Looking to upgrade your tech collection? We’ve rounded up some of the best gadgets of 2023 to help you make an informed choice.
From fitness trackers to streaming devices, these top picks offer great value and features for your daily needs.
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a versatile tool perfect for streamers and content creators. It features 15 customizable LCD keys and offers seamless integration with popular apps like OBS and Twitch. This device simplifies your workflow, making it easy to switch scenes, control audio, and execute commands with a single touch. Despite its higher price and initial learning curve, the Stream Deck MK.2 is a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their streaming and productivity.
- 15 customizable LCD keys for easy app and tool control.
- One-touch operation for multiple actions and commands.
- Seamless integration with popular apps like OBS and Twitch.
- A bit pricey at $130.35.
- There is a learning curve for setting up multiple actions.
- Some users might find the 15-key layout limiting.
The Etekcity Smart Scale is a feature-packed device for those serious about tracking their fitness progress. It offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity with the VeSync app, allowing you to monitor various metrics like body fat percentage and muscle mass. The scale supports multiple user profiles, making it ideal for family use. While the fat percentage values might not be perfectly accurate, the overall functionality and ease of use make this scale a great value.
- Tracks various metrics like body fat percentage and muscle mass.
- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with the VeSync app.
- Offers multiple user profiles for family use.
- Fat percentage values might not be the most accurate.
- Limited internal storage for data.
- The provided batteries are not long-lasting.
The Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is an excellent choice for young children. It comes with a durable Kid-Proof Case and a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, offering ad-free content and parental controls. With a 13-hour battery life and 32 GB of internal storage, it’s perfect for on-the-go entertainment. While some apps may not be compatible, the overall durability and extensive content library make it a great tablet for kids.
- Durable Kid-Proof Case with built-in stand.
- Comes with a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+.
- Features a 13-hour battery life for long usage.
- Limited internal storage of 32 GB.
- Some popular apps are not compatible.
- Subscription auto-renews after the first year.
The Fire TV Stick HD is a great choice for those looking to stream in Full HD without breaking the bank. With access to over 100,000 free movies and TV episodes, it offers plenty of entertainment options. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control your smart home devices and search for shows. Whether you’re a Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ fan, this stick has got you covered.
- Stream in Full HD for a clear picture.
- Access over 100,000 free movies and TV episodes.
- Control your smart home devices with Alexa.
- Subscription fees apply for some apps.
- No 4K streaming option available.
- Alexa Voice Remote might have a learning curve.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is an excellent option for young children. With a durable Kid-Proof Case and a year of Amazon Kids+ subscription, it offers a safe and engaging experience. Parents will appreciate the easy-to-use parental controls, ensuring that kids only access age-appropriate content. This tablet is not just fun but also educational, making it a worthwhile investment for your child’s learning and entertainment.
- Durable Kid-Proof Case included.
- 1 year of Amazon Kids+ subscription for ad-free content.
- Easy-to-use parental controls.
- Subscription auto-renews after the first year.
- Some apps require parental approval to download.
- Limited in-app purchases without parental permission.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (2022) in Denim is a solid choice for portable entertainment. With a faster processor and up to 13 hours of battery life, it handles reading, browsing, and streaming with ease. Its durable design ensures it can withstand everyday use, making it a reliable companion for on-the-go activities. Despite some limitations in app availability, it offers great value for its price.
- 30% faster processor for better performance.
- All-day battery life up to 13 hours.
- Durable design with strengthened aluminosilicate glass.
- No Google Play support.
- May feel a bit slow with heavy apps.
- Limited app selection compared to other tablets.
The Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch is a great choice for those looking for an advanced and eco-friendly fitness tracker. With the S9 chip, it offers a bright display and new ways to interact without touching the screen. Its health features are top-notch, including blood oxygen and ECG apps, making it a reliable companion for a healthy lifestyle. The watch is also customizable, durable, and keeps you connected on the go. Overall, it’s worth the investment for Apple users.
- Carbon-neutral with the latest Sport Loop
- Advanced health and fitness features
- Seamlessly works with Apple devices
- Band size may not fit everyone
- Complex setup for some users
- Higher price point
The Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] with Midnight Aluminium Case and Midnight Sport Loop offers a sleek and durable design packed with advanced health features. It monitors blood oxygen, ECG, and sleep stages, providing valuable insights into your well-being. The watch is also compatible with various Apple services, making it a versatile tool for staying connected. Despite its higher price, the advanced features and seamless integration with Apple devices make it a worthy choice.
- Advanced health monitoring features
- Durable and water-resistant
- Works with Apple devices and services
- Limited battery life
- High price
- May require frequent charging
The Samsung 32 Inch M8 White UHD Smart Monitor is a versatile addition to any setup, offering 4K AI upscaling for stunning visuals and built-in Smart TV apps for easy access to streaming content. Its multiple ports ensure seamless connectivity with various devices, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. While it may be on the larger side and has room for improvement in sound quality, its overall performance and features make it a standout choice.
- 4K AI upscaling for clear visuals
- Built-in Smart TV apps
- Multiple ports for easy connectivity
- Large size may not fit all spaces
- Sound quality could be better
- Higher price compared to standard monitors
The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a great choice for those looking to track their health and fitness. With a bright AMOLED display, long battery life, and support for over 30 sports apps, it offers a comprehensive fitness experience. It even includes features like sleep tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring. While some users noted slight inaccuracies in heart rate and sleep tracking, the overall benefits make this smartwatch a smart investment for fitness enthusiasts.
- Bright and colorful AMOLED display.
- Long battery life of up to 11 days.
- Supports over 30 built-in sports apps.
- Heart rate accuracy may vary at high levels.
- Sleep tracking might not be precise.
- Battery life can be shorter with heavy use.
The POWR LABS Heart Rate Monitor is a solid choice for those needing an accurate and comfortable heart rate monitor. With an adjustable strap and easy pairing with Bluetooth and ANT+ devices, it’s user-friendly and reliable. The water and sweat proof design ensures durability during workouts. While there are occasional pairing issues and signal dropouts, its overall performance and affordability make it a valuable addition to any fitness routine.
- Comfortable and adjustable chest strap.
- Pairs easily with Bluetooth and ANT+ devices.
- Water and sweat proof design.
- May have pairing issues with some fitness apps.
- Occasional signal dropouts.
- Not compatible with all fitness machines.
The DBPOWER Smart Projector offers a fantastic home theater experience with its Netflix official license and built-in apps like YouTube and Hulu. The auto focus feature and 500 ANSI lumens brightness ensure a clear and bright picture. With 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2 support, it provides versatile connectivity options. While there are some limitations with app availability and occasional WiFi issues, its overall performance makes it a great choice for movie nights at home.
- Officially licensed by Netflix with built-in apps.
- Auto focus and 500 ANSI lumens brightness.
- Supports 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Limited app options available.
- WiFi connectivity issues for some users.
- Built-in speakers may not be sufficient for all.
The Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] is an excellent choice for anyone looking to blend style with functionality. With its attractive design and advanced health features, it proves to be a valuable companion for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices ensures you stay connected effortlessly. Overall, it offers a great combination of design, features, and compatibility, making it a perfect gift or a personal treat.
- Sleek and stylish design suitable for any occasion.
- Packed with health features like ECG and sleep tracking.
- Great compatibility with other Apple devices.
- Requires daily charging.
- Limited to use with iPhone XS or later.
- Some users miss the Blood Oxygen function.
Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 is a solid investment for students and families who need reliable and classic Office apps. With its one-time purchase model, it eliminates the hassle of recurring fees. The inclusion of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint covers all basic productivity needs, making it a valuable tool for home or school use. The ease of installation and user-friendly interface further enhances its appeal.
- One-time purchase with no recurring fees.
- Includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Easy to install and use on both PC and Mac.
- Not compatible with Chromebooks.
- Some users may experience issues with product key activation.
- Limited to one device per purchase.
The Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] stands out with its larger display and a host of health features. Its sleek design and durable build make it a versatile accessory for various activities. The addition of Blood Oxygen and ECG apps provides comprehensive health monitoring, while its water resistance ensures it can handle a variety of environments. Though on the pricier side, its robust features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem make it worth the investment.
- Larger display with a sleek design.
- Includes advanced health features like Blood Oxygen and ECG apps.
- Water-resistant and durable build.
- Pricier compared to other models.
- Requires daily charging.
- Strap can be tricky to secure for some users.
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is a great choice for anyone looking to turn their regular TV into a smart TV without spending a lot. With fast streaming in HD, voice search capability, and access to a vast library of content, it offers a lot of convenience and entertainment options. The setup is simple, and the device is very portable, making it easy to use in different locations. Overall, it’s a great value for its price.
- Fast streaming in up to 1080p HDR
- Supports over 400,000 films and TV episodes
- Easy voice search with the remote
- No built-in Ethernet port
- Requires a Google account and Wi-Fi network
- May have some lag in menus and apps
The Acer Chromebook Laptop offers a large 15.6″ Full HD display and 8GB of RAM, making it perfect for smooth multitasking. Its long battery life ensures you can work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge. While it has limited storage, it’s a great choice for those who rely on cloud storage and need a reliable, portable laptop for everyday tasks. The Chromebook is easy to set up and provides a user-friendly experience.
- Large 15.6″ Full HD display
- 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking
- Long battery life
- Limited 64GB storage
- No native support for full SD cards
- Runs on ChromeOS which may be a learning curve for some
The Garmin Venu 3 Smartwatch stands out with its bright AMOLED display and up to 14 days of battery life, making it perfect for those who need a reliable fitness tracker. It offers a wide range of advanced health and fitness features, including Body Battery energy monitoring and personalized sleep coaching. While it comes at a higher price, its comprehensive tracking capabilities make it a top choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for detailed insights into their health.
- Bright AMOLED display
- Up to 14 days of battery life
- Advanced health and fitness tracking features
- High price point
- Limited third-party app support
- May lack some smartwatch functionalities compared to competitors
The Samsung 27 inch M5 Monitor offers a versatile solution for those needing both a TV and a monitor. With built-in Smart TV apps, it provides excellent streaming options. The multiple ports make it easy to set up, and the Samsung Gaming Hub is perfect for gamers. While some users noted the max resolution for PC use is lower than expected, the overall performance and features make this a great choice for multi-purpose use.
- Great for small spaces with built-in Smart TV apps.
- Multiple ports for easy connectivity without adapters.
- Samsung Gaming Hub offers top gaming experiences without needing a console.
- Max resolution as a PC monitor is lower than TV resolution.
- Some users expected 4K but it’s not 4K capable.
- Some minor quality control issues reported, like the bezel detaching.
The Samsung 32 Inch G8 OLED Monitor is a top-tier gaming monitor with stunning 4K OLED resolution and deep blacks. Its 240Hz refresh rate and fast response time make it ideal for competitive gaming. The AI-powered Gaming Hub enhances the experience by providing quick access to streaming platforms. While it is priced higher than other monitors, its performance and features justify the cost for serious gamers.
- Brilliant 4K OLED resolution with deep black levels.
- High 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time.
- AI-powered Gaming Hub for instant access to streaming platforms.
- Higher price point compared to other monitors.
- Some users report coil noise in quiet environments.
- Limited compatibility with HDMI setups.
The INSIGNIA 24-inch Smart TV is a budget-friendly option offering a good range of features. With built-in Fire TV and Alexa voice control, it provides easy access to a wide variety of streaming apps. The support for Apple AirPlay and HDMI ARC adds to its versatility. While the 720p resolution and sound quality might not be on par with higher-end models, it remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable smart TV.
- Affordable price with great value.
- Built-in Fire TV with Alexa voice control.
- Supports Apple AirPlay and has HDMI ARC.
- 720p resolution is lower than some other TVs.
- Sound quality could be improved with a soundbar.
- Remote may not include all desired functions.
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a solid choice for anyone serious about fitness tracking. It not only covers a wide range of exercises but also offers detailed health metrics like heart rate, sleep tracking, and stress management. The built-in GPS and 6-month premium membership add extra value, making it a great package for those who want to dive deeper into their health data. Despite a few connectivity issues, it’s a comprehensive fitness tracker.
- Tracks a wide range of exercises and health metrics.
- Includes built-in GPS for accurate outdoor tracking.
- Comes with a 6-month premium membership for extra features.
- Some users report finicky phone connections.
- Doesn’t connect to all music apps like Spotify.
- Requires premium membership for full data access.
The Apple Watch Series 9 stands out as an excellent smartwatch for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. With advanced health features such as ECG and sleep tracking, combined with robust durability, it offers a comprehensive package. The watch seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, enhancing your connected lifestyle. While the price is on the higher side and battery life requires daily attention, its overall functionality justifies the investment.
- Seamlessly integrates with Apple devices and services.
- Includes advanced health features like ECG and sleep tracking.
- Durable with water resistance and crack-resistant screen.
- Price is higher compared to other fitness trackers.
- Battery life requires daily charging.
- Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices.
The NEBULA Capsule 3 GTV is an impressive mini projector that combines convenience and performance. Its compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use, and the built-in apps like Netflix add to its ease of use. With a good battery life, it’s great for movie nights without needing constant recharging. Despite some limitations in brightness and setup, it offers a solid viewing experience in dark settings.
- Compact and portable design for easy transport.
- Built-in apps like Netflix for convenience.
- Good battery life for extended viewing.
- Limited brightness in well-lit environments.
- Initial setup might require contacting support.
- No built-in expandable memory slot.
The Fire HD 8 Tablet is a great budget option for those looking to read e-books and watch videos on the go. Its size is perfect for portability, and it offers good battery life. While it may not support all the apps found on more expensive tablets and can be a bit slower, it still provides a lot of value for its price, especially during sales events. Overall, it’s a solid choice for casual use.
- Great size for reading and watching shows.
- Excellent price point, especially during sales.
- Good battery life for extended use.
- Doesn’t support Google Play apps.
- Performance can be slow compared to more expensive tablets.
- Screen touch accuracy can sometimes be off.