Best Tech Gifts Under $100 -- Samsung Gear VR, Corsair STRAFE, Xbox Design Lab Controller
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Best Tech Gifts Under $100
Gift-givers have plenty of great options if they're looking to spend just under $100. From VR experiences and handheld gaming to high-quality audio and personalized peripherals, anything in our gift guide should make someone happy!
For all our tech gift guides for different price ranges, follow the links below:
Samsung Gear VR
The Samsung Gear VR is the most cost-effective approach to a virtual reality experience. Of course, this is contingent upon owning a one of the following Samsung smartphones; Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, and Note 5. Phones are connected to the Gear VR through a packaged micro-USB dongle.
Considering the Gear VR costs much less compared to other VR systems and operates through a phone, it’s a neat device for someone who’s able to utilize it.
Nintendo 2DS
Gifting a Nintendo 2DS/3DS to someone who doesn’t have one yet is going to unlock an incredible library of games for them: Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Super Mario 3D Land, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Super Smash Bros, and Bravely Default are just some to name a few.
The 2DS is a flat, non-foldable version of the 3DS and without the 3D capabilities. At $79.99, it’s certainly an accessible purchase, especially for what’s considered an entire game system.
Custom Xbox One Controller (Xbox Design Lab)
Microsoft’s Design Lab for Xbox One controllers is definitely fun to play around with, and as cool as it is to customize your own controller, it’s pretty hard to make the jump at $80, especially if you already have a perfectly functioning one. It’s something really neat to have, but you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself.
That’s where the gift-giver in you comes. A personalized touch to an Xbox One controller could be a sweet gesture but it’s also something that’ll get plenty of use. This gift could be applicable to both Xbox One and PC player. Plenty of PC games feel great on a gamepad, and the Xbox One controller has a great feel and design.
Corsair STRAFE Mechanical Keyboard
At $99.99, the Corsair STRAFE is a solid mechanical keyboard. It comes with Cherry MX Red switches, which are non-tactile linear switches that give it a smooth and effortless keystroke. The STRAFE comes with red backlighting, but an RGB backlit version can be found for a little extra (perhaps even under $100). There is also a USB port on the keyboard itself.
This would be a significant step up from a standard membrane keyboard, especially for gaming and extended periods of typing. The responsiveness and distinct feel of a mechanical keyboard is unmatched.
Samsung 250GB 850 Evo Solid-State Drive
A solid-state drive (SSD) is a dramatic improvement over a hard disk drive (HDD). If you know someone who strictly uses an HDD in their gaming desktop, do them a favor by gifting an SSD. You’ll be saving plenty of time over the course of using an SSD.
A typical dual drive setup has the Operating System (OS) and important programs on the SSD for fast boot speeds. The HDD can be used to house media or less-used games and applications.
The 250GB Samsung 850 Evo is a solid choice at this price range with read and write speeds up to 540 mb/s and 520 mb/s, respectively.
Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 558 headphones are in the same line as the highly-coveted HD 598. These are open-back headphones, which means sound will flow naturally in and around your ears, but there won’t be much noise-cancelling. Such is the case with this type of design, but it results in a better soundstage.
The earcups and headband rest are a padded velvet and are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headphones feel solid and durable without too many moving parts.
The HD 558 retails for around $149.99 but is available from several retailers under $100 this Holiday season, which is going to be arguably the best higher-tier headphones value.
Logitech G602 Wireless
Gaming-grade mice are pricey, and high-performance wireless mice even moreso. However, the Logitech G602 performs incredibly well and retails for $79.99.
The G602 is very similar to the Logitech G502, which is regarded as a top-notch mouse. It’s rated to last up to 250 hours when using all its capabilities under “Performance” mode, and up to 1440 hours under “Endurance” mode. The G602 has 11 programmable buttons and DPI swapping on the fly.
Jabra Sport Pace Wireless Earbuds
If you’re looking for Bluetooth earbuds with top-notch sound under $100, the Jabra Sport Pace earbuds are a good choice. Its sound quality stands out among other wireless earbuds, putting out decent midrange and high midrange sound.
The Jabra Sport Paces have an over-the-ear design and will stay snug. These are specifically designed to stay in your ears under aggressive movement, be it running or weightlifting.
The only drawback is that it has below average battery life, lasting about five hours on a full charge.
Recap on Tech Gifts Under $100
Here's a recap on the items we recommended in this gift guide:
- Samsung Gear VR
- Nintendo 2DS
- Sennsheiser HD 558 Headphones
- Custom Xbox One Controller (Design Lab)
- Corsair STRAFE Mechanical Keyboard
- Samsung 250GB 850 Evo Solid-State Drive
- Logitech G602 Wireless Mouse
- Jabra Sport Pace Wireless Earbuds
For all our tech gift guides for different price ranges, follow the links below: