Best Tech Gifts, According to Our Tech Experts
Treat the gadget-lover in your life with these must-have electronics from our tests
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Unsure of what to get the gadget-lover in your life? Allow us to offer some helpful advice; after all, we know exactly what the pros recommend when it comes to the best tech gifts. From the year’s latest must-have electronics to the essentials that impress most in our tests, the hand-selected products ahead are poised to please even the most discerning tech enthusiasts.
For even more inspiration, we have great gift ideas for everyone on your list.
“Looking for a $20 stocking stuffer for someone with nomophobia—fear of their phone dying? This slim charger has 10,000 mAh capacity, can charge three devices at once, and weighs just 7 ounces,” says home and tech reporter Courtney Lindwall. This budget-friendly pick is perfect for everyday use and is about the size of a deck of cards.
Here’s a gift that the whole family can enjoy. “Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or even yourself, a 65-inch OLED TV is about as good a gift as it gets. And knowing that it doesn’t cost a fortune should make it even more enjoyable,” says home and tech editor James K. Willcox. “This Samsung model delivers great picture quality and a satisfying HDR experience, all at a price under $1,000.”
A Best Buy exclusive, this model is well-priced for its performance and offers top-notch sound. It includes most of Samsung’s TV features, including support for object-tracking sound and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
“For the health-conscious or always-connected giftee: The third generation of Apple’s lowest-cost smartwatch is better than ever, with impressive battery life and a host of helpful features, like the ability to detect a fall or potential sleep apnea,” says Lindwall. “Plus, the SE 3 aces our in-lab tests on the metrics that count, like heart rate performance and build quality.” This model also features international emergency calling, which can be particularly useful in case of trouble overseas. It also has tap-to-pay functionality, on-device GPS, and automatic workout detection.
According to home and tech writer Allen St. John, PreSonus’s Eris is a no-brainer when it comes to home speakers. Not only are they relatively smaller and budget-friendly, but they sound great, outperforming bulkier and pricier models. “Make sure to get the slightly pricier BT version, the only one with wireless Bluetooth connection,” says St. John.
Upgrade your movie night with an immersive sound experience courtesy of a new soundbar. According to Willcox, Sonos’ smallest and least expensive soundbar delivers impressive overall sound, besting the audio you’ll get from most TVs. “It has built-in WiFi for playing music, podcasts, and radio from several internet services, even when the TV is off.” This compact soundbar is a great choice for discerning listeners who value both music and the soundtracks of television and movies.
Tablet Stylus
Metapen A8 Stylus
For avid iPad users, Lindwall recommends a tablet stylus that can make creating digital art easier and jotting down notes faster and more comfortable. “This budget alternative stands up impressively against the name-brand Apple Pencil and is a favorite of CR staffer and pro illustrator Sharon Seidl,” adds Lindwall.
In our evaluations of the best iPad styluses, the Metapen earned the distinction of being the best budget alternative to Apple’s pricier model. It offers palm rejection and tilt support. It’s easy to turn on—just double-tap the top—and it doesn’t require pairing with your iPad. You have to charge the stylus via USB-C, but it can magnetically attach to the side of your iPad.
For the one on your list who’s always chasing the next best in sound, a new pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must. “Apple’s recently released AirPods Pro 3 earbuds deliver a variety of new features, including heart rate monitoring and real-time language translation, along with last year’s over-the-counter hearing aid functions,” says St. John. “And that’s on top of everything else that makes the earbuds so popular—easy pairing with other Apple devices, stellar noise-canceling, and great sound.”
Soundcore’s Space A40s are ideal for those seeking a pair of noise-canceling earbuds without breaking the bank. The bass packs in a punch, and the overall sound is warm, which makes the A40s pleasant to listen to over a long period of time, says St. John. "The noise cancellation earns top marks from CR’s testers, too—there’s even a transparency mode that allows you to monitor your surroundings when you’re out running or walking down a busy street."
