7 Finest Valentine’s Day tech items underneath $50

Valentine’s Day has a approach of turning reward buying right into a mini panic. You need one thing considerate and enjoyable, not a random field of candies you acquire on the way in which dwelling. The excellent news? You don’t should spend large to make it rely. Plenty of tech items underneath $50 really feel helpful and private. I rounded up just a few picks that impress with out breaking the financial institution. Whether your giftee loves music, gaming, images, or you don’t have any concept the place to start out, you’ll discover one thing right here that hits the best word.

Wired on-ear headphones: Sony ZX Series

Sony’s ZX Series stands as the one sub-$20 pair that wins me over. I purchased mine in January, and since day one the 1.38-inch neodymium drivers pump out punch and rhythm, even on heavy tracks. I play Lana Del Rey’s “Ultraviolence” and really feel the push instantly. The earcups swivel, so I tuck them into a decent shelf in my room or slide them into my bag after I head to TCF on Thursdays. Simple gear. Big vibe.

Related: Why wired headphones are again in fashion—and what the twine indicators

Ultraportable Bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 might look tiny at 3 by 4 inches, nevertheless it throws out wealthy sound. It fills a room with ease. Owners reward the battery life, and I get why. You can rely on as much as seven hours on one cost. The IP67 ranking additionally means you may take it close to water or mud with zero stress.

10K USB-C Power Bank with Integrated Cables: Belkin BoostCharge Plus

If you comply with my tackle Belkin, I name the model out when it slips. Still, the BoostCharge line earns respect from me, even when the value can really feel excessive. With a 15% lower, the BoostCharge Plus lands in a variety that is smart.

It weighs about 8 ounces and slips right into a pocket with no bulk. It additionally packs actual energy. The 10,000 mAh capability provides as much as 31 further hours for an iPhone, which saves you on lengthy journeys or packed days.

Bluetooth merchandise tracker: Apple AirTag (2nd technology)

Apple AirTag (2nd technology)

1 pack

The second-generation AirTag packs a speaker that blasts 50% louder sound and stretches Precision Finding vary as much as 1.5x farther. You spot your stuff with much less effort. In my AirTag 2 vs. AirTag 1 breakdown, I level out how Apple fixes my prime two points from the primary mannequin: brief vary and low speaker quantity. The design stays the identical, and the Find My hyperlink nonetheless works like a allure.

Wireless gaming controller: GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir packs robust worth into each the Cyclone 2 and the Super Nova. Each one brings a protracted record of options for the value. Still, the Cyclone 2 pulls forward. Buttons snap with extra velocity, and the analog sticks really feel easy in hand. Pick the Cyclone 2 for the gamer in your life, and belief me, they’ll really feel the love after they bounce right into a aggressive match.

Type-C cellular gaming controller: GameSir X5 Lite

Casual avid gamers may have enjoyable with the GameSir X5 Lite. Hall Effect thumbsticks react quick and monitor every transfer with care. You can cost your cellphone by means of passthrough energy whilst you play, which saves your session from a low battery. The grip feels good in hand.

At $34.99, the construct exhibits its funds roots. Still, most informal gamers gained’t want greater than this. If you wish to impress a hardcore gamer, take a look at the Backbone Pro as an alternative. I frolicked with it, and it delivers critical efficiency, however that $169.99 price ticket stings.

Related: Backbone Pro hands-on evaluate: 3 weeks in—my ideas on who it’s for

Compact tripod: Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

Any photographer who shoots in low mild will profit from a tripod. Long publicity? Tripod. Timelapse? Tripod once more. A strong mannequin should steadiness energy and low weight, or it can sit at dwelling. The Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit grips a cellphone at any angle and holds it in place. You can toss it right into a shoulder bag and head out with no trouble.

Before you go

At the tip of the day, I care extra in regards to the response than the value tag. If I can spend under $50 and nonetheless see that real smile, that seems like a win. Every decide on this record presents one thing I’d use myself, which makes it simpler for me to advocate with confidence. Valentine’s Day ought to really feel enjoyable, not disturbing.

Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter overlaying know-how at Gadget Flow. His contributions embody product evaluations, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.