The Top 20 Must-Read Tech Magazines and Publications

Free Magazines
6 min readNov 4, 2023

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In the fast-paced world of technology, staying current and informed on the latest breakthroughs, gadgets, and industry developments is crucial but challenging. Thankfully, there are a number of exceptional magazines and publications that can keep you up-to-date on all things tech.

To help you stay in-the-know, we’ve compiled this list of the top 20 must-read tech magazines and publications. These are the cream of the crop-trustworthy sources that not only provide tech news, but also in-depth analysis, reviews, insights, and more. Read on to discover which tech magazines are worth adding to your regular reading list.

Wired

When it comes to tech magazines, Wired stands in a class of its own. Launched in 1993 as one of the first publications devoted entirely to examining how emerging technologies impact culture, Wired has remained on the cutting edge for nearly three decades.

Each sleekly designed monthly issue of Wired dives deep on everything from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence to biotech. Through compelling longform articles, interviews with industry pioneers, and eye-catching infographics, Wired provides an indispensible glimpse into the future. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about tech.

TechCrunch

Boasting tens of millions of readers each month, TechCrunch delivers tech news, analysis, and opinions with the timeliness of a wire service and the readability of a magazine. You’ll gain invaluable insider perspectives on Silicon Valley happenings, from startup fundings to gadget launches and tech IPOs.

TechCrunch really shines in its blogs, with writers who bring expertise in areas like crypto, biotech, enterprise software, transportation, space, and more. It’s the #1 online resource for staying on technology’s bleeding edge.

CNET

With over 25 years of experience reviewing consumer technology, CNET has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted voices in tech journalism. The site’s team of editors provides detailed hands-on testing and ratings for smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, and other gadgets.

CNET’s buying guides like The Best TVs for 2022 make it easy to identify the top tech in any category. If you’re looking to make a big tech purchase, CNET’s unbiased recommendations are indispensable.

Tom’s Guide

Launched in 2006, Tom’s Guide offers real-world technology advice and reviews geared towards mainstream consumers. You’ll find buying advice for nearly any gadget you can think of, from budget laptops to high-end cameras to smart home systems.

Tom’s Guide really excels at providing hands-on previews of unreleased products and roundups of the best tech across all price points. It’s a great first stop for balanced tech perspectives.

Make:

Make: caters to the creatives, hobbyists, and DIY builders of the world. This publication and accompanying website provide projects and skill-building tutorials to help makers of all levels master everything from Arduino to 3D printing to Raspberry Pi.

Make: often covers emerging tools, components, and techniques that enable new possibilities in making things, whether for fun or for business. It’s an unparalleled resource for taking your crafting to the next level.

PC Magazine

In continuous publication since 1982, PC Magazine has long served as a leading authority on personal computing, consumer electronics, and software. The magazine’s rigorous lab-based product reviews set the standard for evaluating PCs, PC components, peripherals, and other tech gear.

Whether you’re buying a laptop or building a custom gaming desktop, PC Magazine’s deep benchmarks and comparisons help you make the right choice. It’s an essential reference for computer hardware.

The Verge

If you want tech news and product announcements instantaneously, The Verge should be one of your first stops. Staffed by a team of tech journalists, The Verge delivers a high volume of news related to consumer tech and the industry at large.

While not as in-depth as some publications, The Verge provides timely tech coverage across a range of areas, including smartphones, streaming services, gaming, and more. It’s essential reading for staying current.

TechRadar

The team at TechRadar has been delivering authoritative technology reviews and advice since 2000. The site covers everything from the latest smartphones to the best laptops to smart home gadgets.

TechRadar’s product roundups like The Best VPN Services Ranked make it easy to see the top-rated options across different tech categories. Whether you’re a novice or pro, you’ll find TechRadar’s perspectives on consumer tech insightful and accessible.

Digital Trends

With its finger on the pulse of tech innovations and disruptions, Digital Trends helps you understand where the industry is headed next. You’ll discover promising startups, bleeding-edge gadgets, and potential shakeups to entire markets.

In between its prescient tech news coverage, Digital Trends also publishes helpful buying advice like The Best Cell Phone Plans for 2022 to help you optimize your life through technology. It’s a trusted source for tech prognostication.

PCMag

When it comes to evaluating technology products head-to-head, few can match the thoroughness and expertise of PCMag. The site’s lab captures extensive benchmarks and comparisons across desktops, laptops, peripherals, and other gear.

Whether you’re looking for the fastest SSD or the best webcams for streaming, PCMag’s data-driven reviews identify the top-performing tech for gaming, work, and beyond. For objective tech insights, PCMag is unparalleled.

Popular Mechanics

While not exclusively a tech magazine, since 1902 Popular Mechanics has provided engaging explainers of groundbreaking technology alongside DIY tutorials. Expect the latest tech innovations in transportation, aerospace, sustainability, home technology, and more. The eye-catching photography and storytelling make Popular Mechanics a joy to read.

Macworld

For devoted users of Apple products, Macworld remains the top destination for news, how-tos, reviews, and insight related to Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and everything in between.

No other publication focuses so exclusively on maximizing your Apple devices. Macworld provides tips for unleashing the power of each new OS release, covers the best Apple-compatible accessories, and keeps you informed on all things happening in Cupertino. It’s essential reading for Apple devotees.

Lifewire

With the tagline “Tech Untangled,” Lifewire lives up to its name by breaking down complex tech topics into digestible how-to guides and explainers. You’ll find thousands of visual tutorials covering everything from building a PC to using Instagram to removing viruses.

Lifewire’s friendly experts make learning technology feel welcoming and unintimidating. It’s the ideal resource for turning tech novices into savvy users.

Tech Hive

Think of Tech Hive as your neighborhood technology expert. The site serves up buying advice, how-to tutorials, news, and product reviews in a casual, conversational style.

Especially helpful are Tech Hive’s regularly updated roundups of the best tech gadgets and services across different price ranges and categories. For accessible, human tech perspectives, Tech Hive hits the mark.

How-To Geek

With over 20 years of experience simplifying complex tech topics, How-To Geek contains a treasure trove of articles explaining everything from removing viruses to getting the most out of Windows and macOS settings.

While How-To Geek covers tech news and reviews as well, its step-by-step visual guides are the real highlight. The plain English tutorials help boost anyone’s tech IQ.

Tech Advisor

Since 2000, Tech Advisor has provided trustworthy recommendations on everything from best budget smartphones to top antivirus software. You’ll find unbiased reviews based on hands-on testing, along with guides on advanced functionalities of your devices.

Think of Tech Advisor as having a personal tech concierge in your pocket at all times. Its expertise will help you spend your money wisely and master the tech you already own.

PCWorld

Focusing exclusively on Windows personal computers and related software, PCWorld has you covered if you’re a PC power user. The site benchmarks pre-built desktops and laptops while also reviewing individual components like GPUs, CPUs, routers, and peripherals.

Whether you’re buying a new gaming rig or optimizing an old one, PCWorld’s comparisons, tutorials, and reviews have the answers. It’s an elite resource for PC enthusiasts.

Chip

Active since 1978, Germany’s Chip provides globally relevant technology news, reviews, and how-tos geared towards mainstream consumers. While Chip’s German site covers more localized stories, the English-language Chip.eu focuses on essential tech topics like mobile devices, smart homes, EVs, audio gear, and more.

Chip stands out for providing a European perspective that adds nuance and insight beyond typical US tech coverage. It offers an international view of technology and its impacts.

Tech Magazines Offer Something for Every Reader

The world of consumer technology expands at a dizzying pace. New gadgets, apps, and innovations appear daily. While this rapid change can feel overwhelming, the diverse publications above ensure you can keep up and even get ahead of the latest developments.

These 20 exceptional magazines and sites cater to every tech interest and reading style. Whether you’re an Apple fanboy, PC enthusiast, hobbyist tinkerer, or simply want trustworthy buying advice, there’s a publication that fits your needs. Bookmark one or more to make sense of the technology landscape.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.

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