Christmas is approaching fast. If you're on the hunt for some new tech for underneath the tree, we've got you covered.
2021 is the year of smart homes, and it's never been more affordable to kit out different rooms with smart speakers, doorbells, displays and lighting.
Affordable ($150 and under)
Smart home speakers are a must-have, and they're now more affordable than ever. Google's Nest mini speakers, while not exactly new, are still the best value on the market at under $50.
- Google Nest Audio, $149, or cheaper and smaller alternative, Google Nest mini, from $49
Apple's Homepod smart speaker was discontinued after they announced their smaller version. They still call it the Homepod, simply adding the word "mini" to the end despite only having one version. At $149, Apple's smart speaker is on the expensive side given how physically small its speaker is compared to Google's Nest Audio.
- Apple Homepod Mini, from $149
- Amazon Echo ($149) or cheaper smaller alternative, Echo Dot from $59
Much like smart home speakers, there's a variety of smart displays to help bring your home alive. Lenovo's latest Smart Clock 2 includes a wireless charger on the side. It's the perfect bedside companion. Lenovo also has a budget-friendly basic smart clock, which still includes a display and speaker, from $49.
- Lenovo Smart Clock 2, from $129
- Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, from $49
- Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen Smart Home Display, from $149
Smart lighting goes hand-in-hand with your other smart home devices, and it's a competitive market. Phillip Hue's premium lighting displays are a step above the rest but they can set you back hundreds of dollars for a starter kit.
New, cheaper alternatives like Kmart's Anko range, Mirabella, and Big W's Laser are a better place to start for those not looking to spend a fortune, but Laser's Smart LED strip lights, for example, aren't as bright as more expensive options.
- Mirabella Genio LED Twin Bar Lights, $59
- Laser Smart Globes, from $10
- Anko 10m Smart Wi-Fi LED Strip Light, $59
What Apple lacks in range for their home speakers, they make up for in affordable tech — a perfect stocking-stuffer. The Apple Airtag can keep track of your items, meaning you'll never have to worry where you've left your wallet or keys again.
- Apple AirTag, $45 for one or a 4 pack for $149
Another affordable buy, especially if you've left it to the last minute, is a subscription gift card. There are dozens of services out there, from Netflix, Stan and Disney+ to gaming services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.
These cards can be picked up from pretty much any supermarket, or even the petrol station, from as little as $10. If you'd prefer to save the trees, there's always the option to buy online.
- PlayStation Plus — one-month membership $11.95
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription — one-month membership $15.95
- Netflix, Stan, Disney+ — gift cards starting at $20
Coffee machines are a must-have in any Australian household. The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the latest pod machine from Nespresso, it's also compatible with their new Carafe Pour-over set.
If you're looking to stick to the classic way of making coffee, the Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine is one of the highest-rated on the market — milk frother included.
- Nespresso Vertuo Next, from $279
- Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine, from $269
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You've set your smart home up, but how about your car? Nextbase's latest dashcam range comes with Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa. This means while driving you can ask the dashcam to perform certain actions, for example, "Alexa, take a photo!".
Dashcams are a great way to look after yourself while on the road this Christmas.
- Nextbase 522GW Dashcam, from $298
Ding-dong, doorbells a-plenty. There are a few smart doorbells available now, the latest being Google's Nest doorbell. Or you could always stick to the original Ring Doorbell by Amazon, which still holds up as a great home alert solution. The latest versions of the doorbells are both priced competitively at $329.
- Google Nest doorbell, from $329
- Ring Doorbell 4, from $329 — the original Ring Doorbell is currently just $125 on Amazon's website.
Smart watches have finally made their way into the mainstream. Ten years ago we struggled to imagine a world where half the population embraced this technology, now it's harder to find someone who doesn't have (or want) a smart watch on their wrist.
There's a huge variety of smart watches out there, each with their own unique designs and features.
Bigger truly is better if you can stomach the full price of Apple's best-ever smartwatch. Mix-and-match bands and colours for the perfect, personalised gift — with cheaper options like the SE also available.
- Apple Watch Series 7, from $599
- Apple Watch SE, from $429
Withings' latest smart watch is remarkably approved by the TGA for its ECG technology that scans vitals to detect the wearer's heart health. What it lacks in full-frame smart display it makes up for in battery life. An average charge with the ScanWatch should get you through 30 days.
- Withings ScanWatch, from $499
The latest from GoPro is a step above the rest. The HERO10 Black will set you back an arm and a leg, but it's the best action camera on the market. Up to 5.3K video at 120 frames per second with the most advanced digital stability tech — a must-buy for the adventurer or traveller. Check out the 9News review of the GoPro HERO10.
- GoPro HERO10 Black, from $529 with a one-year subscription.
Delonghi's latest manual coffee machine, La Specialist Arte, is the perfect machine for any aspiring or wannabe barista. This machine grinds, brews and froths — it also comes with a "steam wand" to help you paint a masterpiece on the top of your coffee's foam.
- Delonghi La Specialista Arte, from $749
There's a variety of premium smart lighting kits to feature in your home, namely the shape panels from Nanoleaf. One 15-pack starter kit will set you back over $500. Panels come in a variety of shapes and designs; triangles, hexagons and most recently, Nanoleaf lines.
- Nanoleaf Shapes Starter Kit (15 Pack), $549