The Coolest Tech Gadgets We’ve Tested So Far This Year (2024)

The Ekster Parliament is a smart bifold wallet with RFID coating (to protect against identity theft) and a patented mechanism that ejects cards from its aluminum storage pocket with the press of a button. It has space for at least ten cards, as well as a strap for carrying cash and receipts.

Ekster has crafted the wallet from high-quality leather that comes in a multitude of colors. An optional Bluetooth tracker for the wallet is also available — this ultra-thin gadget has a maximum range of 200 feet, and it is powered by light, so it never needs a battery.

More: The Best iPhone Wallet Cases

I’ve been swearing by this tiny laptop accessory by OXO to keep my laptop spotless since I impulsively bought one more than a year ago. The affordable gadget packs a microfiber pad and a retractable soft brush.

The microfiber pad mentioned above is handy for removing smudges from the screen of a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other gadget. On the other hand, the brush makes cleaning a keyboard fast and effortless.

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The all-new Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker is a follow-up to a bona fide legend and an instant challenger for the best products in its class. In addition to the compulsory sound upgrades over the past iteration, the new Pill brings a water- and dustproof build with an IP67 rating and longer battery life (up to 20 hours).

Like the brand's excellent Studio Buds + wireless earbuds, the Beats Pill speaker is equally great for iPhone and Android users. Remarkably, the gadget is compatible with both Apple and Google object tracking services, so you or the giftee can always keep tabs on its whereabouts.

The Meural Canvas II smart art frame can display iconic artworks from museums around the world or family memories via a sophisticated display with a matte finish. The screen makes the connected gadget look like a real picture, not a tech device, ensuring it can instantly fit into any home decor arrangement. You or the giftee can choose the content to display via a companion app.

You can order the Meural Canvas II is two sizes and various frame colors. The latter include black, white, or wood finishes.

The best thing about the Vestaboard is that, despite being a decidedly high-tech product, it's sleek and minimalistic. Featuring 132 customizable split-flap character slots, the device makes for a striking alternative to a standard digital display that’s guaranteed to put a smile on the face of everyone who sees it. It can display anything — from weather updates and live scores to personal messages.

Measuring 42 inches diagonally, the Vestaboard is great for large homes or open workspaces if you have the budget for it. You can control the device via a mobile or a web app.

This charging station by Anker is the best I have experienced yet because it's sleek, compact, and incredibly versatile. It packs a duo of AC outlets, a pair of fast USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. Such an abundance of outputs ensures the accessory can power up just about any gadget you or the giftee own — from a desktop computer to a smartphone and tablet, all the way to smaller gadgets.

One of my favorite bits about the charging station is its built-in color display for keeping tabs on the charging process of its USB ports. With a slim profile and a removable cable, the accessory is also a perfect travel companion.

The D03 Dapper bifold wallet by Dango Products is an everyday accessory that effortlessly combines cool design, exceptional craftsmanship, and perfect usability. Made in the U.S. from machined aluminum, water-resistant DTEX, and genuine leather (in black or brown), the D03 wallet has space for up to 14 cards and cash.

You can order the badass wallet with a satin silver or jet-black aluminum chassis. Dango backs the product with a lifetime warranty.

The HERO12 Black by GoPro is better than its predecessor and the best action camera out there. It's compact, easy to operate, and full of connectivity features. It can capture incredibly smooth 5.3K video that's sharper than 4K and 27MP still images. It can also livestream your adventures.

Like every GoPro that precedes it, the HERO12 Black has the best video stabilization tech in its class. It can go up to 33 feet underwater without a protective case. It is compatible with a robust selection of original and third-party accessories.

The AnkerMake M5 is our top 3D printer recommendation for most consumers because it can crank out complex objects at best-in-class speed, including elaborate ones that use multiple filament materials. The splurgeworthy product is also elegant and easy to operate via a touchscreen and a companion app.

Other noteworthy features of the AnkerMake M5 include a built-in camera for keeping an eye on the progress of your prints and a die-cast aluminum structure that’s sleek and sturdy in equal measure.

More: The Best 3D Printers of the Year

The Nothing Ear (a) true wireless earbuds are the best AirPods Pro alternative with a two-digit price tag, offering elegant design, durable build, impeccable ergonomics, great sound, and reliable noise cancellation. When linked to an Android phone, the Nothing Ear (a) can stream lossless audio from Apple Music and Tidal, among other services.nb

Featuring transparent stems with contrasting black, white, or yellow color accents, the earphones also look like they belong in a higher price tier. The same goes for their 10-hour maximum battery life. Their charging case is just as characterful.

Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds Review

The Raptic Link & Lock carabiner is one of the coolest gadgets and best accessories for Apple AirTags we’ve encountered yet. Crafted from ultra-tough zinc, this product has a heavy-duty lock with a three-digit combination code.

The standout feature mentioned above makes tampering with your favorite tracker and removing it from an item practically impossible. Of course, the Link & Lock will also protect your AirTag from damage via a rubber case with a softer interior.

This MagGo magnetic power bank by Anker supports the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard, ensuring it can charge the latest iPhones faster than a standard MagSafe battery pack. The essential accessory has a battery pack with 10,000 mAh capacity, so it can recharge an iPhone and have plenty of power to spare for other gadgets. A USB-C port for fast wired charging is also available.

We like the gadget’s onboard color display for keeping tabs on the charging process and its battery capacity. Its integrated viewing stand is super convenient, too.

Crafted in Portland, Oregon, the Leatherman Skeletool CX multitool is sleek, impressively lightweight, superbly built, and — for less than $100 — reasonably priced. Its onboard tools include the brand's signature pliers, a small 2.6-inch blade, screwdrivers, and a carabiner that doubles as a bottle opener, among others.

Leatherman backs the Skeletool CX with a robust 25-year warranty. There are several colors to choose from, including bright new shades like the Verdant option pictured here.

This compact flashlight became an instant favorite of ours by offering an elegant aluminum build, incredible versatility, excellent battery life, and a USB-C connector for recharging it. Thanks to a bundled light diffuser, the handy gadget can quickly transform from a high-powered flashlight with stellar zoom capabilities to a lamp to use while camping or on the road.

We like the flashlight’s integrated hook for attaching it to items. Its intuitive button controls include an SOS button for use during emergencies.

Once a niche subcategory with only a few products worth buying, open-ear wireless earphones without ear tips have become a popular form factor, with many options now available. Open-ear earphones are perfect for outdoor exercising and commuting because they allow you to always be aware of your surroundings.

The Soundcore AeroFit Pro open-ear earphones are the best worth your attention. Available in several colors, the product has a sleek and durable design, comfy fit, top-tier sound that’s customizable via an app, and up to 14 hours of battery life.

More: The Best Open-Ear Headphones Out Today

The Casa pop-up desk by Logitech is an awesome new laptop accessory that's tailor-made for space-starved remote workers and on-the-go professionals. The do-everything accessory consists of a stand that will lift the laptop to eye level to optimize comfort, as well as a wireless keyboard and touchpad. Combined, the accessories will allow you or a giftee to create a full-blown workstation just about anywhere.

Impressively, the keyboard and trackpad have dedicated storage slots in the laptop stand. When folded, the Casa pop-up desk is about the size of a large notepad.

This magnetic charger by Urban Armor Gear is more versatile than most MagSafe rivals, including Apple's own, because it has an integrated kickstand. The latter will allow you or a gift recipient to watch videos, scroll through social media, and even game with a wireless controller while powering up your iPhone.

I like the accessory's carbon fiber bits and metal stand because they offer convenience and versatility that go beyond charging. The product also comes bundled with a stylish and durable USB-C cable.

The Pelican MagSafe wallet is the most rugged, most dependable option for carrying your essential cards alongside your iPhone. Its snap-on magnets are the strongest in its class, meaning that it won’t separate from your iPhone in case you drop it.

Impressively, the rugged case is also IPX4 water-resistant. As expected from a Pelican product, its hardshell exterior has a sturdy closure.

The all-new Sony ULT Field 1 waterproof Bluetooth speaker is an instant contender for the best in its product category. Available in black, white, gray, and orange, it has an elegant design and an IP67 water- and dust- and shockproof housing.

Sound-wise, the Sony ULT Field 1 delivers a powerful experience with a stellar bass that can be enhanced further with the press of a button. Up to 12 hours of battery life, a USB-C charging connector, and a detachable carrying strap round up its key features.