Finding the perfect gift can be hard, especially when you’re on a tight budget. The holiday season is coming up. PCMag editors have picked out some great tech gifts under $100 that they’ve tested and reviewed.
Finding the perfect gift is now easier. Our list has top-rated products that cost less than $100. This means you can give a special gift without spending too much.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the top tech gifts that won’t exceed your budget.
- Explore products that have been rigorously tested and reviewed.
- Find the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life.
- Stay within your budget of $100.
- Get the best value for your money with our curated list.
Why Budget-Friendly Tech Gifts Make Perfect Presents
Finding the perfect gift in today’s tech world can be hard. But, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. There are many affordable tech gifts that show you care without spending too much.
The Appeal of Affordable Technology
Affordable tech gifts are great because they’re not just cheap. They work well and have lots of features. They offer value without a big price tag. This makes them ideal for gifting tech without spending a lot.
How We Selected These Products
We picked products under $100 after a detailed review. We looked at how well they work, what users say, and what experts think. PCMag editors pick and review products on their own to give you honest advice.
We chose items that give exceptional value. We wanted things that are affordable, new, and loved by many. This way, our suggestions are both useful and wanted.
- Functionality and performance
- User reviews and ratings
- Expert opinions and recommendations
By using these standards, we’ve found tech gifts that will wow you without hurting your wallet.
Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Wireless earbuds are great for gifts that don’t cost a lot. They offer good sound and are easy to use. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to listen to music without cords.
JBL Tune230NC TWS
Overview
The JBL Tune230NC TWS earbuds are a great mix of sound, noise canceling, and price. They’re comfy and easy to use, making them great for everyday listening.
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality: These earbuds play music clearly and well, perfect for music fans.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: They block out noise, so you can focus or relax.
- Long Battery Life: You get up to 8 hours of listening on one charge. The case gives you more.
Cons
- Average Noise Cancellation in Certain Environments: They work well most of the time, but not always in very loud places.
- No Wireless Charging: The case doesn’t charge wirelessly, which might be a minus for some.
Features
- Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology
- Up to 8 Hours of Playback
- Compact Charging Case
Anker Soundcore Life P3
Overview
The Anker Soundcore Life P3 earbuds are another top pick under $100. They’re known for their great sound and long battery life. They’re both useful and stylish.
Pros
- Superb Sound Quality: The Life P3 earbuds play music clearly and with detail.
- Long-Lasting Battery: They last up to 11 hours and get extra charges from the case.
- Compact Design: They’re light and comfy, making them good for wearing a long time.
Cons
- Lack of Advanced Features: Some might miss features like wireless charging or customizable EQ.
- Noise Cancellation Not as Effective: The noise canceling is okay, but not as good as some other models.
Features
- Hi-Res Audio Certification
- Up to 11 Hours of Playback
- Compact and Lightweight Design
Smart Home Devices That Won’t Break the Bank
Affordable smart home devices are changing how we live. They make it easy to find great tech gifts under $100.
Looking to upgrade your smart home without spending too much? There are many good options. The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Google Nest Mini are two popular ones. For more info, check out PCMag’s picks.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Overview
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a small, voice-controlled smart speaker. It works well with other smart devices in your home.
Pros
- It has better sound quality than before
- Its small size fits in any room
- It works with Alexa for smart home control
Cons
- Some find the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack a problem
- It only works with Amazon’s ecosystem
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voice Control | Control your smart home with voice commands using Alexa |
| Sound Quality | It has better sound than the 4th Gen |
| Smart Home Integration | It works with many smart home devices |
Google Nest Mini
Overview
The Google Nest Mini is a small smart speaker. It has Google Assistant, making it great for any smart home.
Pros
- It’s small and looks good
- Google Assistant gives accurate and helpful answers
- It works well with other Google devices
Cons
- Some miss the Bluetooth feature
- It only works with Google’s ecosystem
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Assistant | Get answers, control your smart home, and more with Google Assistant |
| Compact Design | It fits in small spaces, perfect for any room |
| Smart Home Control | Control compatible devices with your voice |
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Google Nest Mini are great values. They help you improve your smart home without spending a lot. They are top tech gifts under $100 for anyone into smart home tech.
Portable Chargers and Power Banks Worth Your Money
In today’s world, a good power bank is key. There are many choices, making it hard to pick the right one. We’ll look at the Anker PowerCore10000 and the Belkin Wireless Charging Pad.
Anker PowerCore10000
Overview
The Anker PowerCore10000 is small but powerful. It can charge most phones many times with its 10,000mAh capacity.
- High capacity at an affordable price
- Compact and lightweight design
- Recharges quickly with PowerIQ technology
Cons
- No wireless charging capability
- Limited to USB-C output
Features
The Anker PowerCore10000 has PowerIQ technology for fast charging. It also has a built-in LED battery indicator.
Belkin Wireless Charging Pad
Overview
The Belkin Wireless Charging Pad makes charging easy and neat. It works with Qi-enabled devices for a reliable charge.
Pros
- Easy to use with Qi-enabled devices
- Sleek and compact design
- LED indicator for charging status
Cons
- Requires Qi compatibility
- Slower charging compared to wired options
Features
The Belkin Wireless Charging Pad works with many Qi-enabled phones and cases. This makes it very useful.
The Anker PowerCore10000 and Belkin Wireless Charging Pad are great for best value tech gifts under $100. They are affordable gadgets that are both useful and easy to use.
Best Tech Gifts for Under $100 for Fitness Enthusiasts
Finding the best tech gifts for fitness lovers doesn’t have to cost a lot. There are many cool and cheap options out there. You can find the perfect gift without spending too much.
Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a cool fitness tracker. It helps you keep up with your health and fitness goals.
Overview
This tracker has lots of features like heart rate and sleep tracking. It’s easy to use and looks good too. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves to stay active.
Pros
- Comprehensive fitness tracking: Tracks lots of activities and health stuff.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use and understand.
- Long battery life: Lasts for days on one charge.
Cons
- No built-in GPS.
- Limited smart features compared to more expensive models.
Features
The Fitbit Inspire 3 tracks your daily activities and sleep. It also gives you health insights. Plus, it has guided breathing sessions to help with stress.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is another great choice. It’s affordable and has lots of features.
Overview
This smartwatch is perfect for those who want a reliable tracker. It lasts a long time and tracks health metrics. It also supports many sports modes.
Pros
- Long battery life: Lasts up to a week or more.
- Multiple sports modes: Tracks many workouts.
- Affordable pricing: Great value for its features.
Cons
- Limited compatibility with some phones.
- Some find the interface not so easy to use.
Features
The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro has heart rate and sleep tracking. It also has GPS for outdoor activities. Plus, it supports notifications and has customizable watch faces.
Both the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Bip 3 Pro are awesome gifts for fitness lovers under $100. They offer great features, are affordable, and look good too.
Tech Accessories for Productivity and Work
Getting the right tech accessories can really help you work better. We’ll look at two affordable gifts: the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and the Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub.
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
Overview
The Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard is great and cheap. It lets you use it with many devices at once. It’s perfect for switching between devices all day.
Pros
- Multi-device connectivity
- Long battery life
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- Limited keyboard shortcuts
- No backlighting
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 months |
| Dimensions | 17.5 x 4.4 x 1.1 inches |
Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub
Overview
The Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub is small but mighty. It turns one USB-C port into many, like USB-A and HDMI. It’s great for laptops with few ports.
Pros
- Multiple port options
- Compact design
- High-speed data transfer
Cons
- May be bulky for some laptops
- No power delivery
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ports | 7 ports (USB-A, HDMI, USB-C, etc.) |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 5 Gbps |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches |
Both of these tech accessories are budget-friendly and can really help you work better. Whether you need a versatile keyboard or a compact hub, these are good choices.
Gaming Gadgets Under $100
Affordable gaming gadgets are now popular. They offer many options without a big price. Whether you’re casual or serious, there are great gadgets for you without spending a lot.
8BitDo Pro2 Controller
Overview
The 8BitDo Pro2 Controller works with many devices. This includes Windows, macOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. It gives a retro feel with modern features.
Pros
- Works with many platforms
- Feels good in your hand
- You can change the buttons
Cons
- Layout might take some getting used to
- Could last longer on battery
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB |
Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse
Overview
The Razer DeathAdder V2 is made for fast and precise gaming. It has a 5G optical sensor and Chroma lighting you can change.
- Has a super precise 5G optical sensor
- You can change the lights and buttons
- It’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand
Cons
- It might be too big for some
- Changing settings can be tricky
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5G Optical Sensor |
| Customization | Razer Chroma lighting, customizable buttons |
| Ergonomics | Ergonomic design for comfort |
Devices like the 8BitDo Pro2 Controller and Razer DeathAdder V2 show you don’t need to spend a lot for good gaming. They offer great performance, customization, and comfort. They’re perfect for gamers who want to save money.
Innovative Tech Gadgets for Everyday Use
Innovative tech gadgets make our lives better. They help us do things easier and faster. They also make our daily routines more convenient.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Overview
The Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker is small and helps you find lost things. You can attach it to keys, wallets, or any item you might lose.
- Easy to Use: Just download the Tile app, pair it with your device, and you’re set.
- Reliable Tracking: It uses Bluetooth to show where your items are on a map.
- Community Find: If it’s out of range, the Tile community can help find it.
Cons
- Limited Range: It only works over Bluetooth, and needs community help when out of range.
- Battery Replacement: The battery is not rechargeable and must be replaced.
Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 for strong connection.
- Water Resistance: It’s IPX7 rated, safe from water and dust.
- Long Battery Life: The battery lasts up to a year.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug Lite
Overview
The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug Lite is for coffee and tea lovers. It keeps your drink at the perfect temperature for hours.
Pros
- Temperature Control: Keeps your drink at the exact temperature you want.
- Long-Lasting Heat: Your drink stays hot for hours on one charge.
- App Integration: The Ember app lets you set your own temperature.
Cons
- Price: It’s a bit pricey, but under $100.
- Limited Capacity: The mug is a bit smaller than usual mugs.
Features
- Temperature Range: You can adjust it from 120°F to 145°F.
- Rechargeable Battery: It charges via USB-C for easy refills.
- Durable Design: It’s made from high-quality, BPA-free materials.
The Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker and Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug Lite are great tech gadgets. They solve everyday problems and are great gifts under $100.
Audio and Entertainment Devices Under $100
Audio and entertainment devices make great gifts and don’t have to cost over $100. You can find amazing options to upgrade your own stuff or give to others.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Overview
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K lets you watch lots of content in 4K. It’s small, easy to use, and works with many streaming services.
- High-quality streaming: Watch your favorite shows and movies in 4K.
- Compact design: It fits easily into any TV’s HDMI port.
- Access to multiple streaming services: Watch from Netflix to Hulu and more.
Cons
- Limited gaming capabilities: Not good for serious gamers.
- Remote can be finicky: Some find the remote hard to use.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Connectivity | HDMI |
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Overview
The JBL Flip 5 is waterproof and plays great music. It’s perfect for outdoors or just relaxing at home.
Pros
- Waterproof and durable: It can handle drops or splashes.
- Great sound quality: It sounds clear and balanced.
- Long battery life: It plays music for up to 12 hours.
Cons
- No aux input: It only connects via Bluetooth.
- Not the most compact: It’s portable but not small enough to fit in a pocket.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 |
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and JBL Flip 5 are great for under $100. They’re perfect for streaming fans or music lovers on the move. Both devices will surely impress.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Tech Gift Without Overspending
Finding the perfect tech gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can find cool tech gifts under $100 with a little search. This article showed some awesome tech gifts for under $100. These include wireless earbuds, smart home devices, and gaming gadgets.
The best tech gifts under $100 are both good and affordable. Whether it’s for a fitness fan, a gamer, or someone who loves smart homes, there’s something here for everyone. Choosing one of these top products shows you care without spending too much.
It’s not about the price of tech gifts; it’s about finding something valuable and fun. With the choices in this article, you can easily find a great tech gift that fits your budget and meets your loved one’s needs.