Tech evolves rapidly, and pausing to explore the latest innovations can uncover incredible opportunities—like a drone equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that hovers upon facial recognition. Stay ahead with a curated selection of top 20 gadgets and tech, ranging from practical tools for smoother daily routines to unique finds.
Top 20 Gadgets of 2024
1. Epson EF-22 Mini Laser Projector
In 2024, a home projector is the ultimate upgrade for enjoying movies outside the cinema—far surpassing the experience of a standard TV. While quality projectors often come with hefty price tags, with even “budget” options exceeding £500 and premium models doubling that, Epson’s new Mini EF22 changes the game. This ultra-portable projector offers a seamless setup, user-friendly interface, 360-degree stand, and all-in-one functionality, delivering stunningly vivid colors. Its tech even auto-adjusts image size and focus to suit any surface. Once a luxury reserved for sprawling mansions, the home theater experience is now more accessible than ever.
2. Leica Sofort 2 Hybrid Instant Camera
Leica, a long-time favorite among photographers, brings its signature quality and craftsmanship to the realm of instant-print digital cameras. Equipped with the reliable Leica Summar 1:2/2.4mm lens, this camera delivers solid performance with a minimalist design. Its intuitive functionality—point, shoot, print—makes it a stylish and straightforward choice for instant photography enthusiasts.
3. Joy Resolve Portable Bean Grinder
Imagine this: the crew is deep in adventure mode—perhaps exploring the wilds of British Columbia, trekking through the Peruvian foothills, or holed up in an Airbnb miles away from the nearest café. Energy is running low, and the need for caffeine is rising. Instant coffee won’t cut it. Enter the hero of the hour: a sleek aluminum cylinder ready to save the day. A perfectly brewed coffee emerges with fresh beans ground on the spot, a splash of water, and a little patience. Spirits lift, the crew cheers—mission accomplished.
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2
With significant upgrades, the latest Apple Watch Ultra takes its rugged, outdoor-ready design to the next level. Powered by the dual-core S9 SiP processor, boasting 60% more transistors than its predecessor, it offers enhanced performance and functionality. The display is Apple’s brightest yet, delivering stunning visuals while auto-dimming in low-light conditions for convenience. On the exterior, it’s packed with features: a GPS antenna, dual speakers for Siri, an 86-decibel emergency siren, three microphones, a depth gauge, a digital crown, and not one but two action buttons. It’s a powerhouse designed to handle anything.
5. Amazon Echo Hub
Jeff Bezos‘ vision for a fully connected home comes together with the Alexa-enabled Echo Hub, the central link for all Amazon smart devices. This sleek hub allows seamless control of everything from lighting schedules and security cameras to door locks, heating, and music. With its intuitive interface, managing a smart home has never been easier—finally delivering on the promise of effortless convenience.
6. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Open earbuds have become the go-to choice in ultra high-end audio, perfectly balancing between staying connected to your surroundings and enjoying premium sound quality. Designed to rest gently on your lower lobe, they let in just enough ambient noise to avoid hazards—like walking into traffic—or missing a friendly hello, all while keeping your music flowing. With impressive sound performance and minimal sound leakage, they deliver the audio you love without annoying anyone around you. Smart and stylish.
7. Transparent Turntable
This turntable is as sleek as it is functional, with tempered glass plates that are a visual treat. But it’s not just about looks—a built-in pre-amp eliminates the need for an extra clunky box and keeps things streamlined. Equipped with the dependable Ortofon OM5E cartridge, it’s perfect for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts. Plus, it offers versatile connectivity, letting you choose between wired playback or the convenience of Bluetooth streaming.
8. Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Headset
The long-held dream of compact, immersive virtual reality in a simple pair of glasses is still on the horizon, but Meta’s Quest 3 makes a compelling leap forward. Smaller, curvier, and more comfortable than its predecessor, this VR headset is packed with advanced tech and delivers impressive performance. The controllers are lightweight and intuitive, though hand-tracking capabilities let you channel total Minority Report vibes with ease. Boasting 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye, it offers sharp visuals once adjusted, complemented by an expansive field of view. While some games and apps showcase jaw-dropping graphics and innovation, others deliver retro charm reminiscent of a Dreamcast era. Either way, it’s undeniably entertaining.
9. Meater + Thermometer
Elevate your cooking game effortlessly with a precision tool that takes the guesswork out of knowing when your food is perfectly cooked. Forget old-school methods like checking for clear juices or relying on instincts—this smart thermometer connects to an app on your phone, providing real-time internal temperatures and customized targets based on your preferred doneness. It even alerts you when to remove the food and advises on optimal resting times, ensuring consistently delicious results every time.
10. We Are Rewind Bluetooth Cassette Player
The nostalgic appeal of magnetic tape has seen a resurgence, with cassette sales reaching their highest levels since 2003, fueled by artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift. What was once a quirky relic has now become the new vinyl, with its imperfect, hissy charm. But if you’re on the move and craving something more engaging than streaming, this sleek, modern cassette player has you covered. With Bluetooth connectivity, 12 hours of battery life, and a durable aluminum case, it blends retro vibes with 21st-century convenience.
11. Pioneer DJ DDJ 200 Controller
Aiming for a spot on next year’s Glastonbury Silver Hayes lineup is still possible. Start practicing now, and who knows—you could be third on the bill at Block9 (okay, maybe fourth, but still). This DJ controller connects seamlessly to your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and is compatible with popular free DJ software. It’ll finally confirm what you’ve suspected: DJing is easier than it seems.
12. Ooni Electric Pizza Oven
While the dream of hosting regular backyard pizza nights with wood-fired charm is appealing—complete with woodsmoke and good company—the reality can be more complex. That woodsmoke scent will cling to your clothes for weeks, and the bonhomie might fade as hungry guests wait for the oven to heat up. Skip the hassle with an electric oven that heats up to 450°C in just 20 minutes and cooks pizzas in 90 seconds. No need for charcoal or wood pellets, and it’s perfect for indoor use when the inevitable mid-July rainstorm hits.
13. Therabody + (RED) Theragun PRO Massager
A muscle gun that eases aches while supporting a good cause? Once a dream, now a reality thanks to Therabody and (RED), the nonprofit focused on fighting COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS. The Theragun PRO is the most potent and advanced model, offering speeds from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute. It also boasts an OLED screen, six interchangeable attachments for targeting different muscle groups, and a companion app for customizing your recovery routine.
14. Lomography Lomo Wide Instant Camera
Instant-print cameras are everywhere, but this one stands out from the Polaroid and Instax crowd with some unique features. It comes with three lens attachments for creating split images, ultra-wide shots, close-ups, and colored gel flash filters to add a fun pop of color to your photos.
15. Carter Stainless Steel Move Mug
The keep-cup revolution may not have transformed the world as expected in the early 2010s, but it’s time to change if you’ve fallen back into grabbing disposable cups on the go. Brew your perfectly controlled cup at home and keep it hot in this durable double-walled steel travel mug. It’s a more cost-effective option than a Pret membership, after all.
16. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Regarding the Google Pixel range, the camera is the standout feature. Google has consistently led the way in smartphone photography, and last year’s Pixel 8 took things even further with AI-powered image editing, offering capabilities once only available to expert photoshoppers. It was impressive, though a bit daunting. For its latest model, Google has doubled down on its AI software, Gemini, allowing features like adding yourself to photos and reimagining them using the innovative ‘Magic Editor.’ The device also includes Pixel Studio, an AI app for creating custom images in various styles (excluding people). With rave reviews pouring in, it’s clear that the Pixel 8 Pro’s enhancements are well-earned.
17. Pixel Tablet
Google has been absent from the standalone tablet market for nearly a decade, shifting focus to its Pixel smartphones. However, the wait for a new in-house tablet was well worth it, as this year’s Pixel tablet delivers a versatile hybrid experience. At home, it truly shines with its magnetic dock that charges the device and functions as a speaker. As expected from Google, it’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use, while the 11-inch display offers sharp, vibrant visuals. Overall, it’s a standout all-rounder.
18. Apple HomePod Mini
Whether you’re ready for it or not, the future is here, and it’s time to welcome an all-knowing blue orb into your home. The revamped Apple HomePod mini delivers excellent 360-degree sound, is a reliable voice assistant, and offers a surprisingly premium experience for its under-£100 price. It seamlessly integrates with your smart home system and can be linked to Apple devices in other rooms, making it a versatile addition to any space.
19. Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer
How many cheap beard trimmers have been through your hands over the years? It’s easy to stick with budget models that often need more precision and tend to fail just when you need them most. But here’s the solution: invest in a high-quality shaver, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long. The Philips Series 9000 is built to last, featuring a premium stainless steel casing and an integrated metal comb for a more precise shave than the usual flimsy plastic guard. With a highly adjustable length setting and a wireless design that requires only five minutes of charging for an entire session, this is a reliable upgrade worth making.
20. Sky Glass
Sky’s new all-in-one entertainment system offers an intuitive, minimalist 4K QLED TV that operates without an aerial dish. Available in three sizes and five colors, the system is designed with flexible pricing plans on 24- or 48-month terms, eliminating the need for an outright purchase. It has a Sky TV streaming subscription, providing access to impressive Dolby Vision HDR, Atmos sound systems, voice control, and a wide selection of streaming options and apps. While recording movies and TV shows isn’t possible, a variety of titles are available through the streaming packages, and it allows for the option to start a movie from the beginning if tuning in midway. A cost-effective way to experience 4K technology.
Embrace the Future of Technology
In 2024, technology has evolved to offer gadgets that are not only functional but also redefine how we interact with the world. From portable projectors that transform any space into a cinema to smart home devices that make your life simpler and more connected, there’s no shortage of innovations to elevate your daily routine. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a coffee lover, or seeking the best in wearable tech, the suitable gadget can enhance your experience, streamline tasks, and even bring fun. As tech advances, these top-tier gadgets are the perfect way to stay ahead of the curve and enjoy the best of the future.
