The Best Tech Gifts and Gadgets of 2023
Whether you’re a gadget guru or a complete Luddite, Gizmodo’s Tech Gift Guide will make you look like a rockstar gift-giver this holiday. Spoil a loved one (or, hey, yourself) with a new TV, phone, or smart mug—and we’ve even got ideas for kids and pets . Trust us: You can elevate your gift-giving game beyond a last-minute pair of socks and a gas station gift card.
Here are our best recommendations, starting at $70, from all the enticing tech toys and gadgets we’ve checked out this year. Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Gizmodo’s 2023 gift guides.
LG G3 OLED TV
Why we like it: Sometimes, there’s no better gift than an obscenely large television, and the LG G3 OLED is the best obscenely large TV you could buy. Available in 55 to 83 inches, this gorgeous OLED TV isn’t only exceptionally bright; it also has the best picture quality suited for pretty much anything from 4K gaming to live sports. Warning: If you buy this for a friend, you’ll never want to leave their house. Price: Starting at $1,800 for 55 inches Where to Buy: Amazon
Meta Quest 3
Why we like it: Let’s face it, reality sucks. So why not give a virtual one a shot? The Quest 3 is the best VR and mixed-reality headset out there. It’s backward compatible with older Quest and Quest 2 games and apps, but more importantly, it’s affordable and easy to set up. It also helps that it’s completely wireless and doesn’t require cumbersome base stations or tethering the headset to a PC. Just put it on and literally turn your living room into a virtual playground. Price: $499 Where to Buy: Amazon
Steam Deck OLED
Why we like it: The original Steam Deck is great, but it wasn’t perfect. The Steam Deck OLED improves almost everything we’ve been complaining about Valve’s handheld gaming PC. It has improved battery life, better thumbsticks, and a gorgeous OLED display. It’s one of those devices that, once you pick it up, it’ll be near impossible to down. Price: $649 Where to Buy: Steam
Arcade1Up The Simpsons 4-Player Arcade Cabinet
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a gift that screams nostalgia, there’s nothing like an arcade cabinet based on the greatest four-player arcade game of all time, The Simpsons. This modernized cabinet features online leaderboards, a colorful 17-inch LCD display, and the original artwork cabinet.It couldn’t be any more ’90s unless Bart Simpson was hitting you in the face with a skateboard screaming “Ay Caramba!” Price: $700 Where to Buy: GameStop
Nomad Grill and Smoker
Why we like it: The best tech gifts don’t have to light up or connect to the internet. Sometimes, an innovative design is what makes it special. Take the Nomad Grill and Smoker, a suitcase-sized charcoal BBQ grill that opens into two diecast cookboxes with up to 425 square inches of grillable space. Turn any trip into a barbecue! Price: $695 Where to Buy: Nomad
Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
Why we like it: Not all of us are chefs who know when a piece of steak or chicken breast is perfectly cooked. The Meater Plus is a Bluetooth meat thermometer that pings your phone via an app to let you know it’s ready. It measures both internal and external temperatures to achieve the “perfect level of doneness.”What we like the most is, not only will it tell when it’s done cooking, but also how long you should rest before serving. Nothing ruins a summer like Salmonella, which is why this gadget makes our list. Price: $99 Where to Buy: Amazon
Yoto Mini
Why we like it: The Yoto Mini is a teeny audiobook player for kids. Pop in special cards that offer up music, books, and games. We really like the Yoto Mini because of its portability, making it easier to travel than a tablet, and because it helps reduce screen time, if that’s important to you. You can even use the Yoto App on your phone to play content on the Mini like a Bluetooth speaker. Price: $70 Where to Buy: Yoto, Amazon
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Why we like it: If you know someone who requires one of the best smartphone cameras and is in desperate need of an update to their aging iPhone, find a way to drop the cash on Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. The flagship features USB-C, the longest battery life we’ve tested in a smartphone, and increased optical zoom for the Pro Max variant. Sadly, only the Pro Max variant has 5x optical zoom, while the regular Pro is limited to 3x. However, those numbers won’t matter if you’re buying this phone for someone who needs an upgrade that will last them at least three years Price: Starts at $1,000 for the iPhone 15 Pro; $1,200 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max Where to buy: Apple, Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Why we like it: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the best smartphone for most Android users. But if you want something more feature-filled for the cash, consider the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra instead. The phone has a whopping 100x digital zoom and up to 20x optical zoom facilitated by its stellar camera hardware. The screen is giant, too, and so vibrant that it’s like carrying a Samsung TV in your pocket. It’s a good choice for a long commuter who catches up on their stories on the go. And the built-in S Pen is a helpful little value-add for when times call for a stylus. Price: Starts at $1,200 Where to buy: Samsung
Google Pixel Watch 2
Why we like it: This Android-based smartwatch is pebble-shaped, so it blends in nicely as an accessory. But the helpful stuff isn’t the Pixel Watch 2’s heart-rate monitoring or sensory-friendly haptics. It’s the Personal Safety feature as part of Android’s offerings. The Personal Safety app stores crucial medical information in case of an emergency or a fall, and it lets you call for help with Emergency SOS remotely. It’s a good gift if you’re watching out for someone from afar. Price: Starts at $350 Where to buy: Pixel Watch 2, Best Buy
Sony WH-1000XM5
Why we like it: Sony’s headphone redesign occurred last year, but these are still some of the coolest-looking and best-sounding over-the-ear cans you can get. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 has industry-leading active noise cancellation that outperforms the Apple AirPods Max. The WH-1000XM5’s headband is also friendlier to bigger heads than its predecessor. Price: $400 Where to buy: Sony, Amazon
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
Why we like it: Sony does it again, this time with the WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling earbuds. As we wrote in our review of the buds, they’re “astoundingly good,” and their sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation are better than what Apple and Samsung offer their respective ecosystems.And like the headphones, this new rendition of Sony’s earbuds is way more comfortable than the last generation. Price: $300 Where to buy: Amazon
Sonos Era 300
Why we like it: You can’t get a better speaker for the Apple ecosystem than the Sonos Era 300. Sonos revamped its smart speaker lineup this year by adding more powerful compression drivers and directing them to deliver optimum sound despite the room you’re in. The only bummer is the lack of Google Assistant, but if it’s a household heavy with Apple, they won’t care. The Era 300 is also compatible with AirPlay, so it works with an Apple HomePod Mini for adding Siri integration. Price: $450 Where to buy: Sonos, Best Buy
Atari 2600+
Why we like it: If your loved one still has a heap of old Atari games gathering dust in their attic, the Atari 2600+ console is a great chance to throw them deep into late 70s, early 80s nostalgia. It plays Atari 2600 and 7800 natively, and it will work with HDMI cables, so there’s no need for complicated cable fiddling. Price: $130 Where to buy: Atari website, Amazon
Apple MacBook Pro in Black
Why we like it: The latest MacBook Pro with M3 epitomizes Apple-brand desktop hardware. If you were looking to make the Pro upgrade, this is probably the best you can get. No, there’s no option for a 13-inch M3 laptop with a Touch Bar, but black really does look good on the MacBook, and it really is as powerful as Apple claims. The 14-inch MacBook Pro in Space Black starts at $2,000, including the M3 Pro, though you can go up to $4,000 if you want the extra memory and power of the M3 Max chip on a 16-inch display. Price: Starting at $1,999 Where to buy: Apple, Best Buy
Analogue Pocket
Why we like it: It’s been two years since the Analogue Pocket’s initial release, and it’s still the retro portable device that just keeps on giving. It can play SNES and Genesis games without fuss, and this year, Analogue released a limited-edition translucent plastic edition and a glow-in-the-dark version. You’ll be hard-pressed to get your hands on the Pocket in matte or any of its other, more colorful editions, but if you can find one, it’s a genuinely great experience for anybody who grew up on the Game Boy. Price: $220 Where to buy: Analogue’s website
Insta360 Camera
Why we like it: The action cam industry has looked a little stale for the past few years, but the Insta 360 Go 3 adds a nice wrinkle with its magnetically attached lens that can stick to the side of your fridge or a steel helmet.But if you don’t have anything ferromagnetic lying around, it’s also compatible with GoPro mounts.It has a better battery life than past versions of the company’s prior cameras and now has a 2.2-inch touchscreen for easier access. Price: $400 Where to buy: Amazon
Star Wars FX Lightsabers
Why we like it: Listen, there’s a whole cottage industry of lightsaber makers and DIYers who spend thousands of dollars and machine their own parts for the best-looking, best-sounding lightsabers around. Then there’s the average Star Wars fan who doesn’t have that dough and can’t travel all the way to Disney World for the build-a-lightsaber experience. The Black Series FX Lightsabers are a big step up from those old plastic telescoping sabers or broom handles. Price: $180 Where to buy: Amazon
Lego NES System
Why we like it: There’s a load of fun, nerdy Lego builds from this year, including the Super Mario Piranha Plant and the Dune Ornithopter. But what still plucks at our old-school gamer heartstrings is the brick-built Nintendo Entertainment System set. It’s not just the console, but a reproduction CRTV with scrolling Level 0-1 that you can make a pixelated Mario jump around in. It’s a big build, but the finished product will have anybody who grew up with an NES mumbling “wahoo” under their breath. Price: $270 Where to buy: Lego website, Amazon
Razer Blade 16” Gaming Laptop
Why we like it: A gaming laptop is a hard buy at the best of times, simply because you have to make sure you’re getting as much power for the price as possible. That being said, the Razer Blade 16 is a hell of a machine. With a GeForce RTX 4090, a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i9, and 32 GB of RAM, it’s hard to complain about the Razer Blade’s output. The 16-inch mini-LED display does 4K gaming without breaking a sweat. It offers up to 240 Hz on 1920 x 1200 resolution for smooth, frame-perfect gaming, yet it’s still portable enough to call it a laptop rather than a foldable brick. Price: $4,299 (starts at $2,699) Where to buy: B&H site, Best Buy
DJI Mavic Mini
Why we like it: Think of the DJI Mavic Mini as the perfect mid-range device for someone who’s not looking for the most hardcore drone out there but more than enough for someone looking to get into this hobby. Weighing less than half a pound, this drone is as light as your smartphone, and the fact that you don’t need to register it with the government to fly it makes it even better. You get stunning 12MP aerial shots and 2.7K HD videos with the Mavic Mini. Price: $400 Where to buy: Amazon
Around The Block New 500W
Why we like it: This 500W e-bike that could easily be mistaken for a beach cruiser will take you 20 miles on full electric mode and 20 to 40 miles on pedal assist mode. It’s an extremely simple bike to get used to, so it makes for a nice holiday gift. You get up to 20 mph for both modes and both front and rear brakes for easy stopping. Price: $1,295 Where to buy: Sixthreezero
Hatch Restore 2
Why we like it: The Restore 2 by Hatch is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to a loved one.
It is essentially a device that is meant to wake you up and put you to sleep the way you ‘should,’ according to sleep researchers. Using audio and light, it creates the kind of experience that is conducive to a good night’s sleep.
You’ll sleep with sounds inspired by nature and rise to a welcoming sunrise, instead of a loud and jarring alarm. Price: $200 Where to buy: Hatch, Amazon
Petlitbro Granary Camera Monitoring Feeder
Why we like it: This monitoring feeder allows you to watch your furry friends as they munch on their favorite meal. The feeder is wifi enabled and works with both iOS and Android.
You can even set a feeding plan and schedule feeding time for up to 10 meals daily and one to 50 portions per meal. There are also feeding logs that you can regularly check to see if your pets are getting fed on the schedule you’ve set. It doesn’t get easier than this. Price: $140 Where to buy: Amazon
Samsung Freestyle 2 Projector
Why we like it: At $800, this gift might be a little pricey, but this is one of the most fun products you can buy for someone this holiday season.
The Freestyle 2nd gen gives you floor-to-ceiling flexibility with a rotation of 180 degrees. Offering a 1920 x 1080 resolution, this projector can deliver a crisp and clear movie-watching experience.The best part is that it’s got a straightforward setup, all thanks to its Auto Leveling, Auto Focus, and Auto Keystone technology. Price: $800 Where to buy: Amazon
Gillette Heated Razor Starter Kit
Why we like it: The world’s first heated razor makes for a cool gift. It heats up in less than a second and is completely waterproof, so you can easily shave at the sink or shower. It’s thoughtfully designed in that you get a magnetic docking and wireless charging setup, with a single charge providing up to six shaves. The starter kit package provides a heated razor handle, two five-blade refills, a magnetic wireless charging dock, and a smart plug. Price: $113 Where to buy: Amazon
Ember Temperature Controlled Smart Mug
Why we like it: Ember’s smart mug is ideal for the upcoming cold days. It can keep your drink between 120°F and 145°F for up to 80 minutes on a full charge. You can pair the mug with the Ember app to set a specific temperature or customize presets. The mug remembers your last-used temperature and so is fully functional without the app, too. Ember smart mug’s intelligent mechanism enters sleep mode after two hours of inactivity and wakes up when it senses liquid. Price: $113 Where to buy: Amazon
FIZZICS FZ403 DraftPour Beer Dispenser
Why we like it: The Fizzics beer dispenser is a must-have. It converts your beer’s natural carbonation into micro-foam, rich and creamy froth that delivers a pleasant drinking experience. It accommodates all cans, including bomber cans and up to 750ml bottles. It also works with all kinds of beer, including lagers, ales, stouts, IPAs, sours, beers, porters, ambers, and more. DraftPour uses a USB cord and two AA batteries to charge, so it should be easy to use at a home bar or on the go. Price: $125 Where to buy: Amazon
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Gizmodo’s 2023 gift guides.
