#1 · Best earbuds for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Apple
Excellent noise cancellation, seamless iPhone pairing and a comfortable fit for all-day wear. The easy choice if you're in the Apple world.
The Best Everyday Tech Upgrades of 2026
Small, affordable gadgets that make a big difference every day, from earbuds and speakers to smart plugs and trackers.
The buyurself team · Updated September 24, 2026
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The best tech isn't always the newest phone. It's the small upgrades you use every single day: earbuds that block out the commute, a tracker that finds your keys, a plug that turns the lamp off for you. These picks are proven bestsellers with long track records of happy owners.
#2 · Best budget noise-cancelling
Soundcore Life Q20 ANC Headphones
Soundcore by Anker
Over-ear noise cancelling and very long battery life for a fraction of the price of big-name headphones.
#3 · Best portable speaker
JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker
JBL
Rugged, waterproof and loud for its size. Great for the patio, the beach or the shower.
#4 · Best smart-home starter
Kasa Smart Plug Mini, 4-Pack
Kasa
Turn any lamp or appliance into a smart one. Schedules and voice control in minutes, no hub required.
#5 · Best tracker
Apple AirTag (2nd Gen), 4-Pack
Apple
Keys, wallets, bags and luggage, located on a map in seconds through Apple's huge Find My network.
#6 · Best streaming upgrade
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
Amazon
Makes an older TV feel new, with 4K streaming and a voice remote, for less than a night out.
#7 · Best for travel
Anker Power Bank 10K (30W)
Anker
Small enough for a pocket and fast enough to charge a phone or tablet quickly on the go.
What to look for
- Match your phone. AirPods and AirTags work best with iPhone; Android users should choose brand-neutral picks like Soundcore or JBL.
- Battery life matters more than specs. Look for all-day battery on anything you carry.
- Smart home? Start with smart plugs. They're cheap, easy and work with Alexa, Google and Siri.
Prime Day and Black Friday regularly bring the biggest discounts on Amazon devices like Echo and Fire TV. If you can wait, it's worth checking then.
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