Check out the best tech in 2021 and find a great tech gift idea, either for yourself or your loved ones.
We looked everywhere to find those gadgets that actually make life easier and more comfortable, so scroll on – you’ll definitely add something to your wishlist.
Samsung Smart Monitor M7 series
With most of us spending more time home than ever and with flex time at the office, a good, comfortable workstation is essential.
This Samsung M7 smart monitor is all-around the best monitor we’ve come across, as it’s a one-size-fits-all device. A 32-inch screen that doubles as a smart TV thanks to Tizen OS, it comes with an included TV remote and can cut down on the number of tech you have in your home. The only drawback is that it’s capped at 60Hz, so if you use it to hook up to a PS5 or Xbox Series S/X you won’t be able to enjoy that higher 120Hz refresh rate.
But overall that’s a very small nitpick. Coming in at under $400, this is a great choice, especially for small apartments.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
For gamers, Samsung has something else entirely different – and truth be told, you don’t have to be a gamer to fall in love with it.
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is a super-ultra-wide monitor with the emphasis on “super”, as it not only looks gorgeous and futuristic but also brings significant upgrades over its predecessor. The 49 inch, 32:9 aspect ratio monitor has a 240Hz refresh rate and it’s fitted with a mini-LED backlight that controls the light behind the LCD panel, improves HDR and eliminates that edge-lit glow usually found in gaming monitors. Can you say “multitasking”?
Meeting Owl Pro
And speaking of multitasking, one way to make your work day easier is by making sure no one has to fiddle with the HDMI cable for 20 minutes, eating away into the allocated meeting time.
A device that solves all that is the Meeting Owl Pro, a plug-and-play 360 camera integrated with Zoom, Slack, Google Hangouts and all the usual software.
With an 18-foot audio pickup radius, 8 smart microphones and an automatic zoom that responds to who’s speaking, the Meeting Owl Pro is a fantastic way to ensure the meeting goes as planned and doesn’t turn into an impromptu IT troubleshooting session.
Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker
For the home, we absolutely love Ikea and Sonos’ collaboration to bring high-tech smart speakers with a design that complements, not upstages a room.
The Symfonisk picture frame wi-fi speaker is a gorgeous but understated piece of tech that can be hung on a wall or sat anywhere.
With changeable covers, you can pick the design that best fits your room and enjoy music and podcasts with beautiful sound quality. It’s compatible with Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and most major music streaming services.
Syng Cell Alpha speaker
But for the pickiest audiophile, that might not do the trick. This will, though! Meet the Syng Cell Alpha speaker, one of the most beautiful speakers we’ve ever seen.
With a Space Aged design somewhat reminiscent of the Harman Kardon Aura speakers, the Cell Alpha speaker looks so good because Syng as a company was founded by Christopher Stringer, who spent 22 years at Apple helping design the iPhone and iMac.
This $1,799 speaker well… speaks to that experience, as it combines audiophile-quality sound with a beautiful look. The Cell Alpha is a wireless speaker that uses its microphones to calibrate itself to the shape and acoustics of the room. If you move it, it will check its surroundings again to ensure the best sound quality, and if you have two of them they calibrate each other.
KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Projector
If you want a tech gift for the home that helps your immersion but doesn’t break the bank, we have another suggestion for you.
The KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Projector is a fantastic way to enjoy movies almost like in the movie theatre and for under $250. This pocket projector is small and sleek but can project up to 150 inches on any wall, supporting 4K resolution and 1000:1 contrast ratio for a beautiful experience. Pair it with a TiVo Stream 4K and the world is your oyster, with convenient access to all streaming apps in a single interface.
Belkin magnetic phone mount with face-tracking
Another example of the best tech in 2021 is this Belkin magnetic phone mount with face-tracking. Just put your phone in the cradle and it will turn to face you during calls, letting you do hand-free meetings with picture perfect quality.
We love it in the kitchen, since you can call someone without having to stop prepping the veggies, and it has been a great tool for home workouts.
You can easily record your workout to review your progress or you can do a quick meeting with a trainer who can give you helpful posture tips.
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde
And, if you spend a lot of time at home, you should seriously consider investing in an air purifier.
There are thousands of options on the market but, just as with vacuum cleaners, we consider Dyson to be among the best.
This Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is one of the few purifiers capable of also detecting formaldehyde, so it can destroy even the trace polutants found in home cleaning solutions, perfumes and even furniture.
The best part? The unique catalytic filter does not need to be replaced, so that’s hundreds of dollars saved during the machine’s lifetime.
Backbone One Gaming Controller
Jealous of all the Android gaming phones with incredible specs and thousands of games? You can game on an iPhone just as well thanks to the Backbone One gaming controller.
Like the Razer Kishi for Android and iOS but with a better look and feel, the Backbone One is especially designed to turn your iPhone into a portable console.
Just snap it on your iPhone and play most any game. We recommend trying it with Google Stadia or by connecting to the Steam Link app and you can play almost any game that launched.
Flare Calmer
But honestly, if you want the absolute best tech in 2021, our vote goes for earplugs. Yes, you read that right.
With so many of us used to the comfort and quiet at home, most regular city life noises can become unbearable. These Flare Calmer earbuds can help.
We were surprised to see how well designed these silicone devices are and how well they reduce stress, even though they have no electronics or ANC.
The Flare Calmer are made out of soft-touch silicone and their shape is so comfortable, they’re a godsend for those with sensitive hearing.
If you have misophonia, live in a high traffic area or have to commute, these buds are the best tech you can buy at the under $50 price point.
What about you, what do you think is the best tech in 2021? Which gadget or technology has you excited about?
*Affiliate disclosure: We may receive compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links in this article.
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