Farewell to AnandTech: Closing a Chapter

Writing this post is bittersweet for me as I tackle one of the hardest announcements I’ve ever had to make at AnandTech. After more than 27 amazing years exploring the universe of computing hardware, today marks AnandTech’s final day of publication.

It’s been a remarkable journey, and ironically, we’re wrapping things up just how we began—with a review of an AMD processor. This full-circle moment is a testament to our commitment to covering the pivotal components that drive the computing industry.

Much has evolved over the last 25 years—take 1997, for example, when NVIDIA hadn’t even named the term “GPU” yet. We’ve been fortunate to witness this evolution from bulky desktops to sleek pocket devices that outperform the finest PCs of the past.

The publishing landscape has also undergone massive transformations. While AnandTech wasn’t the first and won’t be the last dedicated to hardware enthusiasts, we thrived when many others did not. Thanks to tireless effort, wise investments in both talent and technology, and immense support from colleagues, friends, and readers, we persevered.

Yet, not all good things last forever. The landscape for written tech journalism has changed permanently. It’s time for AnandTech to bow out gracefully and usher in the next generation of tech journalists to shape the narrative.

Personally, it’s been an immense privilege to write for AnandTech for the past 19 years and lead as editor-in-chief for the last decade. While it’s poignant to be AnandTech’s final boss, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, from highlighting groundbreaking products to penning evergreen technology primers. Though there was more on my wish list, with 21,500 articles, I’d say we’ve laid down a solid foundation.

Though the team is saying goodbye, I’m pleased to share that the AnandTech website isn’t going anywhere soon. Future PLC, our publisher, will keep the site and its extensive archive of articles alive and accessible indefinitely. While there won’t be new material, I’m confident that our existing work will remain relevant.

Our forums, a treasure trove of tech discussions dating back to 1999, will also continue under the watchful eyes of Future’s community team and dedicated moderators. Even without our articles, these forums will offer a space to delve into tech discussions that last more than a few days.

Those looking for their regular dose of tech writing can still turn to Tom’s Hardware, a fellow Future brand and our friendly rival over the past years. Some AnandTech veterans have already joined forces with Tom’s, sharing their wealth of knowledge to keep delivering tech insights.

Looking back, there are countless people, groups, and companies worthy of gratitude for helping AnandTech flourish over these 27 years. First and foremost, endless thanks to our editors—more numerous than I can name—who have been the essence of our site with their investigative zeal and passion. They’ve not only set high standards here but have also excelled in their respective careers, from rocket science to business analysis.

A special shout-out goes to our final editorial team: Gavin Bonshor, Ganesh TS, E. Fylladitakis, and Anton Shilov, who have gone above and beyond, crafting the last articles that grace our site.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without Anand Lal Shimpi, who launched AnandTech from his bedroom. Though he stepped back from tech journalism a decade ago, the principles and standards he established live on.

Our thanks extend to the numerous hardware and software companies we collaborated with over the years. Beyond review samples and tech support, they’ve given us access to brilliant engineers with deep wellsprings of knowledge, from whom we’ve learned immeasurably.

I’m also grateful to our past sponsors like Future PLC and Purch, who gave us the latitude to pursue authentic journalism—often risky and contrary to prevailing trends. Because of their faith in us, we maintained full editorial independence.

Finally, I cannot thank our readers enough—your support has driven us, held us accountable, and motivated us to strive for excellence. A website’s power ultimately rests with its audience, and your engagement and sharing have amplified our influence in tremendous ways.

I’d also like to touch on a philosophy dear to Anand and me: opposing the Cable TV-like sensationalism spreading across the web. Our mission was to provide quality content aimed at informing and educating rather than courting sensationalism. Though we’re stepping back, the need for in-depth, thoughtful reporting is more critical than ever.

For existing and aspiring tech journalists, my advice is to remain true to oneself and committed to your audience. High-caliber reporting may not always grab instant attention, but in today’s landscape, it’s vital.

As I sign off, I reflect on the privilege it’s been to contribute to one of the leading tech news outlets. Bidding farewell is hard, but I take comfort in our past achievements made possible by industry partners and phenomenal readers.

On a personal note, working here has been a dream come true. As I conclude my chapter as editor-in-chief, rest assured I’ll stay connected with the tech world and see where my path leads next.

To everyone who has been part of the AnandTech family—supporters, critics, tech aficionados—your engagement has been invaluable. Thank you for backing us all these years.

– With gratitude,
Ryan Smith