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24 Terrific Tech Gifts Under $100

Sticking to a budget doesn't mean you're stuck with gift cards. Here are some of the best tech gifts under $100 that your friends and family will love.

 & Jason Cohen Senior Editor, Help & How To

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Amazon Echo Dot with Clock 4th Gen (2020)
    Best for Nightstands and Desks

    Amazon Echo Dot with Clock 4th Gen (2020)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • Simple to use
      • Shows time, alarms, and temperature
      • Only a cosmetic change from previous model
      • Weak bass

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The fourth-generation Amazon Echo Dot With Clock is an ideal smart speaker for your desk or nightstand, with a small LED display that makes a big difference in usability.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Speakerphone
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
  • Echo Show 5 (1st Gen, 2019 release)
    Best for Nightstands

    Echo Show 5 (1st Gen, 2019 release)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • Powerful voice assistant features
      • Useful touch-screen controls with web browser
      • Mediocre sound quality
      • Music streamed over Bluetooth is filled with artifacts

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Amazon Echo Show 5 is an affordable little smart display that brings Alexa voice commands to your desk, shelf, or nightstand.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Screen Resolution 960 by 480 pixels
    Screen Size 5.5
    Voice Control Amazon Alexa
    Get It Now
  • Ikea Sonos Symfonisk WiFi Bookshelf Speaker
    Budget-Minded Sonos Users

    Ikea Sonos Symfonisk WiFi Bookshelf Speaker

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable.
      • Powerful audio with rich bass and bright, sculpted highs.
      • Attractive design.
      • Doubles as a shelf.
      • Can distort on deep bass at high volumes.
      • No Bluetooth.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Ikea Symfonisk WiFi Bookshelf Speaker works within the Sonos ecosystem and delivers robust audio for its size and price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections Ethernet
    Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Voice Assistant Google Assistant
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
  • Status Audio BT One
    Affordable Wireless On-Ears

    Status Audio BT One

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Robust bass depth matched by solid high-frequency clarity.
      • Comfortable on-ear design.
      • Excellent mic performance.
      • Cable included for passive listening.
      • Volume and track navigation buttons are combined.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Status Audio BT One wireless headphones deliver strong audio in a handsome design for a surprisingly affordable price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm
    Phone Controls
    Removable Cable
    Type Supra-aural (on-ear)
    Wireless
    Get It Now
  • OnePlus Buds
    Best for AirPod Substitutes

    OnePlus Buds

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • Good sound quality
      • Long battery life
      • Limited on-device controls
      • No EQ

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The simple, stylish OnePlus Buds earphones offer very good wire-free sound quality for significantly less money than Apple's AirPods.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    True Wireless
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More OnePlus Buds Review
  • Anker Soundcore Liberty Air
    Affordable True Wireless Earphones

    Anker Soundcore Liberty Air

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable.
      • Excellent, bass-forward audio.
      • Water-resistant design.
      • So-so battery life.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    There's nothing flashy about Anker's Soundcore Liberty Air true wireless earphones, but they deliver very strong audio performance, especially for the price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Boom Mic
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Phone Controls
    Removable Cable
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wire-Free
    Wireless
    Get It Now
  • Anker Soundcore Flare
    Budget-Minded Listeners

    Anker Soundcore Flare

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable.
      • Quality audio performance with rich lows, crisp highs, and adjustable bass.
      • Waterproof.
      • Built-in LED lighting.
      • Various EQ modes don't really alter audio that much.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Soundcore Flare from Anker is a powerful portable speaker that puts on a cool LED light show.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Channels Stereo
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Portable
    Speakerphone
    Voice Assistant None
    Water-Resistant
    Get It Now
  • Sony SRS-XB12
    Outdoor-Friendly Audio

    Sony SRS-XB12

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Impressively powerful audio performance for the size.
      • Waterproof.
      • Affordable.
      • Can come close to distortion on some deep bass.
      • Speakerphone mic isn't very clear.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a tiny speaker, and its waterproof build adds value to its already affordable price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Channels Mono
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Portable
    Speakerphone
    Voice Assistant None
    Water-Resistant
    Get It Now
  • Edifier R1280T
    Budget-Minded Audiophiles

    Edifier R1280T

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Powerful audio performance with rich lows and bright, clear highs.
      • Adjustable bass and treble.
      • Can connect to PCs and mobile devices, as well as any gear with an RCA output.
      • Can be pushed to distortion at absolute top volumes.
      • No wireless capabilities.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Edifier's R1280T speakers deliver rich, balanced audio with adjustable EQ in a handsome design for an affordable price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Channels Stereo
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Voice Assistant None
    Get It Now
  • Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse
    Best for Power Users, Productivity Hounds

    Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Super-comfy sculpting.
      • Electromagnetic scroll wheel allows for precise or freewheeling motion.
      • Downloadable profiles for popular apps.
      • Works across up to three devices, and even between OSs.
      • Superb rated battery life.
      • Connectivity suffers a bit when connected to multiple devices via wireless adapter.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The MX Master 3, Logitech's latest revision of its classic productivity mouse, gets a tuneup that makes you feel like a power user with minimal effort.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface RF Wireless
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 8
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Power Source Wired USB
    Sensor Maker and Model Logitech Darkfield
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 4000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 1
    Weight 5
    Get It Now
  • Brother P-touch Cube Plus
    Best for Homes and Small Offices

    Brother P-touch Cube Plus

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Fast
      • Good print quality
      • Runs on USB or rechargeable battery
      • Automatic cutter
      • Large selection of label types in several colors and sizes
      • Expensive consumables

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    With its quality output, speedy printing, and solid feature set, the Brother P-touch Cube Plus is an excellent-value label printer for homes and small offices.

    Specs & Configurations

    Color or Monochrome Monochrome
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Connection Type USB
    Cost Per Page (Color) N/A
    Cost Per Page (Monochrome) N/A
    Maximum Scan Area N/A
    Maximum Standard Paper Size 1" roll
    Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated
    Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated
    Number of Ink Colors 1
    Printer Input Capacity Roll feed
    Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) N/A
    Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 20mm per second
    Scanner Optical Resolution N/A
    Scanner Type N/A
    Standalone Copier and Fax N/A
    Type Printer Only
    Get It Now
  • ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G
    Best for RGB Lovers and Gamers

    ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Exceptional 4K write and sequential-read results.
      • Strong value proposition.
      • RGB lighting is a fun addition for PC builders.
      • Some quirks around saving RGB settings with multiple profiles.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The ADATA XPG Spectrix S40 is an unapologetically bright RGB-lit M.2 SSD that blings up your PC. Its 4K read and write speeds should keep most gamers happy, too.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bus Type PCI Express 3.0 x4
    Capacity (Tested) 1
    Controller Maker Realtek
    Interface (Computer Side) M.2 Type-2280
    Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280
    Internal or External Internal
    NAND Type TLC
    NVMe Support
    Rated Maximum Sequential Read 3500
    Rated Maximum Sequential Write 3000
    Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 640
    Warranty Length 5
    Get It Now
  • Razer Nari Essential
    Affordable Wireless PC Gaming

    Razer Nari Essential

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Powerful sound.
      • Sturdy, comfortable design.
      • 7.1-channel surround sound.
      • User-adjustable EQ.
      • Excellent mic.
      • Heavy on bass by default.
      • 7.1-channel surround and EQ tweaks are only available on PC.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Razer Nari Essential is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that will please PC gamers with its powerful audio performance.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Boom Mic
    Connection Type USB
    Phone Controls
    Removable Cable
    Type Circumaural (over-ear)
    Type Gaming
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wire-Free
    Wireless
    Get It Now
  • ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2
    Voice Control

    ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands.
      • Energy usage reporting.
      • USB charging port.
      • Easy to install.
      • Bulky.
      • Doesn't support IFTTT.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 is a feature-rich smart plug that works with Apple HomeKit and supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands.

    Specs & Configurations

    Amazon Alexa
    Apple HomeKit
    Apple Siri
    Energy Reporting
    Google Assistant
    Size 4.9 by 3.0 by 1.2 inches
  • Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch
    Buyers Seeking General-Use Portable Storage

    Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Fabric-covered enclosure.
      • Small and light.
      • Seagate Toolkit provides handy backup/recover functions, as well as mirroring.
      • Data protected by password and AES-256 hardware encryption.
      • Fabric cover a bit slippery to grip.
      • Seagate Toolkit a separate download.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Combining on-point performance and strong encryption, Seagate's Backup Plus Ultra Touch portable drive is a great choice for everyday backups and security-first use alike. Plus, a fabric coat adds appeal.

    Specs & Configurations

    Backup Software Included?
    Cables Included USB Micro-B-to-A
    Cables Included USB-A-to-C adapter
    Capacity 2
    Drive Type External Portable
    Spin Rate 5400
    System-Side Interface USB 3.0
    USB Powered?
    Warranty (Parts/Labor) 2
    Get It Now
  • 23andMe
    Best for Exploring DNA and Health Data

    23andMe

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Thorough ancestry reports
      • Continually updated health reports
      • Reports on potential Neanderthal genetics
      • Fun and interesting interactive features
      • Health-related DNA testing doesn't provide a guaranteed vision of your future health

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    23andMe offers a trove of information about your genetics and deeper ancestry. This top DNA testing service also provides checks for genetic health risks and your carrier status for many conditions.

    Specs & Configurations

    Exports Results
    Health Testing
    Postage Included
    Product Price Type $99
    Wait Time 2 to 3 weeks
    Get It Now
    Learn More 23andMe Review
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
    Best for Beginners

    Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Inexpensive
      • True automatic exposure
      • Mirror and close focus for selfies
      • Available in many fun colors
      • Uses color or black-and-white Instax Mini film
      • AA battery power
      • Can overexpose in bright light and when focused close
      • No tripod socket

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is fun, inexpensive, and a selfie machine. If you're looking for an instant camera and don't want to spend a lot of money, it's the one to get.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 35
    Battery Type AA
    Dimensions 4.8 x 4.2 x 2.7 inches
    Memory Card Format Fujifilm Instax Mini
    Stabilization None
    Type Analog
    Viewfinder Type Optical
    Weight 10.3
    Get It Now
  • Withings Body+ Scale
    Overall Value

    Withings Body+ Scale

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Good looking bathroom scale with a supreme display.
      • Highly customizable Web account for recording personal health data.
      • No add-on costs.
      • Great options for sharing information with doctors and friends.
      • Interacts with a wide range of other fitness and health devices.
      • Expensive.
      • Weight and health objectives are confusing to configure.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Though pricey, the Withings Wi-Fi Body+ Scale and complementary Web account pack a lot of value into an everyday health and fitness device. And the scale's display is one of the best we've seen.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth Enabled
    Body Mass Index
    Bone Mass
    Fat Mass/Percentage
    Pregnancy Mode
    Water Percentage
    Wi-Fi Enabled
    Get It Now
  • Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor (Gen 2)
    Best for Overall Value

    Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor (Gen 2)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Thinner, lighter, and better battery than its predecessor
      • Records three advanced running metrics
      • Offers ANT+ and Bluetooth support
      • Can pair three Bluetooth devices at once
      • Doesn't record heart rate during swims
      • App could have more engaging programs

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Much more than a heart rate monitor, the Wahoo Tickr X doubles as a run tracker, works indoors and out, and even counts reps during strength training.

    Specs & Configurations

    ANT+
    Bluetooth
    Form Factor Chest Strap
    Get It Now
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC)
    Best for Aviation and Simulator Enthusiasts

    Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Jaw-dropping re-creation of the real world using Microsoft imagery and cloud computing
      • Live data options, including location-accurate time, weather, and traffic
      • Clever “Travel To” optional feature truncates flight time while letting you control each phase
      • Plethora of flight customization and aircraft options, as well as additional challenge modes
      • Demanding simulation results in some performance issues, even on high-end hardware
      • Long initial load times
      • Some odd idiosyncrasies in real-world map

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Microsoft Flight Simulator is a one-of-a-kind experience made possible by a marriage of clever developers and cutting-edge technology. It’s a gift to the series’ dedicated fans, an appealing entry point for newcomers, and now the bar for the simulation genre.

    Specs & Configurations

    ESRB Rating E for Everybody
    Games Genre Simulation
    Games Platform PC
    Get It Now
24 Terrific Tech Gifts Under $100

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best for Nightstands and Desks
Best for Nightstands
Budget-Minded Sonos Users
Affordable Wireless On-Ears
Best for AirPod Substitutes
Affordable True Wireless Earphones
Budget-Minded Listeners
Outdoor-Friendly Audio
Budget-Minded Audiophiles
Best for Power Users, Productivity Hounds
Best for Nightstands and Desks
Best for Nightstands
Budget-Minded Sonos Users
Wireless
Wire-Free
Wi-Fi
Weight
5
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Water-Resistant
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1
Voice Control
Amazon AlexaAmazon Alexa
Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantNoneNoneNoneAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Type
Supra-aural (on-ear)In-CanalIn-Canal
True Wireless
Speakerphone
Sensor Maximum Resolution
4000
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Darkfield
Screen Size
5.55.5
Screen Resolution
960 by 480 pixels960 by 480 pixels
Removable Cable
Power Source
Internal Battery, Wired USB
Portable
Physical Connections
3.5mm3.5mmEthernet3.5mm3.5mm3.5mm3.5mm3.5mmEthernet
Phone Controls
Number of Buttons
8
Multi-Room
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mmBluetoothBluetooth
Channels
MonoMonoStereoMonoStereoMonoMono
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon AlexaAmazon Alexa
Boom Mic
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation

Buying Guide: 24 Terrific Tech Gifts Under $100

About Our Expert

Jason Cohen

Jason Cohen

Senior Editor, Help & How To

My Experience

As PCMag's editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.

I believe tech corporations are bad, but you might as well know how to use technology in everyday life. Want more how to content delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the tips and tricks newsletter that I curate twice a week.

The Technology I Use

My job as how-to guru means I use just about every gadget under the sun, so I can figure out how everything works. I work from a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11, but also have a very large Dell Inspiron 17 3000 and Apple silicon MacBook. I also have a Google Pixel 6a for personal use and use a Galaxy Z Flip 4 for additional Samsung-related testing. For iOS coverage, an iPhone 13 mini works like a charm, though it's already becoming a little long in the tooth.

My desktop situation includes a dual monitor setup with a modest Acer monitor. I also use a Logitech mouse (who can use these ThinkPad trackpads) and a Havit keyboard (my first mechanical keyboard; I love it but my wife hates it!). I'm a recent convert from wired headphones; I have Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless earbuds for personal use and have taken to the Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones for work.

Whenever I have a second to myself, I'm probably gaming on my Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Xbox Series S. I also still have a bunch of classic consoles lying around as well.

  • Breaking down complicated and confusing processes into simplified instructions
  • Finding new tech problems to solve
  • OS-level tips and tricks

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