101 gadgets you can’t live without

We already know how the Meta collab with Ray-Ban has changed the smart glasses game, but there’s a new player in town. Oakley’s classic sunnies get the Meta treatment, with a built-in camera, discreet open-ear speakers, and your voice to control it all. If Ray-Ban isn’t your style and you want more of a surfy look, Oakley has got this one absolutely nailed.
Pre-order: £499, meta.com

Peace and quiet, wherever you pitch your tent. Loop Quiet 2 Plus earplugs block out snoring tentmates, rowdy neighbours, and birdsong without compromising comfort. Made from soft-touch silicone with a handy app for personalisation and noise tracking, they’re brilliant for camping trips, travel, and any time you need a proper night’s sleep.
£19.95, loopearplugs.com

The Nocs Lite View brings distant scenes into sharp focus with serious zoom packed into a compact, waterproof body. Perfect for wildlife spotting, coastal walks, or catching sight of climbers halfway up the crag. Even better, it pairs with your phone for zoomed-in photography. Lightweight, rugged, and ideal for anyone who likes to see further.
$349.95 (approx £265), nocsprovisions.com

Keep your devices going, even when off-grid. Quechua’s foldable 50W solar panel plugs straight into power banks, phones or lights, letting you charge up whenever the sun’s shining. With multiple ports, a stand and a compact design, it’s made for festivals, wild camping or powering up on the go.
£129.99, decathlon.co.uk

Jetboil’s clever Genesis system gives you a two-burner camping stove that folds down to the size of a dinner plate. Fast to set up, quick to boil, and easy to pack, it’s the ultimate gadget for weekend camps and group trips. With precise simmer control and modular cooking options, it turns outdoor meals into something you’ll actually look forward to.
£399.99, jetboil.co.uk

Refillable and built for proper adventures, the LifeSaver Bottle turns questionable water sources into clean, drinkable hydration in seconds. Using advanced filtration tech, it removes bacteria, viruses and other nasties without the need for tablets or boiling. Perfect for wild camping, travel, or just staying safe when the tap water looks a bit suspect.
£174.99, iconlifesaver.com

The Garmin Fenix 8 requires no introduction, but we’ll provide one anyway. It’s a multi-sport watch with solar charging, in-depth tracking, and mapping for just about any terrain. With offline navigation, stamina insights and endless battery life, it’s built for trail runs, long hikes and coastal adventures. Robust, smart and ready to go as far as you do.
From £869.99, garmin.com

This tiny torch packs a serious punch. The Olight Oclip Pro is a magnetic clip-on light that attaches to tent poles, bags or your collar for hands-free brightness at camp. It’s USB-C rechargeable, offers up to 300 lumens of light, and even features a red night mode. Ideal for early starts, late finishes, and everything in between.
£39.99, uk.olight.com

The Hondo is built like a tank, with a strong-as-steel frame and ultra-durable fabric that won’t sag over time. It’s ridiculously comfy, cleverly foldable, and designed to withstand sand, salt, and endless summer use. The perfect perch for lazy beach days, lakeside lounging, or a well-earned rest at camp.
£300, uk.yeti.com

Massage guns are great, but your eyes deserve some love too. The Eye Oasis 2 by Bob and Brad wraps your face in gentle heat and rhythmic massage to relieve tension, eye strain and dry eyes. Designed by two expert physical therapists, it’s especially helpful after long hours of screen time or poor sleep. Quiet, foldable and easy to use – it’s a smart way to relax without reaching for yet another screen.
£59.99, bobandbrad.com

Whoop doesn’t just track sleep – it quietly monitors how your body handles stress, recovery and strain throughout the day. Just like having a personal coach for your nervous system, Whoop takes the guesswork out of knowing when to push and when to rest. With just a few weeks of using this little gadget, you’ll build better habits around sleep, training and recovery – without a glowing screen constantly vying for your attention.
£229, whoop.com

The Simba Earth Apex is a hybrid mattress built with sustainability and ergonomic support in mind. Engineered for cool, breathable, gloriously undisturbed sleep, it’s the rare kind that cares as much about your back as your carbon footprint. We think it’s great, and while it won’t stop you from doomscrolling at midnight, it will forgive you with adaptive comfort the second you pass out.
From £1,299, simbasleep.com

Withings Body Scan is a smart bathroom scale that goes far beyond weight (although you can use it as scales if you wish). It offers segmental body composition, ECG readings, vascular age assessment and nerve activity evaluation – all in under a minute. Connected to the Withings app, it delivers clinically validated health insights over time, nudging you towards better health decisions without judgement.
£299, withings.com

While mobile phones take pretty great photos, there’s something altogether more considered in taking shots using a proper camera. They don’t come any more retro-looking than Fujifilm’s latest X100, which features a 35mm fixed lens – and while that means there’s no zoom, the difference in lens quality and the very process of shooting is a joy of its own kind.
£1,599, eshop.fujifilm-x.com

So pocketable that you’ll barely know it’s even in your pocket, Samsung’s super-slim phone is a divine slice of Android hardware without compare. You might want to buy a power pack – as featured elsewhere in this guide – for topping-up on the go, though. But as a nod to the future and a visual stunner, flagships don’t get any more wow-worthy than this Galaxy handset.
£1,099 (256GB), samsung.com

In the interests of keeping it ‘pocketable’, the 11-inch iPad Air is a star – an ideal portable partner for watching movies on a luscious ‘Liquid Retina’ display that’s larger than your phone. Apple also knows its software, with the on-board iPadOS and M3 processor adept for permitting some work, should you be in need. No? Okay, let’s stick with the film-watching…
From £599 (11-inch) / £799 (13-inch), apple.com

The perfect partner for Samsung’s top-tier phone, this finger-worn monitor – available in black, gold or silver colourways, to suit your style preference – will actually pair with any Android handset, via the free Galaxy Wearable app. It’ll then keep an eye on your activity, heart-rate and sleep – even determining what kind of ‘sleep animal’ you are and how to achieve better rest.
£399, samsung.com

The Goldilocks of Garmin’s lineup, this watch borrows premium features from the high-end 970 – like a vivid AMOLED display, aluminium bezel and built-in mic, as well as Garmin’s latest heart rate sensor – while stepping up from the entry-level 165 with dual-band GPS, triathlon support, and more sport-specific training tools. It hits the sweet spot where performance, style, and value perfectly align.
£459.99, garmin.com

The worst part about making a protein shake? That 10 seconds of annoying rattling as you mix it. Enter the FORME Shaker. It blends your protein or pre-workout to silky perfection with no noise, thanks to a clever mechanism. There’s also a built-in container to store your supplements and doubles up as an insulated bottle, keeping liquids cold for 12 hours and hot for eight.
£35, formeshaker.com

Soothe sore muscles, boost recovery, or simply give your limbs a little TLC with Therabody’s all-new wireless compression boots. With no control units or external hoses, they use a built-in pump system to deliver pneumatic compression therapy without the bulk. They’re also ultra-light and, when you’re done, you can fold them up like a pair of trousers, making recovery on the go even easier.
£469, therabody.co.uk

Meet NordicTrack’s fastest foldable treadmill. A powerful 3.6 CHP motor hits speeds up to 22km/h, which is fast enough to hit a sub-two hour marathon time. The 22-inch touchscreen connects to iFIT’s huge library of expert-led workouts, while 15% incline and -3% decline settings keep training varied and tough. Perfect for chasing performance without sacrificing space.
£3,299, nordictrack.com

Struggling to book a local pilates class? Bring the studio straight to your living room with the Technogym Reform. Built from eco-conscious materials like wood, aluminium and vegan leather, this sophisticated reformer combines sleek design with seamless adjustability. The Technogym app also lets you stream expert-led workouts, so even if you’re not a pilates pro, you’ll sure be one in no time. £TBC, technogym.com

A smart way to upgrade your daily hydration, especially if it’s something you struggle with. It infuses regular water with molecular hydrogen, which is believed to help reduce oxidative stress, support your metabolism, and even aid post-workout recovery. Whether you’re into wellness or just want to feel your best, the Echo Flask makes staying hydrated feel effortless.
£299, echowater.co.uk

Comfort and cushioning are non-negotiables in a good running shoe, and the Vomero Plus takes both to the max, quite literally (the heel stack is an impressive 45mm!). Built with a full ZoomX foam midsole for enhanced cushioning and delivering roughly 85% energy return, these trainers unlock serious responsiveness and support to help you run further and recover faster.
£154.99, nike.com

Dolby Audio support has rarely been found in open-ear headphones before now. These deliver a rich, dynamic listening experience. Expect deep, punchy bass, crisp mids, and clear highs that bring every track to life, while still being connected to your surroundings. They also deliver 48 hours of playback, have IP55 water resistance and four AI-powered noise-cancelling microphones for crystal-clear calls.
£179, uk.shokz.com

Forget multiple dumbbells all over your floor, these heavy-duty dumbbells pack up to 40kg of raw lifting power into a single unit, replacing up to eight sets of free weights. The rotating dial lets you shift from 6kg to 40kg in seconds, so you can make big gains with a small footprint. Who said you can’t get swole at home?
£599.99, primalstrength.com

The 6N is a high-performance version of the Ioniq 6 electric saloon car that feels like it’s straight off a racing game. Like the 5N, this isn’t just a power boost, this is a whole new car, with sports suspension, bushes and battery performance. The car delivers a massive 641bhp, a top speed of 159mph and an acceleration of 3.2 seconds (0-62mph). It also features a paddle shift torque control to mimic a gear shift, a custom drift mode and Gran Turismo-inspired sounds.
£tbc, hyundai-n.com

This mid-size electric SUV has been available in Asia for a while but has now finally hit our shores. Sitting nicely between the EV3 and the EV6/EV9, this is the electric equivalent of the popular Sportage and is probably the sweet spot in the range. With a stylish design, inside and out, it comes with front wheel drive and a 81.4kWh battery delivering around 329 miles of range. From £38,500, kia.com

The Renault 5 has returned in an all-new electric form. It’s a modern design that still retains that classic 5 look, coming in five bold colours, including bright yellow and green. Inside it offers dual 10-inch displays with Google apps built in. The larger 52kWh battery model delivers up to 250 miles of range and there’s even a charge indicator on the bonnet, to show the charging status. From £22,995, renault.co.uk

Electric SUVs needn’t be boring, and the Macan proves it. Little has changed styling wise from the petrol version but under the bonnet, the all-electric model offers a steep increase in power, delivering 355bhp and a 5.2-second 0-62mph acceleration. The 100kWh battery will deliver 398 miles on a charge and charges at up to 270kW. SUVs don’t get much better than this.
From £68,500, porsche.com

The all-new CLA with EQ technology features some impressive tech onboard. It boasts a range of nearly 490 miles from its 85kWh battery, which also charges at up to 320kW for very quick top-ups. Inside there’s a 10.25inch display for the driver, a 14.6-inch central screen and a 14-inch passenger display – all running Mercedes’ brand new MB.OS system.
From £45,615, mercedes-benz.co.uk

Physical diaries are out, digital calendars are in! The Skylight Cal Max is a Wi-Fi display and calendar, complete with a stunning 15-inch touchscreen. Designed to improve your organisation, the Skylight Cal Max keeps everything in one place, from your daily schedule and work to-do list, to dinner planning and chore charts.
From £290, uk.skylightframe.com

The Asari might actually make you want to sit down for hours on end. Available in high- or mid-back options, the chair supports your back and body to keep your spine aligned. It certainly looks the part, as far as office chairs go, thanks to its many fabric and colour choices, and improves your comfort levels while you work.
From £1,821, hermanmiller.com

Sitting for eight hours a day isn’t the most comfortable, but VonHaus is here to help. To keep your posture straight and joints relaxed, the desk is height adjustable and can be customised to your needs via its digital display and control panel. It can even remember your desk preferences as you can save up to three height settings and select them quickly when you want them. From £129.99, vonhaus.com

This monitor could be all you’ll ever need for work and gaming sessions. Available up to 49 inches across, the screen has a built-in ambient light sensor that adjusts its brightness and temperature to suit your surroundings, and to avoid straining your eyes – something we all experience after hours in front of a PC.
From £225.98, dell.com

A hybrid worker must-have, this portable workstation has all your office essentials in one compact and convenient package. It features a wireless keyboard and touchpad, a travel case and laptop stand, so you can work from absolutely anywhere. Once you’re done, it folds away quickly, and it has plenty of storage space for laptops, tablets, stationery and more.
£179.99, logitech.com

Every traveller knows that packing the wrong adapter is the fastest way to ruin a trip before it even starts. That’s why a worldwide option like the Epicka TA-105 Max is a must. It’s our top pick not just because it works in over 150 countries, but because it also lets you charge up to six devices at the same time. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
$59.99 (£45), epickatech.com

If you battle with a chaotic tangle of cables every time you travel, the Ugreen Travel Accessories Bag is for you. With clever pockets and elastic loops, it keeps everything neat and visible. Slim enough to slide into any backpack, sturdy enough to handle bumps, and smart enough to make you feel like you’ve got your life together, it’s a travel essential.
£12.96, uk.ugreen.com

The Anker Nano Power Bank is small enough to fit in your pocket but delivers just the right amount of backup power when your phone’s running low. It plugs directly into your device, so there’s no need to carry extra cables, and it’s light enough that you’ll barely notice it’s there. There may be more powerful options, but it’s straightforward, reliable and useful for anyone who’s ever hit 5% with no charger in sight.
£39.99, anker.com

Stylish enough for city breaks and practical enough for last-minute trips, the Roka Gatwick does it all. It’s weather-resistant, made from recycled materials, and fits everything from your laptop to an emergency pair of shoes. There are three sizes and multiple colours to choose from, each featuring multi-functional handles and plenty of pockets. We’re half tempted to book a flight just as an excuse to show it off at the airport.
£99.95, rokalondon.com

A power bank that deserves its own passport. The Twelve South Butterfly is a compact charger designed to power your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Folding neatly into a slim, clamshell-style design, it’s ideal for saving space, and its USB-C port makes it compatible with most international charging setups. We strongly recommend it.
£129.99, twelvesouth.co.uk

It’s not new, but it’s still unbeaten. The Kindle will always be the best way to carry an entire library without breaking your back, and the latest models are lighter, sharper and more waterproof than ever before. The E-Ink screen is easy on the eyes and works in full sun, while the battery lasts for weeks, not hours. If you love reading but hate heavy books or distractions, it’s still one of the best travel gadgets out there.
£94.99, amazon.co.uk

If James Bond packed a suitcase, we’re pretty sure it’d be this one. The Monos Check-In is easily one of the sleekest, smartest suitcases we’ve laid eyes on. It’s roomy, durable, and stylish enough to turn heads at the carousel. Basically, it’s the kind of luggage that makes you feel like a pro traveller.
From £270, monos.uk

The Therabody SleepMask gently vibrates, warms up, and even syncs with your heart rate to help you relax. It’s especially good for screen-tired eyes, tension headaches, or those nights when your brain won’t switch off. Soft, snug and techy in all the right ways, it feels more like a tiny massage therapist for your face.
£89, therabody.co.uk

A travel pillow that actually works, Trtl’s innovation wraps around your neck like a scarf and keeps your head upright without looking (or feeling) ridiculous. It’s lightweight, machine washable, and stops that awful head-bob while you’re trying to sleep upright. If you travel often – or just nap a lot – this is a gamechanger.
£50, uk.trtltravel.com

Just because it’s tiny doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. In fact, the iPad Mini is almost too OP considering its form factor, but that makes this tablet perfect if you’re a creator on the go. There’s nothing worse than being in the flow and feeling like you have to pull out an entire WFH setup to continue – this properly pocket-sized computer feels like a miracle.
£499, apple.com

If you want to level up your content creation game fast, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the way to go. With 4k 120fps footage, buttersmooth stabilisation, and tracking features, your video practically creates itself. Instead of carrying around a DSLR, just whip out this gadget, flip the two-inch rotatable touchscreen to the side, and you’re ready to go.
£489, dji.com

Sometimes you just need to sit down and let the creativity flow. That’s what ReMarkable promises – a distraction-free halfway house between digital minimalism and good old-fashioned pen and paper. The Paper Pro is its most versatile model, including a vibrantly-coloured E-Ink screen and a larger, backlit display.
£559, remarkable.com

This microphone set is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a simple way to improve audio quality for your videos. A slim receiver and two mics fit in a pocket-sized charging case, and the recent release of the Camera Receiver means these mics can grow with you as your needs evolve.
£139.99, rode.com

Chronic iPad users will know you can use your tablet in a multitude of ways – why not have a folio that adapts for each one? You can fold this case however you like: there are over 20 configurations, whether you’re watching TV, multitasking with your iPhone, or balancing the tablet on your knee as you take notes.
£37, moft.us

There’s a distinct air of brands like Vacheron Constantin around the latest release from British watchmaking sweetheart Christopher Ward. At just 6.6mm thick, these proportions defy belief, and exude quality. The price tag is much more manageable, though, proving deep pockets aren’t needed to look your best.
£1,395, christopherward.com

Fashion is all about making a statement, and the Farer Arbour Lissom certainly does that! A stunning raspberry dial is best paired with a matching suede strap, for a cohesive end product. Whether you make it the centrepiece of your outfit, or match it with other bold bits, you’ll never fail to look good with this on your wrist.
£1,150, farer.com

A TAG Heuer dive watch is a must have for any watch lover, and this latest addition is one of our favourites. The wavy blue dial is reminiscent of the ocean, and paired with the white rubber strap it feels like the ultimate expression of summer for your wrist.
£3,500, tagheuer.com

Breitling has a long history, but most of that is thanks to its chronographs. Earlier this year, the brand ditched the complication from its Top Time range, leaving this timeonly model in its place. The result is a sleek, classy profile which is a great fit for any occasion – and it even bags a chronometer-grade movement.
£4,550, breitling.com

Oris might not be the first name on the lips of non-watch lovers, but it deserves to be. Its in-house Calibre 403 movement sits within this Big Crown Pointer Date model, offering five days of power reserve and looking mighty fine in the process.
£3,350, oris.ch

Ever wanted a robot vacuum that also works as a security camera and an air purifier? Oh, and it can deliver drinks to you and hold your tablet up with a built-in stand? Then you’ll love the SwitchBot K20+ Pro – a personal home robot butler that can do all of these tasks and more, to keep your home connected and functioning smoothly. From £599.99, uk.switch-bot.com

ne of the smartest kitchen appliances, this fridge freezer is designed to keep your food fresh and life organised. Its camera scans your ingredients and alerts you when food is going off, while also creating recipes to use it up. It can also play music, make shopping lists, and track your calendar. £2,299, samsung.com

Inspired by Japanese Konro grills, the Kasai Grill is a versatile charcoal grill that’s specially designed to withstand temperatures of up to 1,200ºC – hot, hot, hot! The charcoal power gives food like meat, fish and vegetables that smoky, authentic barbecue flavour, while its compact design means it can easily fit any kitchen or garden aesthetic for quick and easy grilling.
From £399, kasaigrills.com

Protect your home while lighting your way in the dark with the WiZ Outdoor Wall Light with Camera. This smart security gadget combines a camera and light bulb in one handy device, so you can set the mood in your back garden while also keeping an eye out for any potential intruders. This clever light/camera combo also has a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can use it to speak to guests or yell at burglars – we hope it’s not the latter!
£TBA, wizconnected.com

Got a pool? Check you out. How about a super easy way to keep it clean, too? A smart climbing and cleaning machine, the Mammotion SPINO E1 has a triple motor that can even tackle the largest of pools. Its powerful suction cleans up leaves, stones, sand and insects to keep your pool as hygienic as possible. When it needs charging, the Mammotion SPINO E1 climbs up your pool wall and parks itself, ready for you to lift it out.
£799, uk.mammotion.com

Gozney has outdone itself with the Tread. Based on the iconic Dome design, the Gozney Tread can make 12inch pizzas, meat, vegetables and much more, with its huge capacity and versatile flame. What makes it stand out from other Gozney pizza ovens is its portability. It has handles for you to carry it to and from a campsite, and roof rack handles to attach to the front of your car, so you can have pizza on the go.
£549.99, gozney.com

The La Specialista Touch is the perfect bean-to-cup coffee machine to master the craft of latte art. Its 3.5-inch screen takes you through the entire coffee making process, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. Speaking of which, the La Specialista Touch’s milk wand has four temperatures and five foam levels so you can make pretty pictures in your cappuccino froth.
£699.99, delonghi.com

Ninja makes the best air fryers on the market, and this one is a dual-basket masterpiece. It has six cooking functions, and its dual compartments offer a massive, combined 7.6-litre capacity. What’s even better is its dual zone cooking, which allows you to cook separately or simultaneously, so your main and sides come out at the same time.
£199.99, ninjakitchen.co.uk

An unlikely collaboration – but one we’re glad came about – Govee and JBL’s Table Lamp 2 Pro offers stunning colours and lighting with powerful audio. With the Govee app, the Govee x JBL Table Lamp 2 Pro comes with various scenes to suit the mood or TV series you’re watching, while the JBL-powered speakers fill the room with immersive sound.
£169.99, uk.govee.com

Premium TV without excessive baggage, Sky Stream is a no-contract way to binge Sky’s suite of headline entertainment, cinema and sports. There’s no need to change your TV or install a dish, Stream delivers everything over Wi-Fi to your existing telly box. Shows can be saved to a Sky DVR for convenient playback. If you don’t want to contract in, you can opt for a rolling price plan. Dolby Atmos and 4K are optional extras, but worth it.
From £31 a month, sky.com

Tuned by Samsung’s LA Sound Labs, this beast of a bar is a belter. Compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby TrueHD, it ships with a subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers.
£1,599, samsung.com

The C5 is the latest iteration of LG’s best-selling OLED line, and hits the sweet spot between performance and value. It’s ideal for movies, games and sports, thanks to its bright panel and fast processing. Importantly, all four HDMI ports hit the 2.1 standard, with refresh rates up to 144Hz. £2,499, lg.com

This audio powerhouse offers 9.4 channels of 110W amplification (expandable to 11.4), for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D systems. Audio quality is sublime, and connectivity is top notch too, with six HDMI 2.1 inputs and no fewer than three outputs. £1,349, marantz.com

The Bronze series combines design with exceptional performance. The Bronze 300 towers sound big but are compact, with a 7G centre a seamless match. Partner them with surrounds, then start saving for a Vestra sub…
From £300, monitoraudio.com

If you’re the kind of photographer who yearns for the experience of film without the faff of chemicals and darkrooms, the Leica M11-D is a dream come true. A 60MP sensor sits inside of a body with no display, forcing you to trust the process and shoot like your grandparents did. It’s tough, but well worth it.
Camera £8,100; lens £4,130, leica-camera.com

When an audio brand prides itself on replicating the inimitable sound of a Steinway piano, you know it means business. The Model A is designed to be placed near a wall, filling your room with deep bass, detailed midrange and exquisite high-end. That comes from a pair of 12-inch woofers and a 6.5-inch driver, set into a sublime box.
£TBC, steinwaylyngdorf.com

Louis Vuitton might not be your first port of call for audio prowess, but these buds show that it should be. Style is only half the story, with 11mm Beryllium drivers – a material used in aerospace engineering – and more microphones than a BTS concert ensuring a killer audio experience.
£1,370, louisvuitton.com

Ever wanted the centre of your home entertainment system to feature speakers which rise like the gullwing doors on an old Mercedes? Of course you have! Bang & Olufsen’s Harmony sits an 8k OLED TV screen on top of a motorised speaker array. It’s the ultimate home cinema.
From £17,900, bang-olufsen.com

Form is just as crucial as function when crafting a signature sound, and the Marantz Horizon takes that ethos and runs with it, packing in neodymium drivers and the Marantz Rise Amplifier for a killer listening experience, while maintaining beauty in its form with 360° seamless fabric and a walnut stand.
£3,250, marantz.co.uk

If you want to be able to upgrade wired audio basically wherever you go, it won’t take you long to work out that you need a portable DAC. Few are handier, easier to use or more compact than the much-loved Chord Mojo 2, which has a bit of funky and fun styling to its design. Anyone going down the audiophile rabbit hole deserves to get themselves one.
£349, chordelectronics.co.uk

If a DAC is a bit much for you, though, going straight to a high-resolution audio player can rewind time and make you focus on your music properly again. The first Activo player is extremely easy to use, supports all the big streaming services as a backup, and can get you superb, precise reproductions of your favourite tracks without needing to remortgage.
£399, activostyle.com

Even the very best wireless headphones still cannot quite match the fidelity of a good wired pair, and FiiO has been demonstrating that gap for a few years now. Its brilliant FT5 headphones are a rare combination in the market – beautiful to look at, carefully designed, sonically unbelievable and fairly priced. That makes them quite a prospect.
£429.99, fiio.com

These earbuds flew under some people’s radars, but they’ve become a firm favourite at T3 since we first tried them in late 2024. They’re beautifully designed and make a big leap forward in the sound department, with lovely adaptive noise-cancelling and impressively delicate sound. Perfect pocketable audio for everyday life.
£259.99, technics.com

The best all-around wireless headphones, bar none, the XM6 release makes right every tiny flaw from the XM5, crucially including folding hinges to make them far easier to pack away. The active noise-cancelling implementation is out of this world, and they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours, making a pair a must-have for frequent travellers.
£399, sony.co.uk

Our favourite compact portable wireless speaker just got even better, with a new version that upgrades its low-end bass, gives you more battery life, and makes the stunning design a little bit sleeker. You can be confident it’ll still sound great even in a good few years’ time too.
£299, bang-olufsen.com

If you want a speaker to spark conversation, as well as provide dazzling performance, this revision of the Zeppelin is a perfect choice. It looks stunning, and backs that up with gorgeous sound quality. Just be sure you think about where it’ll fit in your room of choice – this is a speaker that dominates its environment.
£699, bowerswilkins.com

Anyone who truly loves music probably has at least a passing interest in vinyl, after the past decade’s remarkable resurgence of analogue audio. Picking a digital-friendly turntable can be tricky, but Pro-Ject’s excellent option packs in enough features to make it a good choice for beginners without missing out on some top-level enthusiast tricks.
£599, project-audio.com

A choice that barely needs any justification – the Switch 2 is the console every kid (and therefore every parent) wants right now, having launched this summer. It’s a brilliant bit of hardware, but the real reason you need one is that it’s going to get game after game over the next half-decade and more, many of which will likely be unmissable. £395.99, nintendo.com

It might be a few years old, but this remains the best wireless gaming headset on the market. Its charging station means you won’t run out of juice for long, the sound quality will immerse you, and the headband makes it feel as light as a feather.
£329.99, steelseries.com

Razer’s laptops continue to amaze every time we test them, and this new version of its 16-inch Blade is somehow even thinner than the last one. That doesn’t stop the 2025 model from hiding a top-of-the-line Nvidia 50-series graphics chip, which explains the sky-high pricing. This is the Rolls-Royce of gaming laptops.
From £2,099.99, razer.com

The Switch 2 is the newest kid on the block, but the PlayStation 5 Pro remains the most powerful home console on the market, and it’s been flexing its muscles recently. No other console can match the graphical output it shows off in games such as Death Stranding 2, and if you have the right TV, you need to see what it can do.
£699.99, playstation.com

While you play with that PS5 Pro, if you can do so with a DualSense Edge, you’ll basically be sampling the best of the best. This is Sony’s own top-level controller, adding button remapping and extra paddle controls underneath, and it’s a difference-maker if you’re trying to compete online in a range of games.
£199.99, playstation.com

The boombox is back and better than ever. From the same retro tech savant as the reimaged WE-001 portable cassette player, the GB-001 is a love letter to the 1970s and ’80s with a modern twist. As well as a tape deck, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity and 104W of stereo grunt. You’ll have to provide your own breakdance crew, though. £379, wearerewind.com

Arguably the best Alpha bartop arcade machine yet. It comes with full, working coin-op controls and an eight-inch IPS display, plus ten Taito classics preinstalled – including Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble. And, as with the other, previously released Alpha units, it can play Evercade cartridges too.
£229.99, evercade.co.uk

Philips Audio is celebrating its hundredth birthday, which means we get modern-day takes on some tech favourites. Among them are these Walkman-inspired headphones, which combine classic 1980s looks with the modern convenience of Bluetooth and up to 26 hours of battery life.
£TBC, philips.co.uk

When it comes to retro kitchenware, Smeg always springs to mind. And its latest ’50s-inspired kitchen scales couldn’t fit the brief better if they were wearing a flat cap and smoking a pipe. Not only will they give you an analogue read-out on a beautiful dial, but there’s an LED screen for more precise readings.
£169.95, smeguk.com

With Oasis once again ruling stadiums, Berghaus has taken the opportunity to reissue its Meru Mountain Jacket – as worn by Liam Gallagher on stage in 1997. Available in the same red and blue combo (as well as other shades), it’s made using Gore-Tex fabric in case you find yourself without any sun-shiiiiiinnnneee!
£290, berghaus.com

Smeg’s Soda Maker is one of those gadgets that earns a permanent spot on the counter – not just because it’s good-looking, but because it actually makes a difference. If you’re someone who goes through bottles of sparkling water, this is a smarter way to stay fizzy. It’s simple to use and nails that balance between retro charm and modern function.
From £149.95, smeguk.com

Think of the Bartesian as a Keurig for cocktails. Pop in a cocktail capsule, choose your strength, and you’ve got a bar-quality drink in seconds. It nails the flavour every time with no shaking, no mixing and no mess – just perfect drinks on demand. Dinner guests will be lining up at the door! £299.99, bartesian.com

It may look like it was designed in a wind tunnel, but the Shark TurboBlade pushes out a surprisingly large amount of airflow. The multi-directional tilt means you can aim it exactly where you want, whether you’re working, sleeping, or just trying to keep cool. Best of all, it runs whisper-quiet and looks great doing it, so it blends into your space without being a visual or sonic eyesore.
£249.99, sharkclean.co.uk

This compact wine cooler is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have space for a full cellar. The VinoCase chills any bottle to the perfect temperature. It looks sleek and runs quietly, making it perfect for dinner party enthusiasts. Your wine will always be ready – and you’ll always look prepared.
£110, casodesign.co.uk

The MiniMax takes everything people love about the iconic Big Green Egg – heat control, moisture retention, that unmistakable smoky flavour – and shrinks it into a size that actually fits on a balcony or in the boot of your car. It can smoke, sear, roast and bake with the best of them, fits a surprisingly generous cookout, and holds up beautifully over time. Whether you’re making burgers or slow-cooking ribs, it punches way above its weight.
£850, biggreenegg.co.uk

If you find kitchen multitasking an extreme sport, the TM7 is just what you need. It’s like having a private sous-chef who never gets tired – it chops, stirs, blends, steams, weighs and even grates, making it a dream for busy cooks who love homemade meals but hate juggling five pans. With guided recipes and built-in Wi-Fi, it’s not cheap, but it might just replace half your kitchen.
£1,349, vorwerk.com

This mini fridge is one of those low-key gadgets you don’t think you need until you have one – and then you wonder how you managed without it. It’s compact enough to tuck under a desk or in a corner, yet still offers plenty of space for drinks and snacks in a sleek, modern design. There are no LED lights or fans here – just a solid, reliable mini fridge that quietly gets the job done. £94.99, cookology.com

The Morning Mini is small – really small – but it still manages to feel like a proper piece of kit. Compatible with original Nespresso pods, it delivers great espresso with one button, heats up in a flash, and has a clean, matte finish that looks right at home in minimalist kitchens. You’ll spend more time drinking coffee than making it, which is kind of the point.
£259, drinkmorning.co.uk

Yeti knows how to do rugged, but this set proves it can do refined too. Whether you’re camping or picnicking, this is all you need to keep your snacks ready to eat and is stylish enough to take anywhere – perfect for meals on the go without compromising quality or durability. Everything’s dishwasher safe too.
£150, uk.yeti.com