Best gifts: Top tech gadgets of 2017

Wired headphones and earbuds are the most common forms you'll see, but vendors worldwide are beginning to offer wireless alternatives. As a gift for someone who enjoys the gym, travels, or simply doesn't like more bulky headsets, Sol Republic wireless earbuds could make a great gift this holiday season.

Price: Sale: £129.99 ($170)

Via: Sol Republic

If you are looking to replace a loved one's laptop for Christmas, the Lenovo Yoga 710 is a good bet -- especially if they want a versatile device. The Yoga, which runs on Windows 10 Home, is convertible and able to act as a laptop or standalone tablet.

The laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen display, a fingerprint reader, webcam, and Dolby Audio speakers.

Price: $680.88

Via: Amazon US | UK alternative

Despite some users experiencing display issues, Google's Pixel 2 smartphone has received good reviews. The smartphone, a successor to the original Pixel range, has been crafted with photography as a standout feature, and so would suit any budding mobile photography enthusiasts in the market for a new device.

Price: $649 (£629)

Via: Google

The Canon PowerShot SX730 is a great option for a camera purchase this Christmas. The compact camera is equipped with a 40x optical zoom, 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, a tiltable display and can record 1080p Full HD video.

Price: $399 (£319)

Via: Amazon US | UK

The Acer Chromebook 14 is an affordable, lightweight, aluminum-cased laptop suitable for home and travel. The laptop comes with either HD or Full HD resolution, up to 12 hours' battery life, a built-in webcam, 4GB RAM, an Intel Celeron processor, 32GB storage and runs on Chrome OS.

Price: $299.99 (£269.99)

Via: Acer US | UK

For a small but quality speaker as a gift this year, you may want to consider the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker. Available in different colors, the mobile waterproof speaker has up to six hours' battery life on a single charge and includes a built-in speakerphone for taking calls via Apple's Siri or Google Assistant.

Price: $109 (£94.95)

Via: Amazon US | UK

A stunning design with a price tag to match, the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Shape is a hexagonal modular speaker system for audiophiles. You can customize the design online and listen to music through a built-in Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, or Bluetooth. Up to 44 speakers are supported.

Price: £3,400+

Via: Bang & Olufsen

The Dell XPS 15 could make a great gift this season for those in the market for a new, modern and powerful laptop. The laptop comes with up to an Intel i7 processor, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Windows 10 Home.

Price: $949.99 (£1,429+)

Via: Dell US | UK

A gift for keen cyclists, the Beeline Smart Bike Compass attaches to your handlebars and acts as a de-facto sat-nav. Users plot out their route using an accompanying app and the compass will indicate the direction they need to go to reach their destination.

Price: $131.39(£99.99)

Via: Firebox

The Amazon Fire 7 tablet is a thin, lightweight device suitable for those who want instant access to the Internet, light reading, and basic tasks. The Fire 7 sports a 7-inch display, a 1.3 GHz processor, and access to both the Alexa assistant and Amazon apps, such as the Kindle store and subscription services.

The tablet is available with 8GB or 16Gb storage.

Price: $49.99+ (£49.99+)

Via: Amazon US | UK

Apple's iPhone range is always a hit at Christmas, and so the iPhone 8 or the flagship iPhone X -- assuming delivery is on time -- could be a hit this holiday season.

The iPhone X, for example, comes with a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display, A11 processor, 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, and 3GB RAM and up to 256GB storage.

See also: ZDNet compares the iPhone 8 and iPhone X

Price: $999+ (£999)

Via: Apple US | UK

A gift which is likely to excite photographers, the Loupedeck is a keyboard-like photo editing console for Adobe Lightroom. Compatible with both Mac and Windows machines, the console has buttons which can be tailored for different actions or presets, scrolling, editing slides, brushes, rotating, crops, and many other features for quick editing.

Price: $299 (£295)

Via: Loupedeck

If you are looking to splash out on a new smartphone this Christmas for your loved one, the Android-based Samsung S8 could make a great gift.

The flagship smartphone, available in different finishes, comes with a 5.8-inch display, 1.9GHz octa-core processor, 64GB storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera and 4GB RAM.

In the US, you can also pick up a free Gear VR or DeX station with each purchase.

Price: $724.99+ (£689+)

Via: Samsung US | UK

The Misfit Shine is an affordable health and activity tracker which can be worn in many ways including as a watch, necklace, or as part of another accessory.

The tracker is able to monitor steps taken, exercise, as well as sleep patterns -- and this data can then be sent to an accompanying app for analysis and recommendations.

Price: Sale: $44.99 (£39.99)

Via: Amazon US | UK

If you are in the market for a smartwatch over Christmas 2017, the Apple Watch 3 could make a great gift. The iOS wearable comes with the Siri voice assistant, is able to take calls, send messages, and stream music, and also allows wearers to access a range of apps on the go.

Price: $329+ (£329)

Via: Apple US | UK

The versatile Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, able to be used as a laptop, standalone tablet or in "studio" mode, is a powerful device which could be an appreciated gift for those in business.

The tablet runs on Windows and comes with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display, up to an Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD storage, and a battery life of up to 13.5 hours.

Price: $799+ (£799+)

Via: Microsoft US | UK

A valued gift for audiophiles and especially for travelers who need a way to concentrate and work in peace while on the road, the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II offer excellent noise-canceling technology.

Price: $349.95 (£329.95)

Via: Bose US | UK

Another for audiophiles, the Philips Fidelio B8 is an impressive soundbar and subwoofer system for the home. The Dolby Atmos soundbar has 18 built-in speakers for 5.1.2 surround sound, while the subwoofer contains an 8-inch cone and 220-watt amplifier.

Price: £799

Via: Richer Sounds

The HP Sprocket photo printer is a tiny printer that can be thrown into a bag and pulled out when the moment strikes. The device could be a great gift for travelers, backpackers, or perhaps those about to go to university, as the printer can be used to immediately print 5x7.6 cm stickable photos without requiring anything more than a recharge every once in a while.

Price: $129.95 (£109.95)

Via: Amazon US | UK