Choosing the perfect tech accessory for gifting takes a lot of time, especially if you are looking for something expensive. While you can find many sub $500 products around the internet, most of them are just another laptop, gaming console or a normal toy that you can find at a nearby BestBuy store. But I want to take a different approach and give you some of the latest and most unique product recommendations that you can actually purchase. Most of these products are on Amazon or the official websites of the products. So, you can purchase them without hassles.
If 500 dollars is really expensive and you are looking for something affordable, you can find our tech under $200 article helpful.
Also, most of these tech products make perfect gifts as well. So, if you are planning to shop for holidays, these gadgets are perfect gifting options.
If you find this article interesting, share it with someone who is might be interested in geeky stuff
Coolest Gadgets & Tech Products under $500
Wondering what you can buy with 500 bucks? Well, you can purchase a lot of cheap stuff from Aliexpress but in this article, I have listed the products that are in the range of 250-500 dollars. Some of these tech products are really expensive as they are futuristic and one of a kind. Remember one thing, all of these products are worth it because I have personally hand-picked them by considering various factors including price.
1. Petoi Bittle – A Palm-sized STEM Robot Dog
The Petoi Bittle robot is a palm-sized robot dog developed for fun but also serves as a STEM gadget. It is manufactured by Petoi, a startup company whose main goal is to produce simple, innovative pets. The Bittle robot dog walks, plays tricks, and rolls around just like a real dog. It has been designed to maneuver on all kinds of terrains. You can teach it new skills and make it memorize various patterns. Additionally, Bittle can be used for STEM education. It is an ideal gadget for teaching and researching STEM projects. It also makes a good present to surprise a family member or a dear friend. However, the robot dog is not a toy for small children. Parental guidance is recommended when kids are playing with it to avoid injury or damage.
This is the coolest robot toy I've seen so farDeveloped on an... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Smartphone Controlled
- Programmable
- Do It Yourself
- Open Source
- Can Carry Up To 450g Cargo
2. Duex Lite & Duex Plus Portable Dual-Screen Laptop Monitors
Laptops are great devices for multitasking, but there are lots of users who wish that it was more convenient to switch between programs. That’s why it is possible to use a second monitor with your laptop. A secondary display provides for easier and faster switching between multiple programs for better productivity. But that is still not enough. Since laptops are devices that you can use while on the go, it would be impressive to have a portable monitor. That’s the inspiration behind the Duex Lite and Duex Plus portable laptop monitors from Mobile Pixels. If you aren't aware, Mobile Pixels have been producing some of the best portable laptop screens. Read my coverage on Trio monitor... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Compatible with any Laptop
- Type C Ports
- Display Size Starts from 12.5"
- Magnetic Sliding
- Horizontal and Vertical Modes
3. LaserPecker Pro – Portable Laser Engraver
The LaserPecker Pro is one of the most convenient laser engravers you will find on the internet. The design is so minimalistic and simple, and not an eyesore like many other laser engravers out there. It's great because this design makes it both compact and portable - the perfect fit for your bag! Furthermore, the app really makes this engraver super easy to use. The in-app editor is incredibly useful when trying to ensure that engravings will be exactly as desired. Then, with the preview mode, the LaserPecker Pro enters before beginning every engraving by showing the engravings planned trajectory, you have nothing to worry about, assured that the device will engrave exactly as you want. ... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Engraves almost any surface
- Foldable Design
- Portable
- Plug and Play
- Control Designs with an App
4. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX: App-Enabled Telescope
One of the popular telescope manufacturers, Celestron, showcased a couple of their new products during CES 20. Starsense Explorer LT and Explorer DX are the ones I personally had hands-on experience with. The Explorer DX and LT feature 130mm and 80mm reflectors respectively. Both telescopes make use of your smartphone and via their app, you can see a list of stars or galaxies that are currently visible in the sky. With StarSense Explorer DX, you can see different... [More info]
Features You May Like
- 130mm Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube
- StarSense Smartphone Dock
- Smartphone App
- Interchangeable Eye Pieces
- Best for Beginners
5. Zuvi Halo – Light Based Hair Dryer
Zuvi Halo is a futuristic-looking hair dryer that uses light instead of a coil for heating. Traditional hair dryers rely on intense heat to dry hair, which can essentially "bake" and overdry both the hair and scalp. This often results in dryness and potential damage. In contrast, Zuvi Halo's LightCare tech utilizes light to specifically target and dry the water droplets on the surface of your hair. This preserves the hair's internal moisture, promoting healthier hair. The product is aesthetically pleasing and has a... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Uses light instead of coil for heating
- Healthier hair
- 4 Modes
- 3 Magnetic attachments
- 680W power consumption
6. Clicbot Educational Robot Kit
As I was wandering around the convention center in Las Vegas, a bunch of tiny robots was singing and dancing with one another without the intervention of any human. I went ahead to check them out and they are none other than Clicbot robots, tiny little but smart robot toys made specifically for educational/STEM purposes. Look how cool their futuristic-looking head is! Click bot is a modular robot that can be turned into almost anything, be it a car or a pole. You... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Modular Design
- Battery-powered
- App-controlled
- Comes with a Cool Display
7. Level Touch – Smart Lock with Keyless Entry
What makes the Level Touch lock a great deal?
Various features make Level Touch one of the most admirable locks in the market. The following are the most adorable selling points of the lock:1. Simple design
This smart deadbolt is meant to be the smallest and most discreet smart lock on the market. Level achieved this by designing the lock in such a way that the tech is hidden on the inside of the door. As such, the lock retains the footprint of a traditional lock, making it impossible for others to know that the lock on your door... [More info]Features You May Like
- Super simple design
- Unlock using touch, keycard or smartphone
- Bluetooth enabled
- Homekit compatible
- Easy to Install
8. Loona – AI Powered Smart Robot
What would you think about getting an adorable smart toy for your kids that also presents itself as an entertaining family robot pet? That's what the Loona Smart Robot Toy is all about. Loona is a four-wheeled fully programmable toy that is partially anthropomorphized to promote interactiveness and keep you and your kids entertained with multiple tricks for hours on end.
How Is It Designed?
Straight out of the box, this robot pet will look and feel... [More info]Features You May Like
- Voice commands
- Touch sensors
- App remote control
- Lots of games
- Recharges automatically
- ChatGPT integration
9. EcoFlow River – Modular Portable Power Station
As you may be knowing, portable power stations are becoming more and more popular lately. We have featured more than 5 battery stations here on G for Gadget. Also, power stations aren't new to me and I personally own a couple of these, the biggest one being Ecoflow's new Delta Pro, read my review here. From my experience, the newer... [More info]
Features You May Like
- 600W Power Capacity
- 288Wh Base Battery Capacity
- 1200W Surge Capacity
- Modular Design
- Expandable Battery
- 0 to 80% Charging in 1 Hour
- MPPT Solar Panel Support
10. BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System for Bed
Bed temperature is one of the main reasons why some people struggle to sleep quickly. When it happens to me, I go turn down my AC temperature but it is not a solution for everyone. What if your bed could get a gadget that could not only cool it but also heat it up when needed? The BedJet 3 climate comfort sleep system is a device that can do it. BedJet 3 is so compact that it fits under your bed, installs in minutes and most importantly, works with your existing bedding. How cool is that! With its dual ventilation system, you can cool half of the bed while heating the other half. This feature would be very useful for couples. By controlling the humidity, it also helps reduce sweating. I think BedJet 3 is a useful thing to have in your bedroom. It has so many other useful features, check them out here...
Features You May Like
- Ventilation cooling and heating mode
- Dual Zone System for couples
- Smart temperature control
- Eliminates body sweat
- Biorhythm sleep technology
- Bluetooth App and wireless remote control
- Quiet operation
11. Govee Hexagon Light Panels for Wall
If you’re on the lookout for innovative lights to make your room more engaging, look no further than these Govee Hexagonal light panels. The LED light kit offers a unique way to make a functional decoration. Govee's products are smart. They can be controlled from your phone, voice assistant and whatnot. The smart app lets you experience in-depth features, including Music & Scene modes, sharing user-made effects and daily scheduling. These panels are modular and you can add more blocks as you need. Each power adapter can support up to 12 light panels. With these RGB panels, you can light up your living room, closet, bedroom or any other wall décor scene. Shout out to Govee's RGBIC technology as it helps you bring your vision to life simply by selecting multiple colors for a promising lighting experience across your entire design. Another exciting feature is the 28 preset lighting effects. Choosing your animated multicolor scene effects... [More info]
Features You May Like
- RGB LED lights
- 28 preset animated effects
- Hassle-free installation and set up
- Govee Home App & Voice Controls
- 6 kinds of Music Sync Modes
12. Moorebot Scout – Tiny AI Powered Bot
This cool-looking robot is not just a toy, it is also a robotic camera for home monitoring. You heard it right, Moorebot Scout moves around your home and monitors it while you are away. Scout is a smart device. It connects to your WiFi and can be controlled with a phone app. It also works with Google Home and Alexa voice assistants. You can use the robot as an RC vehicle or leave it alone. If left alone, it uses its own AI to patrol around. Heck, it even charges... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Home Monitoring (1080P FHD Video Camera with 2-way audio)
- Connects with Alexa/Google Home
- 4 Wheel Drive
- Auto crawl to the charging station
- Learn and Create with open-source programs
13. SuperTank Pro – Compact 100W PD Power Bank
SuperTank Pro is the latest version of Zendure’s SuperTank successions. It is a high-power 26,800mAh capacity battery pack featuring 100W USB-C and 138W over-all output capable of charging laptops counting the 16 inch MacBook Pro, smartphones, game consoles, and tablets. Up to 4 devices can be charged simultaneously. This lessens the economic and ecological problem of having to purchase new well-matched... [More info]
Features You May Like
- 100W USB-C In/Out Power Capacity
- 26,800mAh/96Wh Battery Capacity
- 4 USB-C Ports
- Charges MacBook Pro 16”
- Smart Power Distribution
- Weighs 566g
14. XGIMI MoGo Pro – Portable HD Projector Under $500
Old-school projectors were cumbersome, difficult to operate and carried a very heavy price tag. First forward to the 21st century, Xgimi presents itself with the DNA of its predecessors but has a unique and contemporary design. Meet XGIMI MoGo Pro, a portable, aesthetic projector that produces a high-quality projection. It has a speaker, USB ports, HDMI input and fine-tuned image enhancement features. In our Xgimi MoGo Pro review, we are going to break down some of these features and find out where its charming power lies.
Design and Build Quality
At a glance, MoGo pro is a stunning mini projector with executive functions. These projectors are transforming the world of screens to screen less in the most admirable way. Just a reminder, MoGo is a compact projector, completely independent from the power source for... [More info]Features You May Like
- 100+ Inch Projection
- 1080P Resolution
- 300 Lumens
- Supports Android TV System
- Chromecast Support
- Voice Control via Google Assistant
- Portable Design
15. Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical Machine
An active life is beneficial to your body in ways that you may not expect. However, with busy work and home schedules, it’s almost impossible to maintain a good workout routine. That’s where Cubii Seated Elliptical Machine comes in.
Product Features
The Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a mini elliptical machine from Cubii, that targets the user who wants to continue keeping fit while sitting at their office desk... [More info]Features You May Like
- Compact & Portable Design
- 8 Resistance Levels
- LCD Display
- Quiet Operation
16. GoCube – Smartphone Connected Speed Cube
In the 1980s, the Rubiks cube hit the shelves and became popular worldwide instantly. Its fame did not end there as the cube went on to become the best-selling toy. Now that the gadget world is taking over, we have smart, connected cubes and one of the good ones is GoCube Speed Cube. Costing under $100, this is a great tech gift for kids and teenagers.
Smart Cube
The cube connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and shows the data in real... [More info]Features You May Like
- Smart 3x3 Speed Cube
- Smartphone App (connects via Bluetooth)
- Magnetic
- Rechargeable Battery
- 3D Sensors
- LED indicators
17. SCOTTeVEST Revolution 2.0 Men’s Jacket With 25 Pockets
If you are in the market for a men's travel jacket with a ton of cool features, SCOTTeVEST Revolution 2.0 will not disappoint you. Loaded with 25 pockets to keep all your tech essentials close at hand — and looking good while you do it. The jacket can easily be converted to a vest by removing the sleeves
Fabric
My favorite feature of this jacket... [More info]Features You May Like
- Stain and Water Resistant
- Removable Sleeves
- 25 Utility Pockets
- Anti-Pickpocket
- Airport Friendly
- 2 Year Warranty
- Machine Washable
- Polyester Fabric
18. Tempest WiFi Connected Weather System
The Tempest Weather System is a comprehensive and accurate way to monitor the weather conditions in your area. This high-tech home device gives you short-time updates on temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV index, rainfall, lightning, and wind speed. You can view all this data on the Tempest smartphone app or web application Installing your weather sensor outdoors should not be difficult, apart from the fact that you have to adjust the arrow on the sensor to face North for accurate wind direction readings. As for the mounting options, you can choose to either mount the sensor on a pole or a flat surface like a deck railing or fence post. Also, this weather station has Long-range wireless connectivity (1000ft) so you can install it in your yard or attic without worrying about connectivity. Tempest can measure
- Outdoor temp, humidity, dew point, feels like temp
- Wind speed, wind direction, average & gusts
- Lightning activity (strikes and distance up to 25 miles)
- Rain onset, intensity, duration, and accumulation
- Wind chill, wet bulb temp, DeltaT, Air Density
- UV index, brightness, solar radiation
Features You May Like
- Display: Mobile app, web application
- Sensors: Temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV index, rainfall, lightning, wind speed
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Compatibility: Google Home, Amazon Alexa
19. Lettuce Grow Farmstand – A Self-Watering, Hydroponic Growing System
If you aren't familiar, the hydroponic growing system is a method of growing plants in a water-based rich nutrient solution. When it comes to the hydroponic system, there is no use of soil; rather, the root system is supported with the use of inert media the likes of Rockwool, perlite, peat moss, clay pellets, or vermiculite. The primary purpose of hydroponics is to allow plant roots to grow and come in direct contact with the essential nutrient solution as they have access to oxygen as well, which is vital for the growth of plants. Growing your own food has never been easy; fortunately, the lettuce grows 12-36 plant farmstand... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Self Watering
- Self Fertilizing
- Portable
- Quick Harvest
20. OYO NOVA – A Portable Personal Gym
Weight loss, fitness, or maintaining shape is your goal while staying at home? Well, today I have an interesting gadget for you. Meet Oyo Nova, a personal and portable gym that you can carry anywhere. If I were to talk about Oyo fitness company, they have a range of fantastic fitness product which works magic. Most of their equipment is portable and created in a heavy-duty, high resistance to provide one total-body strength, be it at the home, office, or even on a vacation or business trip. Oyo Nova is perfect for working guys who find little... [More info]
Features You May Like
- Up to 40lbs / 18kg Resistance
- Works out Different Muscle Groups
- Portable (Fits in a Backpack)
- Free Workout Videos
I will be updating this post every now and then. If you have any other recommendations for this list, let me know in the comment section below and I will be happy to check it out
$500 seems expensive? Check out our best picks under $100 or under $200