Looking for a tech uplift in 2026? Here are the 50 gadgets I'd recommend to make this your best year ever

TRAVEL LIKE A PRO

TIME KETTLE W4 AI INTERPRETER EARBUDS

Sci-fi meets reality in these real-time translating earbuds. With 43 languages and 93 regional accents detected, simply hand over a bone-conduction bud and natter away in your native tongue – the buds phase out background babble and translate only the chatter that matters

£349, timekettle.co

MSI CLAW 8 AI+

Think you can’t speed-run triple-A gaming titles on the move? Think again. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ packs the sort of processors and graphics chips typically reserved for high-end PCs, but crams it all into a handheld device that slips into a bag. Expect four hours of gaming per charge, which is enough for that business trip to Brussels.

£899, uk.msi.com

SCAPADE AIRPASS

Put simply, this is a sleek passport wallet with built-in Apple Find My smarts, so you’ll never misplace arguably the most important document in the world ever again. The wirelessrechargeable battery lasts up to six months per charge and there are slots inside for credit cards, boarding passes and other essential items.

£40, scapade.net

IFI AUDIO UP TRAVEL

Next time the flight attendant comes around with those cheap headphones, politely decline, as the UP Travel allows in-flight entertainment to be wirelessly transmitted to your top-quality cans of choice. It supports dual headphone pairing for buddying up, as well as the ability to send or receive hi-res audio.

£99, ifi-audio.com

OOFOS OOMY STRIDE

Ignore the slightly bizarre name (and the whacky styling), as the ‘Oofoam’ technology in these frequent travellers absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, while cradling arches and reducing the impact on joints. Some say it’s like walking on air, which is perfect for those regularly running between terminals.

£100, oofos.co.uk

COTOPAXI ALLPA TRAVEL PACK

These ultra-robust backpacks were made to travel, featuring a hardy front panel that’s designed to soak up overhead locker abuse and a suitcase style opening that makes it dead easy to find the exact plug adaptor. Better still, Cotopaxi fashions its bags from 100% leftover fabric, so no two products are ever exactly the same.

Around £200, uk.cotopaxi.com

TOP TRAVEL APPS

TRIPIT

Simply forward confirmation emails for your bookings to Tripit’s designated email address, and the app creates detailed plans, itineraries and handy reminders.

iOS/Android

FLIGHTY

This claims to be the only app that “tells you everything about your flight”, including comprehensive flight tracking, alerts and any delay predictions.

iOS/Android

FLUSH

Flush uses a database of tens of thousands of public toilets (saved to the device) that covers a global network of relief-providing lavatories.

iOS/Android

GET HENCH AT HOME

OMORPHO G-VEST ICON

Unlike other weighted vests that can feel bulky, unwieldy during exercise and generally uncomfortable, the Omorpho G-Vest Icon evenly distributes weight across the torso and fits snugly to the body. A clever G-Pack snap-on weight system allows it to jump from 4.5kg to around 9kg in seconds.

£225, omorpho.com

WATTBIKE PROTON

Where Wattbike’s other indoor trainers are aimed squarely at cycling enthusiasts and athletes, the Proton is a more approachable option. It can be quickly adjusted to suit most body sizes and connects to a number of apps, including Zwift and Rouvy, for more engaging workouts. It’s compact and easy to move around small spaces.

£1,545, wattbike.com

OURA RING 4

More accomplished than ever, the latest generation of smart ring from Oura neatly integrates all of its sensors into a flat and comfortable inner band. From here, it can keep a constant eye on movement, heart rate, body temperature and more to build a picture of overall health. Perfect for maximising sleep potential and bossing recovery.

£349, ouraring.com

WAHOO KICKR RUN

This is the first domestic treadmill to feature a ‘RunFree’ mode, which uses built-in sensors to determine your position on the running deck and automatically adjust the pace. It means you can launch from a jog to a sprint without pressing a single button. It is also designed to play nicely with Zwift, making it a running fan’s dream workout partner.

£6,000, uk.wahoofitness.com

GOBALANCE PLAY

Home workouts don’t have to involve boring plods on a treadmill or punishing push-up routines, as this app-enabled wobbleboard comes with 12 free games that can be beamed to most smart devices. Strengthen the core, work the legs and get the heartrate racing as you plummet down a virtual slope or wobble your way through a 3D maze.

£80, particula-tech.com

STANLEY ACTIVATE SHAKER

Whip up delicious and nutritious protein shakes wherever and whenever the mood takes, as this chunky Stanley holds a couple of scoops of powder or snacks in its sealed, removable base, as well as an inner strainer for blasting away nasty lumps. Double-wall vacuum insulation also means the contents remain milkshake cold.

£60, uk.stanley1913.com

POWERBEATS FIT

Specifically designed with rigorous workouts in mind, the Powerbeats Fit earbuds use a secure-fit wingtip design so they don’t pop out mid-push-up. They also pack the same signature beefy Beats sound with personalised spatial audio, active noise cancellation and adaptive EQ.

£200, beatsbydre.com

BEST RECOVERY TOOLS

GROOV-E PORTABLE RECOVERY COLD PLUNGE TUB

This giant inflatable ice bucket can help can help recovery by reducing inflammation in the muscles.

£50, groov-e.co.uk

UREVO AI-POWERED WIRELESS RECOVERY MASSAGER

Clever recovery trousers with an inflatable airbag to pummel sore muscles into submission.

£800, uk.urevo.com

HOMEDICS MYTI MINI MASSAGE GUN

This diminutive percussive gun is great for impromptu massage, while a heated flat attachment is perfect for working knots.

£70, amazon.co.uk

GET THE PARTY STARTED

MIXX REVIVAL 65 STEREO VINYL RECORD PLAYER

Vinyl remains one of the hottest collectors’ items of the year, delivering a massive dose of nostalgia and unbeatable retro sound. The Mixx Revival 65 is a simple, portable vinyl spinner that can be set-up anywhere for impromptu boogies. It looks the part, too.

£199, mixx-audio.com

MARSHALL BROMLEY 750

Very little screams “turn it up to 11” like the Marshall Bromley 750 speaker. Yes, it looks like the sort of guitar amp you want to head-bang in front of and yes, the 24kg beast pumps out ‘Stereophonic 360°’ sound for room-filling results. Wheel it into place, pair your Bluetooth device and get ready to let loose.

£900, marshall.com

LAY-Z-SPA STOCKHOLM AIRJET

It will be difficult to keep friends away once they catch sight of the Scandi-inspired hot tub bubbling away in the garden. This stylish relaxation station can comfortably seat six and harnesses the power of Wi-Fi, meaning it can be remotely activated so it’s at a perfect 40°C for a post-work soak.

£1,080, lay-z-spa.co.uk

BEERWULF BLADE

We’d never suggest you need alcohol to lubricate a social gathering, but a freshly-poured, foaming pint of lager or ale is a great way to break the ice. Beerwulf’s Blade takes the hard work out of a home pour, perfectly chilling the pre-packaged kegs to 2°C and keeping them fresh for up to 30 days.

£410, beerwulf.com

BE MORE MINDFUL

YOGIFI SMART MAT GEN 3

Yoga is supposed to be about finding that zen-like flow state, but sometimes we need a little help getting there. When paired with YogiFi’s smartphone app, the mat’s built-in sensors provide real-time feedback, indicating whether your posture is correct or needs adjustment. It also offers post-session stats, for simple progress tracking.

£200, yogifismart.com

AMAZON KINDLE SCRIBE COLORSOFT

Take a break from TV, stop doomscrolling, and get lost in a good book. Amazon’s latest features an 11-inch colour display and can store thousands of titles. When the idea for your next novel hits, simply jot it down (and even illustrate it) using the battery-free pen.

£630, amazon.co.uk

ROLI PIANO AND AIRWAVE

Taking some time out to learn an instrument can do wonders, and net you a brand new skill to show off at parties. Roli makes the whole process simpler, with an accompanying app and light up keys for faster learning. The Airwave add-on tracks every finger for an even more personalised learning experience.

£798, roli.com

LUMEN

Part weight-loss device and part longevity coach, Lumen offers instant feedback on what the body is burning for energy (carbs or fats) by simply breathing into it. Just 20 seconds is all it takes to get feedback and advice on meal planning, stress management and the optimum time for sleep.

£300, lumen.me

GO ON AN ADVENTURE

THAW GEAR HEATED GLOVES

Protect your digits at all costs with these excellent rechargeable heated gloves. Windproof, waterproof and boasting up to eight hours of battery life on their lowest setting, these phalange-warmers allow you to spend more time immersed in nature, without having to defrost your fingers afterwards.

£130, thawgear.co.uk

HEDGEHOG GO

No, it’s not an AR game that has you walking around collecting virtual hedgehogs, but an ingenious way of rapidly drying sopping footwear. Simply slide boots, shoes and even gloves onto the prongs and let the high-performance motor do the rest. It generates wind speeds of up to 60mph, so expect bone-dry boots in minutes.

£150, hedgehogdryer.uk

BEELINE MOTO

Designed exclusively for two-wheeled machines, Beeline’s Velo 2 and Moto 2 GPS devices simplify the sat-nav experience and condense it into something that can be easily mounted to pretty much all handlebars. It means you can go out and get lost on your motorcycle or bicycle, knowing that Beeline will direct you home.

£180, beeline.co

PETROMAX ATAGO

Packing down into a neat 40cm-wide disc, the Petromax Atago stove can be slung over a shoulder, marched into the back of beyond and set up in a matter of seconds. It can be used as a standard barbecue for outdoor feasts, a warming stove, an oven or a roaring fire bowl. Fuel it with charcoal or bits of scavenged firewood.

£240, petromax.com

ESSENTIAL ADVENTURE TOOLS

SUUNTO VERTICAL 2

Quite simply one of the best outdoor smart watches money can buy, with built-in mapping and the ability to send voice notes to fellow users.

£529, suunto.com

DARN TOUGH MIDWEIGHT HIKING SOCKS

Built different, Darn Tough socks are guaranteed for life… and to provide all-day comfort when hiking the trails.

£32, darntough.uk

NEBO CURVBEAM 600 FLEX

Illuminate even the darkest expeditions and light up those bleak evening dog walks with up to 600 lumens of power conveniently strapped to your head.

£40, nebotools.co.uk

YETI DAYTRIP LUNCH BOX

Rocking the same insulating powers as Yeti’s extremely popular line of coolers, this compact 5L lunch box keeps sandwiches from being obliterated at the bottom of a hiking backpack when on the move. It’s super easy to clean, and is compatible with Yeti’s ice sheets for an even cooler picnic.

£80, uk.yeti.com

NEW BALANCE 1080 V15

Racking up the running miles is one the best ways to improve both physical and mental health, so why not do it with a spring in your step? The latest New Balance 1080 features all-new Infinion midsole foam, which is lighter and delivers more energy return than ever before for effortless jogs and swift progress.

£TBA, newbalance.co.uk

SIGG ALPINE STAR

There are thermal flasks and there are those made by Swiss outdoor experts Sigg. The Alpine Star keeps hot beverages warm for up to 16 hours, which should cover even the most adventurous mid-winter hikes. Plus, when the seasons change, the insulation keeps beverages iced for up to 60 hours.

£32, sigg.com

SLEEP LIKE A BABY

MINI RESTFUL SUNRISE CLOCK AIR PURIFIER

A whisper-quiet, sleep-enhancing device that kills two birds with one stone: simultaneously filtering 99.97% of pollutants, such as dust and fluff out of the air, while acting as a sunrise-mimicking alarm clock. It is app-enabled, making setting an alarm and keeping track of the filter’s health a doddle.

£169, Blueair.co.uk

SOUNDCORE SLEEP A30

Trying to sleep next to a persistent snorer is a nightmare, but technology can step in to straighten things out. The charging case of these Active Noise Cancellation buds can detect snoring and automatically sends masking audio tones to block out the din. The buds’ batteries last all night, and can block out all sorts of irritating frequencies.

£200, soundcore.com

TEMPUR PRO SMARTCOOL MATTRESS

Tempur’s range of cool-to-the-touch mattresses absorb body heat for a more comfortable night. A material layer relieves pressure under the body, while the mattress adapts to different body shapes and has an ultra-supportive foundation to ensure it lasts. Oh, and you don’t even have to turn it.

From £1,500, uk.tempur.com

MEACO ARMIN 680

Cold winter days mean plenty of central heating in the UK, which can dry out the air causing tickly throats and breathing problems for some. Meaco’s evaporative humidifiers gently add humidity to rooms to redress the balance. It operates at just below 24dB, making it great for nighttime use, and filters the air too.

£163, maecodehumidifiers.co.uk

PIMP YOUR PAD

COUNTERTOP RO SMR

Have you ever heard of a reverse osmosis water purifier? Well now you have, and you can use one to impress guests with the purest water possible, whenever they visit. This compact purifier removes over 100 contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria and PFAS, and remineralises with Swedish mineral rock for taste and healthiness.

£500, tappwater.co

SWITCHBOT CANDLE WARMER LAMP

A quality scented candle can transform a living space into an aromatic haven, but there’s very little control over the intensity. SwitchBot’s warming lamp integrates with smart home services, so you have precision control over the amount of scent released into the air. It looks cool too.

£40, uk.switch-bot.com

EUFYCAM S4

A pimped pad needs serious security, and Eufy’s latest solar-powered cameras have all angles covered. An upper 4K wide-angle lens covers a 130° fixed view, while a lower 2K dual-lens pans, tilts and zooms through a full 360°. AI smarts track unwanted visitors, with notifications sent to a slick smartphone app.

£249, eufy.com

ECOVACS WINBOT W2

We have robots to do most of our bidding these days, including cleaning the windows. This Facehugger lookalike uses “threenozzle wide-angle spray atomisation” to reach all parts of all windows, while unrivalled suction powers see it cling to glass surfaces from floor to ceiling. Simply set it and let it do its thing.

£259, ecovacs.com

COOK UP A STORM

GEFU FERMENTING SET

Fermented cabbage is the new pickled onion, and this simple but effective kit includes everything you need for killer kimchi and sensational sauerkraut. The bespoke glass jar features a Ferment Vent System that ensures smooth fermentation, without stinking out the fridge.

£44, gefu.com

BREVILLE EYE Q TOASTER

Yes, smart technology has made its way into your heated bread, as Breville’s latest masterpiece uses the company’s ‘Sensability’ technology, which in turn harnesses optical sensors to track the colour of your bread. Overkill? Maybe. Totally awesome? Definitely.

£249.95, breville.co.uk

FELLOW MATCHA SET

A frosted glass bowl, lightweight bamboo whisk, weighty stainless steel spoon and a stunning ceramic tray – your matcha ritual will be the envy of friends and family. All you need to do now is ingest hours of YouTube videos to perfect your matcha.

$129.95 (about £99), fellowproducts.com

HORL 3 CRUISE KNIFE SHARPENER

Gentler than cheap sharpeners and about a million-times more handsome, these solid Horl units are honed in Germany for the last word in precision sharpening. A double-sided magnetic angle support covers both the best kitchen knives and those fiercely sharp blades from Japan.

£99, horl.com

SMEG CITRUS JUICER

Not only are you adding a healthy dollop of vitamins and minerals to your daily routine with this chic Smeg juicer, you’re also injecting an impressive amount of style into the kitchen. The 70W motor blitzes through oranges and can even handle tricky customers, such as yuzu.

£150, shop.smeguk.com

DEXAM PASTA MAKER

Nothing focuses the mind like mastering the art of pasta-making, and this authentic roller clamps to kitchen surfaces to make life a little easier. Of course, it handles linguine and spaghetti, tagliatelle or flat sheets for ravioli and lasagne, so you can make it like mama used to.

£34, dexam.co.uk

THE BEST ALTERNATIVE COOKBOOKS

MOKONUTS: THE COOKBOOK

This book sees a fantastic fusion of Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine, with recipes taken from the ultra-hip Parisien restaurant.

£30, phaidon.com

STEAK HOUSE: THE PEOPLE, THE PLACES, THE RECIPES

Take a tour of the best steak houses in the US, with story-telling, photo journalism and steak recipes so good you can almost taste them.

£38, penguinrandomhouse.com

THE PICKLE JAR: RECIPES FOR MAKING AND USING PICKLES AND FERMENTS

This book features gut-friendly, healthy plant-based condiments and delicious dinner recipes.

£20, hachette.co.uk

LOVE YOURSELF

LUMIE HALO SAD LAMP

Perfect for those working from home, or simply too busy to ever venture outdoors, the Lumie Halo simulates sunlight to improve mood, boost energy and increase focus. It delivers a punchy 10,000 Lux at 20cm in day mode, while at night it features reduced blue-light content to increase relaxation and wind down before bed.

£174, lumie.com

AIR UP TUMBLER

How many new year’s resolutions include drinking more water? Not so simple, is it? Air Up’s latest offering is its biggest tumbler yet and can be used with or without the brand’s ‘Scentaste’ pods, which trick the senses into thinking you are gulping down peach ice tea (among others) by hijacking your olfactory system. It makes water tasty again.

£40, shop.air-up.com

BONCHARGE RED LIGHT TOOTHBRUSH

Using similar tech to that found on beauty masks, the red and near-infra-red light projected by the head of this toothbrush is designed to support gum vitality and oral health. Scrubbing your teeth clean is just one small part of keeping your mouth and gums healthy. This brush aims to do it all.

£149, uk.boncharge.com

SHARK FACIALPRO GLOW

Taking inspiration from professional spa equipment, Shark’s at-home device exfoliates and extracts, using powerful hydro-fuelled extraction to clear the skin of impurities. Once you’ve sucked away the gunk, it’s time to fully hydrate the skin and de-puff areas around the eyes. Skin looks fresh and glowing in around ten minutes.

£300, sharkclean.co.uk

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

GOVEE SMART TABLE LAMP 2

Redress the work/life balance with a table lamp that essentially turns every working day into a bona fide disco. With six million RGB colours and more than 60 preset scenes, this funky app, touch or voice-controlled lamp can simply offer some cool, dimmed mood lighting or pulsate along to the tunes.

£70, uk.govee.com

HUMANSCALE NEAT SUITE

An entire ecosystem of cable-tidies, charging stations and power management, Humanscale’s mission is to rid sit-stand desks of the associated clutter. NeatHub offers multiple device charging solutions in one neat box, while the mesh NeatTech simplifies cable management and hides it all. Better still, it’s compatible with most desk brands.

From £134, uk.humanscale.com

ONEPLUS KEYBOARD 81 PRO

Hewn from CNC-machined, 6063 aluminium and featuring hot-swappable, double-gasket keys, the Keyboard 81 Pro from OnePlus is a versatile little number. Connect wirelessly to up to three devices or hard-wire it in for uninterrupted tapping. There’s also a programmable rotary dial and OnePlus Red Esc key for speeding up the workflow.

£249, oneplus.com

NATIVE UNION DESK LAPTOP STAND

Raise the laptop and the levels of chic in a home office with this achingly hip laptop stand that ensures you work with perfect posture. Available in three colours, it is adjustable and foldable, offering a 60cm height boost that can transform a kitchen table into a suitable workplace.

£65, nativeunion.com