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Best Father's Day tech gifts under $100: Fibit, Kindle, and more
Want to get your dad or father figure a tech gadget that he's been eyeing (or doesn't know he needs just yet), but don't want to break the bank? Don't worry. A lot of tech products and accessories on the market right now are great for remote working, e-reading, listening to music, and more, and come at a digestible price for Father's Day.
We took a look at the products we've reviewed and scoured the depths of the internet to compile the below list of fun tech that's $100 or less so you can spoil your dad without sacrificing your hard-earned cash.
Also:
- The best cheap tech gifts under $75
- The best cheap tech gifts under $50
- The best cheap tech gifts under $25
- Price: $85
- Features: 8-inch HD touchscreen | 13MP camera with built-in shutter and auto-framing | 1280 x 800 resolution
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is the perfect all-in-one gift -- it serves as a smart home assistant, as a way to make video calls, and as a digital frame to show off your favorite photos.
You can get calendar reminders, traffic updates, and set timers, or even enjoy your favorite playlist via Spotify. There is also access to streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix. The Amazon Echo Show can even control other smart devices in your home.
- Price: $100
- Features: 16GB of storage | 300ppi screen | Up to 6 weeks of battery life
If your dad is a bookworm tired of traveling with heavy hard or paperbacks, the 11th-generation Kindle is a convenient solution for only $100. The entry-level Kindle got a 2022 upgrade that puts it at almost the same level as more expensive Kindle models. With this Kindle, you'll get Amazon's lightest e-reader yet at just 5.56 ounces, 16GB of storage to hold plenty of books, a 6-inch 300ppi screen, and a free Kindle Unlimited subscription for three months.
Read the review: The new entry-level Kindle has officially converted me to e-readers
- Price: $100
- Features: 1080p camera | Cordless | 130-degree field of view
If you're looking for a smart-home gift with a focus on bolstering security, Ring's stick up cam is a budget conscious option. Suitable for in or outdoor use, the 1080p camera connects to a mobile device and monitors an area for any suspicious activity in real-time. If motion is detected, an alert is sent to the user, who can then access their camera to see what is happening -- even at night.
Read the review: Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out
- Price: $100
- Features: 3-axis accelerometer | SpO2 sensor | Up to 10 days of battery life | AMOLED color touchscreen
For dads who love to run or lift weights, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is the perfect gift so they can keep track of their fitness goals. It comes with a free six month trial to Fitbit Premium, which gives you access to advanced health and wellness insights, 30-day and 90-day trends instead of just a 7-day period, an upcoming Daily Readiness Score, and more details on your sleep breakdown.
Read the review: The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a low wrist, high reward tracker at $99
- Price: $80
- Features: 12-hour battery life | Universal compatibility | 65Hz-20kHz frequency response
Does your dad like to blast music in the house? What about on a beach trip or pool day? If the answer to any of those questions is a 'yes,' then I can't recommend the JBL Flip 5 portable speaker enough -- I mooch off my roommate's unit all the time, keeping it perched on my AC window unit so I can jam out as I work.
Not only does it deliver a clear, loud, and booming sound, but it's easy to tote around and listen to your favorite tunes. And with an IPX7 water resistance rating, it really is the perfect companion for the beach or pool as summer approaches. Using Bluetooth technology, it's easy to set up and pair, and it can also connect and pair with another JBL compatible speaker for complete stereo sound.
Also: Ditch the AirPods and get a portable speaker instead: Our top picks
Jabra Elite 4 earbuds
Best cheap tech for hands-free phone calls
- Price: $99
- Features: Ergonomic in-ear fit | 6 mm speakers | 5.5 hours of playback per cycle | ANC
If your dad is looking for a solid pair of buds optimal for phone or video calls, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds are equipped with four microphones and 6mm speakers, bringing "clear call quality" to a new level. Aside from the high performing microphone, the buds also pack "premium" earbud features such as ANC and transparency modes, decent bass, and long-lasting battery for just $99.
Read the review: Forget AirPods: Jabra Elite 4 earbuds are budget-friendly and feature-rich
- Price: $79
- Features: Three-speed massage | Heat option | Carrying handles to customize massage pressure
Most dads just want to relax on Father's Day, and the Shiatsu Deluxe neck and shoulder massager can let them do just that from the comfort of their own space. The heated cushion that fits snugly around your neck and shoulders for instant relief for tired muscles with three different speed settings for a custom experience.
- Price: $99
- Features: Energy-efficient LED lights | 3.52 pounds | Over 50 plant capsules
For the dad with a green thumb, gift them this smart indoor garden. You can choose from more than 50 plant refill capsules you can choose from, including peppers, chives, catnip, yellow tomatoes, and more. Click & Grow's plants contain a patented nano-material called Smart Soil that automatically releases oxygen and water to your plants and is inspired by NASA technology.
The device's lamp has a 16 hours on/eight hours off cycle to optimize your plants' growth. In addition, its water float indicator will let you know when it's time to refill the tank.
Also: The 5 best indoor gardens: Smart tech for your green thumb
- Price: $99
- Features: 360-degree sound field | 12 ounces | 6 color options
Apple users usually want to stay within the Apple ecosystem, so if your dad is Apple-obsessed, they'll love the Apple HomePod Mini. The HomePod mini is a small, spherical-shaped smart speaker featuring Apple's voice assistant, Siri. It's about three inches tall with a circular screen at the top that lights up when Siri is listening or when the device is playing music or engaged in a phone call.
It's part smart hub, and part music speaker thanks to its high-quality sound that provides a deep bass.
Read the review: The HomePod mini is for Sirious Apple users only
- Price: $100
- Features: Connects via Bluetooth | HP Zink photo paper | Free HP Sprocket app | iOS and Android compatible
This portable printer from HP allows users to easily print photos directly from their iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth. It prints photos onto HP 2.3 x 3.4-inch Zink Sticky-Backed paper, giving the option for the picture to become a sticker. Additionally, the free HP Sprocket app provides filters, frames, and stickers for pre-printing customization. Plus, when you buy the printer from Amazon, it comes with 50 sheets of photo paper so you don't have to waste time buying tons of extra after using the initial batch.
How did we choose these cheap tech gifts?
- Budget and research: We researched trusted brands all while keeping budget in mind, careful to read customer reviews to ensure that the products didn't compromise price for quality.
- ZDNET product reviews/testing: We recommended products within the $100 and under bracket that our team has tested and would personally buy or recommend.
- Use: We were intentional with our selections, making sure each had a "real life" purpose recipients would use and enjoy.
When is Father's Day 2023?
This year, Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 18th.
Where to find the best cheap tech gifts?
You can find the best cheap tech gifts at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon.