The future of AI is moving fast — and at Tom’s Guide, we’re putting the spotlight on the products and services truly shaping what comes next.
The Tom’s Guide AI Awards 2026 are officially open for nominations. If your AI product is changing how people work, create, shop, or live — now’s the time to enter.
AI is more than just chatbots, so we're going to be giving out awards across a number of categories. Everything from image generators to robot vacuums and wearables has AI in it, and we want to recognize those companies who make the most effective use of the technology. Below are the categories for which you can enter; we reserve the right to modify these categories based on the submissions.
Core AI & Productivity
AI is transforming how we work, think and get things done — from writing and research tools to task automation and decision-making platforms. We’re looking for AI products that are redefining productivity and helping people work smarter every day.
Personal Tech (Phones, PCs, & Wearables)
From smartphones and wearables to smart home devices and AI-powered accessories, this category highlights the tech people rely on every day. We’re looking for products that seamlessly integrate AI to make life easier, more intuitive while staying connected.
Smart Home, Appliances & Security
From smart thermostats and security systems to AI-powered appliances and home automation, this category highlights the technology transforming how we live at home. We’re looking for products that use AI to improve comfort, efficiency and peace of mind in innovative yet everyday ways.
Specialty & Future Tech
For this category, we’re looking for bold, unconventional AI products that push past today’s limits and hint at what’s coming next. From the practical to the accessible to the innovative, these products give us a glimpse of AI’s future while improving our lives at the same time.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working out from your living room or your local gym, training for a marathon, or doing your first 5K, here at Tom’s Guide, we believe in helping readers find the products that’ll help them reach their goals.
The Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards 2026 is a chance to celebrate these products — from the running shoes that help someone finish with a shiny new PR, the fitness tracker that leads someone to make healthier decisions, to the new fitness app that has transformed home workouts.
Our awards recognize innovations in the fitness space, admirable efforts in safety, and the brand making waves in terms of sustainability in the fitness world. We’re excited to celebrate the companies striving to make a difference in the lives of consumers.
Home training
All the gear you need for getting fit without the gym — from resistance bands and dumbbells, to smart scales, treadmills, and exercise equipment.
Golf
From rangefinders to game trackers, AI-powered launch monitors, simulators, and apparel, these are the products every golfer needs to know about. These are the brands making the ‘perfect round’ more attainable.
Running
Runners come in all shapes and sizes, and our running awards appeal to everyone from beginner to athlete. We’re celebrating the best running shoes, watches, headphones, and apparel.
Winter sports
The best gear is the kind you don’t notice — it’s the kind that disappears, so you can focus on the sport. Our winter sports awards celebrate the smart goggles, apparel, and gloves of the season.
Hiking
The best hiking equipment earns its weight in your pack. We’re celebrating the smartwatches that double as safety tools, as well as the smartest boots, most intuitive mapping apps, and wearable tech.
Recovery
Every athlete will know performance is only as good as the recovery that follows it. From compression boots and wearable sensors to sliders every runner will reach for post-marathon, this is how to recover in 2026.
Unsure what category to choose?
If you're unsure what category suits your product best, please reach out to our awards team and we'll be happy to advise where possible.
Contact: ryan.chambers@futurenet.com