5 Under-$50 Tech Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Are – BGR

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Gift giving isn’t always easy. Even if you truly adore someone, finding the right item for them can leave you scrambling, especially around the holidays. Though you can spend your time scouring online shops or find yourself endlessly walking a maze of aisles at a big-box retailer, it might be easier to simply take a gander at our list of tech gifts that look more expensive than they actually are. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone the price when it’s time for the exchange.

If you’re in a pinch and not sure what to get someone, the following is going to be perfect for anyone with an interest in audio, video, electronics repair, or even just keeping things tidy. There’s some pretty cool gadgets on this list that someone may not even know they needed, and all of them can be had for less than $50. We also made sure to note what types of connectors and accessories items may need, when applicable.

Considering the cost of everything these days, there’s nothing wrong with getting someone a gift that has solid functionality at a price that isn’t going to put stress on your finances. We know our deals, and the items below aren’t just going to be useful, they’re going to make a great gift for anyone on your shopping list. Let’s take a look.

Being able to carry around a pair of wireless earbuds in your pocket or bag is always useful, though there’s plenty of models out there that can cost hundreds. What’s cool about the TOZO NC9 Wireless Earbuds is that they come with features typically found in more expensive earbuds but at a more affordable price. They are normally $39.99 on Amazon, but they’re on sale for $29.99 at the time of writing, making them an even better buy.

The TOZO NC9 Wireless Earbuds feature active noise cancellation that can reach a noise reduction depth of 45dB, and the six-microphone ENC Ambient Noise Reduction ensures background sounds are eliminated while you’re taking calls. Naturally, these earbuds will be good for music, with 10mm drivers delivering big sound. Folks can use the TOZO app to gain access to 32 different equalization options, and the included charging case can help deliver up to 59 hours of playtime off a 2-hour charge.

Coming in a variety of color options including Dark Black, Red, Pink, and more, there are plenty of choices to make this a great gift for anyone that likes to stay color coordinated or appreciates audio. The TOZO NC9 earbuds are currently sporting a 4.3-star rating with over 30,000 reviews, and customers give them praise for their strong battery life and the company’s solid customer support. While they may not compete with some of the best in-ear headphones, their price point makes them a solid contender as a gift.

Giving the gift of strange USB gadgets that are still useful can always be a solid choice for any of the tech geeks in your life, and the TRZLIFE Rechargeable Desk Vacuum is a great blend of slightly goofy yet still practical. This Amazon’s Choice item typically goes for $17.97, though it’s currently on sale for $16.97 despite it looking far more expensive. Featuring a built-in 1400 mAh battery that charges via USB-C -– though there’s also a AA battery option –- the design allows for one-handed cleaning, and the vacuum can even shut off automatically when inactive for 15 minutes.

The inclusion of a rechargeable battery also makes this cordless device portable, so those who really like keeping things clean can keep it in their work or travel bag for tidying on the go. With a design built around tackling dust and small debris, the included nozzle makes it great for cleaning corners and other hard-to-reach areas. TRZLIFE also includes an additional cartridge filter for when it’s time for a replacement.

Along with Amazon’s seal of approval, the TRZLIFE Desk Vacuum Cleaner has a respectable 4.3-star rating and over 2,200 reviews. Customers appreciate the vacuum’s powerful suction and find the device is rather useful for cleaning up pet hair. Reviewers also appreciate how well the sellers handle returns and the overall customer service.

A solid portable speaker can make a good gift for virtually anyone, and the Dosmix Retro Bluetooth Speaker has a classically elegant look that screams you paid more for it than you actually did. Currently on sale for $13.99, even the typical $16.99 list price along with an Amazon’s Choice endorsement makes this a pretty sweet device for anyone searching for the perfect gift.

With a 5 Watt maximum output, this Bluetooth 5.0 speaker is capable of maintaining a connection from up to 32.8 feet, and device connections can occur in less than a second. Rechargeable via Micro USB (cable included), the battery within the device is good for up to 6 hours of playtime depending on the speaker volume and has a recharge time between 2 and 3 hours. The included bass enhancement system also ensures it’s suitable for music, though the sound quality makes it great for a wide assortment of media.

Along with receiving Amazon’s blessing, this speaker has over 6,300 reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating. Customers appreciate not only the aesthetic design of the device, but also find it to be lightweight and produce clear sound. Even if it isn’t one of the best speakers that an audiophile would love, the low price point, cute design, and solid features makes this a good choice for anyone needing a little more volume in their life.

Some folks just have a do-it-yourself attitude, even if it means fixing their own tech devices. For those that like the idea of repairing an iPhone 17 on their own, having the right assortment of tools can be crucial. That’s why the Strebito Electronics Precision Screwdriver Set can be an excellent gift for anyone that likes to tinker. Typically $27.99, this Amazon’s Choice item is on sale for $22.39 at the time of this writing, and the sheer amount of tools you get with this purchase potentially makes it worth even more.

This 142-piece kit features 120 screwdriver bits and a smorgasbord of accessories, including a spudger, cleaning brush, suction cup, magnetic mat, and more. The screwdriver itself has a magnetic bit holder, rubber handle for easy gripping, and even includes a flexible extension shaft for those hard-to-reach screws. To help keep things organized, the included shock-proof oxford bag also features a rubber bit holder that indicates the size and type of bits, helping ensure that they never get lost or unsorted.

Customers across Amazon are also impressed with the Strebito Screwdriver Set, as it currently has a 4.8-star rating with over 17,200 reviews. Buyers say it’s great for help with building a PC, while others appreciate the variety of screwdriver bits -– even those peculiar screws that take a triangle-shaped bit to get undone. For anyone that likes doing their own repairs, this can be a great gift that looks more expensive than it is.

Someone doesn’t need to be a film buff for a portable mini projector to be a cool gift. From watching the best binge-worthy television shows outside during a starry night with the family to hunkering away in a basement to log some serious gaming hours, a portable projector that’s less than the price of a dinner for two can be an excellent choice for anyone. Fortunately, the GRC Mini Portable Movie Projector not only gets the Amazon’s Choice nod, but the ~$30 price makes this a device that seems like it should cost way more.

Featuring 1080p resolution and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, the device can project a screen between 32 to 200 inches and has a projection distance between 1 and 5 meters. The included interface can connect via HDMI, USB, VGA, and AV, meaning it can handle a variety of video game systems, media players, and even smartphones. Unfortunately, you will need an HDMI to USB/Lightning adapter for smartphone connectivity, though the device does include HDMI and AV cables. It even has a projector lamp that the company boasts can work for 45,000 hours.

With a 4.2-star rating and close to 2,500 reviews, folks appreciate it for its small size and solid picture quality, and customers also appreciate it for its impressive sound. Considering the price, this can be the perfect gift when you’re unsure what to get someone, or you can even pick up one for yourself to keep around the house for a fun playdate with kiddos.

Even if everything on this list is under $50, your money is still important. We’ve dedicated ourselves to recommending products that will actually bring positivity to your life or the lives of others. Each item within this roundup is based on extensive online research while also considering the advice of real-world users. Additionally, every item has earned at least a 4-star rating on Amazon, each with over 1,000 user reviews. Because the people in your life deserve a solid, thoughtful gift that will last.