The Coolest Tech Gifts of the Year Are Here. These Gadgets Will Blow Gearheads Away.

Upgrading to a color e-reader brings book covers, comics, and pictures to life in a way that a standard, black-and-white e-ink device simply can't. The Kobo Libra can store up to 24,000 e-books, has page-turn buttons, and supports landscape mode.

Reviews Editor Amber Joglar recommends throwing in a compatible stylus, especially if you're buying one for a student. Being able to highlight and take notes on your school readings is a game-changer.

A follow-up to our favorite noise-canceling headphones, the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a foolproof gift option for anyone in need of a personal audio upgrade. These over-ear cans can tune out ambient distractions better than just about any other pair of headphones, and deliver top-quality sound. Their spatial audio capabilities are also excellent.

Compared to the previous generation, the latest QuietComfort Ultra offers longer battery life and USB-C audio. Plus, there are several stylish colors to choose from.

If your gift is a tinkerer, having a good set of tools for tech repairs on hand can save you from a lot of headaches. This set from the device-crackers at iFixit is specifically designed to help you get into and repair computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices, and it comes with thousands of instructions for various repairs.

This set includes a 64-bit precision driver set, tweezers, flex extension, opening tools, and an anti-static wristband. Everything is stored in a compact magnetic case to keep all the small pieces together, even in transit.

No touchpad can match the ergonomics, precision, speed, and customizable features of the recently launched Logitech MX Master 4. What’s more, the gift-worthy wireless mouse is also the first to offer haptic feedback, elevating countless mundane tasks—from switching between apps to navigating audio playback.

The MX Master 4 has a USB-C adapter for wireless connectivity, as well as Bluetooth. Its battery can last for weeks between charges.

A smart bird feeder is a great way for the recipient to see the nature in their neighborhood up close, without disturbing the scene. The Bird Buddy Pro has built-in AI software to identify various bird species, along with a high-quality, battery-powered camera that captures detailed images and videos of its visitors. It can livestream, too.

The recipients can log and track a variety of birds from their backyard directly in the compatible app. A solar-powered version of the feeder is also available for those who prefer not to recharge batteries.

Camera Drones can capture cinematic footage of the environment from impressive heights and distances. The Atom SE from Potensic is one of our favorites and a bargain, touting an HD camera that can shoot 12MP photos and 4K video at 30 frames per second.

Plus, it's easy to control, so it's a great gift for new drone users looking to earn their (remote) wings.

A new iPad is always a no-brainer gift, as scrolling and second-screening on a large screen is way more convenient than squinting at a phone. The latest iPad Air is the one I recommend to most consumers right now, because it offers a perfect balance between performance and value, just like its predecessor. The slate features Apple’s M4 processor, which delivers laptop-caliber compute power for creative work and smooth gaming.

You can order the slate with an 11- or a 13-inch screen. For the full laptop-replacement experience, I'd recommend bundling it with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and the Pencil Pro, which give you a full range of control for creative projects and deep work.

The Sharge Icemag 3 is my favorite magnetic battery pack and a fantastic gift option for owners of top-shelf iPhone and Android phones. In addition to providing fast wired and Qi 2.2 wireless charging speeds, the pocket-friendly gadget has a built-in metal stand that will allow the recipient to conveniently view content in landscape or portrait mode or play with a wireless controller, to name a couple of activities.

With a built-in cooling fan, the Icemag 3 can deliver consistent charging speeds, unlike some of its rivals. Its translucent cover and onboard light make the gadget as cool-looking as it is dependable.

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This expert-recommended Bluetooth speaker is rugged, versatile, and capable of producing surprisingly powerful sound for its size. It’s an excellent gift for folks who like to entertain in the backyard, bring tunes on a camping trip, or hang out with friends at a park or the beach.

The IP68-rated speaker can withstand being soaked and exposure to dust and debris. Heck, it’ll float in the pool if you need it to. It’s loud and clear, but durable and waterproof, too: It's a real go-anywhere, do-anything gadget.

The gift-worthy Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Wayfarer smart glasses are part fashion accessory, part wearable gadget. They have a host of handy onboard features, headlined by a high-quality image sensor, a pair of open-ear speakers, a touchpad, and a capture button.

The gadget not only ups the recipient’s social media game and keeps them entertained, but also offers instant answers to questions, live language translation, and many other helpful bits via access to Meta’s powerful AI Assistant.

You can order the smart glasses in multiple styles with clear, black, or transitional lenses (our favorite). Consider the Meta Oakley Vanguard smart glasses if you are looking for a flashier design.

Currently in its third generation, the Apple Watch Ultra is the brand’s best smartwatch to date. If you are gift shopping for someone who owns the Apple timepiece, don’t hesitate to get them the all-new Nomad Stratos band. By combining a synthetic rubber interior and a titanium exterior, the band is comfier than metal-only bracelets without skimping on wrist presence or durability.

Nomad offers the band in natural or black titanium finishes, ensuring it’s a perfect match for the Apple Watch Ultra. The soft interior is available in black, orange, or neon green, dubbed Volt.

Reviewed: Nomad Stratos Band

The Compressed Air Capsule by HOTO is a rock-solid gift option for anyone who uses electronics—not just hardcore gearheads. By combining a powerful vacuum and an air duster into one compact tool, the product keeps all the recipient’s gadgets in pristine condition. It has two levels of air intensity and several bundled attachments, making it incredibly versatile.

Conveniently, the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule charges via a USB-C connector. Its battery can deliver up to 10 minutes of vacuuming or dusting—more than enough for its intended purpose.

This backpack from Nomatic is an excellent bag for tech-savvy travelers. It features multiple compartments for storing laptops, tablets, smaller gadgets, and daily essentials, ensuring that the recipient can neatly organize and access whatever they need on the road. It can also easily expand its storage capacity and even transform into a briefcase when necessary.

Another reason we recommend this backpack is its water-resistant exterior, which offers reliable protection against the elements. Available in black, blue, or olive green, it’s also very easy to clean after long trips.

We believe that everyone, from tech-averse consumers to serious enthusiasts, should keep a pair of reliable wired earbuds handy in their bag. Whether they’re your daily driver or a backup in case you leave your go-to headphones at home.

Sony’s inexpensive IER-EX15C earbuds are an excellent gift option, offering understated design, an integrated remote, and a futureproof USB-C connector. The latter makes the earphones great for any gadget the recipient owns, from a phone to a laptop computer.

The IER-EX15C delivers an entertaining sound with punchy bass. You can order a set in black, white, blue, and pink.

The Native Union Pocket USB-C cable is as thoughtful a tech gift option as it is inexpensive. The minuscule accessory can be a lifesaver for someone on the move by letting them charge their phone, tablet, or laptop quickly with a battery pack. It can come in handy for transferring data, too.

Designed to look like a pocket knife, the Native Union is more characterful than any run-of-the-mill charging cable. You can order the product in several colors, ranging from low-key to eye-catching.

A more feature-packed version of the best game controller for your smartphone, the Backbone Pro is a perfect gift for anyone who’s constantly head-down in a game on their phone.

Compatible with iPhone and Android devices, playing more complex games like Fortnite and Call of Duty Mobile feels much better when you have a proper pair of analog sticks, a D-pad, and tactile buttons.

The Backbone Pro’s buttons are customizable via the Backbone app, which also serves as a convenient hub for organizing games on various platforms. And unlike its lower-priced, USB-C-only relative, the controller also features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless pairing with devices.

Can’t decide which photos to frame and keep on your mantel? A digital picture frame lets you highlight many treasured memories with a single frame.

Equipped with a 10.1-inch anti-glare display, this model looks sharp and clear, even in brightly lit spaces. Its elegant design and sleek metal frame give it a look that will complement any decor.

When it comes to specs, the picture frame has 32 GB of expandable memory, WiFi connectivity, and a companion app for uploading and sharing photos. Larger sizes, with screens measuring 14 inches and 15.6 inches diagonally, are also available.

Giving the gift of high-quality sound is always a great idea, and the all-new Bose Lifestyle Ultra wireless speaker is one of my favorite options in 2026. The home speaker offers a perfect blend of compact, interior-friendly design, a stylish fabric cover, size-defying sound with immersive spatial audio, and easy setup. With Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple AirPlay, and Google Chromecast support, the gadget can stream content from any platform. It’s Amazon Alexa+ compatible, too.

You can order the Bose Lifestyle Ultra speaker in black or white (the Bose website has a limited number of the Driftwood Sand colorway, too). Getting a pair of speakers will treat the recipient to a perfect stereo or multi-room audio system. A Bose Lifestyle Ultra soundbar is also available if you are shopping on a bigger budget.

A high-quality dash cam, such as the gift-worthy Vantrue E1 Pro, can protect your favorite driver, their passengers, and their vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. Its 4K image sensor captures footage with superb clarity, both day and night, while WiFi connectivity and a companion app make downloading and sharing video clips easy.

The windshield dash cam has an integrated color screen. Its retail package includes an installation kit.