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The best holiday tech gifts under $100: Save on Fibit, JBL, and more for Black Friday

The best tech gifts don't have to break the bank. We compare these fun gadgets with a $100 or less price tag for the gift-giving season, plus how you can save on them for Black Friday.
Written by Christina Darby, Associate Editor and  Allison Murray, Staff Writer
Amazon Kindle (11th generation) | Best e-reader cheap tech gift
Sideview of the new 2022 Kindle
Amazon Kindle (11th generation)
Best e-reader cheap tech gift
View now View at Amazon
Ring Stick Up Cam | Best cheap tech gift for home security
Black Ring Stick Up cam perched on a fence pole.
Ring Stick Up Cam
Best cheap tech gift for home security
View now View at Best Buy
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Best cheap tech gift for listening to music
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker on a white AC window unit.
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best cheap tech gift for listening to music
View now View at Walmart
Jabra Elite 4 earbuds | Best cheap tech for hands-free phone calls
Jabra Elite 4 earbuds and case with phone playing music next to them.
Jabra Elite 4 earbuds
Best cheap tech for hands-free phone calls
View now View at Best Buy
Apple HomePod Mini | Best cheap tech gift for Apple users
HomePod Mini on desk
Apple HomePod Mini
Best cheap tech gift for Apple users
View now View at Walmart
Fitbit Inspire 3 | Best cheap tech gift for fitness junkies
fitbit-inspire-3-2
Fitbit Inspire 3
Best cheap tech gift for fitness junkies
View now View at Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) | Best smart display cheap tech gift
Amazon Echo Show 8 Gen 2
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)
Best smart display cheap tech gift
View now View at Amazon
Shiatsu Deluxe neck and shoulder massager | Best cheap tech gift for stress relief
Shiatsu Deluxe neck and shoulder massager in grey.
Shiatsu Deluxe neck and shoulder massager
Best cheap tech gift for stress relief
View now View at Walmart
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit | Best cheap tech gift for gardeners
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow Light.
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit
Best cheap tech gift for gardeners
View now View at Amazon
HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Photo Printer | Best cheap tech gift for printing photos from your phone
HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Photo Printer
HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Photo Printer
Best cheap tech gift for printing photos from your phone
View now View at Amazon
Show more (5 items)

The holiday season is upon us, which means it's also time to think about shopping. But if your list of people to buy gifts for is long, you're probably looking to stick to a budget. Luckily, 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 most importantly, they come at a reasonable price.

Also: The best Black Friday deals 

It's a good idea to shop for tech deals under $100 during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, where you'll be able to get once-a-year deals on the more-expensive tech devices. However, November and December are filled with discounts across retailers, you just have to find them. 

We took a look at the products we've reviewed and used, and scoured the depths of the internet, to compile the below list of fun tech that's $100 or less, so you check off your list without sacrificing your hard-earned cash. Plus, we detailed if there's a deal on a product so you can snag it a lower price.

The best holiday tech gifts under $100

  • Price: $100
  • Features: 16GB of storage | 300ppi screen | Up to 6 weeks of battery life 

If your family member or friend 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. 

Deal alert: Get the Ring Stick Up Cam for $40 off at various retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for Black Friday.

  • Price: $90
  • Features: 12-hour battery life | Universal compatibility | 65Hz-20kHz frequency response

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. 

Deal alert: Save $20 when you buy the JBL Flip 5 at Walmart.

  • Price: $99
  • Features: Ergonomic in-ear fit | 6 mm speakers | 5.5 hours of playback per cycle | ANC 

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. 

Deal alert: These earbuds are $40 at Best Buy for Black Friday.

  • Price: $99
  • Features: 360-degree sound field | 12 ounces | 6 color options

Apple users usually want to stay within the Apple ecosystem, so if you know someone who 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: 3-axis accelerometer | SpO2 sensor | Up to 10 days of battery life | AMOLED color touchscreen

For those 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.

Deal alert: Get this Fitbit tracker for $30 off ($70) as a Black Friday deal.

  • 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. 

Deal alert: This smart display is 58% off for Black Friday at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

  • Price: $79
  • Features: Three-speed massage | Heat option | Carrying handles to customize massage pressure

The Shiatsu Deluxe neck and shoulder massager allows anyone to relax and get in a good massage 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. 

Also: The best massage chairs of 2023 

  • Price: $99
  • Features: Energy-efficient LED lights | 3.52 pounds | Over 50 plant capsules 

For the friend or family member 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.

Deal alert: The Click & Grow kit is 20% off when you buy at Amazon for Black Friday.

  • 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. 

Deal alert: Save $18 when you buy this photo printer at Amazon.

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 Black Friday 2023?

Black Friday is an annual shopping event that occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. This year, it falls on Friday, Nov. 24, but you can find Black Friday deals the week of and even the week after.


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