The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual challenge of finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. From cutting-edge gadgets to practical home tech, there’s something for everyone on your list. This tech gift guide will help you navigate the latest trends and discover the perfect tech-forward present to bring a smile to their face.
Note that all the recommended products here have all been tested and reviewed personally.
Smart Home Cleaning
For those looking to take their home cleaning to the next level, look no further than robot vacuums that can also mop. These innovative devices combine the convenience of automated vacuuming with the ability to leave your floors sparkling clean.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra stands out with its dual RGB cameras and AI-powered cleaning system that can identify over 120 different obstacles in real-time. With powerful 12,000Pa suction, self-cleaning capabilities, and an intelligent base station that handles everything from water preparation to mop drying, it offers truly hands-free operation. While premium-priced, it’s an ideal gift for those seeking the most advanced robotic cleaning technology available.
The Roomba Combo 10 Max combines powerful vacuuming and mopping capabilities with advanced automation features. Notable for its unique ability to handle carpets of any thickness by completely lifting its mop pad, it also features smart dirt detection and obstacle avoidance. The AutoWash dock handles self-emptying, mop cleaning, and auto-refilling.
The Tineco FLOOR ONE S7 Steam combines vacuum, mop, and steam cleaning capabilities in one innovative device. It features intelligent AUTO mode that detects dirt levels and adjusts steam accordingly, plus convenient self-cleaning functionality. It excels at hard floor cleaning with intuitive controls and helpful voice feedback.
Smartphones
As we wrap up 2024, the smartphone landscape has never been more exciting with cutting-edge AI capabilities, impressive camera systems, and powerful performance becoming standard features across flagship devices. Here are our top picks that stand out in the premium smartphone segment.
The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G strikes an impressive balance between premium features and mid-range pricing. For $799, you get innovative AI camera features like Best Face for perfect group photos and AI Eraser for removing unwanted objects, plus a 6.7-inch display and remarkable 2-day battery life with 80W fast charging. While it lacks wireless charging, unique features like BeaconLink’s 200-meter Bluetooth range for emergency calls make it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents Google’s most advanced smartphone offering. Key features include a stunning 6.8-inch display with 3000 nits peak brightness, an advanced triple-camera system with 30x zoom and 8K video recording, and exclusive AI features like Pixel Studio for image generation and enhanced Gemini capabilities. While its size may be unwieldy for some, the combination of powerful hardware and innovative software makes it a compelling choice for those seeking the ultimate Google phone experience, though the smaller Pixel 9 offers great features too in a more manageable size.
Audio
In 2024, personal audio has evolved beyond just sound quality – it’s now about creating immersive experiences through advanced features like spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, and AI-powered personalisation. From premium wireless earbuds to high-fidelity headphones, this year’s standout audio devices combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional sound engineering, making them perfect gifts for music lovers, podcast enthusiasts, and mobile gamers alike. Here are our top picks that deliver outstanding audio performance and innovative features.
The Beats Pill 2024 is a reimagined classic combines nostalgic design with modern features. The capsule-shaped speaker delivers surprisingly powerful audio from its compact frame, featuring upgraded drivers that produce crisp highs and deep bass. Built for versatility, it offers a 24-hour battery life, IP67 water resistance, and an innovative USB-C port that supports both high-resolution lossless audio playback and device charging. Its portable design includes a 20-degree tilted base for optimal sound projection and a handy lanyard for easy carrying. Perfect for music enthusiasts who want premium sound quality in a travel-friendly package.
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 is a rugged cylindrical speaker combines impressive 360-degree sound with adventure-ready durability. It features oversized, intuitive volume controls and delivers clear, expansive audio that fills any space. The IP67-rated waterproof design and drop-proof construction make it perfect for outdoor adventures, while its 15-hour battery life keeps the party going. Enhanced with deep bass radiators and eco-conscious materials, it can also sync with over 150 other Ultimate Ears speakers for an epic multi-speaker setup. Ideal for active listeners who want powerful sound in a portable, weather-resistant package.
EPOS IMPACT 860 ANC is a professional headset excels in hybrid work environments with its exceptional noise-canceling capabilities on both ends of calls. The AI-powered microphone successfully blocks out even extreme background noise like fire alarms, while the headphones provide excellent noise isolation for clear call audio. Audio feedback for controls eliminates the need to remove the headset, and thoughtful inclusions like a USB-A adapter and carrying bag enhance portability. Though the synthetic leather padding may run warm during extended use, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for superior noise isolation. Perfect for professionals in open offices who need crystal-clear communication in noisy environments.
Gaming Peripherals
For serious gamers and power users, the right peripherals can make all the difference between victory and defeat. 2024’s lineup showcases innovations in gaming mice with advanced sensors and ergonomic designs, mechanical keyboards with improved switches and customisation options, cutting-edge DDR5 memory modules, and blazing-fast NVMe SSDs that minimise load times. Whether you’re building a new gaming rig or upgrading existing gear, these peripherals offer the perfect blend of precision, speed, and reliability for competitive gaming and content creation.
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds premium gaming earbuds bridge the gap between portable convenience and competitive gaming performance. Using 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for minimal latency, they offer precise directional audio crucial for competitive gaming, while active noise cancellation helps maintain focus. The compact Qi charging case provides up to 40 hours of total playtime, and customisable controls via the SteelSeries app let you access over 100 game-specific audio presets. Compatible with PlayStation and Xbox, they’re perfect for serious gamers who want the immersion of a gaming headset in a travel-friendly package.
Logitech G Pro X 60 is a premium 60% wireless gaming keyboard, developed with esports professionals, combines portability with high-end performance. Its compact aluminum frame houses optical switches for ultra-fast actuation, while the innovative KEYCONTROL technology allows up to 15 functions per key. Notable features include a side-mounted volume roller, LIGHTSPEED wireless technology for tournament-grade responsiveness, and dual connectivity (wireless/Bluetooth) with up to 65 hours of battery life. The included hard carrying case and durable PBT keycaps make it ideal for competitive gamers who demand portability without compromising build quality.
WD_BLACK SN850X is a top-tier NVMe SSD pushes gaming storage to new speeds with 7,300MB/s read and 6,600MB/s write rates. Available up to 4TB with an optional built-in heatsink and subtle RGB lighting, it’s PS5 and PS5 Pro compatible and features Game Mode 2.0 for optimised gaming performance. The included heatsink ensures consistent peak performance during demanding gaming sessions, while the 5-year warranty provides peace of mind. Best suited for hardcore gamers upgrading from older NVMe drives or those building high-end gaming rigs where storage speed is crucial.
Razer Viper V3 Pro is an ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse (54-55g) designed for competitive play. Features Razer’s latest Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 with 99.8% accuracy and up to 8,000Hz polling rate. The refined ergonomic design includes practical improvements like larger mouse feet and pronounced finger grooves. With up to 95 hours of battery life and HyperSpeed Wireless technology, it’s perfect for pros who prioritise precision over extras like RGB lighting.
CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL is a premium TKL keyboard showcases cutting-edge gaming features including an 8,000Hz polling rate and innovative MGX Hyperdrive adjustable switches. Its standout feature is per-key adjustable actuation (0.1mm to 4mm), combined with FlashTap and RapidTrigger technologies for unprecedented customisation. The pre-lubricated switches and premium control dial deliver a refined typing experience, making it ideal for competitive gamers who demand maximum performance. It’s also my most favourite and main gaming keyboard now.
Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 is a high-performance DDR5 memory reaching speeds up to 8000MT/s, designed for next-gen gaming rigs. Available in 32GB to 96GB kits with RGB options, it features aluminum heat spreaders and impressive overclocking potential. While achieving maximum speeds requires premium motherboards, it delivers substantial performance gains even at lower frequencies like 7200MT/s, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts building high-end gaming systems.
Tech Lifestyle & Productivity
From streamlining your morning routine to boosting your productivity, 2024’s lifestyle tech offerings blend smart features with practical convenience. Whether it’s maintaining oral health with AI-guided brushing, crafting barista-quality coffee at home, or carrying your digital life in your pocket, these gadgets enhance daily living through thoughtful innovation and sophisticated technology
Oclean X Ultra S is a premium smart toothbrush that elevates oral care with AI-powered guidance and a 42,000 RPM Maglev 3.0 motor. Its touchscreen display and 6-axis gyroscope provide real-time 3D brushing feedback, highlighting missed spots through the companion app. Features include voice guidance, multiple brushing modes, and a compact USB-C charging travel case. Perfect for tech enthusiasts seeking to optimise their dental care routine with detailed tracking and personalised recommendations.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is a high-end capsule coffee machine combines premium design with barcode-reading technology for perfect coffee customisation. Standout features include one-touch operation for various coffee styles (from espresso to carafe), exceptional milk frothing capabilities, and automatic pod recognition for optimal brewing. It delivers cafe-quality beverages with impressive consistency and minimal effort.
Kingston XS1000 (Red) is an award-winning portable SSD combines style with substance in a palm-sized 29g package. Offering speeds up to 1,050MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2, it includes both USB-C and USB-A connectivity options, making it compatible with modern phones and computers. Available up to 2TB and now in Red colour, it’s ideal for professionals needing fast, reliable storage in a remarkably compact form factor.
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers impressive value with its Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a sleek, portable 1.44kg design. What sets a Chromebook Plus apart is the inclusion of advanced AI features like Help Me Read, Live Translate, and enhanced video conferencing capabilities, plus a 12-month Google One subscription with AI Premium Plan (worth $395). While not for heavy gaming or professional video editing, a Chromebook Plus excels at everyday tasks with quick boot times and awesome performance, making it an ideal gift for professionals who are seeking a more reliable, powerful, yet low-maintenance laptop.
The Logitech POP Icon Keys combines style and functionality with its eye-catching transparent frame design and compact form factor. Notable features include customisable Action Keys through the Logi Options+ app, Easy-Switch functionality to seamlessly swap between devices, and impressive 36-month battery life. While it lacks a numpad, its comfortable typing experience and cross-platform compatibility make it an attractive gift for those seeking a stylish, versatile keyboard for their workspace and want to improve productivity at the same time.
