Father’s Day will be here before you know it (in case you’ve forgotten, it’s on Sunday, September 5). That means time is running out if you want to buy him a present, and if you’re struggling to think of something, we’ve got some great tech gift ideas to help you decide.
Don’t think tech’s just about TVs and smartphones – we’ve thought outside the box and included smart displays, Bluetooth trackers and ereaders as well. And we’ve got options across different budgets too. All our options are available online, and if you decide on a gift now, you’ll have the chance to get the item delivered to you well in time for Father’s Day.
Neon
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If your dad loves kicking back and watching telly, a subscription to Neon will be the gift that keeps on giving all year round. The streaming service comes packed with blockbuster movies, HBO shows, Dreamworks animations for the kids and so much more.
An annual subscription to Neon will set you back NZ$159.99, which works out to be NZ$13.33 a month. If you want a more flexible option though, you could sign dad up to a monthly plan which will cost NZ$15.99 a month.
Whichever you choose, both plans will let you watch on two screens at once, and will also allow you to download select content to watch on the go. The choice really comes down to whether you want a flexible plan or to save money upfront.
Philips OneBlade Pro
We don’t test beard trimmers at TechRadar, but our colleagues at T3 do, and they recommend the Philips OneBlade Pro as one of the best beard trimmers you can buy. Unlike some other beard trimmers, the OneBlade Pro uses a replaceable blade that lasts anywhere between six weeks to three months.
The dual-sided blade moves up to 200 times a second so dad can trim, edge and shave with accuracy, and if you get him the Pro model, a cutting comb is included for longer beards.
T3’s review found it considerably more gentle than other trimmers, so if dad’s prone to razor burn after a fresh save, this is a good pick. That said, the review found it was best for cleaning up stubble and shorter beards, so if your dad’s sporting a grizzly beard, take a look at the Remington B5 instead (also recommended by T3).
Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam
Working from home can mean lots of virtual meetings, and if dad’s computer’s webcam isn’t up to scratch, he can be left looking like a pixelated mess. One of the best recommendations we can make is the Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam, which replaces the much-loved Logitech C920.
This webcam is top-class, and is particularly good for live streaming or recording. It allows streaming in 1080p resolution at 30fps or 720p at 60fps, allowing video to be smoother and more realistic. Even if your dad isn’t live streaming on Twitch as a side gig 🤟 – this webcam will make sure dad looks his best.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
The Google Nest Hub is a smart display that’s been thoughtfully designed to earn a spot on a bedside table. With privacy issues in mind, there’s no camera on the second-gen Nest Hub, and you’re able to switch the mic off anytime. With that in mind though, you’ll want to look elsewhere if you want a smart display that can make video calls.
This device can also track your sleep, and it has neat features that’ll help you wind down at night and gently wake you up in the morning. Outside of these sleep-focused features, it also just makes for an excellent smart home hub to control connected devices, one that you can use to listen to music and watch videos from its 7-inch screen.
Read our full Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) review
Kobo Libra H2O
If your dad often has his head buried in a book, the Kobo Libra H2O should make for a fantastic gift. It’s comfortable to use one-handed thanks to page-turn buttons and an asymmetrical design, so your dad can kick back and get cosy. The Libra uses the latest E Ink technology, so the 7-inch display looks similar to real paper and it’s wonderfully fast and responsive.
Kobo’s ereaders also have OverDrive support, which means ebooks can be borrowed from the local public library as well. Oh, and did we mention it’s waterproof? The user interface is streamlined and intuitive, making the Libra H2O, in our books (pun intended), one of the best ereaders you can get without spending too much money.
Read our full Kobo Libra H2O review
Chromecast with Google TV
If your dad doesn’t have a smart TV, consider getting him a Chromecast with Google TV. While older Chromecasts required you to ‘cast’ content using your phone, this newer model lets you take more control with a dedicated remote and on-screen interface.
It gives you access to all the best streaming apps right from your TV, including Netflix, Stan, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime, plus the usual free-to-air TV streaming apps. All told, the latest Chromecast is much more user-friendly than previous versions and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like getting your dad a new telly would.
Read our full Chromecast with Google TV review
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Apple and Sony might be the names you know when it comes to true wireless earbuds, but when it comes to active noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the best out there. And there’s 10 levels of noise cancellation available from these ‘buds, so you can set it exactly how you’d like it.
Sound quality is also very impressive, with stunning clarity making them an absolute pleasure to listen to, although they are a little less bassy than Sony’s equivalent. Call quality is crystal clear too, as the ‘buds have the ability to reduce ambient sound when you’re chatting on the phone.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review
Garmin Forerunner 945 / Garmin Forerunner 55
Garmin offer some of the best running watches you can buy, and if your dad’s really into his running, there’s a wide variety to choose from. The cream of the crop is the Garmin Forerunner 945, and it supports tracking for more than 30 different sports. There’s also precise heart rate monitoring, accurate GPS and useful maps in full colour.
The Forerunner 945 has an incredibly high price tag though – we’re talking AU$999 at full RRP, though it can be found for much less when on sale. So if you think your dad won’t need all the bells and whistles of the 945, consider the Forerunner 55 instead.
It’s an entry-level running watch that’s well designed, with great training suggestions for a newbie, plus onboard GPS for outdoor activity tracking. And it’ll cost you significantly less at AU$329 when bought at full price.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 945 review
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 55 review
Nanoleaf Shapes
To really make your dad’s eyes light up, consider gifting him some unique Nanoleaf Shapes. These smart light panels come in the form of hexagons, triangles and mini triangles – which can be mixed and matched for several design options – and their bright lights can absolutely transform a space.
The colour on these panels can be adjusted to suit the mood, from playful colours for entertaining to soothing ambient light. Those colours and scenes can be controlled through the app, but they’re also touch- and voice-sensitive, with a touch sending out a mesmerising ripple and colour change effect.
While setting up the Shapes might sound like a tricky task, it’s actually quite easy. You use plastic links to click the panels into place, and the installation shouldn’t cause any damage to your wall (just don’t use them on wallpaper). If you’re struggling with the design, the app can give you a hand.
Read our full Nanoleaf Shapes review
Tile Mate
For the forgetful person who always seems to be misplacing their valuables, a Bluetooth tracker could be just the thing they didn’t even know they needed. The Apple AirTag is the newest location tracker available, but it only works with iOS devices, and it’s sparked its fair share of controversy due to its use of a button battery (which is dangerous if swallowed).
As an alternative, you could consider a Tile Bluetooth tracker. It looks like a keychain, and can easily be attached to keys, a lanyard, a laptop bag, your pet’s collar... anything with a loop basically. You can even simply slip it into a bag if you’d prefer.
So, next time your dad asks “have you seen my…?” he can use Tile’s app to find it again. The range of the Mate is 60 metres from a smartphone, and the tracker will ring out loudly when you’re near the lost item. Tile’s Bluetooth trackers come in other forms too, including the Tile Pro, Tile Slim and Tile Sticker.
Philips Airfryer XXL
If your dad loves to potter around the kitchen, consider getting him an air fryer, and the Philips Airfryer XXL comes very well reviewed. While we haven’t spent time with it ourselves, our colleagues at T3 have, and they found it to be an excellent option for healthier meals using little to no oil.
The XXL model has a 1.4kg capacity, and it should be big enough to cater to the whole family (it can fit an entire chicken inside). Of course, it can just as easily be used to reheat food or rustle up a small meal for one.
It’s got five preset modes and can go from 40°C all the way up to 200°C, and there’s a neat ‘keep warm’ function too. It should be easy to clean as well, as all the cooking parts are removable and dishwasher safe.
Sonos Roam
We rate the Sonos Roam as the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy. Despite its deceptively small size, the Sonos Roam can pump out powerful sound. In fact, it even leans a little bass-heavy, perhaps a little too much at times. That sound profile – and its portable design – lends itself very well to outdoor use though.
And the aptly named Roam has definitely been designed for the outdoors. It has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and its rugged build is waterproof up to the IP67 standard. When you’re away from a power outlet, the Sonos Roam can last up to 10 hours of use, so it’s a great one for taking with you when you’re out and about.
For indoor use, there’s a neat Auto TruePlay feature that allows the Roam to automatically adjust its soundstage to suit the environment it’s in. The rhythmic accuracy still isn’t perfect though, so if your dad considers himself an audiophile, you might have to look elsewhere.
Read our full Sonos Roam review
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a cheap and cheerful tablet, and while it won’t blow you away with its performance, the more premium options will cost you hundreds more dollars. This Android tablet is compact and light with an 8.7-inch display, and the screen is nice and bright. At this price point though, darker images and movies may lack some detail, so keep this in mind if you think it’ll be used for lots of streaming.
But if you just want a highly portable tablet for everyday use, with some light entertainment thrown in, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite fits the bill, and it won’t break the bank. TechRadar hasn’t reviewed this device yet, but our colleagues at Tom’s Guide have spent some time with it.
