets, and everything is of the highest possible quality.The ratchet might look small, but looks in this case are deceptive," Kingsley-Hughes says.
Also: This is my favorite tool kit of all time - here's why it's still in use 10 years later
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Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes and I can both vouch for this odd gadget. If you enjoy being outdoors but are prone to insect bites, this unusual accessory could be a game-changer. Heat it is a USB-C phone bug bite zapper that quells the itch. It's perfect for the upcoming summer months and is tiny enough to carry anywhere.
Also: This USB-C accessory gave my iPhone and Android an unexpectedly useful superpower
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