Do you need a cool tech gift for a friend or family member that doesn't break the bank? Sticking to a budget doesn't mean your gift has to be boring.
We've found media streamers, smart speakers, and a few quirky options for the geeks in your life.
Some are Daxdi Editors' Choice products, while others are fun gizmos you might want to keep for yourself.
For Siri Smart Home Integration
The original Apple HomePod earned points as a high-quality smart speaker, but its $349 price was a bit steep when similar devices from Amazon and Google were much cheaper.
The new Apple HomePod mini speaker, however, offers Siri voice assistance and smart home control in an attractive little orb design for just $99.
Apple HomePod mini Review
For 2.1 Wireless Audio on a Budget
Does the audio on your computer need an upgrade? The budget-friendly Logitech Z407 speaker system delivers strong 2.1 wired and Bluetooth audio for computers and mobile devices alike.
Logitech Z407 Review
For Stylish Amazon Alexa Fans
The original Amazon Echo gets a makeover; it's now shaped like an orb, covered in fabric, and features an LED ring on its base.
Amazon says it "sounds significantly better," though we'll have to reserve judgment until we get it in for testing.
It's expected to ship by Oct.
22.
For Web Conferencing and Broadcasts
The Atomos Connect is a simple adapter that converts your camera's HDMI signal into a high-quality USB stream, perfect for web conferencing and broadcasting at home or on location.
Atomos Connect Review
For Touch-Screen Alexa Access
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm46i35C5ag[/embed]
The Echo Show 5 comes with a 960-by-480-resolution 5.5-inch display, a 1MP HD camera that includes a shutter, as well as on/off buttons for the microphone and camera.
In our review, we found that it lacks the booming stereo speakers of the 10-inch original, but offers a terrific selection of Alexa voice assistant and touch-screen features.
Its versatility and value easily earn it our Editors' Choice for small-screen smart displays.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Review
For Wireless Jams With Hipster Vibes
The Status Audio BT One wireless headphones deliver strong audio in a handsome design for a surprisingly affordable price.
The Status also offers excellent mic performance and a cable for passive listening.
Status Audio BT One Review
For Long Listening Sessions
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dMCKqaeZ8Q[/embed]
The simple, stylish OnePlus Buds earphones offer very good wire-free sound quality for significantly less money than Apple's AirPods.
With a purported 10-hour lifespan, it earns our Editors' Choice among true wireless earbuds.
OnePlus Buds Review
For Dance Party Enthusiasts
The Anker Soundcore Flare offers a little bit of everything to make it a great centerpiece for parties and everyday use.
This portable speaker plays quality audio, has adjustable sound settings, contains built-in LED lighting, and is waterproof.
That makes it an Editors' Choice for best wireless and Bluetooth speakers.
Anker Soundcore Flare Review
For Outdoor-Friendly Audio
The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a tiny speaker, and its waterproof build adds value to its already affordable price.
The audio output here is truly impressive, and worthy of our Editors' Choice.
Sony SRS-XB12 Review
For Budget-Minded Audiophiles
The Edifier R1280T speakers deliver rich, balanced audio with adjustable EQ in a handsome design for an affordable price.
If you have someone who spends a lot of time listening to music through the computer, this Editors' Choice is among the best options.
Edifier R1280T Review
For Efficiency Hounds
The MX Master 3, Logitech's latest revision of its classic productivity mouse, gets a tuneup that makes you feel like a power user with minimal effort.
This Editors' Choice among computer mice is comfortable in the hand, has downloadable profiles for popular apps, features superb battery life, and works across up to three different devices.
Logitech MX Master 3 Review
For Organization Aficionados
With its quality output, speedy printing, and solid feature set, the Brother P-touch Cube Plus is an excellent-value label printer for homes and small offices.
It's an Editors' Choice among our picks for best label makers.
Brother P-touch Cube Plus Review
For Gamers Who Love a Splash of Color
The ADATA XPG Spectrix S40 is an unapologetically bright RGB-lit M.2 SSD that blings up your PC.
Its 4K read and write speeds should keep most gamers happy, too.
Not only is it an Editors' Choice among internal SSDs, it's also one of the cheaper options on the market.
ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G Review
For Affordable Wireless PC Gaming
The Razer Nari Essential is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that will please PC gamers with its powerful audio performance.
An Editors' Choice among gaming headsets, it has a sturdy and comfortable design with an excellent mic, 7.1-channel surround sound, and user-adjustable EQ.
Razer Nari Essential Review
For a Pure Typing Experience
The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more.
Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience.
Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Review
For Old-School Sega Fans
The Sega Genesis Mini is a faithfully reproduced miniature retro console packed with 42 classic titles, including Castlevania, Contra, Mega Man, Shinobi, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, and Virtua Fighter.
More obscure titles include Earthworm Jim, Ecco the Dolphin, Toejam and Earl, and more.
Sega Genesis Mini Review
For Versatile Home Automation
The Wink Hub 2 is a versatile home automation hub that works with virtually every wireless protocol out there and supports dual-band Wi-Fi.
Installation and device pairing is quick and easy, and it works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT recipes.
Wink Hub 2 Review
For Secure Portable Storage
Combining on-point performance and strong encryption, the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch portable drive is a great choice for everyday backups and security-first use alike.
As an added bonus, this Editors' Choice is lightweight, easy to carry, and includes a fabric coat for added appeal.
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Review
For Those Curious About DNA and Health Data
23andMe offers a trove of information about both your personal genetics and your deeper ancestry.
This top DNA testing kit also offers data about genetic health risks, as well as your carrier status for many conditions.
23andMe Review
For Instant Camera Beginners
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is fun, inexpensive, and a selfie machine.
If you're looking for an instant camera and don't want to spend a lot of money, it's the one to get.
This Editors' Choice comes in several different colors and also uses color or black-and-white Instax Mini film.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Review
For Tech-Savvy Health Buffs
The Withings Wi-Fi Body+ Scale and web account pack a lot of value into an everyday health and fitness device.
This smart scale offers great options for sharing data and interacts with a wide range of other fitness and health devices.
Its display is also one of the best we've seen.
Withings Body+ Scale Review
For Data-Loving Fitness Fanatics
Much more than a heart rate monitor, the Wahoo Tickr X doubles as a run tracker, works indoors and out, and even counts reps during strength training.
Thinner, lighter, and better battery than its predecessor, this Editors' Choice records three advanced running metrics and can pair with up to three Bluetooth devices at once.
Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor Review
For Aviation and Simulator Enthusiasts
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a one-of-a-kind experience made possible by a marriage of clever developers and cutting-edge technology.
It’s a gift to the series’ dedicated fans, an appealing entry point for newcomers, and now the bar for the simulation genre.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC) Review
Holiday Gift Guide
For more gift ideas, check out our full Holiday Gift Guide, as well as:
Do you need a cool tech gift for a friend or family member that doesn't break the bank? Sticking to a budget doesn't mean your gift has to be boring.
We've found media streamers, smart speakers, and a few quirky options for the geeks in your life.
Some are Daxdi Editors' Choice products, while others are fun gizmos you might want to keep for yourself.
For Siri Smart Home Integration
The original Apple HomePod earned points as a high-quality smart speaker, but its $349 price was a bit steep when similar devices from Amazon and Google were much cheaper.
The new Apple HomePod mini speaker, however, offers Siri voice assistance and smart home control in an attractive little orb design for just $99.
Apple HomePod mini Review
For 2.1 Wireless Audio on a Budget
Does the audio on your computer need an upgrade? The budget-friendly Logitech Z407 speaker system delivers strong 2.1 wired and Bluetooth audio for computers and mobile devices alike.
Logitech Z407 Review
For Stylish Amazon Alexa Fans
The original Amazon Echo gets a makeover; it's now shaped like an orb, covered in fabric, and features an LED ring on its base.
Amazon says it "sounds significantly better," though we'll have to reserve judgment until we get it in for testing.
It's expected to ship by Oct.
22.
For Web Conferencing and Broadcasts
The Atomos Connect is a simple adapter that converts your camera's HDMI signal into a high-quality USB stream, perfect for web conferencing and broadcasting at home or on location.
Atomos Connect Review
For Touch-Screen Alexa Access
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm46i35C5ag[/embed]
The Echo Show 5 comes with a 960-by-480-resolution 5.5-inch display, a 1MP HD camera that includes a shutter, as well as on/off buttons for the microphone and camera.
In our review, we found that it lacks the booming stereo speakers of the 10-inch original, but offers a terrific selection of Alexa voice assistant and touch-screen features.
Its versatility and value easily earn it our Editors' Choice for small-screen smart displays.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Review
For Wireless Jams With Hipster Vibes
The Status Audio BT One wireless headphones deliver strong audio in a handsome design for a surprisingly affordable price.
The Status also offers excellent mic performance and a cable for passive listening.
Status Audio BT One Review
For Long Listening Sessions
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dMCKqaeZ8Q[/embed]
The simple, stylish OnePlus Buds earphones offer very good wire-free sound quality for significantly less money than Apple's AirPods.
With a purported 10-hour lifespan, it earns our Editors' Choice among true wireless earbuds.
OnePlus Buds Review
For Dance Party Enthusiasts
The Anker Soundcore Flare offers a little bit of everything to make it a great centerpiece for parties and everyday use.
This portable speaker plays quality audio, has adjustable sound settings, contains built-in LED lighting, and is waterproof.
That makes it an Editors' Choice for best wireless and Bluetooth speakers.
Anker Soundcore Flare Review
For Outdoor-Friendly Audio
The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a tiny speaker, and its waterproof build adds value to its already affordable price.
The audio output here is truly impressive, and worthy of our Editors' Choice.
Sony SRS-XB12 Review
For Budget-Minded Audiophiles
The Edifier R1280T speakers deliver rich, balanced audio with adjustable EQ in a handsome design for an affordable price.
If you have someone who spends a lot of time listening to music through the computer, this Editors' Choice is among the best options.
Edifier R1280T Review
For Efficiency Hounds
The MX Master 3, Logitech's latest revision of its classic productivity mouse, gets a tuneup that makes you feel like a power user with minimal effort.
This Editors' Choice among computer mice is comfortable in the hand, has downloadable profiles for popular apps, features superb battery life, and works across up to three different devices.
Logitech MX Master 3 Review
For Organization Aficionados
With its quality output, speedy printing, and solid feature set, the Brother P-touch Cube Plus is an excellent-value label printer for homes and small offices.
It's an Editors' Choice among our picks for best label makers.
Brother P-touch Cube Plus Review
For Gamers Who Love a Splash of Color
The ADATA XPG Spectrix S40 is an unapologetically bright RGB-lit M.2 SSD that blings up your PC.
Its 4K read and write speeds should keep most gamers happy, too.
Not only is it an Editors' Choice among internal SSDs, it's also one of the cheaper options on the market.
ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G Review
For Affordable Wireless PC Gaming
The Razer Nari Essential is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that will please PC gamers with its powerful audio performance.
An Editors' Choice among gaming headsets, it has a sturdy and comfortable design with an excellent mic, 7.1-channel surround sound, and user-adjustable EQ.
Razer Nari Essential Review
For a Pure Typing Experience
The Drop ENTR is a simple mechanical keyboard, but its premium build makes it feel like so much more.
Even better, its sub-$100 price means that you won't spend an extraordinary amount of money for an excellent typing experience.
Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Review
For Old-School Sega Fans
The Sega Genesis Mini is a faithfully reproduced miniature retro console packed with 42 classic titles, including Castlevania, Contra, Mega Man, Shinobi, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, and Virtua Fighter.
More obscure titles include Earthworm Jim, Ecco the Dolphin, Toejam and Earl, and more.
Sega Genesis Mini Review
For Versatile Home Automation
The Wink Hub 2 is a versatile home automation hub that works with virtually every wireless protocol out there and supports dual-band Wi-Fi.
Installation and device pairing is quick and easy, and it works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT recipes.
Wink Hub 2 Review
For Secure Portable Storage
Combining on-point performance and strong encryption, the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch portable drive is a great choice for everyday backups and security-first use alike.
As an added bonus, this Editors' Choice is lightweight, easy to carry, and includes a fabric coat for added appeal.
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Review
For Those Curious About DNA and Health Data
23andMe offers a trove of information about both your personal genetics and your deeper ancestry.
This top DNA testing kit also offers data about genetic health risks, as well as your carrier status for many conditions.
23andMe Review
For Instant Camera Beginners
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is fun, inexpensive, and a selfie machine.
If you're looking for an instant camera and don't want to spend a lot of money, it's the one to get.
This Editors' Choice comes in several different colors and also uses color or black-and-white Instax Mini film.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Review
For Tech-Savvy Health Buffs
The Withings Wi-Fi Body+ Scale and web account pack a lot of value into an everyday health and fitness device.
This smart scale offers great options for sharing data and interacts with a wide range of other fitness and health devices.
Its display is also one of the best we've seen.
Withings Body+ Scale Review
For Data-Loving Fitness Fanatics
Much more than a heart rate monitor, the Wahoo Tickr X doubles as a run tracker, works indoors and out, and even counts reps during strength training.
Thinner, lighter, and better battery than its predecessor, this Editors' Choice records three advanced running metrics and can pair with up to three Bluetooth devices at once.
Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor Review
For Aviation and Simulator Enthusiasts
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a one-of-a-kind experience made possible by a marriage of clever developers and cutting-edge technology.
It’s a gift to the series’ dedicated fans, an appealing entry point for newcomers, and now the bar for the simulation genre.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC) Review
Holiday Gift Guide
For more gift ideas, check out our full Holiday Gift Guide, as well as: