The Technology Man

Technology Reviews

25 Tech Gifts I Actually Use (Tested)

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I’ve gone through all the tech and gadgets I’ve reviewed and used over the past year and put together a list of my favourites. There’s something here for every budget, from £7 to £500 — whether you’re buying a gift for someone else or just treating yourself. I’ve tested all of these properly; some already have full reviews on this website and my YouTube channel and a few more are coming soon.

If you click on the the title of each item, it should link you straight to the product. Many of these links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you use them, at no additional cost to you. Using my links helps support free content here, and on my YouTube channel – thank you.

USB-C to Lightning Adapter

There are still plenty of Apple devices with Lightning ports. My family all have older iPhones and I still have the original AirPods Pro and my 10.5” iPad Pro – all with Lightning. Rather than upgrading just to get USB-C, spend £7 or less on this little Lightning to USB-C adapter.  I have a few tethered to USB-C cables around the house and on my power bank, and they even support fast charging. I have a complete article on this tiny accessory.

Olight O’Pen Mini 2 Pen

Olight’s O’Pen Mini 2 is under 11 cm long and weighs just 16 g, making it a great little everyday carry pen. It has a satisfying bolt-action mechanism that switches between a pen and a long-lasting pencil tip. For the price, it’s a handy little tool to keep in your pocket, bag or glove box.

Anker Nano Power Bank

This tiny 5000 mAh power bank from Anker weighs just 100 g and has a foldable USB-C connector designed to plug straight into your phone — and it’s long enough to fit through most cases. There’s another USB-C port on the side too, and it supports fast charging up to 22.5 W, which is enough for most smartphones. It’s so compact I usually carry one on long bike rides for emergencies.

Nextool S11 Pro Multitool

Multitools make great gifts and the S11 Pro from Nextool costs just £26. It weighs only 100 g, so you barely notice it in your pocket. Centred around a decent set of spring-loaded needle-nosed pliers with wire cutters, it also includes scissors, a sharp 8Cr14MoV blade, a Philips and flat screwdriver and a diamond file. All the tools open from the outside so you don’t need to open the pliers first, and since the blade is non-locking it’s UK legal carry — just like a Swiss Army Knife.

Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

There are a few multitools on this list, and to keep them sharp this is the one I always recommend. The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener has quality coarse and fine diamond stones, a round ceramic hone and a leather strop. The built-in guides help even complete beginners get a razor-sharp edge quickly. I’ve sharpened everything from tiny pocket knives to 10-inch chef’s knives on this, and it works brilliantly.

Bibury Leatherman Surge Clone MultiTool

This is a clone of Leatherman’s flagship Surge multitool that costs four times as much. It’s unbelievable value and even has a few extras you don’t get on the Surge, including a locking bit driver that takes standard ¼-inch bits with a double-ended set of bits included. There’s a T-shank holder for swapping between a diamond file, jigsaw blade or scalpel. The beefy pliers meet accurately at the tips, have zero play and feature replaceable wire cutters — and unlike Leatherman, Bibury includes a spare set. It doesn’t have the Surge’s build quality or 25-year warranty, but it’s far better made than I was expecting, the blades come super sharp and all the tools lock positively, with the main tools accessible with the multitool closed. I’ll be comparing this to the Surge in an upcoming Budget vs Premium series.

Nitecore Tini 3 Keychain Torch

In my roundup of keychain torches, the Nitecore Tini 2 did very well. The new Tini 3 boosts Turbo output to 600 lumens and now lets you choose between three colour temperatures: warm 3000K, neutral 4500K and cool 6500K. It still has the excellent OLED screen showing real-time runtime, brightness and battery level, and it only weighs 20 g. There’s still no pocket clip, and although I love the OLED screen, the one on my Tini 2 did fail after a couple of years of heavy use — the torch itself still works though.

Nitecore NB Plus Power Bank

I reviewed the Nitecore NB Plus 10,000 mAh power bank last month. It’s super slim, weighs just 155 g and supports fast charging up to 22.5 W. It’s not the cheapest 10,000 mAh power bank, but it feels premium with its carbon fibre finish, and best of all it’s waterproof to IPX7, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.

Olight Perun 3 Mini HCRI Head Torch

The Olight Perun 2 Mini was a versatile head torch — lightweight, with white and red modes and a very comfortable headband. The Perun 3 Mini brings a few small refinements, but the big upgrade for me is the new High-CRI version. High-CRI light shows colours much more accurately, which is great for close-up work and outdoors. This has become my go-to torch for my morning walk, and it’s small enough to slip into my pocket once the sun comes up. It also fits in the USB-C charging case, although I do wish the torch itself had USB-C built in.

Roxon Flex Multi-tool

The Roxon Flex is one of the most interesting multitools to come out in years. You can buy it as a bare-bones set of spring-loaded pliers with replaceable cutters, or choose a pre-loaded version with the usual essentials. But its real appeal is that it’s completely modular — every tool can be swapped out, and Roxon sells an impressive range of affordable add-ons including large scissors, a D2 blade, a ¼” driver, a diamond file, saw blades and a T-shank adapter. There’s also a Companion tool so you can build your own perfect penknife, and all the modules work in both tools, making the whole system incredibly versatile.

Olight O’Pen 3 Multifunctional Pen Torch

Olight have just released an update to their popular pen torch. The new O’Pen 3 has a gel-ink pen, a 120-lumen side light, a red light and a green laser. You can even illuminate exactly where you’re writing with a tiny ring light around the nib. Best of all, it now has USB-C charging built in — you needed to use their charging pen pot before. I did like the old pen pot for storage, but it’s no longer included. The new sprung clip is another nice touch and the whole pen feels better balanced than the previous version. The refill is a little finer and scratchier than before — they’ve changed the ink — but I’m hoping it will smooth out in use, and the old Olight refills still fit if you prefer.

Wolfbox MF200 Air Duster

Until recently, if you wanted a powerful burst of air you really needed a compressor or at least a mains-powered air duster. Battery air dusters have come a long way though, and the Wolfbox MF200 is impressively powerful for its size and weight, and even has a replaceable battery. They’re incredibly useful for blowing dust out of PC cases and keyboards, cleaning vacuum filters, clearing wood dust and drying small parts. It’s one of those tools you don’t realise you need until you have it — and then you reach for it constantly. I’ll be comparing it to the new Milwaukee 18V version, the Nitecore CW20 and the Meliff Milwaukee knockoff I reviewed a while back in an upcoming article and video.

Cycplus AS2 Pro Mini Pump

I tested a load of electric pumps in a previous article, but the Cycplus AS2 Pro mini pump is still the one I use out on my bike — and it looks like there’s now an updated version I’ll be reviewing soon. I don’t know anyone who rides a bike who wouldn’t appreciate one of these. It can pump a tyre from completely flat up to pressure around three times on one charge, quickly and, more importantly, effortlessly. I really like having the digital pressure gauge too. It’s not perfect — it’s pretty pricey, it’s not waterproof, and it has failed me once. If you’re happy buying on AliExpress I’ve tried some much cheaper alternatives. I’ll add a link to my pick shortly.

Reolink Altas Security Camera

I have a Ring doorbell, three Ring’s Floodlight cameras and two of their indoor cameras. They’re great, but you’re tied into a monthly subscription for anything beyond the basic features, and they all need mains or USB power. The Reolink Altas camera I reviewed a few months ago requires no subscription, and is battery powered, with an included solar panel to keep it topped up. I don’t find the software as user friendly as Ring’s but it’s fairly priced and will be a great option for a lot of people. I also have Reolink’s floodlight camera to test so expect that review very soon.

Gooloo GT6000 Jump Starter

If you’re stuck for a gift for anyone with a non-electric car, a battery-powered jump starter could be perfect. It’s basically a portable battery pack with jump leads — attach them to your dead battery and start the engine; it’s as simple as that. I’ve been using the Gooloo GT3000 for years and it’s got me and others out of trouble many times. It was powerful enough to start my VW Transporter’s battery, and the new GT6000 is even more powerful. I’ve tested a few, but I like the Gooloo ones: they have a clear display, they’re easy to use, they have a decent torch built in, and they can both charge up and charge your tech at up to 100 W with USB-C. They just work. I’ll have a review of the GT6000 up shortly.

Hcalory TB 2S Plus Diesel Heater

I just released a complete overview of Chinese diesel heaters — a cheap way to heat your garage, garden building, campervan or tent using standard pump diesel. I worked out the running costs to be around half that of an electric heater, and they make it much easier to keep a space at the right temperature. They’re also inexpensive: this Hcalory Toolbox 2S Plus is currently just over £120 with my link (use code NOMAD15OF for both US and UK for 15% off!) It can be controlled with the included wireless remote or via their app over Bluetooth. I’d recommend reading the full article where I cover all the details, including safety.

Leatherman Surge Multitool

It’s hard to pick just one Leatherman multitool, but the Surge is hard to beat. It’s one of their heaviest tools at around 350 g, but it has everything and it’s built like a tank. Most of the tools – including the two blades, scissors and T-shank adapter – open from the outside, so you don’t need to open the pliers to access them. The T-shank holder can take either the saw blade or the diamond file, and both are included. Open up the tool for the star of the show: the heavy-duty pliers, which have replaceable wire cutters and a stranded wire cutter below the hinge. Inside the handles you get flat screwdrivers, an awl, a can opener that doubles as a wire stripper, and Leatherman’s flat bit driver with a double-ended Philips/flat bit included. Every tool locks and it’s a joy to use. If you want a Leatherman that’s UK carry legal – the Leatherman Bond is a great option. It’s far cheaper, more compact and lighter too.

Olight Marauder Mini 2 10000 Lumen Torch

I’ve just completed a full review of Olight’s Marauder Mini 2. It’s probably the most capable torch I’ve tested to date, with 10,000 lumens, a separate flood beam, a 750-metre spotlight, a side light, a red light and both magnetic and USB-C charging. It’s a bit large for your pocket and on the pricey side, but otherwise it’s hard to beat.

Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Compact Portable Power Station

I’ve tested many portable power stations this year, with plenty more in the pipeline, but Bluetti’s Elite 30 V2 is a feature rich,  super-compact unit. It has a 600 W AC outlet, a 288 Wh long-lasting LFP battery and a 140 W USB-C port. It weighs just 4.3 kg, and at £179 it’s a great price. It’s handy for emergency backup or camping, and I also use it constantly in UPS mode — the decent selection of USB ports is a bonus. It even comes in a range of colours. Full review coming soon.

DJI Neo 2 Autonomous Drone

I loved the DJI Neo — one of my favourite bits of tech this year — and DJI have just released the Neo 2, which I’ll be reviewing soon. These are tiny 4K camera drones that can take off and land from the palm of your hand, and fly completely autonomously or with the mobile app, controller or even FPV goggles. The new version adds obstacle avoidance, better image quality, gesture control and faster tracking speeds for not much more money. But both models are great and very well priced, either on their own or in one of DJI’s tempting bundles.

DJI Action 5 Pro Action Camera

DJI has just released the Osmo Action 6 with a slightly larger 1/1.1-inch sensor, a new 4K/120 slow-motion mode and a dual-direction mount. But for most people, that upgrade has actually made the Action 5 Pro an even better buy at its new reduced price. It’s tiny, has excellent image quality — even in low light — very good stabilisation, front and rear OLED screens, solid battery life and fast charging. It also benefits from DJI’s established accessory ecosystem, including their wireless mics.

For the price of the new Action 6, I’d probably go for the Ace Pro 2 from Insta360. It’s a little bigger and heavier, but its large flip screen makes it more useful for general recording, not just action sports. I’ve compared the Ace Pro 2 with GoPro’s Hero 13 in a full review if you’re interested.

Ooni Koda 2 Pizza Oven

Ooni has a huge range of pizza ovens, but my current pick — especially if you can get it on offer — is the Koda 2. If you haven’t tried pizza from a home pizza oven before, you’re in for a treat. It runs on standard gas you can get almost anywhere and reaches 500°C — over twice as hot as a household oven — in around 20 to 30 minutes. It can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds, and the results are delicious. You can make your own dough, which is easier than you might think, or buy frozen dough balls and add your own toppings. The Koda 2 is a little bigger than the previous model at 14”, giving you more room to work with, and now supports Ooni’s digital display for monitoring temperatures over Bluetooth. I’m reviewing this model and its big brother, the 18” Koda 2 Pro, which already includes the smart display — so make sure you’re subscribed if you don’t want to miss out

Insta360 X5 360° Camera

2025 has been an exciting year for 360 cameras, with new releases from DJI and GoPro challenging Insta360, who’ve dominated this space for years. I compared all three head to head in a recent article, but the Insta360 X5 still came out on top — just. All the cameras produce decent image quality, but Insta360 still has the lead when it comes to reframing your footage and turning 360 capture into a usable video. And the competition has brought the price of the X5 down substantially, which makes it even more tempting.

DJI Power 1000 V2 Portable Power Station

The 1000 Wh portable power station market is a competitive one, and this is the size I usually recommend to anyone who isn’t sure what they need. They typically have AC inverters that can run most household appliances, and a 1000 Wh battery will power most devices for a decent amount of time.
All the big brands hover around £500 with discounts, but DJI’s Power 1000 V2 is a steal at just £429 right now. It has a massive 2600 W output, super-fast charging and two 140 W USB-C ports. My only criticism is that you need optional accessories for car and solar charging — DJI is the only major brand that doesn’t integrate this. But if you need it, their basic Car Charging Combo – still under £500 at present – works well and can also be used with a simple solar panel. See my full review for all the details, and I’ll link my portable power station playlist so you can check out the competition — especially if the price goes up.

Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Coffee Maker

The Ninja Luxe Cafe is a flexible all-in-one coffee machine with a built-in conical burr grinder, espresso maker, automatic milk frothing and a hot-water function for tea or Americanos. You can let it handle almost everything for quick, consistent results, or take more control by adjusting the grind and dose or using manual steam frothing. It can make almost any drink you want — from espressos and flat whites to filter coffees, hot chocolate and even cold brew — all in one compact machine. I have the Pro version, which adds a built-in tamper lever that makes things even easier.

First impressions are good overall and for the price it’s excellent. But of course it’s not perfect – see my full review coming soon for the full rundown! If you’re tempted definitely wait for a sale — these get reduced all the time!

Don’t forget to take a look at my YouTube video at the top of the page, and again please subscribe to my YouTube channel where I’m releasing videos every week on the latest technology and how to get the most out of it. If you tap the bell icon when you subscribe you’ll get a notification as soon as I release a video, and there’ll be a link to my site here for the written article. YouTube is also the best place to leave a comment. I read all of them and respond to as many as I can!

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(Many of these links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you use them, at no additional cost to you. Using my links helps support free content here, and on my YouTube channel – thank you.)

Related video reviews

If you’d like more detail on some of the products mentioned above, I’ve covered several of them in full-length reviews. Where possible, I’ve linked to the accompanying articles on this website within the main body of this post, with video versions also available on my YouTube channel:

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