The 13 best tech gifts for men in 2023 (plus 14 bonus picks)

Buyer's guide to tech for Christmas 2023. Here, What's The Best's experts combine their knowledge to highlight the best products you can buy for a tech lover this year.

The 13 best tech gifts for men in 2023 (plus 14 bonus picks)

by William Austin-Lobley |
Published on

Welcome to the forefront of technology as we delve into the most enticing and best tech gifts for men in 2023. Here at What’s The Best, we've spent 2023 researching, testing and reviewing technology. That puts us in the lucky position of being able to pass on our first-hand experience to help you find the best tech gifts for a loved one. Our tech experts have made a selection that mixes style, nostalgia, and cutting-edge functionality.

This Christmas and New Year, you can make someone’s day with one of the products from our selection. We’ve chosen great devices that can be used daily to add wonder and utility to daily life, from tablets to e-readers and smart speakers. We’ve included retro-emulating consoles that will transport people back to their childhood, while other gadgets will highlight how far gaming has come and celebrate the re-emergence of gaming on the go. Audio also features heavily in our list, with earbuds, headphones and portable speakers all offering up music and podcast fans excellent watts to enjoy their favourite sounds.

If you are wondering what to get someone who loves technology, read our selection of the best tech gifts for men in 2023 that you can use to guide your Christmas presents.

13 best tech gifts for men in 2023

The best tech gift for old-school gamers

The Evercade VS by Blaze Entertainment revives the joy of collecting physical game copies with its retro-inspired cartridge-based console. The Retro Premium Pack includes two controllers and cartridges featuring arcade classics like Double Dragon II and Burger Time. The Evercade console boasts a vast library of compatible consoles, spanning Atari, Intellivision, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, Commodore 64, Amiga, and more.

This hardware-based system delivers authentic gameplay, supporting 8, 16, and 32-bit titles. With HDMI output, retro-accuracy options, and multiple save states, Evercade is a must-have for nostalgic gamers and collectors, offering an affordable and authentic retro gaming experience.

The best tech gift for music heads

Marshall Middleton Portable Speaker

Rrp: $299.99

Price: $263.54
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$265.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$299.99View offer

The Marshall Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker stood out to us this year with its huge volume, punchy bass and crisp tone for guitar-lead music. It’s the perfect speaker gift for anyone who likes loud music because it houses four high-quality speakers, including woofers and tweeters. We loved it when we reviewed it earlier this year, and it’s still our go-to portable speaker all these months later.

The best tech gift for work, study and play

iPad Mini
Price: £529 (was £569)

www.currys.co.uk

The iPad mini was first launched in 2012 but received an update in 2021 that is still worth picking up today. Why? Because the iPad mini excels in diverse functionalities, making it a versatile device. Its large display enhances web browsing and serves as a secondary computer monitor. The vivid display is ideal for streaming videos from services like Netflix and playing demanding games on the go.

Additionally, it supports productivity, allowing users to create documents, access business apps, and participate in virtual meetings. As an educational tool, the iPad mini facilitates note-taking, textbook reading, and engagement with educational content. There’s not much it can’t do. It is a great gift for professionals, students and casual tech lovers.

The best tech gift for gamers

ASUS ROG Ally Handheld Console
Price: £599 (was £699)

www.currys.co.uk

Handheld gaming is having a resurgence, and we couldn’t be happier. If you know a gamer who grew up in the age of Nintendo DS and PSP, chances are, they’ll be stoked about it, too. The ASUS ROG Ally is one of the best and most accessible examples of the modern handheld console. It runs on Windows 11 and features a 7-inch Full HD (1920x1080) touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Translation: It’s powerful. The owner can play their PC games and stream Xbox games away from home and the sofa.

The best tech gift for Apple fans

What do you buy an Apple fan who loves adventure? The Apple Watch Ultra 2. It’s as tough as nails, but it looks the business. Crafted for adventure and exploration, the Ultra 2 is encased in a super tough titanium shell, with a bright, clear display that is readable even in the harshest sunlight. Its extended battery life ensures endurance through extended escapades, while its enhanced durability safeguards against the elements. Powered by a cutting-edge S9 processor, it seamlessly navigates tasks with a responsiveness unmatched even by the Apple Watch family.

The best tech gift for Samsung fans

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro steps up Samsung’s smartwatch offering. Advanced health tracking includes a body temperature sensor, sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen monitoring. Additional features like built-in GPS, compass, barometer, and water resistance up to 50 metres enhance its versatility. It has a titanium case for increased durability and a Sapphire crystal display, which is as tough as it’s stunning. If the techie in your life is all about Samsung, this should be at the top of their gift list.

The best tech gift for readers

One for the bookworms. The Kindle Paperwhite, a stellar waterproof e-reader, features a high-resolution 6.8-inch display with built-in adjustable lighting from 17 LEDs for comfortable reading in any environment. Weighing just 205g and offering weeks of battery life, it combines portability with an extensive library. For added escapism, the Paperwhite can also pair with an Audible subscription and Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to the story.

The best tech gift for outdoorsy types

It can be hard to mix the great outdoors and technology, with nature tending to bust technology as soon as possible - whether with water, extreme temperatures or great heights. However, they can become best buds with the Nokia XR21 - military-grade durability with MIL-STD-810H certification and IP69K waterproof rating, making it adventure-ready. With a remarkable battery life of up to two days and high-quality day-to-day performance, the XR21 is a reliable companion for any tech-savvy adventurer. Check out our review to find out more.

The best tech gift for audio on the go

Here they are - the best earbuds that we’ve reviewed all year. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro earbuds deliver an awesome sound across music genres, are super comfortable to wear all day long and have a decent battery to boast about. Available in a range of colours to suit the lucky receiver of these this year, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is our favourite premium earphone of 2023.

The best tech gift for under £100

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
Price: $99.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$99.99View offer
Best Buy$99.99View offer

If you want to give the tech addict in your life for under £100, then the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds are the way to go. Perfect for the gym, office or anywhere else really, we confidently recommended them in our review, noting that the sound is great and the earphones comfortable. We even celebrated the noise cancelling, which helped keep our commutes peaceful.

The best tech gift for record collectors

Embodying the slogan “Just add vinyl,” this turntable beckons enthusiasts with its distinct charm and satisfying performance. The Alva ST turntable by Cambridge Audio stands out with its highly capable performance, offering a smooth yet precise sound. Meticulous engineering is evident throughout - we didn’t want to send it back after our review. An ideal choice if you want to be sure that you’ll please the record collector in your life this Christmas.

The best tech gift for everyday audio use

Is someone always listening to something around the house, podcasts, music, or online radio? The Sonos One (Gen 2) might be their Christmas gift. When we reviewed the One, it consistently surpassed our high expectations, with bass resonance and treble clarity wowing. It can seamlessly integrate with my existing Alexa devices (or other Sonos devices) and stands tall as our preferred choice for casual listening.

The best tech gift for gadget fans

Anker Prime Power Bank
Price: $129.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$89.98View offer
Best Buy$129.99View offer
Dell$129.99View offer

This Christmas, give the gift of power with the Prime Power Bank from Anker. Our review found that the Anker Prime power bank impresses with its robust 20,000mAh capacity, super-fast charging, and durable construction. Its versatility extends gaming sessions and supports multiple device charges - no more low-battery warnings with this one.

The best tech gift for headphone fans

Marshall Monitor II Headphones

Rrp: $319.99

Price: $215.00
Alternative retailers
Macy's$219.99View offer
Best Buy$219.99View offer

Marshall’s Monitor II headphones are awesome. They carry a sound profile that continuously astounds, consistently exceeds expectations and never fails to draw a smile. Perfect for rock and metal, electronic dance, and even a bit of gaming, these are impressive. We loved reviewing them this year and believe they’d be a great Christmas gift.

Not found something that you like? Here are more of our favourites, organised by tech type.

Smart devices and home tech

Amazon Echo Show 8 , £124.99 (Amazon.co.uk)

Google Nest Hub Max, £169 (Argos.co.uk)

Ring Video Doorbell , £99.99 (Amazon.co.uk)

TP-Link Tapo P105 Smart Plug, £8.99 (Argos.co.uk)

Nanoleaf Matter Essentials Lightstrip Starter Kit, £44.95 (Amazon.co.uk)

Gaming gear

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset, £129 (Amazon.co.uk)

Venom Twin Charging Dock for Xbox Controllers, £19.99 (Argos.co.uk)

Venom Twin Charging Dock for PS5 Controllers, £14.99 (Currys.co.uk)

Xbox Game Pass subscription, from £1 (Xbox.com)

Meta Quest 3 VR headset, £479 (Currys.co.uk)

Creative tech & content creation

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer, £649 (Ankermake.com)

Wacom One Creative drawing tablet, £298 (Amazon.co.uk)

GoPro HERO9 Action Camera, £199 (Amazon.co.uk)

Sony Alpha ZV-E10L VLOG Camera, £699 (Amazon.co.uk)

Tips for buying tech gifts:

When selecting a tech gift, it's crucial to tailor your choice to the recipient's interests and needs. Consider their passions and daily tech usage, identifying any specific desires. For example, a gamer in their 40s might be interested in a retro console, while a gamer in their mid-20s is more likely to prefer a modern machine.

Thorough research matters

Before making a purchase, invest time in researching potential options. Read reviews, compare prices, and seek expert recommendations. This diligence ensures that your chosen tech gift meets expectations and offers value for money.

Understanding lifestyle and compatibility

Factor in the recipient's lifestyle when choosing a tech gift.

• How much do they travel - they may like something small and easy to pack.

• Where do they work - they may like something for commuting or something they can use daily in the office.

• How much free time do they have - a gadget that takes lots of time investment might not be the best gift for a busy person.

• What they already own - Compatibility with their existing devices is also crucial, ensuring seamless integration into their tech ecosystem. For example, you don't want to buy an Apple user a Samsung smartwatch.

Avoiding the hype

While the latest and greatest tech products may be enticing, consider older models that still provide excellent features. Sometimes, slightly older devices offer a more cost-effective yet impressive solution.

Enhancing the gift with accessories

Complementing the main tech gift with accessories can turn a great gift into an awesome one. Consider protective cases, quality headphones alongside a tablet, or other relevant add-ons.

Christmas shopping FAQ:

When is the last post date in the UK with Royal Mail?

To guarantee your Christmas mail arrives punctually, consider the following recommended posting dates:

For 1st Class delivery, aim to send your packages by Tuesday, December 19th.

For 2nd Class delivery, plan to post your mail by Monday, December 18th.

While these dates offer guidance, it’s best to dispatch your mail well in advance due to potential delays during the busy Christmas season. Posting items early gives you the best chance for timely delivery, avoiding any unforeseen circumstances in the delivery process. This proactive approach ensures a smoother and more reliable experience for your Christmas mail.

What is the last order date from Amazon Prime in the UK?

The last order date from Amazon Prime in the UK for Christmas delivery depends on your delivery speed.

For One-Day Delivery: Order by 11 pm on Wednesday, December 20th, for delivery on Thursday, December 21st.

For Two-Day Delivery: Order by 11 pm on Tuesday, December 19th, for delivery on Wednesday, December 20th.

For Standard Delivery: Order by 11 pm on Monday, December 18th, for delivery on Wednesday, December 20th.

These are the last order dates for guaranteed delivery by Christmas. However, it is always best to order your items as early as possible, as there is always a chance of delays during the busy Christmas period.

You can find more information about the last order dates for Christmas from Amazon Prime on the Amazon website.

William Lobley is the Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.

He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.

When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.

Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us