Tech is a large class, spanning every part from headphones to recreation consoles to good house gadgets and extra. And that is precisely why discovering the proper present for a tech fanatic generally is a little difficult. With the variety of selections, it will probably get overwhelming fairly shortly. But CNET is right here that can assist you discover that good present whereas staying inside your price range. Below, we have rounded up a few of our favourite tech items available on the market proper now that you may seize for $100 or much less.
We’ve both absolutely reviewed or personally examined all of the merchandise on this checklist. And for those who’re in search of some high quality tech present gadgets which are even cheaper (no, we’re not calling you a cheapskate), we have additionally obtained a listing of nice present concepts for $50 or much less.
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Earfun has put out a sequence of wi-fi earbuds over the past couple of years with one vital commonality: They’re excellent values, made extra so by frequent reductions. The firm’s new-for-2023 Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds characteristic the newest Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with AptX Adaptive for Android and different gadgets that help the brand new LE Audio commonplace and LC3 audio codec, which is superior to the SBC codec (in addition they help AAC for Apple gadgets).
Lightweight and comfy to put on — I obtained seal with the most important ear tip dimension — these aren’t an enormous improve over the Earfun Air S, however they’re higher. They have barely bigger wool-composite drivers (11mm versus 10mm), barely improved noise canceling and higher battery life (as much as seven hours with noise canceling on, in keeping with Earfun).
In quick, the Earfun Air 3 ship robust efficiency for his or her modest worth, with sturdy bass, good readability and a comparatively large soundstage. They additionally pack in plenty of options, together with a wi-fi charging case and “multidevice” connectivity. (I may pair them to 2 gadgets concurrently however needed to pause the music on one machine and hit play on the opposite for the audio to modify.) They’re IPX5 splash-proof and in addition work nicely (although not exceptionally nicely) as a headset for making calls.
Note that whereas the checklist worth of those buds is $80, for those who click on the moment 10% coupon on their Amazon product web page after which apply the code EAP3CNET at checkout, you get a further 20% off, bringing the buds’ worth all the way down to $56.
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Biolite makes a number of totally different headlamps, with the BioLite HeadLamp 800 being its brightest mannequin (800 lumens) — and it is geared up with each back and front lights (the entrance gentle swivels) that supply eight totally different lighting modes. It’s good for quite a lot of makes use of, whether or not you are working in a darkish surroundings or simply strolling your canine or using a motorcycle at night time. The battery is rechargeable through a Micro-USB connection (I do want it was USB-C).
Note that the step-down HeadLamp 425 prices $60, whereas the HeadLamp 325 is $40.
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Amazon’s Smart Thermostat units a brand new commonplace for the class. It has a clear, fashionable touchscreen design, and it is simple to make use of, whether or not you are adjusting the temperature on the thermostat, by means of the Alexa app or with Alexa voice instructions with a suitable Alexa-enabled speaker or show. It is an inexpensive present that earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award for finest worth good thermostat.
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The Yoose Mini Electric Shaver is not essentially the most highly effective electrical shaver, and I am unable to say I obtained the cleanest, closest shave utilizing it. But it is actually small — concerning the dimension of some wi-fi earbuds instances — and it does work nicely sufficient and appears and feels extra premium than I believed it will. That makes it on-the-go electrical shaver and good journey companion (it did not damage to make use of and comes with a carry case).
Available in a number of shade choices, it is IPX7 waterproof, so it may be used each moist and dry. Though it retails for $90, it usually has prompt reductions that drop its worth nearer to $60.
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What’s cool about Anker’s 622 magnetic battery is that it is a wi-fi battery that has an built-in magnetic flap that converts right into a stand. You will not get quick wi-fi charging from this 5,000-mAh battery (it fees at as much as 7.5 watts) nevertheless it’s slim and straightforward to hold round.
It fees through USB-C and for those who use a USB-C to Lightning to cost your iPhone, it’ll cost at a quicker price of 12 watts. That’s not as quick as what a 20-watt USB-C energy adapter can ship, nevertheless it’s quicker than 7.5 watts.
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Amazon
Amazon has launched a brand new baseline Kindle E Ink e-reader for $100 that now not appears so entry-level. While its 6-inch display makes it a smaller and lighter e-reader than the step-up Kindle Paperwhite ($130), its show has the identical 300-ppi decision because the Paperwhite. However, that step-up mannequin provides waterproofing and incorporates a extra subtle entrance lighting scheme, with 17 LEDs in comparison with the Kindle 2022’s 4.
In the previous, we have really useful stepping as much as the Paperwhite for those who may afford it, primarily as a result of it had the next decision show than the entry-level Kindle, which allowed textual content to look extra crisp. But with each fashions now that includes related shows (at the least so far as decision goes), we could should revise that suggestion.
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Some time again I took my child to the physician as a result of he had a bunch of ear wax constructed up in his ear and was having bother listening to (sure, gross). The physician was in a position to dislodge it with a pressurized stream of water, which is precisely what gadgets just like the Wush Pro by Black Wolf ship.
Designed for use within the bathe, the Wush Pro does certainly work to take away ear wax build-up. For some individuals who have delicate ears, it may be a little bit disconcerting to make use of at first, however learn the directions fastidiously and begin at a decrease setting earlier than ramping issues up (there are three strain settings, and the Wush is supplied with a chargeable battery). The pump inside does make some noise (it is a little bit irritating), nevertheless it’s tolerable and beats a go to to the physician for extreme build-up.
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Twelve South’s HoverBar Duo is a versatile stand for iPads (and different tablets) that has a weighted base and articulating arm to regulate the angle and peak of your machine. You can even take away the HoverBar from its base and clip it to a bar or shelf utilizing the shelf clip. The second-gen mannequin has a quick-release design, however the first-gen mannequin is almost $30 cheaper at $50.
If you are in search of a means to make use of your iPad within the kitchen, as a second monitor to your Mac or as a video conferencing show, the HoverBar Duo is a pleasant accent to personal and makes an excellent present for all these iPad homeowners on the market.
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RiotPWR
I beforehand had the RiotPWR Mobile Cloud Gaming Controller for iOS on this checklist, nevertheless it had one flaw. Because it has an built-in Lightning cable that permits for lag-free gaming — at the least in the case of button presses — you could not use it with newer iPads which have a USB-C connection. The new RiotPWR RP1950 controller solves that drawback by permitting you to swap out the Lightning cable module for a USB-C cable module.
Like RiotPWR’s earlier iOS controller, which is white, the black RP1950 is a extra historically formed Xbox-like controller that features a mount in your telephone. While there is no built-in battery that retains your telephone charged whereas enjoying, just like the Backbone and Razer Kishi V2, this mannequin has a pass-through charging possibility if you wish to hook up a separate Lightning cable to a battery pack or wall charger.
The controller is properly designed and does not really feel low-cost (the dock can accommodate quite a lot of iPhones, together with bigger iPhone Max fashions). Remove the dock and you need to use this with any iPad that has a Lightning or USB-C port. To swap cables, you need to stick a paper clip in a gap within the backside of the controller, which releases the cable module. It’s a little bit difficult the primary time you do it, however as soon as you determine the way it’s performed, it is fairly easy.
It’s additionally value noting that regardless that that is referred to as an “iOS controller,” it’ll work with Android smartphones and tablets which have USB-C ports.
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Anker’s upgraded compact charger can cost a MacE book Pro 13 at full pace. Not solely is it small for the way a lot energy it will probably ship (it has foldable prongs), nevertheless it additionally has three ports (2 USB-C and one USB-A) that will let you cost a number of gadgets on the identical time. Be conscious that its 65 watts of energy is break up between the ports for those who cost a couple of machine. although. It makes use of the next-generation GaN 3 expertise.
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Back in 2020, Tribit launched the StormBox Micro, a price range model of Bose’s wonderful SoundHyperlink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its dimension and modest worth. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which affords improved sound and battery life, together with a charge-out characteristic that turns the speaker into an influence financial institution for cellular gadgets resembling smartphones and tablets. An built-in strap lets you clip it to your backpack or your bike’s handlebars.
Like the unique, it is a superb worth and straightforward to suggest for those who’re in search of a brilliant compact transportable wi-fi speaker. It’s additionally value noting that you may save 15% by activating the prompt coupon on the product web page.
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Sony launched its new entry-level CH-720N noise-canceling headphones in 2023. They’re fairly good, however if you cannot afford them (they checklist for $150), the corporate’s new price range on-ear CH-520 headphones are an intriguing possibility for under round $50.
They lack noise canceling and are fairly no-frills, however they characteristic good sound for his or her worth, are light-weight and fairly comfy for on-ear headphones, and now have wonderful battery life (they’re rated for as much as 50 hours at reasonable quantity ranges). Additionally, they’ve multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you may pair them with two gadgets concurrently (resembling a smartphone and pc) and change audio. Voice-calling efficiency is first rate, although less than the extent of what you get with the CH-720N.
Note that there is no wired possibility — it is a wi-fi Bluetooth-only headphone. The CH-520 affords general balanced sound with first rate readability. The bass has some punch to it however does not pack a wallop, and you are not going to get fairly as large a soundstage as you get from Sony’s costlier over-ear headphones. But these positively sound higher than Sony’s earlier entry-level on-ear headphones, and so they sound higher than I believed they might. I attempted the white shade, however in addition they are available in blue and black.
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We actually preferred this Lightning-connected controller from startup Backbone when it first got here out in its authentic black model. You can nonetheless get that mannequin, nevertheless it now is available in a white PlayStation model to be used with the PS Remote Play app.
Like the Razer Kishi, it turns any iPhone 6S or later right into a Nintendo Switch-style gaming expertise, with added smarts for social and chatty avid gamers. Like the Kishi, it connects through Lightning with pass-through charging however has no built-in battery. While the Kishi V2 is now extra Backbone-like in its design (with higher ergonomics) the Backbone controller nonetheless holds a bonus within the software program division with a superior companion app.
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Amazon
Whoever you are getting this for could also be a little bit embarrassed however he’ll most definitely respect it. Panasonic says its ER-GK80-S has a singular V-shaped head that is “constructed to go in every single place” — and with precision. It comes with two attachments, has nearly two hours of battery life and can be utilized moist or dry. A journey case is included. It’s a superb manscaping machine.
The checklist worth not too long ago crept above $100, however Amazon at present has it discounted so you may nonetheless decide it up for round $100.
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Anker’s costlier Soundcore Motion Boom Plus is a considerable sound improve over the unique Motion Boom, however this mannequin stays an excellent mini growth field for the cash. Equipped with a deal with and weighing a little bit over 4 kilos, the speaker jogs my memory of a type of big flashlights or “floating lanterns” that had been in vogue about 30 years in the past. For the document, the Motion Boom truly does float and is absolutely waterproof with an IPX7 ranking.
Anker says the Motion Boom delivers “enormous stereo sound,” and sure, it performs fairly loud and has a good quantity of bass with affordable readability. I saved the bass enhance on always as a result of it sounds higher that means. The Motion Boom cannot compete in opposition to greater and costlier audio system like JBL’s Boombox 3 and Ultimate Ears’ Hyperboom, nevertheless it packs much more quantity and punch than extra compact Bluetooth audio system like JBL’s Flip 6. It additionally travels nicely, so it is very best for a seaside tour or a little bit tailgating.
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I like Hyperice’s Hypersphere Mini ($99) therapeutic massage ball, however Theragun’s new Wave Solo therapeutic massage ball is arguably a tad higher and nearly $20 cheaper at $80. It’s additionally concerning the dimension of a softball (3.4 inches, or 8.7 cm, in diameter), fees with a USB-C cable (a full cost affords as much as 200 minutes of battery life) and has three vibration pace choices.
It’s a nice possibility for pinpointing drawback areas as hip flexors that you simply may roll out with a lacrosse ball. There’s additionally a Wave Duo model for $99 that is good for rolling on both facet of the backbone or putting on the high of your shoulder behind your neck whereas mendacity down.
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There are loads of nice Alexa-powered Echo merchandise, however on this worth vary, we’re followers of the brand new Google Nest Hub (2nd gen). The upgraded good show delivers extra bass together with a brand new Sleep Sensing characteristic. It additionally provides you prompt entry to a world of solutions everytime you say, “Hey, Google,” and lets you forged content material on to the display from any Android machine.
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For lots of people, Apple’s authentic HomePod was too expensive at $350. That speaker has been discontinued, however the HomePod Mini continues to be round. It’s a really compact Wi-Fi speaker that prices so much much less ($99) and performs greater than you’d anticipate for its small dimension. Yes, it is extra interesting to these invested in Apple’s ecosystem and comfy with Apple’s voice-assistant Siri, which drives the speaker, however the worth is correct and you may pair two HomePod Minis to create stereo sound or mix a number of to create a multiroom audio system (you may hyperlink them to the unique HomePod, after all).
While music playback is tied into Apple Music, you need to use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from different music providers, together with Spotify, out of your iPhone and different Apple gadgets (learn this for AirPlay necessities).
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The Roku Ultra has at all times been a effective 4K HDR streamer. As the flagship in Roku’s in depth line of sticks and gamers, its bag of nifty methods features a distant finder and a distant with programmable distant buttons. This model provides higher Wi-Fi, a quicker processor and the flexibility to stream in Dolby Vision — a long-awaited characteristic that permits it to raised compete with the finest streamers from Amazon, Apple and Google.
Yes, the Roku Express 4K Plus, which prices round $40, is a greater worth, however the upgraded Ultra is usually on sale as of late for $70 (it lists for $100) and has an Ethernet port for individuals who wish to go along with a wired connection.
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There’s nothing like a little bit mixing on the go to create these wholesome smoothies and protein shakes. That’s the place the MixJet 2 is available in. Available in a number of shade choices and geared up with a chargeable battery, it is extra highly effective than you may anticipate and it will probably whip up smoothies with out having to plug in wherever. It fees through USB-C (you get about 15 blends per cost) and is absolutely waterproof.
The mannequin proven right here has a 16-ounce jar, however now you can purchase an XL 32-ounce jar for $30 additional. I’m hoping sometime that you’ll get the 32-ounce jar model as a standalone merchandise nevertheless it’s at present an add-on accent.
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Biolite
BioLite has a number of transportable lighting choices and the Alpenglow 500 is considered one of its newer additions to its line. It’s a conveyable “lantern” that has a number of modes and shade choices. As its identify implies, it delivers 500 lumens of sunshine, and it’s certainly fairly shiny.
The step-down Alpenglow 250 affords 250 lumens for $15 much less. Both are rated for five hours of battery life on the excessive setting and as much as 200 hours on the low setting.
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Logitech’s MX Keys is considered one of our favourite on a regular basis Bluetooth keyboards and now it is available in two smaller variations that depart off the quantity pad and another keys: MX Keys Mini and MX Keys Mini for Mac. Both value $100, the identical worth as the usual MX Keys. Colors embrace rose, pale grey and graphite.
While you are getting much less keyboard for a similar sum of money, the MX Keys Mini does have three new keys, providing you with shortcuts to dictation (out there in choose international locations for Windows and MacOS customers), emojis and the all-important muting and unmuting of your microphone for video-conference calls. Also, Logitech says that its “minimalist type issue aligns your shoulders and lets you place your mouse nearer to your keyboard for much less hand reaching, leading to higher posture and improved ergonomics.” From my exams, I agree with that evaluation.
The keyboard is comparable in dimension to Logitech’s fashionable and cheaper K380 keyboard ($30). But MX Keys Mini, geared up with Perfect Stroke, Logitech’s “finest nonmechanical typing expertise,” has a extra premium feel and look. And, like the usual MX Keys, it has backlit keys that gentle up as your palms strategy and robotically regulate to the lighting situations, dimming and even turning off to preserve vitality.
Note that the hyperlink beneath goes to the usual MX Keys Mini. The MX Keys Mini for Mac will be discovered right here.
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A few years in the past, Logitech unveiled the MX Master 3 ($100), the third era of its premium house/workplace mouse. Then final yr we obtained the $80 MX Anywhere 3, the third iteration of the corporate’s premium “cellular” mouse, and it might simply be my favourite Logitech mouse but.
The MX Anywhere 3 is available in a few variations. There’s the usual “common” model that works with Windows, MacOS, iPadOS (13.4 or greater), ChromeOS and Linux computer systems through Bluetooth or Logitech’s Unifying USB dongle, which is included. MX Anywhere 3 for Mac works solely through Bluetooth and is optimized for Macs and iPads. Both mice can be found in pale grey and the MX Anywhere 3 (with the dongle) can be provided in rose and graphite.
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