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

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It's hard to stay up to date with the ever-growing, forever-changing tech space. But luckily for you, that's where we come in. We're constantly testing new products, researching recent trends in the tech space, and updating our list of cool gadgets accordingly.

At 2023's CES, a yearly event that highlights the latest innovation and emerging trends in the tech space, we saw leading brands showcase products that will upgrade your home office, transform any living room into a legit home theater, step up your gaming setup, and improve your wellness routine — all while keeping you safe and sane.

We feel that tech gadgets are all about making your life easier and more enjoyable. For this list, we reviewed new product releases from leading makers in countless tech and gadget categories, as well as revisited long-term favorites to see if they still make the cut. From true wireless earbuds to smart home appliances to tech products for parents, here are the coolest gadgets available right now.

737 Power Bank

Anker’s 737 Power Bank can charge your laptop via a fast USB-C connector with a maximum power output of 140 watts. It has a battery pack with ample capacity, and rather impressively, a color screen to help you keep tabs on the charging process. The accessory rocks a pair of USB-C ports and a USB-A connector, so you can simultaneously charge up to three devices.

Tech Pouch

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is a stylish and exceptionally made accessory that's a must-have for frequent travelers. It has enough pockets and compartments for small gadgets, charging cables, memory cards, and any other accessories you might own.

Peak Design has crafted the exterior of this tech pouch using recycled nylon with a weatherproof finish. There are several colors to pick from: black, charcoal, bone, midnight, and sage green.

D03 Dapper Bifold EDC Wallet

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.

Parliament Smart Wallet

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

Smart LED Display

The unapologetically retro-styled Tidbyt is a simple, yet high-tech reminder of glorious times when high-resolution screens in phones, tablets, laptops, and TV screens weren’t a thing. The gadget’s basic LED display can show you essential information like weather conditions, upcoming calendar appointments, and even live scores. It can also display artwork of your choosing.

Tidbyt comes with a companion app for customizing the onscreen experience. The characterful tech product is available with a beech or a walnut housing, just like a mid-century radio.

Pixel Tablet

The Google Pixel Tablet — the tech giant’s first Android slate in years — sets a new standard for versatility in this product category. The device’s unique, fabric-covered charging dock packs a powerful speaker, allowing it to transform into a big-screen smart display that’s a legit replacement for Google’s own Nest Hub Max.

Of course, the Pixel Tablet also packs a sharp touchscreen, the same Tensor G2 chip that powers the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Fold, a duo of high-quality cameras, and abundant onboard storage.

WI-C100 Wireless Neckband Earbuds

These wireless neckband earbuds by Sony stand out in today’s market compared to many similarly priced true wireless earbuds by delivering superior sound and much longer battery life at a lower price. Regarding value for money, the WI-C100 earbuds are simply unbeatable.

Other key features of the buds include an IPX4 rating for water resistance and a companion app for customizing their sound. You can order a set in black, white, or blue.

317 Laptop Charger

Anker’s 317 Charger is the budget-friendly backup or replacement you need for your MacBook — or any other compatible laptop and USB-C-toting device. The accessory is smaller than most MacBook adapters without skimping on charging capacity. Its 100-watt maximum output can power up any MacBook iteration, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

The 317 charger has folding prongs for easy storage. Its retail package includes a high-quality 5-foot cable.

ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop

This iteration of the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop impressed me by providing harmony between sleek design, futureproof hardware, and stellar gaming performance, all at an incredible price. The product is one of the product category’s best and the one to get if you want your upgrade budget to remain well below $1,500.

Pixel 7a Android Smartphone

Google’s Pixel 7a is the most value-packed Android smartphone to hit the shelves this year and a worthy sequel to the excellent Pixel 6a. The new iteration has a refreshed design that makes it look like a miniaturized Pixel 7, a more capable chip and camera, and a better OLED screen with a high refresh rate, all for less than $500.

Like all phones made by Google, the Pixel 7a will always treat you to the latest Android iteration for years after you buy it. There are three colors to consider: charcoal, sea, and snow.

Studio Buds + Wireless Earbuds

The Beats Studio Buds + true wireless earbuds are our new favorite in this crowded product category, thanks to their timelessly cool design, comfy fit with clicky button controls, great sound quality, strong noise cancellation, and long battery life, all at a reasonable price. Better yet, the Buds + are equally easy to link with Apple or Android devices.

The earphones’ 9-hour battery life is longer than their predecessor and another reason to upgrade. You can order the Studio Buds + in black, ivory, and transparent finishes.

More: Our Review of the Beats Studio Buds +

Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner

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.

More: A Closer Look at the OXO Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner

Q7 QLED Smart 4K TV (65-Inch)

The all-new TCL Q7 4K TV has an elegant industrial design and superb picture quality. Its quantum-dot display panel has hundreds of local dimming zones. Combined, the tech features allow the big-screen TV to deliver a bright picture with deep contrast and vibrant colors.

Powered by Google TV, the TCL Q7 offers access to all streaming services out of the box. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, and it comes with a sleek remote with backlit buttons. A cheaper variant of the TV with a 55-inch display panel is available, and so are bigger and costlier 75- and 85-inch versions.

Pelican Marine AirTag Holder

The Marine Holder by Pelican is the most rugged and dependable AirTag accessory worth your attention. The accessory has a shock-resistant exterior with Dupont Kevlar — an impossibly lightweight and tough material — used in its making. It’s also water- and dustproof with an IP68 rating, guaranteeing that your tracker will become practically impervious to damage.

We like that the fully sealed Pelican case is as discreet as it is tough. The product is compatible with keychains, and it comes bundled with a carabiner for attaching it to items.

Motion X600 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Soundcore Motion X600 Bluetooth speaker is the brand's finest and a legit best-in-class contender. Its multi-driver audio setup delivers a sonic experience that's nothing short of excellent. And unlike many rivals, the X600 is capable of Hi-Res and spatial audio playback.

In addition to captivating sound, the X600 brings a striking design with an aluminum handle, a mesh grille, and backlit button controls. You can order the waterproof speaker in black, blue, and green.

5-in-1 USB C Hub for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

Owners of the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pros must have the latest USB-C hub by Plugable on their radar. The reasonably priced accessory will treat the latest Apple laptops to a pair of USB-A ports and a gigabit Ethernet connector by connecting to the duo of USB-C ports on their left side.

The gadget also features a Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C port and a standard audio jack. Another bit we love about the Plugable offering is its handy slot for the MagSafe charger.

Life Note 3S Wireless Earbuds

The Soundcore Life Note 3S true wireless earbuds are an appealing and significantly more affordable alternative to Apple’s second and third-generation AirPods. The buds have a stem design with an in-ear fit that lacks silicone tips like the AirPods we mentioned, allowing you to rock out without losing track of your surroundings.

Sound-wise, the Life Note 3S earbuds deliver a great experience for the money. You can customize the audio via the Soundcore app. Other key features of the buds include an IPX4 rating for water resistance, up to 5 hours of battery life, and a case with wireless charging compatibility.

More: The Best AirPods Alternatives

Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Speaker

The waterproof Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth speaker by House of Marley will treat you to a characterful design, a sustainable build that includes natural bamboo and recycled materials like silicone and fabric, and great sound. The latter is powered by a pair of audio drivers and a pair of passive bass radiators.

House of Marley equipped the wireless speaker with intuitive button controls and a cool carrying strap. The Get Together 2 Mini can deliver up to 15 hours of battery life between charges.

OTTERGRIP Symmetry Series Case for iPhone 14 Pro

The OtterBox OTTERGRIP Symmetry Series case is an exciting addition to the legendary brand’s vast lineup and one of our CES 2023 favorite products.

Unlike other MagSafe cases, this accessory rocks a built-in grip that doubles as a viewing stand. Impressively, the grip fully collapses when not in use, allowing you to use MagSafe accessories such as chargers, wallets, and battery packs without the need to remove the case.

The slim OTTERGRIP case, as expected, will provide superb damage protection for your iPhone. OtterBox offers the product in several colors for the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 lineups.

Flashlight Lite

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

Z6 Portable Music Player

This MP3 player offers a sleek design, stellar audio performance, fantastic battery life (up to 90 hours between charges), expandable storage, and convenient controls, all at a fantastic under-$50 price point. Its housing is metal and glass, making it look and feel more expensive than it is.

The Z6 audio player has two wired audio outputs and future-proof Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity. Other noteworthy portable player features include a built-in loudspeaker, FM radio, and a voice recorder.

Apple Watch Series 8

The latest Apple Watch Series 8 has best-in-class health-, fitness-, and wellness-tracking capabilities, powered by accurate heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature sensors. The timepiece is also the first Apple Watch to have crash detection — an all-new, lifesaving feature.

Apple offers the Series 8 with a 41- or 45-millimeter case in a multitude of finishes. Optional cellular network connectivity is available once again. You can customize the timepiece with a wide selection of bands and cases.

More: Our Review of the Apple Watch Series 8

Link & Lock Carabiner for Apple AirTags

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.

Collapsible Umbrella

Thanks to a whole lot of innovative engineering, this collapsible umbrella by Weatherman can withstand wind gusts up to 55 mph. The product can also survive drops and inverting, with the last bit being a weak point for most umbrellas.

The umbrella has a quick-drying, water-repellent fabric canopy (available in many colors). Weatherman backs the product with an excellent lifetime warranty. Smaller and larger umbrellas from the brand are also available.

More: We Tested the Weatherman Umbrella

Cam Pan v3 Home Security Camera

The WYZE Cam Pan v3 is the best budget home security camera worth your attention. It has a high-tech design, pan, tilt, zoom capabilities, and great video quality, all at an amazing under-$40 price point. The gadget is weather-resistant with an official IP65 rating, so it’s equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

We like that the Cam Pan v3 can store video locally on a microSD card. A Cam Plus subscription plan with unlimited cloud storage and other additional features is also available.

More: The Best Security Cameras for Your Home

Classic Backpack Plus (Second Edition)

The latest Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is a must-have for on-the-go gearheads with a beautiful design and ample storage space with plenty of compartments. With a maximum capacity of 24 liters, the backpack has enough space for a big-screen laptop (there’s a dedicated zippered compartment) alongside a tablet and other everyday items.

Like all products from the brand, the Classic Backpack Plus has exceptional craftsmanship and tactility. You can order it in six colors: ash, black, bronze, navy blue, green, slate (pictured here), and saltbush. Save for the last-mentioned one, all color options have genuine leather accents.

Connected Cube

This is a reimagined version of one of the most iconic toys ever made. With onboard Bluetooth connectivity and a companion app, Rubik’s Connected cube will teach you how to solve the notoriously challenging, incredibly interactive puzzle and have fun in the process.

Rather impressively, Rubik’s Connected app will also allow users to keep track of their progress and access stats to help improve their solving game. There’s also an option to join and compete with a community of users.

Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

There's nothing better than a good massage — except for a good massage that never has to end. This shiatsu massager can be used at home or even in the car (!) and is great for the shoulders, back, calves, and more.

Bonus: It not only kneads but also heats muscles for extra relief.

AirTag Tracker

Apple’s affordable AirTag tracker is a must-have tech gadget for any iPhone owner because it can seamlessly keep tabs on just about anything you attach it to.

When out of your iPhone’s range, the AirTag will update its location when it comes in proximity to a device that’s part of Apple’s Find My network (there are almost a billion of them).

The AirTag is water- and dust-resistant with an IP67 rating, and its replaceable battery can last up to a year. Like all Apple products, the AirTag is backed by an amazing selection of accessories. A set of four AirTags is also available in case you are looking to save by bulk ordering.

More: Everything We Love About the Apple AirTag

Machine Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch

The Fossil Machine Gen 6 is a feature-packed hybrid smartwatch with an always-on display, onboard heart rate, and blood oxygen sensors. Instead of looking like a tech product, we like that it resembles a classic chronograph watch with mechanical hands and a three-button layout.

The timepiece can deliver notifications from your phone and keep tabs on your activities and wellness. It is waterproof up to 30 meters. It is available in several stainless steel finishes, with an easy-to-replace band or bracelet.

ONE Spot Object Tracker

The Chipolo ONE Spot object tracker is a more discreet AirTag alternative that doesn't skimp on functionality. Like Apple's excellent product, this gadget is compatible with the tech giant's vast Find My network, ensuring that your items will be easy to discover if lost.

We like that the One Spot has an integrated keyring hole, unlike the AirTag. The tracker has a replaceable battery that can last for up to a year between swaps.

Galaxy Watch 6

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users. Powered by Google’s WearOS, the timepiece has a robust set of health-, fitness-, and sleep-tracking features, including the ability to automatically track your workouts. It is waterproof up to 50 meters, too.

You can order it in two case sizes (40- and 44-millimeter) and gold, graphite, and silver finishes. A more feature-packed Classic version with a rotating bezel is also available.

Stainless Steel Edition Apple Watch Ultra Band

The Apple Watch Ultra is a fantastic smartwatch, and its large titanium case with a distinctive shape and a flat sapphire crystal cover is among the many reasons why. This steel bracelet by Sandmarc is among our favorites for the timepiece. Its design and finish match the Ultra, making it look even more luxurious.

The steel accessory weighs almost four ounces, so it's great for mechanical watch converts. Its retail package includes a sizing tool.

543 USB-C Cable

The affordable Anker 543 USB-C cable is incredibly elegant, sustainably crafted using bio-based nylon, and, thanks to support for 240W power output, capable of delivering incredibly fast charging speeds to any gadget. These qualities make the product our favorite third-party USB-C cable on the market.

You can order the accessory in black or green. There are three lengths you can choose from. Every cable comes with a 2-year warranty.

MagSafe 2-in-1 Wireless Charger

This 2-in-1 wireless charger by Belkin is a must-have MagSafe accessory for new iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 owners. It can simultaneously charge an iPhone and a set of AirPods with a wireless charging case.

Available in black or white, the accessory has a minimalist design and exceptional build quality. Belkin backs it with a 2-year warranty.

More: The Best MagSafe Chargers

Bites 2 Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

This is by far the coolest gadget out there for pet owners. The sleek Petcube Bites 2 camera allows you to keep an eye on your pet while you're not home through Wi-Fi connectivity and can even deploy a treat for them right from your smartphone.

Other key features of the Petcube Bites 2 include two-way audio connectivity, compatibility with Amazon Alexa voice commands, as well as the ability to send sound and motion alerts. We also like that there's an option to use the product to connect to a veterinarian.

Endurance Peak 3 Wireless Earbuds

JBL’s Endurance Peak 3 true wireless earbuds are an exciting new, reasonably priced option that workout warriors should seriously consider. Available in black or white, the buds have a super secure fit with around-ear hooks and a class-leading IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The latter ensures that the product can survive submersion under water.

The Peak 3 earbuds produce a bass-heavy sound that will reliably keep you motivated during workouts. Their 10-hour maximum battery life (40 hours with the storage case) is among the product category’s best.

Tactical Wallet Case for Apple AirTags

This minimalist wallet by Raptic is more feature-packed than its compact footprint suggests. In addition to space for a quartet of cards and an AirTag holder, the EDC accessory has a removable 8-in-1 multitool. The latter includes a set of screwdrivers, a letter opener, and a pry bar, among other bits.

The wallet is crafted from vegan leather, which is durable and easy to maintain. We especially like that its multitool locks in place when not in use.

More: The Best AirTag Wallets

Matter A19 Smart Bulb

A follow-up to an amazing product, the latest Nanoleaf Essentials A19 is the best, most futureproof smart lightbulb. Thanks to support for the Matter smart home protocol, the connected gadget is compatible with all virtual helpers, including Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. It takes seconds to set up and doesn’t require an additional hub.

Of course, the product can glow in millions of colors. To top things off, the product has an amazing design that looks great on exposed bulb fixtures.

Matte Desk Pad

A high-quality desk mat will make your workspace cozier and more organized. This natural linoleum pad by Grovemade is our top pick in this product category, thanks to an elegant design, a smooth surface that’s also great for handwriting, and a cork base to keep it in place on a desk or a table.

Grovemade offers the matte desk pad in a multitude of sizes and colors. A more luxurious version with a leather surface is also available.

Galaxy S23 Android Smartphone

The Galaxy S23 is one of today’s best Android phones—offering a sleek design, durable build, and top-shelf hardware—while still costing sub-$1,000. It packs a powerful chip, a vibrant display, and a great camera, to name a few significant bits.

The phone also delivers an excellent Android experience with years of timely updates. Bigger and pricier Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra iterations are also available, with the latter being Samsung’s best camera phone to date.

More: How to Pick the Right Samsung Galaxy

Aspire 3 PC Laptop

The latest Acer Aspire 3 is the best PC laptop under $500 and worth upgrading to if you are looking to get the most value for your money. For less than $400, the product has futureproof hardware specs that include a capable AMD chip, a big and sharp screen, and an excellent set of connectivity features, to name a few essential bits.

The laptop’s battery life is also great, considering its affordability. Acer also offers a feature-rich Chromebook in the same price category that’s great for students and casual users.

Ring Snap 360 MagSafe Grip

The Gear4 Ring Snap is one of the best MagSafe grips and a must-have for owners constantly glued to their iPhones. The nifty accessory has a sleek metal build that’s more premium than its impulse-buy price tag suggests. On the other hand, its strong magnets will consistently keep it in place.

The accessory’s ring can rotate 360 degrees, ensuring you can always find a perfect grip and viewing angle when you use it as a kickstand. You can order the Gear4 Ring Snap in black or a flashier rose gold finish.

More: The Best MagSafe Grips for Your iPhone

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

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

160W USB-C Car Charger

This car charger has a total power output of 160 watts, distributed between three USB ports. One USB-C connector puts out 100 watts, enough to power up most laptops. The other USB-C and a USB-A connector (each with a maximum power output of 30 watts) are also on board, allowing for rapid charging of almost every gadget.

And it’s sleek to boot, with a translucent housing, a built-in voltage display, and illumination. Built-in circuitry protects the connected devices from overcharging and overheating.

Signa S4 Soundbar

The Signa S4 soundbar is the best for most people, thanks to an easy setup, great sound with support for Dolby Atmos, and an elegant design. Best of all, the price is just shy of $400 before other deals and discounts.

Based on the sound, though, it seems like it should be more expensive. Powered by seven audio drivers and a powerful wireless subwoofer, the Signa S4 delivers an immersive sonic experience. Its remote allows your audiophile friend to adjust the bass and voice clarity easily.

Tapo P125 Smart Plug Mini

This incredibly affordable smart plug by TP-Link has a minimalist design, intuitive controls, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands. The impulse-buy home upgrade (a set of two costs less than $20) also lets your recipient set custom schedules for connected appliances.

In its away mode, the Tapo P125 can randomly power lights on and off when nobody’s home. The feature makes the product a great (and inexpensive) addition to any security setup.

MacBook Air Laptop with M2 Chip

The latest MacBook Air with the M2 chip is Apple’s best laptop for most people looking to upgrade. It offers a sleeker design, more power, and longer battery life than any rival. Plus, because its advanced chip doesn’t need cooling fans, the notebook is as quiet as it is good looking.

Of course, the Air also rocks an excellent Retina display, superb keyboard and trackpad, and reliable connectivity features packed into a recycled aluminum housing.

More: Our Review of the M2 MacBook Air

T7 Shield Portable SSD (1TB)

The Samsung T7 Shield portable SSD is the best in its category, thanks to its compact and rugged design and the ability to reach fast data read and write speeds. The accessory is compatible with Mac, PC, and mobile devices.

The T7 Shield comes in black, blue, and beige with up to 4TB of storage. Samsung covers the product with a three-year warranty.

Q5 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The reasonably priced (for a robot vacuum) Roborock Q5 boasts excellent cleaning capabilities, quiet operation, and clever room-mapping tech. That makes it the best for most people.

Control comes via its bundled remote, a mobile app, or Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Available in black or white, the connected home gadget can clean for up to 3 hours between charges.