In a year that saw Paris overrun with Olympic fever, the birth of Brat Summer, and even a ’90s-esque hip-hop beef, the world’s biggest brands managed to stay the course, and we were holding space for all of them. 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?
The innovative minds that help steer society towards a stronger, more robust future were working overtime this year, unveiling a swathe of new kit designed to tackle the next frontier of human advancement. Some, like Agility Robotics with its Figure 02, aimed to take us on a journey into the new era of humanoid development, while others, such as Chevrolet with its new Corvette Z06, just wanted to make sure we got there fast.
In 2024, we were impressed by a huge ensemble of developments in cars, fashion, tech, and alcohol—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 2024
To arrive at this list of 100 products, the Man of Many team went through hours of rigorous testing, implementation and analysis. The list is primarily comprised of products used extensively first-hand. While there are a few exceptions, generally due to availability, we made note of the cultural significance surrounding each product.
NOTE: Some products listed previously appeared on Man of Many in a paid partnership capacity, however, this was clearly disclosed 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 2024 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 the latest in smartphones, televisions, computers, audio and seemingly everything in between.
Dyson OnTrac Headphones
What happens when Dyson joins the headphone game? This year, the iconic British homewares brand stepped into the arena with its first-ever audio-only device, OnTrac. Bold, colourful and highly customisable, these slick new headphones not only heralded a new era for Dyson, but also threw down to gauntlet to the likes of Bose, Sonos and Apple.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
While it didn’t necessarily deliver the same level of fanfare that Apple fans are used to, the iPhone 16 Pro Max was still a pivotal moment in the technology calendar. We got a super-fast A18 chip with 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU which is up to 40 per cent faster, and the Action Button from the previous-generation 15 Pro models. Game-changing? Perhaps not, but still unrivalled.
Fujifilm X100VI
After months spent on the waiting list, this year we finally got our hands on the Fujifilm X100VI. The internet’s favourite camera, this viral sensation more than lived up to the hype, delivering outstanding picture quality, rich colours and customisable frameworks that have the ability to male even the most amateur of photographers appear like a seasoned pro.
For our full list of the best Tech products of 2024, 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 2024, the automotive world didn’t disappoint. With a number of iconic car producers all outlining ambitious plans to go electric, the industry took a sharp turn towards sustainable progress. Some even managed to get there early, with the Lotus Emeya taking the fabled brand in a bold new direction, 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 Temerario making their presence felt, something the big truck purveyors behind the Land Rover Defender OCTA and even the surprisingly stellar BYD Shark 6 know all-too-well. For this year’s best automotive releases, we managed to cull it down to 12, featuring the top cars we drove this year.
Land Rover Defender OCTA
Described as the ‘most powerful Defender ever’, the OCTA had a lot to live up to, but this 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid weapon exceeded expectations. The stunning new edition, which delivers 467kW of power, perfectly blurred the line between performance and prestige. But with prices starting from $317,592 plus on-road costs in Australia, maybe we shouldn’t have been quite so surprised.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Far be it from us to deny Porsche its hard-earned acclaim. This year, the German icon dropped a new variation of the classic 911 GT3 RS and as journalist Ben McKimm explained, it could be the marquee’s best yet. Make no mistake, the Porsche 911 (type 992) GT3 RS is one of the most desirable cars on the planet right now, so if you haven’t received a phone call from your Porsche dealer, you’re probably not on the list.
BYD Shark 6
From the moment we saw the covers lifted off the BYD SHARK 6, we knew this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill plug-in hybrid ute. Sleek, innovative and surprisingly agile despite its monster size, the Shark seriously impressed. Trust us when we say, you don’t have to spend much time behind the wheel of the SHARK 6 to realise that this is the vehicle that will shake up this utility segment the most—it’s that good.
For our full list of the best automotive releases of 2024, 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, 2024 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, 2024 was always meant to be a landmark year on the watch calendar. With Longines celebrating 70 years of the iconic Conquest 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 sporting excellence, pioneering aviation-focused brand IWC Schaffhausen swooped the pack, releasing a Portugieser Eternal Calendar capable of a whopping 45 million years of accuracy, in case you ever need it. For this year’s best watch releases, we managed to cull it down to the very best, charting the top drops from Seiko, TAG Heuer, OMEGA and more.
Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer
This year, Mido payed tribute to one of its most remarkable timepieces, dropping a stunning Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition in Black PVD. A take on the first dive watch of its kind to feature a decompression timer, this release brought together a robust stainless steel case, unidirectional bezel with a decompression scale, and a clear, legible dial designed for ease of use underwater.
IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar
What can you say about the IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar that hasn’t already been said? Arguably the best thing to come out of Watches & Wonders this year, this platinum stunner tackles the Gregorian calendar’s leap-year exception rules head on. The Portugieser Eternal Calendar features a a 400-years gear that will see the calendar automatically skip three leap years over four centuries. Simply astounding.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time is one of those legendary watches that genuinely stands for something, embodying the call to adventure that has sat at the heart of the fabled watchmaker’s story throughout its almost 200-year history. This year, Longines unveiled its most robust Spirit Zulu Time yet, upgrading the 39mm case that was introduced to the line last year with a fresh, ultra-durable Grade 5 titanium material.
For our full list of the best watches of 2024, 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 2024 was no exception. While Buffalo Trace’s incredible Antique Collection headlined the show, there were plenty of other immaculate drops just off the pace. From Sullivans Cove’s exceptional 24-Year-Old American Oak Second-Fill barrel to the remarkable return of Moët & Chandon’s Collection Impériale Création No. 1, the drinks industry unveiled its fair share of enticing elixirs over the period. Hell, there was even a non-alcoholic beer that made the list.
2024 Penfolds Collection
Australia’s favourite winemaker delivered more fantastic drops in 2024. Penfolds’ Collection extended this year, with 25 new wines available, each exuding the same trademark craftsmanship we’ve come to know and love from the South Australian icon. With this being its 180th year of operation, it’s little wonder the brand went all out in 2024. We’re just happy we got to be there to share in the toast.
Heaps Normal Third IPA
We keep wondering when Heaps Normal will fall off, but the non-alc legends keep getting better. In 2024, the brand dropped Third IPA, a classic West Coast IPA that boasts a pine-punch, amber allure and a refreshingly dry, crisp finish that cleverly cloaks the absence of booze. What’s more, they made a song dance about it. The brand kicked off it’s exciting new era by launching a vinyl record label. How fun.
Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years
Scotch whisky label Benriach unveiled its “oldest and rarest” whisky expression this year, in the form of the 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years. First laid down in September 1966, the bottling is the culmination of decades’ worth of maturation, persistence, and foresight, marking the “pinnacle” of the Speyside distillery‘s whisky-making efforts. Considering Benriach’s pedigree dates back as far as 1898, that’s no small claim.
For our full list of the best drinks products of 2024, 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 Prada lead the space race, a TV show take workwear to new heights and a rotisserie chicken bag make fashion headlines, some unexpected stunners managed to survive the chaos. Among them, New Balance turned a meme into reality with its now-viral 1906L Loafers, while Aussie fashion icons P. Johnson and Haulier International teamed up for a true Sydney-centric collection. For this year’s best fashion releases, we turned the screws and got it down to the top picks, chronicling the very best in luxury, accessories and sneakers.
Aime Leon Dore x Porsche Collection
After previewing a one-of-one Porsche 911 “ALD 964”, New York fashion favourite Aime Leon Dore dropped a full capsule apparel collection with the German automaker. Taking inspiration from the Porsche archives with “ALD 964” embroidery throughout, the collection featured leather jackets and driving gloves, graphic tees and few understated houndstooth accessories.
New Balance 1906L Loafers
Every so often, a shoe catches your eye in such a way that you simply have to talk about it. Last year, it was MSCHF’s Big Red Boots, and this year, it’s the viral New Balance 1906L sneaker loafers. Based on the fan-favourite 1906R sneaker, the 1906L takes the comfort of the original sneaker and transforms it into a classic penny loafer. Sounds exciting, right?
The Bear x J. Crew Collection
FX’s series The Bear has become a breakout smash and the cast’s penchant for American workwear has spurred a new generation of Carhartt lovers. Capitalising on this trend, The Bear joined forces with J Crew for a collection that features work jackets, sweatshirts, trucker hats and T-shirts emblazoned with the fictional Matter of Fak company logo.
For our full list of the best fashion products of 2024, check out the story below. In true Man of Many style, we stretched the limits of what fashion really means, embracing product trends and accessories to sneakers and apparel. Of course, it wouldn’t be a good list without a few surprises, so enjoy.
Outdoors
Nothing beats the great outdoors. In 2024, 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 2024.
WESN Bard Titanium Pen
This year, Wesn introduced a new addition to its EDC lineup with the launch of the Bard. Featuring a full titanium body that houses what the brand calls a “mid-click” mechanism, the pen is ultra-durable and ergonomic in its design. Capable of taking whatever life throws at you, the WESN Bard Titanium Pen might well be the ultimate adventurer’s tool.
Bluetti SwapSolar Portable Fridge
Every camper needs a reliable, portable fridge and no one does them better than Bluetti. The brand’s new SwapSolar option, in addition to housing dual-zone fridge and freezer compartments, uses the same hot-swappable LFP batteries from the company’s AC180T solar generator, giving you more adaptability and power when you are out on the road.
Hoka Tor Summit Hiking Boot
We know Hoka for its stellar arsenal of running shoes, but in 2024, the brand made further inroads into the world of hiking. The Tor Summit, which first appeared in 2015, was revived this year, bringing a decidedly more retro styling approach to the industry, albeit with all the remarkable bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the masters of arch support.
For our full list of the best outdoor products of 2024, 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.
Home & 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.
GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker
Measuring in at about the same size as a mini fridge, the Smart Indoor Smoker from GE Profile punches well above its weight. The Wi-Fi–enabled appliance can slow-smoke your favourite meats and vegetable indoors, without the need for excessive heat and flames. Safer, smaller and far sleeker than the old fire-pit, this is a must-have for the kitchen cookout king.
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Does the ultra-viral Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra actually live up to the hype? You bet. The temperature adjustment base and mattress not only improve the quality of your sleep, it measures and records a swathe of useful data to help the Pod make decisions about your schedule and health. While the cost is somewhat high, customer satisfaction is off the charts.
LEGO Classic Batmobile
There is nothing cooler than the original Batmobile from the hit 1966 TV series, and now you can build one of your own. LEGO’s 1,822-piece model incorporates realistic features and functions of the classic Adam West vehicle, including authentic decorations and movable wheels for dynamic style. Nerdy? Perhaps, but who cares – it’s Batman.
For our full list of the best living and home products of 2024, 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.
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.
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