Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5For frequent flyers | Apple Watch Ultra 2For adventurers | DJI Mini 4 ProFor travellers | Sonos Move 2For music lovers | Amazon Kindle ScribeFor readers and note-takers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Best for | Travel and commuting | Outdoor adventures | Travel and beginners | Home and garden | Reading and handwriting |
| Key feature | Class-leading noise cancelling | Rugged titanium, longer battery | Under 250 g with obstacle sensing | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, room-filling | Large screen with pen |
| Typical price | $330–$400 | $750–$800 | $760–$1,100 | $400–$450 | $340–$450 |
| Battery | Up to 30 h (ANC on) | — | — | — | — |
| Weight | About 250 g | — | — | — | — |
| Charging | USB-C, fast charge | — | — | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link |
Headphones
9.1/10 research score
1For frequent flyersBuy
Sony WH-1000XM5
Quiet flights and long battery.
- Buy it if
- You want some of the best noise cancelling available plus long battery life for flights.
- Skip it if
- You need headphones that fold small; the XM5 folds flat but not inward.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Light and comfortable for long wear
- Up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Multipoint Bluetooth
Cons
- Does not fold inward
- Premium price
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 30 h (ANC on)
- Weight
- About 250 g
- Charging
- USB-C, fast charge
Smartwatches
9.0/10 research score
2For adventurersBuy
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Rugged and packed with outdoor features.
- Buy it if
- You want the toughest Apple Watch with longer battery for hikes and races.
- Skip it if
- You prefer a small watch on a slim wrist.
Pros
- Rugged titanium case
- Multi-day battery
- Precise dual-frequency GPS
Cons
- Large
- Expensive
Drones
9.0/10 research score
3For travellersBuy
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Stunning aerial shots from a tiny drone.
- Buy it if
- You want great aerial video in a tiny drone with fewer flying restrictions.
- Skip it if
- You fly in strong wind often.
Pros
- Under 250 g
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
- Excellent 4K video
Cons
- Struggles in strong wind
Speakers
8.5/10 research score
4For music loversBuy
Sonos Move 2
Room-filling sound indoors and out.
- Buy it if
- You want one premium speaker that works indoors on Wi-Fi and outdoors on battery.
- Skip it if
- You need something light to carry far.
Pros
- Big, room-filling stereo sound
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Long battery life
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Check current price Paid linkTypically $400–$450
E-Readers
8.1/10 research score
5For readers and note-takersConsider
Amazon Kindle Scribe
Read and write on paper-like glass.
- Buy it if
- You want to read and write notes or mark up PDFs on a large paper-like screen.
- Skip it if
- You only read novels; a Paperwhite is lighter and cheaper.
Pros
- Large screen
- Pen included
- Great for PDFs
Cons
- Heavy for reading in bed
- Expensive
Check current price Paid linkTypically $340–$450
Compare more headphones on Amazon Paid link
How we picked these gifts
Every pick is a product we would recommend on its own merits, with a clear reason it suits the person you are buying for.