Electronics, tech, gadgets and handy little do-dads are everywhere, and we love them. Why? Two reasons. One, they’ve been adopted into the very fabric of modern life – their effects upon productivity, efficiency and entertainment have been monumental and we simply can't do without them. Two, they’re really fun, exciting and darn right cool.
With both of these points in mind, we’ve taken a look back over the products we’ve looked at, reviewed and researched, and put together the ultimate wish list.
Some of the items, like the Ring doorbell or the NordVPN subscription pad, are super practical, while others like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are more of the dreamy, hi-tech grown-up playthings side. Whichever way you lean, our definitive buyer’s guide to electronics and tech will please anyone interested in all things flashy and shiny.
So, here’s what we’ve got for you:
Must-have gadgets this Christmas
Apple MacBook Air 2020
The 2020 Macbook Air brings some nifty upgrades and is an attainable gateway if you want to jump to the Apple ecosystem. It comes with the all-new Apple M1 processor and Apple's new macOS, BigSur, which is built around the new processing chip to improve user experience and performance. It's awesome.
Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation)
Updating on the already-great Echo Show 8 first-generation, this 2021 release makes chatting to Alexa, video calling, streaming music and video, and checking in on Ring devices really simple and quick. A great little gadget.
Nothing ear (1) Earbuds
Confusingly, these earphones from Nothing are actually something - they are great, according to resident writer Eleanor Weaver: "I have never been a fan of in-ear earbuds, but that finally changed with the Nothing ear (1) earbuds that were extremely comfortable and form-fitting to the ear, and have completely upgraded my listening experience. The fact they do their best to rival Apple's premium earbuds makes them even more impressive with stellar battery life, unique design, and uncompromised quality of sound for a much more amiable price." Read the full review here.
Audio Pro Addon T3+ Wireless Speaker
The Addon T3+ is effortlessly cool. Here's what we said in our hands-on review: "The Audio Pro Addon T3+ is excellent, from its modest and muted aesthetic, through its impeccable construction quality and onto its impressive and vibrant audio. Add to all of this the fact that you can access all of its quality for 30-hours without having to even look at a mains socket. It's blooming brilliant."
PlayStation 5
A powerhouse of gaming, the PS5 is the hottest gaming item this Christmas. With an increasingly impressive roster of exclusive games, there's no wonder why. They are super hard to come by, but if you can grab one, you're in for a phenomenal time.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's latest console is a beast, offering up a super-quick gaming experience and stunning visuals. The best bit about it? Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to a massive catalogue of games. Again, it's hard to come by, but it's worth hunting down.
Xbox Series S
We like to think of this as the Game Pass box. If you're keen on getting at the hundreds of games the service offers but aren't too fussed about 4K visuals, this is worth your time.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Switch is a modern-day phenomenon, managing to do that rarest of things - unite casual and hardcore gamers into one, elegant system. Sure, it doesn't have the flash of a PS5, but its huge gaming catalogue is brimming with joyous and inventive games, and there's just something so special about being able to play on TV and handheld. The all-new OLED model gives the screen a nice extra pop.
Aftershokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Headphones
Like to workout to music, but hate losing the thread of what's happening around you? Grab some bone conduction headphones - they'll change your life. We reviewed and loved the AfterShokz OpenMove. They are light and comfortable and have great user functions and long battery life.
Fujifilm X-S10
What's The Best's Chris William's had this to say when he reviewed the camera: "The X-S10 is a truly impressive and versatile camera. It nabs a lot of the tech from Fujifilm's high-end cameras without the high price to match. It's stylish, compact, relatively affordable, and has a big range of abilities that nails down its value for money."
Huawei Watch GT 3
Bold and glistening with a premium shine, the Huawei Watch GT 3 is an excellent smartwatch for Android and iPhone users. The features carried are all well implemented, the fitness suite is extensive and the heart rate monitor is super-accurate. Add to this a 14-day battery life, and you can see why it made the list.
Lenco L-3809BK Turntable
Looking to bust open your Dad's old record collection? This pick from Lenco is an affordable deck with a nice quality build and low-fuss operation. It's the ideal starter record player - read our full review here.
Logitech Z333 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System
With the Z333, Logitech has managed to deliver a 2.1 system loaded with thick, punchy subwoofer and rich satellites - for under £50. Ideal for enlivening music, gaming or film on a budget, this simple package is a compelling option for all.
Huawei MateView GT 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
If there's one thing Huawei does well, it's the screen. So, it's no surprise that the new MateView delivers the goods. It kicks out a stunning picture with great contrast and colour detail, and the speed keeps up with all the on-screen madness you can throw at it. Couple this with a powerful gaming PC or Xbox Series X|S at 1440p and see it shine.
Hisense 50A7GQTUK QLED Series 50-inch 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR Smart TV
Taking cues from the successful 2020 model, the Hisense 50A7GQTUK offers up both excellent picture and sound quality for a low price. The not-so-secret reason behind the image quality is the QLED panel which, with the help of Dolby Vision, brings brightness and energy.
NordVPN
It might not seem all that sexy, but a NordVPN subscription is invaluable. In addition to giving you access to geo-locked content (hello, Netflix US catalogue) but it also adds a huge amount of protection to your online life.
Marshall Motif A.N.C Earphones
Where to start? When William Lobley reviewed these earphones, he fell in love. The power and clarity of the sound are remarkable, and the overall design screams class. Are these the best A.N.C earphones available right now? Probably.
Numark Party Mix II
Looking to launch your DJ career in 2022? What's The Best's resident jockey Tayo Andoh recommends this affordable option from Numark: "This Numark Party Mix controller is a great pick for anyone who wants to learn the basics of mixing without having a sea of controls and buttons to contend with." Read more about the best DJ decks here.
Sony PULSE 3D Headset
With bold design and cracking audio, the PULSE 3D headset is an excellent way to experience the power of the PS5's 3D audio engine. You can read our full review here.
Ring Video Doorbell
Peace of mind and convenience in one small package, the Ring Video Doorbell lets you chat to visitors and delivery drivers, and just double check on your home's security from wherever you are. Plus, it's easy to install.
Xbox Wireless Headset
It's baffling how Microsoft has crafted such an awesome gaming audio experience into such an affordable packet. We assume witchcraft. Whatever the reason, they are worth every penny for PC and Xbox players.
Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera
The latest iteration of the legendary little snapshot camera switches out the wide-angle lens for a 40mm equivalent, getting you an interesting perspective and depth of field. If you want to carry a camera with you at all times, but can be bothered with larger cameras with interchangeable lenses, this is a good pick.
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