Come the holiday season, it can be difficult to shop for gifts for media junkies, photographers, movie buffs, and technophiles without spending an arm and a leg. If you know where to look, however, it is possible to get your hands on some quality gadget and device-focused presents that won’t break the bank — ten of the latest and greatest of which we’ve curated for this handpicked guide to the best tech gifts under $50.
SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini 15A 4-Pack
Extremely handy for everything from stereos to coffee pots, the SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini 15A 4-Pack affords the ability to convert any outlet-powered electronic device into a smart home gadget that can be turned on or off using a smartphone.
WYZE Cam v3
Offering incredible bang-for-your-buck, the WYZE Cam v3 is a smart home security camera that comes loaded with a built-in Google Assistant, two-way audio, motion and sound detection, continuous 24/7 recording, an f/1.6 aperture, color night vision, 1080P recording capabilities, and an IP65 rating that makes this camera suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
Moment Case For iPhone 14
Equipped with a clever ribbed rail design that offers an impressive 10’ of drop protection, the Moment Case For iPhone 14 features a protective microfiber inner lining, special internal shock-absorbing geometry, a 5G-optimized design, and a thinner (M)Force magnet array that still affords MagSafe compatibility.
Amazon Fire HD 8” 10th Gen Tablet
Another absolute bargain, the 10th generation Amazon Fire HD 8” Tablet is brimming with impressive features including a USB-C-rechargeable battery with 12 hours of life, the Fire OS 7 operating system, a quad-core processor, front and rear-facing 2-MP cameras with 720p HD recording capabilities, and 32GB of internal storage supplemented via a MicroSD slot, that allows for up to 1TB of storage.
Roku Ultra LT 4K
Powered by a quad-core processor and sold with an included 6’ 4K HDR HDMI cable, a remote, and a set of wired earbuds, the Roku Ultra LT 4K offers an enormous wealth of entertainment options for under $50, with the ability to watch practically every major streaming service currently in existence. This Roku device also pairs perfectly with a gift card from the recipient’s favorite streaming service.
Courant MAG:1 ESSENTIALS W/ Custom Monogram
Sold with a travel pouch and premium color-matched soft-touch cable, the Courant MAG:1 ESSENTIALS with Custom Monogram is a top-shelf low-profile wireless charger that consists of a non-slip matte ABS-coated frame cloaked in high-end Belgian designer linen. Offering charging speeds of up to 15 watts, this item’s $48 price also includes a custom three-letter monogram, making for a markedly more personal gift.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones
A wired pair of studio monitor headphones for under $50, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X boasts a circumaural design, a frequency response of 15 to 20,000Hz, and 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Audio Technica also produces a wireless Bluetooth version of these headphones for only $30 more.
Clutch V3 Mobile Power Bank
Weighing just 2oz and measuring only 0.16” thick, the Clutch V3 is a credit card-sized (3.50” x 2.50”) mobile power bank that boasts a trio of LED battery level indicator lights, a metal construction housing, an integrated onboard charging cable, and a potent 3300-mAh battery.
Anker PowerCore 20
Backed by an 18-month warranty, the Anker PowerCore 20 is a small but potent travel and EDC-friendly power bank with enough juice to fully replenish the battery of the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max up to 3 times on a single charge — all while weighing only 12.5oz.
Aer Cable Kit 2
Constructed around an ultra-rugged ballistic-grade 1,680-denier CORDURA shell with a carbonate polyurethane-coated 840-denier nylon face, the Aer Cable Kit 2 is a second-generation, 1.8-liter tech and cord organizer that features a soft woven lining, YKK zippers, Duraflex hardware, and a dual compartment design that sports a bevy of loops and organizers for accommodating cables, dongles, and other tech peripherals.
