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In a year that has seen the passing of a monarch, the downfall of a rap icon and even a billionaire Twitter spat, the world’s biggest brands have managed to stay the course and we’ve been 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 2022, 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 2022
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.
Tech
To say 2022 was the year of big tech would be an understatement. Following extended border closures and reduced market trade, the world turned to technology to satiate their needs both in and out of the home. From Apple’s slightly underwhelming flagship iPhone release to the confirmation that dual-screen laptops are officially on the way, 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.
Dell XPS 13 Plus
Simple, yet intentional, the Dell XPS 13 Plus took the laptop game to new heights in 2022. Copping a redesigned system built around 12th Generation Intel Core, we found this computer improved the overall design, build quality, and power without compromise. In a sense, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is the most powerful XPS yet.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
While it didn’t necessarily deliver the same level of fanfare that Apple stans are used to, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was still a pivotal moment in the technology calendar. The new A16 chip took its rightful place on top of the performance mountain, dishing out a ‘Dynamic Island’ that still has fans on the fence.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
With the second generation, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II solved some nagging issues, whilst still producing incredible sound quality. The 2022 edition introduced CustomTune technology, helping to tune and calibrate the sound to your ears. Smaller sizer, smaller case for carrying. Bring it on.
For our full list of the best Tech products of 2022, 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 2022, 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 Polestar 3 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 GT3 and Lamborghini Huracan STO making their presence felt, something the big truck purveyors behind the Wildtrak and RAM 1500 TRX know well. For this year’s best automotive release, we managed to cull it down to 13, tackling the latest cars, motorcycles, cycling, boats and planes.
KIA EV6 GT-Line AWD
Many are calling the EV6 GT-line the next halo car for KIA and after spending a week in one, we had to agree. The new electric vehicle delivers one of the best all-around family car packages under $100,000. It leaves very few boxes unchecked on its way to delivering one of the best value-for-money EV offerings on the market.
BMW iX
Designed to usher in the next era of BMW, the iX makes for an enticing prospect. Futuristic by design, the new release doesn’t hold anything back in terms of range, performance, or driving pleasure. Considering the swathe of new EV SUVs set to flood the market in the next few years, you can’t help but think BMW got in at the right time.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Sometimes big really does mean better. The most anticipated vehicle to hit Australia this year, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak didn’t disappoint, delivering a fresh design highlighted by a swanky new interior and a V6 Turbo diesel powerplant orphaned (and improved) from its full-size F-150 cousin.
For our full list of the best automotive release of 2022, check out the story below. We’ve tackled a few different vehicles this year, prioritising the one we actually managed to get behind the wheel of. While you can expect to see some flagship releases from the top end of town, 2022 actually 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, 2022 was always meant to be a landmark year on the watch calendar. With Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak officially turning 50 and OMEGA marking 60 years of James Bond, horology stans were at 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 luxury market, a $380 collaboration piece swooped in and stole the chocolates. One part OMEGA, one part Swatch, the MoonSwatch was undoubtedly the biggest watch of 2022 and it simply cannot be understated just how ridiculous the reaction was, but it wasn’t alone. For this year’s best watch releases, we managed to cull it down to 15, charting the top drops from Rolex, TAG Heuer, OMEGA and more.
Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222
More than 45 years since the original 222 was unveiled, Vacheron Constantin put the icon back on the map. Unveiled at Watches & Wonders this year, the new Les Historiques 222 timepiece arrived in stunning 18-carat yellow gold and somehow, it still looked as modern as ever.
Swatch x OMEGA MoonSwatch
The biggest watch release of the year arrived with a price tag that shocked the world. A collaboration that made total sense in many respects, the MoonSwatch release still managed to appear out of the blue. While the build quality wasn’t exactly perfect and the scarcity left many fans fuming, you can’t deny how significant this release was.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition
Picking up where the brilliant TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” from 2019 left off, the new Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN editions from IWC were hard to ignore. The 44.5mm ceramic Lake Tahoe chronograph and the Woodland Green release did a valiant job completing the collection.
For our full list of the best watches of 2022, check out the story below. With luxury pieces designed to withstand the very worst 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 2022 was no exception. While the incredible Yamazaki 55 missed out on selection by a few months, there were plenty of immaculate drops to take its place. From The GlenDronach’s outrageous 50-Year-Old to the remarkable cross-country journey that was Penfold’s 2022 collection, 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.
Starward Vitalis Single Malt
A celebration of everything that made the Port Melbourne distillery a success, Starward Vitalis was an absolute revelation. The Aussie whisky was aged in some of the world’s best red wine, apera, tawny, bourbon, and rum barrels, delivering an exceptional drop we simply couldn’t put down.
Penfolds 2022 Collection
Australians are already enamoured with winemaker Penfolds, but in 2022, the label went global. A unique journey led the Barossa icon to Bordeaux, France, a region whose residents also know a thing or two about ensuring grapes reach their full potential. The results speak for themselves.
The Macallan M Collection
When famed Scotch producer The Macallan drops a new dram, the whisky world takes note, but the M Collection is another step above. Headlined by the new M Copper 2022, the collection brings heritage and hard work into focus. Needless to say, this release was simply outstanding.
For our full list of the best drinks products of 2022, check out the story below. In a year that saw the world back out at bars and pubs, there was plenty of booze on offer. 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 Yeezy fall out of favour, Balenciaga hit with allegations and more collaborations than we ever thought possible, there were some unexpected stunners that managed to survive the chaos. Among them, we saw Louis Vuitton rise from the ashes of creative director Virgil Abloh’s tragic death to unveil a swathe of releases in his honour. Additionally, the world watched in awe as former Supreme lord Brendon Babenzien somehow managed to resurrect ailing American label J.Crew, turning the fashion game on its head. For this year’s best fashion releases, we turned the screws and got it down to the top 12, chronicling the very best in luxury, accessories and sneakers.
Moncler Maya 70
Who doesn’t love a birthday party? To celebrate 70 years of success, Italian fashion house Moncler unveiled a string of collaborations with some of the world’s most revered designers, each reimagining the iconic Maya jacket. Featuring designs from Pharrell Williams to Palm Angels, the collection made puffers cool again.
J.Crew Fall 2022 Collection
When Brendon Babenzien was named as new head of J.Crew, no one really batted an eye, but just a few months later, he had done the unimaginable. The Fall 2022 Collection, Babenzien’s first as lead took heritage style back to its unapologetic best, and for that, we have nothing but praise.
Samsung AirDresser
Never iron your clothes again! That’s that claim that Samsung is staking on with the AirDresser and it certainly caught our attention. While that’s not exactly the premise of the accessory, it does make use of optimised air and steam to remove up to 99.9% of certain bacteria, dust, and allergens. Seriously impressive.
For our full list of the best fashion products of 2022, check out the story below. In true Man of Many style, we stretched the limits of what fashion really means, embracing products from fragrances 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 2022, we embraced the spirit of adventure, eager to get out in the wild after two years stuck inside. 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 13, naming the top camping, snow, surf and skating options for 2022.
Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 Stove
With two basic burners and a portable design, the Coleman 1900 Collection 3-in-1 might not look like much, but ti more than does the trick. The modern upgrade introduced electric ignition, hot plates, and grill plates. You can also use either propane or mixed liquid fuel sources to fuel 24,000 total BTUs of cooking power. Grill on, friends.
The James Brand Ellis
A true adventurer needs an effection multi-tool and the resurrection of The Ellis by The James Brand came at a great time. For 2022, the mainstay multi-tool arrived with a bold new look and redesigned form function, which featured a slip-joint design to make it easier to use. And, coming in at under USD$120, it provides some serious value for money.
Apple Watch Ultra
Smartwatch or not, 49mm is one hefty unit, but the Apple Watch Ultra needs it. Designed for the adventurer, the new release can reach up to 36 hours of battery life with iPhone present, cops three built-in microphones to significantly improve sound quality in voice calls and even features a distress signal, should you get lost in your trails.
For our full list of the best outdoor products of 2022, check out the story below. We take 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 in tact, think of us fondly.
Living
If there is one thing that we learned from the past 12 months, it was 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.
Samsung The Freestyle
Small in stature but big on features, The Freestyle was an unexpected surprise from Samsung this year. The projector delivered 100-inches of screen real estate in a package that is no larger than a portable speaker. Here are our thoughts.
Gozney Dome
The year of the pizza oven in full effect, it was a challenge nailing down one key player, but the Gozney Dome was hands-down our top pick. Sure, it’s not exactly cheap and it will require some space, but the results are delicious.
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
A vacuum with laser beams? The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute had us in a chokehold this year, courtesy of a unqiue approach to cleaning. We’re talking dirt sensors, anti-tangle heads, and of course, dust-detecting ‘green beams’.
For our full list of the best living and home products of 2022, 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, 2022 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.
TAG Heuer Connected Golf
Finally, a watch that improves your short game. The TAG Heuer Connected Golf took the very best of the seminal watchmaker’s smart tech and bolstered it with some pitching, putting and driving specifics. We played a few rounds with this on hand and while we won’t be joining the PGA any time soon, it certainly upped our game.
Therabody TheraFace Pro
We loved Therabody’s Massage Gun range, but the TheraFace Pro took things in a new direction. The handheld device helps to reduce tension and relax facial muscles in the face, while also offering skin-toning microcurrent to rejuvenate light therapy components.
King Smith WalkingPad X21
Treadmills are great, but for the time-conscious fitness fan, they aren’t exactly great. Enter the King Smith WalkingPad X21, the only treadmill that double folds into an ultra-flattened shape. Importantly, the track folds 180 degrees and then nests under the handle, which contains an integrated panel display.
For our full list of the best fitness products of 2022, 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.
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.
