In a year that saw the crowning of a new monarch, an AI explosion and even a billionaire space race, the world’s biggest brands managed to stay the course and we’ve were there to cover it all. From CES to Watches & Wonders, there’s been a near-endless cavalcade of cool releases to sink our teeth into and what better way to wind down than to reflect on them?
Without these products, we honestly don’t know if we would’ve made it! There were countless developments in the realm of cars, fashion, tech, and alcohol that impressed us in 2023, 100 to be exact! So, grab a drink and strap yourselves in, we’ve got 12 months’ worth of product releases to get through.
How Man of Many Chose the 100 Best Products of 2023
To arrive at this list of 100 products, the Man of Many team went through hours and rigorous testing, implementation and analysis before culling it down to the very best.
Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked on curated products that push boundaries and pioneer new fronts, across the automotive, fashion, lifestyle and technology verticals. Sure, we love getting the latest piece of kit in our hands, but being able to point out the benefits and shortfalls objectively is at the heart of what we do.
As a result, the top 100 is primarily comprised of products that we tested in-house and use extensively first-hand. While there are a few exceptions to the rule, generally due to scarcity and availability, we made note of the cultural significance surrounding each product should we not have been able to review it personally.
NOTE: Some of the products listed previously appeared on Man of Many in a paid partnership capacity, however, this was clearly disclosed in the original coverage and in no way influenced the selection process for the Man of Many 100. For more details on Man of Many’s editorial policy, see here.
Tech
To say 2023 was the year of big tech would be an understatement. From Apple’s slightly underwhelming flagship iPhone release to the birth of our new AI overlords, the world of technology delivered in spades. For this year’s best tech products, we managed to cull it down to 15, embracing the latest in smartphones, televisions, computers, audio and seemingly everything in between.
Insta360 Ace Pro
What happens when Leica joins the adventure camera game? This year, the iconic brand stepped into the arena with a new partnership alongside Insta360 and the Ace Pro is the triumphant result. All the tech you need with a touch of class.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
While it didn’t necessarily deliver the same level of fanfare that Apple stans are used to, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was still a pivotal moment in the technology calendar. We got a super-fast A17 Pro chip alongside a new 5x telephoto zoom option, not to mention USB-C.
ASUS ROG Ally
Bringing PC-level performance to the handheld game, the ASUS ROG Ally is the ultimate gamer’s gift. Versatile enough to tackle the big-name titles and yet still small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Too easy.
For our full list of the best Tech products of 2023, check out the story below. We’ve got all your favourite pieces, along with some hidden gems and those that completely shocked the world. The best gadgets, from smartphones, cameras, computers, audio, TVs and everything Apple, on full display.
Automotive
In 2023, the automotive world didn’t disappoint. With a number of iconic car producers all outlining ambitious plans to go electric, the industry to sharp turn towards sustainable progress. Some even managed to get there early, with the Kia EV9 shattering expectations and putting the entire electric market on notice. Not to be outdone, however, the traditional marquees pulled no punches, with releases such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Lamborghini Revuelto making their presence felt, something the big truck purveyors behind the Range Rover Sport SV and even the Cybertruck know well. For this year’s best automotive releases, we managed to cull it down to 17, featuring the top cars we drove this year.
Kia EV9
The concept of the future brought to life, Kia’s EV9 burst onto the scene in a flash of blue. The automaker’s most expensive production vehicle ever was an absolute ripper and we were blown away from the second we got behind the wheel.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
After more than a year of teasers and leaks, Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric vehicle made its presence felt in the best possible way. Weighing in at over 3 tonnes with occupants, the Spectre isn’t as conspicuous as the name might suggest, but it has a lot going for it.
Ferrari Purosangue
The first-ever SUV from Italian marque Ferrari landed on our shores in 2023 and we were there to wave hello. Priced at an eye-watering $728,000 plus on-road costs, the performance vehicle isn’t cheap but what did you really expect?
For our full list of the best automotive releases of 2023, check out the story below. We’ve tackled a few different vehicles this year, prioritising the ones we managed to get behind the wheel of. While you can expect to see some flagship releases from the top end of town, 2023 marked a year rich with value. In fact, some of the best cars unveiled this year staked their claim on affordability and bang for buck.
Watches
Make no mistake, 2023 was always meant to be a landmark year on the watch calendar. With Blancpain ushering in the 70th anniversary of its iconic Fifty Fathoms lineup and OMEGA counting down the days until the Paris 2024 Olympics, watch fans were at a fever pitch before the year even began, but no one could have predicted what came next. While the world’s eyes were set on the top end of town, mid-tier favourite Longines swooped the pack, releasing an incredible collection of heritage timepieces that simply cannot be ignored, and it wasn’t alone. For this year’s best watch releases, we managed to cull it down to 18, charting the top drops from Rolex, TAG Heuer, OMEGA and more.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3
The final stage in Blancpain’s three-act celebration of the Fifty Fathoms lineup, the 70th Anniversary piece didn’t disappoint. A MIL-SPEC dive watch that reinterpreted the design language of the deep sea legend, the piece was big, bold and surprisingly, bronze gold.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition
The new Khaki Field Expedition charted a new course for the Swatch Group-owned watchmaker. Releasing in September, the latest field watch offered a range of upgraded functionalities and design elements, including a nifty compass design on the bi-directional rotating compass bezel that is as much a feature as it is a nod to the collection’s military heritage.
Longines HydroConquest GMT
If going diving equipped with a tough Swiss-made watch wasn’t enough, you can now keep track of multiple timezones – ideal for frequent travellers. The new Longines HydroConquest GMT features a redesigned case, a new GMT movement and a choice of four colourways.
For our full list of the best watches of 2023, check out the story below. With luxury pieces designed to withstand the toughest conditions on earth, alongside value-for-money drops that managed to survive scrutiny, it’s been a mixed bag this year. Who will come out on top and just what can we expect from the future?
Drinks
The great thing about whisky, wine and beer is that each year, we get to enjoy the fruits of our labour. An industry built on ageing, you can expect to see incredible drops unveiled each year that take the process of distilling to new heights, and 2023 was no exception. While The Macallan’s incredible Reach release headlined the show, there were plenty of other immaculate drops just off the pace. From The GlenDronach’s outrageous Grandeur to the remarkable coffee-infused non-alcoholic beer, the drinks industry unveiled its fair share of enticing elixirs over the period. Hell, there was even a choccy milk that made the list.
VB Xtra
Small beers with a big hit; that was the brief for VB’s new Xtra throwdown bottles, and it worked. Upping the ABV from the traditional 4.9% to a flat 6.0%, these new handheld heavies made a serious impression on the market and indeed, this office.
Sullivans Cove 21-Year-Old Single Cask
After the successful release of their 25th-anniversary 21-year-old back in 2019, Sullivan’s Cove backed it up with an equally special single cask in American oak and ex-bourbon. Sweet apple, raspberry and pineapple juice tantalise your senses with this one.
St Hugo Vetus Purum
To celebrate four decades since the inaugural St Hugo release, the South Australian icon unveiled a new collection that paid homage to its humble beginnings. The 2015 Vetus Purum was, in chief winemaker Peter Munro’s own words, “the perfect blend of elegance and power”.
For our full list of the best drinks products of 2023, check out the story below. Here, we chart our top craft beer, wine, champagne & cocktails unveiled over the last 12 months, ensuring the very best of whisky, gin, bourbon & vodka lives on.
Fashion
Not all drip is created equal. In a year that saw Kim Kardashian take the reins as menswear’s most important business mogul, Barbiecore dominate the runway and the Pope get seriously steezy, some unexpected stunners managed to survive the chaos. Among them, we saw MSCHF become a household name, while Tiffany & Co. continued its all-encompassing collaboration with Nike. For this year’s best fashion releases, we turned the screws and got it down to the top 11, chronicling the very best in luxury, accessories and sneakers.
MSCHF Big Red Boots
Who would have thought a spin-off Astro Boy sneaker could shake the foundations of sneaker culture? Well, Brooklyn-based art collective MSCHF thought so, and it sent the internet into a spin with its Big Red Boots.
Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton ‘Millionaire Speedy’
After debuting as the new menswear creative director for Louis Vuitton, hitmaker Pharell Williams opted to show off a new aesthetic, revealing the Millionaire Speedy Bag, an accessory with (you guessed it), a seven-figure price tag.
SKIMS Menswear Collection
Reality star Kim Kardashian took a step into the world of menswear this year, unveiling a new line under her SKIMS brand. The star-studded campaign introduced us to a fresh collection of briefs, undershirts, boxers, leggings and more.
For our full list of the best fashion products of 2023, check out the story below. In true Man of Many style, we stretched the limits of what fashion really means, embracing products from trends and accessories to sneakers and apparel. Of course, it wouldn’t be a good last without a few surprises, so enjoy.
Outdoors
Nothing beats the great outdoors. In 2023, we embraced the spirit of adventure, eager to get out in the wild and enjoy the best of nature. While that meant taking some time to go off-grid and out of action, it was entirely worth it and thanks to some of our favourite outdoor gear producers, surprisingly straightforward. For this year’s best outdoor product releases, we managed to cull it down to 10, naming the top camping and adventure options for 2023.
Solo Stove Mesa
Measuring just 6.8 inches tall and 5.1 inches in diameter, the Solo Stove Mesa was one of the most portable releases we came across this year. The Mesa is coated in ceramic, which helps strengthen its ability to resist high heat, making sure you can keep cooking on an open flame, whatever the circumstances.
Leatherman Free T4
A true adventurer needs an effective multi-tool and the resurrection of the Leatherman Free came at a great time. For 2023, the mainstay multi-tool arrived with a bold new look and redesigned form function, which featured 12 all-purpose tools. And, coming in at under AUD$180, it provides some serious value for money.
Bluetti AC2A Portable Generator
This year, BLUETTI unveiled two new additions to its portable generator lineup, however, our top pick was the AC2A. Coming fitted with durable LiFePO4 batteries for added safety and a longer lifespan of over 3000 cycles, this handy camping accessory has you covered wherever you go.
For our full list of the best outdoor products of 2023, check out the story below. We took the time to focus on the gear that doesn’t just keep you safe and secure but also manages to make the great outdoors just that little bit more great. Next time you’re out on the open road, camping gear intact, think of us fondly.
Living
If there is one thing that we learned from the past 12 months, it is the importance of keeping a tidy house. With so many new products aimed at revolutionising the in-home experience, both from an entertainment and efficiency basis, it was hard to cull it down to a select few. However, when it came to products that improved our daily lives, it was hard to go past the sheer volume of robot vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers and other autonomous devices that look certain to steal our jobs in the future.
Jura GIGA 10 Coffee Machine
A premium automatic coffee machine, the GIGA 10 packs all kinds of glorious features into a sleek and compact framework. It doubles down on capacity by way of two bean containers and two pro-grade ceramic disc grinders, while a new touch-operated panorama panel generates seamless usability.
Ooni Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven
The year of the pizza oven in full effect, so it was a challenge nailing down one key player, but the Ooni Volt 12, the brand’s first-ever electric offering, was hands down our top pick. Sure, it’s not exactly cheap and it will require some space, but the results are delicious.
EverCharge Cove
Offering a sleek and sustainable solution for EV drivers, the EverCharge COVE really caught our eye this year. The at-home charging station lets you see the charging status, overall usage and system updates in real-time via both Wi-Fi connectivity as well as the EverCharge app. A game-changer for EV fans.
For our full list of the best living and home products of 2023, check out the story below. Whether it was cleaning the house, styling the furniture organising the playlist or simply upgrading the decor, there were a myriad of enticing releases to choose from this year.
Fitness & Sport
For some of us at the Man of Many office, 2023 was the year we decided to take health & fitness seriously. Ditching the burgers and beer for barbells and bench presses, the goal was to improve every aspect of our daily lives. While that may not have happened in its entirety, the products on this list certainly do. From sports-focused smartwatches to home workout additions that managed to turn the living room into a proverbial iron paradise, this is the gear we couldn’t live without this year.
Plunge All-In Cold Plunge Ice Bath
The at-home ice bath trend has well and truly taken off, thanks to brands such as Plunge. The brand’s All-In model features powerful cooling down to 37°F, smartphone connectivity and a truly plug-and-plunge setup. A must-try for all the new-age fitness fans.
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Taking the lessons learned from its previous lineup of smartwatches and health trackers, Withings dropped a stunning new timepiece that does more than just look good. The Withings ScanWatch Nova is a dive watch-style piece that monitors health metrics and an on-demand ECG, respiratory system assessment and sleep tracking.
Peloton The Guide
Finding a good personal trainer is never easy, so that’s why Peloton created ‘The Guide’. The new product is essentially an AI-powered personal trainer with progressive programming that lets you grow with your strength goals. It’s like fitness, but from the future.
For our full list of the best fitness products of 2023, check out the story below. Whether your goal is to tone up, lose weight, improve your golf game or just get out and about more often, these are the releases that will put a spring in your step.
Man of Many 100: The Full List
As far as development goes, it’s been a daunting year for the world’s most innovative brands and there’s more on the way. With the future of technology, automotive, fashion and outdoors still undecided, the next great leap could come from anywhere.
For the team at Man of Many, the Top 100 Products provides a glimpse at what could be on the horizon. Suffice to say, the future is looking bright.
