15 affordable and useful tech gifts for Dad - all under $100
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Amazon; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
- Buying a tech gift for dad is easy, even if your budget is under $100, because everyone loves tech.
- You can find some great gadgets for $100 and under, like awesome headphones, keyboards, and more.
- Need more gift ideas? Read our list of the overall best holiday gifts.
The holiday shopping season has arrived, and the winter holidays are just around the bend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals days even closer. Naturally, tech gadgets and services are high on the wish list for almost every dad out there.
The great thing about gadgets is that they grow increasingly affordable and capable in equal measure, meaning you can find plenty of surprisingly great tech gifts for under $100 this year. That's exactly what we've filled this guide with for 2021, hopefully with something for every dad out there.
Amazon
Echo Dot (4th Generation), available at Amazon, $49.99
Amazon's latest smart speaker is of course its most advanced yet, but it's also the company's most unique-looking model to date. The Echo Dot (4th Gen) takes on a spherical shape for a more three-dimensional approach to delivering sound and picking up microphone commands. Connected gadgetry can be a mixed bag during these tough times we call "2020", what with all of the notifications at the very least, but we think the benefits outweigh those concerns and can make much of home life simpler and more convenient.
In fact, we think a gift like this could be the most timely of all, considering the Echo Dot's smart home chops. Your smart home starts with a smart speaker like the Echo Dot, serving as a hub through which all of your other connected devices work through — all controlled by your voice. New this year is the Alexa Guard feature, which uses your speaker to detect and communicate audible security threats to your smartphone. Get the dad in your life as close to the Jetsons dream as possible … one piece at a time.
An electric screwdriver set with real smartsAmazon
Craftsman Max 4V Cordless Screwdriver, available at Amazon, $49
Every father out there will, eventually, be asked to pick up a screwdriver and use it. But, it's always possible they might not have the right one for the task at hand. Get rid of that concern and simplify your dad's screwdriving with the Craftsman Max 4V Cordless screwdriver.
It includes 10 screw bits, and while you shouldn't expect to fix a pair of glasses with this gadget, you'll definitely be able to open almost anything in your home — including children's toys and electronics. When it comes to dads, it's tough to imagine a more universally useful gift than the Craftsman Max 4V Cordless screwdriver.
A retro game console with two controllersAmazon
PlayStation Classic, available at Amazon, $65
For any dad that self-identifies as a nerd, a retro revival gaming console is bound to be their "Gift of the Year." The Sony PlayStation Classic is a miniaturized version of the original PlayStation that was released in 1995, and it comes pre-loaded with 20 PlayStation classics, like "Tekken 3," "Final Fantasy VII," "Metal Gear Solid," and "Ridge Racer Type 4," among several others. It also comes with two controllers in the box for immediate multiplayer.
An excellent first e-reader for any dadAmazon
Amazon Kindle + 3 months of Kindle Unlimited, available at Amazon, $89.99
If your dad is a bookworm, then the Kindle e-reader may be the perfect gift. The Kindle offers an e-ink display with enough space to store plenty of books at the same time. Not only that, but it integrates with Amazon's huge catalog of ebooks — so there's no shortage of reading material to choose from.
The latest model has a built-in front light, which makes it easy for dads to read at night, and the 6-inch screen is glare-free for visibility in sunlight. Dad also won't have to worry too much about battery life, since the Kindle can last weeks on a single charge.
Make your dad's belongings loss-proof with Bluetooth trackersApple
Apple Air Tags, available at Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon, from $29
Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags, available at Samsung, Amazon, Best Buy, from $17.99
For any dad who's always losing their keys, a bluetooth tracker will be a godsend. They can stick this tiny battery-powered device on their key ring and, if they lose their keys, they can remotely activate an alarm, or locate it if it's out of range of their phone using a crowd-finding network.
These trackers are also great for tracking any item you attach them to away from home. They work by pinging a nearby iPhone (for AirTags) or Samsung phone (for Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags), which then lets you locate the item.
A great pair of true wireless earbudsAmazon
Jabra Elite 3 wireless earbuds, available at Amazon and Best Buy, $79.99
Jabra's latest Elite 3 are a simple pair of true wireless earbuds without a ton of features, but they get the basics right — they sound great, especially for their sub-$100 price tag. They connect to iPhones and Android phones without any issues
True wireless earbuds are all the rage at the moment with good reason. They're significantly lighter and more compact than traditional headphones, and they can be more comfortable to wear while your dad is doing things around the house or in the garage.
Amazon's latest HD tablet for high-definition distractionBest Buy
Amazon Fire HD 8, available at Amazon, $89.99
For dads who need a decent tablet for general multimedia purposes, like watching videos, playing basic games, and reading ebooks, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is a solid choice. The tablet may not be the best out there, but it offers an easy-to-use interface, Alexa support, and an estimated 12 hours of battery life — all for a very affordable price. There are also dual HD cameras for video calls, making it easy for your dad to stay in touch with family and friends.
The 32GB model is currently $89.99, and this size should be enough for most needs. As a nice bonus, if your dad ever does need more space, the tablet includes a microSD slot for expandable storage.
A slick wireless charger to make topping up easierAmazon
Moshi Otto Q, available at Amazon, $39.95
If your dad is tired of constantly having to hunt down their smartphone charging cable at the end of the day, a wireless charging pad could make for an ideal Father's Day gift. These devices allow you to rest a compatible smartphone on top of them for simple and convenient wireless charging.
The Moshi Otto Q is currently ranked at the top of our list of wireless chargers thanks to its classy design, anti-slip features, and its support for high-speed wireless charging at up to 10W. It's also relatively inexpensive for a wireless charger of this quality.
Quality wireless headphones for dad's chill sessionsSony
Sony WHCH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones, available at Amazon, $178
Sony's WHCH710N headphones are wireless and come with noise-cancelling — features you'd normally find on models that cost well over $100. To be accurate, the current price for Sony WHCH710N is a deal on its usual $178 price tag, so if you're looking to get dad a great pair of headphones for under $100, now would be the time to do it.
The Sony WHCH710N can be seen as cheaper versions of Sony's excellent flagship WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones that retail at $350. That means you won't find the same build quality, sound quality, or noise cancelling performance as the WH-1000XM4, but your dad is still getting a solid pair of wireless headphones.
A 4K streaming stick for your dad no matter what service they useBest Buy
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, available at Amazon, $59.99
Roku has been helping customers turn dumb TVs into smart TVs for years, and the company's streaming sticks are well known for their ease of use and value. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ supports a wide range of popular streaming apps, including Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+ and ESPN+, ensuring your dad will have plenty of viewing options. The interface is also very simple to navigate, and the remote includes a handy voice search function. We also like that you can charge the remote rather than replace the batteries.
Just watch out for the fact that Roku is currently in a corporate feud with Google over the YouTube TV and YouTube apps, as well as Amazon over Amazon Prime Video. It's unclear at the moment whether these apps will be available in the near future. Despite this, Roku is still the most egalitarian streaming stick on the market. For dads who want to watch movies and TV shows in the best quality possible, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ includes 4K playback support with HDR capabilities.
A smart plug to get your dad's smart home startedBest Buy
Belkin Wemo Mini Smart Outlet Plug, available at Target and Amazon, from $16.99
If your dad is into smart home devices and wants a little more control over the home, then a smart outlet is a great gift. A smart power outlet allows for more smart home control, which can make it easier to turn things on and off without having to actually go to them.
I, for example, use a Belkin WeMo Mini power outlet to control a hot water heater whenever I want tea — but they could be used in a variety of situations. The Belkin WeMo Mini is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, so it should work no matter which smart ecosystem your dad is already tied up into with the devices they already have.
The ultimate mouse for working from homeBest Buy
Logitech MX Master 3, available at Amazon, $99.99
For dads who need a specialized computer mouse geared toward comfort and productivity, the MX Master 3 is one of the most advanced models you can buy in its price range. The Logitech MX series has long offered some of the best computer mice out there, and the lineup's latest flagship model is no different.
The MX Master 3 offers an ergonomic design, an electromagnetic scroll wheel, a number of assignable buttons, and a comfortable feel, plus it works wirelessly with up to three devices. The mouse even uses a 4,000 DPI sensor that can work on virtually any surface.
An entry-level fitness tracker for dads who want to get back on trackFitbit
Fitbit Inspire 2, available at Best Buy, $59.95
If dad is working on their health, then getting them a device to track their fitness is well worth it. Though it might not be as advanced as the Fitbit Charge 4, the Fitbit Inspire 2 delivers the basic features necessary in a capable fitness tracker, especially for buyers looking for a gift under $100. The device is able to track measurements such as 24/7 heart rate, steps, and activity tracking. It also features sleep tracking, which any dad out there will appreciate.
Not only that, but the unit is also relatively sleek and stylish, and is compatible with the Fitbit mobile app as well, which makes it easy for your dad to organize their fitness goals and view their progress. The Inspire 2 also comes with a 365-day free trial of the Fitbit Premium service for even more features.
A serious keyboard upgradeAmazon
Logitech MX Keys, available at Amazon and Best Buy, starting at $99.11
Logitech MX Keys Mini, available at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, $99
HyperX Alloy Origins Core mechanical gaming keyboard, available at Amazon and Best Buy, $79.99
The Logitech MX Keys is among the most premium keyboards with a high-end slim metal build and ultra-comfortable keys. It connects to computers over Bluetooth, and there are Windows and macOS versions, so make sure to get the right version to match what computer your dad uses.
The MX Keys has white backlighting and a battery life that lasts up to five months or 10 days with backlight on. You can charge the battery via USB-C.
There's also a smaller version of the MX Keys called the MX Keys Mini that doesn't include the number keys on the left. If you think your dad would like a more compact keyboard, make sure to check out the MX Keys Mini.
This keyboard is better suited for productivity rather than gaming. If your dad plays games on PC, check out the $80 HyperX Alloy Origins Core.
Stylish bookshelf speakers to spruce up the dad caveBest Buy
Edifier R1280T Speakers, available at Best Buy, $99.99
Not every dad needs or wants a smart speaker. If your dad simply wants high-quality audio for music listening without a digital assistant, then the Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers have a lot to offer.
These speakers feature a simple but attractive design, along with a solid frequency response, helping to ensure that music playback is accurate and detailed. They're powered, too, so you won't need an amplifier to use with them. Instead, the speakers feature dual RCA inputs so your dad can easily connect them to most audio devices, like a turntable.
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Reviewed by mimisabreena
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Friday, November 12, 2021
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