Opinion

Editor's Choice: The Best Tech Gifts for the Holidays That Everyone Will Love (2024)

We tried dozens of tech products this year, and these are some of our favorites

By
Lifewire Editors
Lifewire Editors
    We’re a team of experienced writers and editors who obsessively scour the retail landscape (both online and off) to find the best products for your life.
    lifewire's editorial guidelines
    Updated on November 18, 2024 07:23AM EST
    Earbuds, laptop backpack, mini projector, and laptop on a gray background with the Lifewire Editor's Choice badge.

    Lifewire
    Tech Deals

    It's that time again when you find yourself scouring the web, searching for the perfect gift for your loved ones. But you can relax. Our tech editors have tested all kinds of gear this year, from e-bikes to laptops and everything in between. We've put these items through their paces to see how they'll stand up to—and stand out in—your daily life. Our favorites have proven to be standouts in their categories for quality, ease of use, and usefulness. So, sit back and relax because we've already done all the hard stuff.

    All you need to do is take a look at what we found and start marking things off your list.

    If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

    01
    of 08

    MoGo 3 Pro Projector

    The MoGo 3 Pro makes a great addition to my home entertainment center.

    Lifewire / Jerri Ledford

    There's something about the freedom of a portable projector that lets you take your entertainment wherever you want to go. The MoGo 3 Pro is designed to be portable so you can take it with you, and with the optional PowerBase stand, you don't even need to have an electrical outlet to use it.

    The MoGo 3 Pro is about twice the size of a soda can, but it's packed with features, including 450 ISO lumens, Harman Kardon sound, and Google TV. Netflix is already installed, so all you have to do is connect it up. Oh, and it will project a picture that's up to 120 inches, so you can host a movie night in the backyard, on the beach, or just about anywhere you can set up a screen.

    I tried the MoGo 3 Pro, and it's completely replaced my living room television. Even months later, I'm still enamored with it, as are all the guests that come into my home, so if someone on your list is asking for a portable projector, this is the one that I would recommend.

    -Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

    02
    of 08

    iPhone 16 Pro

    Apple

    I couldn't wait to get my hands on the iPhone 16 Pro, and I'll bet there's someone on your list who wants one, too. And why wouldn't they? With a larger display, a new dedicated camera button, and the ever-growing list of Apple Intelligence features, this is the must-have phone of the season.

    The dedicated camera button is more helpful than I expected on this phone, and the A18 Pro chip can handle all the new iOS 18 features, including the new Siri enhancements and Apple Intelligence.

    If you really want to make the phone lover on your list happy this year, this is the phone to get.

    -Molly McLaughlin, Senior Editor

    03
    of 08

    OpenRock X Earbuds

    OpenRock X earbuds and case.

    Lifewire / Jon Fisher

    I’ve owned a handful of headphones over the years, and these OpenRock X earbuds are by far the most comfortable I've ever tried. I fully understand why it seems like everyone on your list wants a pair of open-ear earbuds.

    The OpenRock X pairs easily with your device, they're fully adjustable, and because they're not in your ear canal, they don't make your ears hurt. The sound is really good, too, though you won't get noise cancellation with open-ear earbuds. Still, you get a full 12-hour playtime (or 48 hours with the charging case), and they're IPX5 water-resistant, so a little sweat or rain shouldn't bother them.

    The app lets you tweak and customize the controls on the earbuds, and the 14.2mm dynamic drive combined with BassDirect technology makes sure you get the bass you crave without giving up any sound quality. I was really impressed with how these earbuds sound, and more impressed with how comfortable they are. If someone on your list wants open-ear earbuds, these are a fantastic choice.

    -Jon Fisher, Editor

    04
    of 08

    Logitech Pop Icon Keys Keyboard

    This keyboard is smaller and has plenty of options for customizations that will save you tons of time.

    Lifewire / Jerri Ledford

    It's a keyboard, right? What's exciting about that? Turns out, there can be a lot that's exciting about a keyboard—especially one with a dedicated AI button and more than a dozen programmable keys.

    Logitech's Pop Icon Keys keyboard has just that—there's a dedicated AI button that you can program to the AI of your choice, four customizable Action Keys that you can program to do anything, including running routines that will make your life easier, and programmable FN (function) keys that will make this keyboard even more useful.

    I tried this one out earlier this year, and to be honest, it's taken the place of my Apple Magic Keyboard. I thought I would miss the old keyboard, but the Pop Icon Keys is so useful that I don't even think about the other one. This is definitely a gift worth giving, and the price is low enough that it makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

    -Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

    05
    of 08

    CycWagen Cargo E-Bike

    Parked with the kickstand at the local park.

    Lifewire / Rob LeFebvre

    E-bikes are gaining in popularity, and the CycWagen Cargo E-Bike is the perfect gift for anyone on your list who's hoping for one. It has two batteries, so it gets amazing range, can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, and you can completely customize it with CycWagen accessories.

    Add a basket to carry cargo. Add a seat (or two) for the kids or your partner. You can even add water-resistant Pannier bags to keep your stuff safe in case of inclement weather. And with a 750W motor and a max load of 440 pounds, you'll be able to go anywhere and take almost anything along.

    I've tested numerous e-bikes, and I love the versatility of this one, the unique design, and the power that it offers. The e-bike lover in your life probably will, too.

    -Rob LeFebvre, Editorial Director

    06
    of 08

    MSI Prestige AI Evo

    MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo.

    Lifewire / Jerri Ledford

    Is someone on your list looking for a new laptop that can handle all the AI-in-Everything that's going on these days? This MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo fits the bill. This laptop has enough power to handle AI and help the person you're gifting it to be more productive.

    To be a 16-inch laptop, it's surprisingly light, at just over 3 pounds, and it has USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 connections. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB hard drive, you'll have to work pretty hard to stress this machine out. Also, the 16-inch OLED screen is beautiful.

    I used this laptop for a while over the summer, and I found that it did everything I needed it to do (and then some), and compared to my 13-inch MacBook Air, the increased size of the screen was so helpful when it came to getting things done. Whoever you have on your list who's hoping for a new laptop will be super pleased to find this one under the tree.

    -Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

    07
    of 08

    PLAUD AI NotePin

    The PLAUD NotePin attached to the wristband.

    Jon Fisher / Lifewire

    What's better than having a recording of conversations to refer back to? How about having a recording, a summary of key points, and additional analysis provided by AI? That's what I loved the most about the PLAUD AI NotePin.

    This little gadget can be worn on your wrist like a watch or on a pin or lanyard, and it captures your conversations throughout the day. Then, in the app, you can see summaries of the conversations and even do deeper analysis of conversations with automatic transcriptions. I've used it daily to keep track of conversations with my wife, and it's proven to be an invaluable tool for recording all the plans and ideas that we talk through each night.

    If there's someone on your list who would love to have a record of their daily conversations (or just needs one for work purposes), this gift could help you win the season.

    -Jon Fisher, Editor

    08
    of 08

    WaterField Tech Folio Backpack

    Lifewire / Jerri Ledford

    The traveler in your life will thank you when they find this stylish backpack under the tree. This Waterfield Tech Folio Backpack can carry all their tech gear and more, making it perfect for someone who's always on the go.

    The Tech Folio Backpack has 12 internal pockets, one external pocket, a water bottle holder, and spaces for a laptop and tablet. There's even additional space inside for clothing and toiletries for those quick trips when they want to carry as little as possible. The Tech Folio Backpack is made from waxed canvas and leather, so it's weather-resistant to help protect all the gear they might want to carry.

    I've used this backpack for a while now, and it's my go-to bag that I take everywhere because it carries everything I need. I'm sure the techie on your list will appreciate the usefulness and style of this gift.

    -Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

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