15 Best Electronic Gifts For Men In 2024

1. Best Wireless Earbuds with Long Battery Life – Powerbeats Pro

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Looking for true wireless earbuds with long battery life for your workouts or for everyday use? Powerbeats Pro is one of the best models, and it’s not just because of the battery life. The earbuds are also incredibly durable, they provide great fit and comfort, and deliver surprisingly good sound quality. The biggest downside is the price – the earbuds are priced slightly under $250.

Things we like

Powerbeats Pro buds come in a premium box. The packaging also includes a charging case, 3 pairs of ear tips, and a USB-A to lightning charging cable.

Powerbeats Pro earbuds feature the type of design you have probably seen before. There’s a small ear tip with nice rubberized over-ear hooks that are supposed to provide better stability. The build quality is very good and the earbuds are IPX4-rated which makes them resistant to sweat, splashes of water, and light rain.

Unless you have incredibly large ears, one of the included tips should fit perfectly. Those over-ear hooks are somewhat problematic and, if you have small ears, they could be a bit too large. People with average-sized ears won’t have any problems.

The controls are super-easy and you will master them in no time. There are the same controls on both buds – two volume buttons and one ‘’beats’’ button (for playback/call control).

The buds feature the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and have a built-in H1 chip which improves the performance and user experience when the buds are paired with Apple devices. The Bluetooth connection provides a perfectly reliable performance and a very long range (up to 150ft).

The biggest highlight is the battery life. The product description claims 9h but you will get almost 10h of playback at 50% volume. The case will give you 15 additional hours of playtime (25h in total). Quick charge is also supported – charging the Powerbeats Pro for 5min will provide you with 90 minutes of playback.

The earbuds have built-in proximity sensors so the music will be paused when you take them out.

Sound quality is, along with battery life, the greatest highlight. It is surprisingly detailed and balanced, not only for a pair of Beats earphones (which are usually quite bassy) but for a pair of earbuds in general. Powerbeats Pro earbuds are one of the best-sounding Bluetooth earbuds on the market.

The microphone delivers impeccable performance.

Things we don’t like

Price is, arguably, the biggest issue. You can have five decent pairs of sports earbuds for the same price.

The ear hooks are available in only one size and are not removable. People with smaller ears may experience some issues with the ear hook size.

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2. Best Portable CD Player with Speakers – SONY ZSR-S60BT

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Sony is one of only a few reputable brands that still makes portable CD players. Most of these players are made by less reputable generic brands.

Sony’s ZSR-S60BT is a great choice in case you have an old CD collection and need something to play those CDs. It’s quite feature-rich and it’s not that expensive (priced under $100).

Things we like

ZSR-S60BT is a simple-looking, boombox-type CD player with speakers. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.

The controls are easy to use. The whole user interface is fairly simple and quite intuitive. Most of the buttons for playback control, radio tuning, recording, etc. are located on the front. Only power and volume controls are on the top.

Besides CD playback capabilities, ZSR-S60BT is also a radio and has built-in AM and FM tuners. You can play audio files from a USB flash drive, thanks to the USB port on the front panel. You can also record songs (in mp3 format) from a CD to a USB.

The player has two 3in woofers and, thanks to the built-in Bluetooth chip and AUX input, it can be used as wireless (Bluetooth) or wired speaker. So, you can connect any analog audio source via AUX cable or you can pair your phone with the player and stream audio wirelessly.

ZSR-S60BT is portable and requires 6 size-C batteries to operate. Depending on the mode, the playtime varies between 9 and 25 hours (9h -CD mode, 13h – Bluetooth streaming, 15h – USB playback, 25h – FM mode). The batteries are sold separately (not included in the package).

Two built-in full-range woofers deliver satisfying performance. They lack some real bass response but, other than that, the sound is clear and fairly detailed. You can improve the bass by engaging the MEGA BASS feature but, to be honest, the overall performance doesn’t get much better when this feature is active.

Things we don’t like

This player features Bluetooth 2.1 which is an outdated version and doesn’t offer the same kind of performance (range, reliability) as later versions.

ZSR-S60BT doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery. You have to buy the batteries separately.

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3. Best Loud Speaker for Parties/Tailgating – NEW SOUNDBOKS

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NEW SOUNDBOKS is the 3rd generation of the SOUNDBOKS party speakers. It’s supposed to be the loudest speaker on the market. It’s also the most capable speaker from the SOUNDBOKS line. Due to its rugged build, the NEW SOUNDBOKS is a perfect choice for all kinds of outdoor parties and tailgating.

Things we like

NEW SOUNDBOKS may look similar to the first two versions but there are so many upgrades. You just have to take a closer look. The speaker has the same boxy shape with an aluminum frame and protective balls on the corners.

However, the manufacturer used slightly lighter material for the cabinet (poplar plywood instead of birch plywood). This allowed them to install additional components without increasing the overall weight. Furthermore, this one has a honeycomb metal grille but with larger holes/perforations, which improves the airflow. The NEW SOUNDBOKS also has silicone corner balls instead of aluminum balls. The new corner balls enable better impact absorption and reduce the vibrations.

The NEW SOUDNBOKS also has a different control panel on the right side (one additional button for wireless daisy-chaining) and has an additional input/output panel on the back. This panel houses two AUX ports (one input and one output) and two 6.25mm/XLR combo ports.

One of the best things on the previous SOUNDBOKS 2 was the battery and the manufacturer decided not to change anything. The good old BATTERYBOKS is still there. It has a capacity of 7.8Ah and it can provide 40h of playtime at half volume (approx. 5h at full volume). The recharge takes less than 4 hours.

The speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 and provides a perfectly stable and reliable connection with a more than satisfying range. Bluetooth is used for pairing the speaker with your phone.

One of the biggest upgrades is daisy-chain support. NEW SOUNDOKS supports both wired and wireless daisy-chaining. For wireless daisy-chaining, the speaker uses a proprietary SKAA connection (not Bluetooth). You can pair up to four SLAVE speakers with one HOST speaker. However, you can, theoretically, daisy-chain an unlimited number of NEW SOUNDBOKS speakers – you just need one AUX cable per 10 speakers (read more about it in our in-depth review). In wired mode, you can connect any SOUDBOKS speaker (including the previous versions) to the NEW SOUDBOKS – you just have to use the AUX output on the NEW SOUDBOKS and AUX input on the previous SOUNDBOKS versions.

Compared to the first two versions, the NEW SOUNDBOKS has a very different driver configuration, driver design, port design, and consequently, sound signature. Like the previous two SOUNDBOKS versions, there are two 10in woofers and one 1in tweeter.

However, the manufacturer used a compression driver tweeter while the previous versions had soft dome tweeters. Also, those two 10in woofers have different roles because of different crossovers. In the previous two versions, both woofers were responsible for lows and mids. In the new version, the upper woofer plays both mids and lows, while the lower woofer plays only lows. The last, but equally important change is a completely redesigned bass reflex port. Instead of two front-firing ports, there’s a huge hole going through the speaker (aka side-firing pulse-reflex port).

Thanks to all these changes and upgrades, the NEW SOUNDBOKS delivers more refined and cleaner sound. The 3rd SOUNDBOKS version is not as bassy as the previous two and this is going to be the biggest downside if you are crazy about the bass. The mids and highs, on the other hand, are much better balanced and more detailed. The speaker’s RMS power output is 216W and the max SPL level is 126dBs.

Things we don’t like

The speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 but doesn’t support NFC quick pairing.

When two speakers are paired wirelessly, they won’t play in stereo.

Comparison Table

4. Best Wireless Surround Sound System – Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4

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Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 is the most capable Nakamichi surround sound speaker system and it’s one of the largest, loudest, and most immersive systems on the market. If you want something more wireless or more compact, check out our article about the best wireless surround sound systems.

Things we like

Shockwafe Ultra comes with two wireless 10in subwoofers, one soundbar (it replaces the center and two front speakers), and 4 satellites (surround left and right + rear surround left and right).

The soundbar is, as always, the hub of this system. It houses all the connections. There are three HDMI 2.0 inputs (they all support 4K and are HDCP 2.2 compliant). There’s also one HDMI ARC output (for connecting the bar to the TV). On top of all that, the soundbar houses one digital optical input, one coax input, one AUX input, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming.

The soundbar supports all kinds of DSP (EQ) sound modes including Clear Voice and Night Mode. When it comes to surround sound formats. Ultra 9.2.4 supports everything, starting with basic Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1. It even supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos.

Controlling the system is super-easy. There are some basic control buttons on the soundbar, but if you want full control, you will have to use the remote. The remote is a bit large but has all the buttons you may need. It even allows you to control the volume of each speaker and to play with bass and treble response, or to fix lip-sync issues.

Ultra 9.2.4 delivers crazy immersive experience. Thanks to those two 10in woofers, every single explosion will be so vivid. The surround sound experience created by 4 satellite speakers is quite amazing. The soundbar is responsible for most of the dialogs and music and it does a great job.

Things we don’t like

The price is a bit too high but you can hardly get anything better at this price point, especially if you’re looking for a wireless surround sound system.

Unlike some more advanced systems (like SONOS), Nakamichi surround sound systems don’t come with an app. Also, Nakamichi systems don’t come with a calibration tool or mic. You are just supposed to follow the layout recommendations from the manual and choose one of the room size options (small/medium/large).

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5. Best Sades Gaming Headset – SADES Spirit Wolf

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Looking for a really cheap gaming headset? SADES is maybe a generic brand but its headsets have already proven to be quite reliable and are a very popular budget option. Spirit Wolf is a USB gaming headset made for PC gaming. It provides pretty good surround sound experience, it’s quite comfy, and super-easy to use. If you need something with a standard 3.5mm jack, check out our article about best SADES gaming headsets.

Things we like

The headset has an attractive and flashy design with so-called wolf head earcups and backlit SADES logos on each cup. The build quality is not perfect. Everything is made of plastic, but it looks fairly durable.

The headset provides a great amount of comfort. The padding on the cups is excellent – it’s thick and very soft. The padding on the headband is not that thick but thanks to nice weight distribution, you won’t feel any discomfort.

Spirit Wolf has a large undetachable cable with inline controls. There are 4 control buttons – two volume buttons, mic mute button, and volume mute.

This headset is made for PC use and you’ll get surround sound only when the headset is connected to a PC. Thanks to large 50mm drivers, Spirit Wolf delivers an impressive sonic performance, especially considering the price. The surround sound effects and imaging are pretty accurate.

The mic is not as great as the drivers but it’s usable.

Things we don’t like

Spirit Wolf delivers the best possible performance when connected to a PC. It’s not compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles. When connected to a Mac, you will only get stereo sound.

Comparison Table

6. Best DAC/AMP Combo – Chord Hugo 2

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If the men you are buying a gift for is an audiophile and if he doesn’t already have a portable DAC/AMP, Chord Hugo 2 is an excellent choice. Unfortunately, it’s also a very expensive choice (priced around $2,500). If you are looking for something cheaper, check out our article about the best DAC/AMP combos.

Things we like

As you would expect, Chord Hugo 2 comes in a premium packaging with all the necessary audio cables. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.

Hugo 2 has a very unique design, fairly similar to the first Hugo. A strong aluminum chassis protects all the circuits.

Hugo 2 doesn’t require any drivers. It’s compatible with all systems – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, etc.

All the control buttons are on the top panel and they are all illuminated. You can use them to turn the device on/off, select the input, enable audio filters (4 filters are available), and enable sound expansion. In the center of the top panel, you have one large LED that shows the sample rate.

Hugo 2 is extremely versatile. It has one 6.35mm and one 3.5mm headphone output. It also has multiple digital inputs including digital optical input, coaxial input, and a USB audio input. On top of that, it features Bluetooth connectivity with aptX support. In the end, Hugo 2 features analog RCA line outputs.

For a device of its size, Hugo 2 has massive power output. It can output 94mW into 300Ω headphones. It can even push enough power to drive extremely demanding 600Ω headphones.

This DAC/AMP allows you to play with the EQ settings and soundstage. The so-called crossfeed feature allows you to make the soundstage wider and taller. The device also has 4 audio filters that will allow you to change the sound signature and adjust it to your likings.

Hugo 2 supports very high sample rates. It supports PCM file playback (768Hz/312bit) and it can play DSD files (up to DSD512).

When battery-operated, Hugo 2 will deliver 7 hours of playback.

Sonic performance is, naturally, the greatest highlight. Hugo 2 delivers very detailed and accurate sound reproduction with a wide and spacious soundstage. Sonic performance is practically flawless. If you want something other than neutral sound, you can always try playing with audio profiles.

Things we don’t like

Hugo 2 is very expensive and that’s its biggest downside.

Hugo 2 features Bluetooth connectivity with aptX support. However, it doesn’t support aptX HD or aptX Adaptive.

Comparison Table

7. Best HDMI Audio Extractor – ViewHD Prosumer VHD-U4X1AS

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If you are looking for a cheaper but quite useful gift, HDMI audio extractor is not a bad choice. What’s the purpose of an HDMI audio extractor, you may ask? Well, as the name implies, its purpose is to extract audio from a digital output device connected to the extractor via HDMI cable, and to output it in analog or digital form through some other type of port (optical, coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm). So, if the guy you’re buying a gift for needs this kind of device, View HD Prosumer VHD-U4X1AS. is the best choice under $100.

Things we like

ViewHD Prosumer VHD-U4X1AS is a simple, boxy device with strong metal housing. It feels quite premium.

The extractor has numerous inputs and outputs. There are 4 HDMI inputs. They are all HDMI 2.0 ports with HDR support and they are all HDCP2.2 compliant. The device also has two HDMI outputs (one HDMI 2.0 ARC output and one 1.4 audio-only output), one optical output, and one 3.5mm analog output.

Different audio outputs support different audio formats. AUX output supports only stereo sound. The optical port supports basic surround sound formats (LPCM 5, DD 5.1, and DTS 5.1). Other multichannel audio formats are not supported through optical port. HDMI audio-only port can output 7.1 surround sound and it can also output 4K/30Hz video (when sent in the form of HDMI 1.4 signal).

ViewHD Prosumer VHD-U4X1AS supports 4K/60Hz video output through HDMI A output. The max bandwidth is 18Gbps.

Things we don’t like

ViewHD Prosumer has the auto switch, which is, theoretically, a good thing and it’s supposed to recognize which source is active and to automatically switch to that source. However, this is not a great feature when you have devices that send HDMI signals even when they are in stand by mode or when they are turned off (Apple TV, Roku stick, etc.). Luckily, the auto switch feature can be disabled.

Comparison Table

8. Best Bluetooth Audio Receiver – Audioengine B1

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Bluetooth audio receivers are quite popular audio gadgets. They are usually affordable (most of them are even cheap) and they can help you breathe new life into your non-Bluetooth speakers. So, if you have a perfectly functional pair of non-Bluetooth speakers but you want to stream audio wirelessly from your phone, Bluetooth audio receiver is the simplest and cheapest way of upgrading your system without buying new speakers. Our favorite choice in this category is Audioengine B1.

Things we like

Audioengine B1 is a compact and sturdy little device. With that external Bluetooth antenna, it looks like a tiny wi-fi router.

B1 has both digital (optical) and analog (RCA) audio outputs. It features Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX LL, and aptX HD support. The connection is stable within a 100ft range. The pairing is simple and fast. Audioengine B1 is also one of the most reliable audio receivers on the market. It supports 24bit audio sampling.

Things we don’t like

NFC fast pairing is not supported. Also, you can’t pair two or multiple Bluetooth sources with the receiver at the same time (multipoint pairing is not supported).

Both outputs are active at the same time – the audio will go through both outputs simultaneously. There are no buttons for selecting the output.

Comparison Table

9. Best Bluetooth Transmitter for TV – Avantree Audikast Plus

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Bluetooth transmitters and transceivers are, just like Bluetooth receivers, very popular and fairly cheap gadgets that can make your life much easier. What’s their purpose? Their purpose is to receive audio from a digital or analog audio source (your TV, for example) and to send it wirelessly, via Bluetooth, to some Bluetooth-enabled audio output device (speaker, soundbar, or headphones). Our top pick when it comes Bluetooth transmitters is Avantree Audikast Plus. It’s priced under $70 and it can send audio wirelessly to two pairs of headphones without any noticeable delay.

Things we like

Audikast Plus is a compact and boxy device with a black finish and simple user interface and input/output scheme.

All the controls and indicators are on the top. The transmitter has only two volume buttons and two pairing buttons (one for each pair of headphones). You will also see a series of LED input indicators and a series of Bluetooth codec indicators.

On the back, you have a micro USB power input, optical input, and 3.5mm stereo input. Micro USB power input can also be used for audio transmission.

The transmitter features Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX LL support. AptX LL support is very important if you are going to connect the transmitter to your TV. It’s also important to use the headphones with aptX LL support. If the headphones don’t support aptX LL, the delay will be much more noticeable even though the transmitter supports it.

The Bluetooth connection delivers perfectly reliable performance and an extended range of up to 100ft.

Things we don’t like

Audikast Plus doesn’t have a battery – it’s not a portable transmitter.

If you want to pair two Bluetooth headphones with Audikast Plus and if only one pair supports aptX LL, the transmitter will use SBC audio codec for wireless transmission. This will result in much greater latency.

Comparison Table

10. Best Headphones Under $150 – Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

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Looking for great-sounding headphones under $150? Our top choice in this category is the ATH-M50x. The biggest problem we have with these headphones is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. If you want something cheaper, check out our articles about the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 and best over-ear headphones under $100.

Things we like

ATH-M50x headphones are made for professional use but are also quite popular among regular users.

The headphones come with 3 detachable audio cables – one 3m long coiled cable and two straight cables (1.2m and 1.8m long). They all have a simple twist-and-lock mechanism.

The design is a bit too ordinary but still likable. They are maybe just a little bit bulkier than average but still fairly lightweight (for a pair of over-ear headphones). They are mostly made of plastic but have some metal reinforcements and a metal headband frame. All in all, the build quality is on par with the price.

Comfort is one of the best things about ATH-M50x. Every single aspect was solved magnificently. The earpads are thick and soft. The same goes for the headband. Also, the headband is adjustable and the cups can swivel and rotate. The headphones are foldable.

You won’t see any control buttons on the headphones. There’s just an audio input (proprietary 2.5mm twist-and-lock input) on the left cup. If you want to change the song or adjust the volume, you have to use your phone.

ATH-M50x headphones deliver fairly neutral sound, with the right amount of bass, detailed and well-balanced mids, clear vocals, and slightly sharper treble. They isolate a decent amount of ambient noise and don’t leak too much sound.

Things we don’t like

Unlike many other consumer headphones, M50x headphones don’t have a built-in mic. This is perfectly natural since they are made for professional use, but you still have to be aware of it.

Also, M50x don’t feature Bluetooth connectivity. The good thing is that you get not one, but three audio cables.

Comparison Table

11. Best Wireless Earbuds for Small Ears – Jaybird Vista

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Having small ears can be a big problem since most headphone and earbud manufacturers make headphones for average consumers and average-sized ears. Luckily, there are still plenty of options that are perfect for people with small ears. Our favorite true wireless earbuds for small ears are Jaybird Vista.

Things we like

Vista buds come with a very compact charging/carrying case and with ear tips and in-ear wings in different sizes.

The earbuds have a sporty design and build, perfect for active lifestyle and workouts. They are small enough to fit any ear size and they come with in-ear wings that enable better stability. Jaybird Vista are definitely among the lightest and smallest buds on the market – these earbuds are almost invisible.

The housings are IPX7 certified which makes them fully waterproof and submersible in water.

The amount of comfort they provide is amazing. They are in-ear headphones so some discomfort is inevitable but, compared to other in-ear headphones, these are simply great.

The buds come with the Jaybird smartphone app (available for Android and iOS). The app is stable and allows you to select different EQ presets, make your own sound profiles, and find your Vista buds.

The earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0. The pairing is fast, the connection is reliable, and the range extends over standard 33ft.

The battery will deliver 6h of playtime per single charge and the case will provide you with 10 more hours of playback. The case is charged via USB-C cable. 5 mins of charging will provide you with 1 hour of playback.

The earbuds deliver a pretty neutral sound signature, which is a bit surprising for a pair of sports earbuds. The bass is present – it’s punchy and accurate. The midrange is well balanced and doesn’t get overwhelmed by the bass. The highs are consistent.

Things we don’t like

The biggest downside is the price and it’ll be a deal-breaker for most people. They are not extremely expensive (priced around $180), but you can still find a bunch of models that are priced under $100 (or even under $50).

The mic quality is pretty decent but not exactly on par with the price.

Comparison Table

12. Best Bone Conduction Headphones – AfterShokz Aeropex

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Bone conduction headphones are the best option if you like exercising outdoors or cycling. These headphones are also the best choice for people with certain types of hearing impairment (especially conductive hearing loss).

Unlike the traditional headphone types, these headphones don’t go inside or over your ears. Your ears are left open so you can hear everything that’s going on around you, and the sound is transferred, in the form of vibrations, though your bones.

The bone conduction headphone market is not that big so you don’t have an unlimited number of options. At the moment, the only reputable brand is AfterShokz and our favorite model is AfterShokz Aeropex.

Things we like

Aeropex headphones come in a premium packaging with two proprietary charging cables and a pair of earplugs.

Design-wise, Aeropex headphones are not much different from other bone conduction headphones. They have the same basic shape as other bone conduction headphones, with a neckband and two tiny vibrating earpieces. The earpieces are slimmer than average. The headphones are very light and don’t cause any discomfort.

Aeropex headphones are, arguably, the most durable bone conduction headphones on the market. They have a metal neckband frame and are completely wrapped in silicone. Also, they have a proprietary magnetic charging port which is more resistant to fluid ingress. The headphones are IP67 certified.

The controls are very simple. There are just three buttons – one multifunctional button on the left earpiece and two volume buttons on the right neckband arm. The volume buttons are also used for powering on/off and for pairing.

Aeropex headphones have a rechargeable battery. The battery delivers up to 8h of playtime and can be fully recharged in 2h.

The headphones feature the latest Bluetooth 5.0 with a standard Bluetooth range and reliable connection. The pairing is fast and painless. Multipoint pairing is also supported.

Thanks to two noise-canceling microphones, you can use the headphones for making/answering calls.

Aeropex is probably one of the best-sounding bone conduction headphones on the market. It has upgraded transducers and delivers a better bass response than any other bone conduction headphone model. However, they are still not on par with regular in-ear/over-ear headphones. They are simply not the same kind of headphones.

Things we don’t like

We are not fans of proprietary charging cables. The manufacturer includes two proprietary cables, just in case you lose one, but you still have to carry that charging cable with you wherever you go – you can’t use just any micro USB or a USB-C cable.

Comparison Table

13. Best HD Music Player – Sony NW-WM1Z

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Digital audio players and HD music players are getting more and more popular even though we all have smartphones and we can use them for listening to music. Why? Well, because people want the best possible sound quality, even when they are not in their homes. Our absolute favorite when it comes to audiophile-grade portable HD music players is Sony NW-WM1Z.

Things we like

NW-WM1Z comes in premium packaging with a great-looking leather case and Sony’s proprietary 22-pin WM to USB cable. The cable is used for charging and for transferring audio.

This is a very elegant and compact device. It’s not bigger than the average smartphone but it is a little bit thicker and heavier. The build quality is excellent.

The player is very user-friendly. There’s a large touch-sensitive 4in TFT display on the front. You can control everything through this display but you also have physical playback and volume buttons. The player features one 22-pin WM input (for charging, transferring audio files, and connecting headphone amps) and a micro SD card slot. They are located on the bottom. You have two headphone outputs on the top – balanced (4.4mm) and unbalanced (3.5mm).

The player features high-quality components including S-Master amp and high polymer capacitors.

WM1Z has internal storage (256GB) and it also supports micro SD cards (the max. allowed size is 256Gb).

The player supports all the common file types including lossless FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, and WAV. The max supported resolution and sample rate for lossless files is 24bit/384kHz. It can also play standard mp3, AAC, and WMA files, and it supports MQA.

The built-in rechargeable battery can deliver more than 30 hours of playtime. The playtime depends on the file type and volume level. You will get up to 26h with FLAC files (at 50% vol) or up to 11h with DSD256 files. The recharge takes approx. 7h.

WM1Z also features Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 4.2). It supports NFC quick pairing. The list of supported Bluetooth codecs is pretty long and it includes standard SBC and AAC but also aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC.

The biggest quality of this Sony player is the sound quality. As many users confirmed, WM1Z is one of the most analog-sounding digital players on the market. It delivers perfectly accurate and detailed sound reproduction. There’s nothing to complain about when it comes to sound. Even if you don’t like the original sound signature, you can play with EQ settings and sound modes.

Things we don’t like

Price is the biggest downside. Sony NW-WM1Z is an excellent player but it’s priced over $3,000 and that will be a huge dealbreaker for most people.

Another downside is the lack of wi-fi connectivity.

Comparison Table

14. Best Soundbar for LG TV – LG SL5Y

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It’s incredible how a small upgrade can improve your TV and movie-watching experience. If you’re not perfectly happy with those tiny TV speakers, the simplest solution is adding a soundbar (and a subwoofer) to your TV. If you have an LG TV, our top recommendation is LG SL5Y soundbar/subwoofer combo. It’s relatively small and unobtrusive, it’s easy to install and use, and it’s priced under $300.

Things we like

The soundbar/subwoofer combo comes with a nice remote and optical cable. The soundbar is compact, lightweight, and slim. It can be mounted on a wall or placed on a TV stand (under your TV). The subwoofer pairs wirelessly with the soundbar.

For basic controls, you can use four buttons located on the soundbar’s right panel. For all the other controls and for activating different sound settings, you have to use the remote.

On the front, there’s a simple LCD display. On the back, you have one HDMI input, one HDMI ARC OUT port, one optical input, and one USB input.

The bar features four sound modes. The most interesting is the adaptive sound control. When this mode is active, the soundbar will recognize the audio content and adjust the output in accordance with that content. The soundbar also features bass blast mode, standard mode, and DTS Virtual:X mode. The last one is supposed to improve surround sound effects and improve your movie-watching experience. Like many similar soundbars, LG SL5Y supports the Night Mode. This mode lowers the bass response and improves dialog intelligibility at lower volumes.

The soundbar supports only the basic DTS, Dolby Digital, and LPCM 5.1 surround sound formats. Other surround sound audio formats are not supported.

The soundbar features 4 drivers (two woofers and two tweeters) arranged in 2 channels (left and right). Combined with a wireless subwoofer, this soundbar delivers a very good sonic performance, perfect for TV watching. Movie watching is also great, much better than with your TV speakers. However, it’s not exactly on par with true surround sound systems, even when the DTS Virtual:X sound mode is enabled. If you want a better surround sound experience, you can add two SPK8-S wireless satellites (surround speakers) to this combo.

Things we don’t like

DTS Virtual:X is supposed to improve the surround sound experience but it’s pretty useless. You won’t get surround sound without adding those wireless surround speakers.

The soundbar can’t play 7.1 and other multichannel surround sound formats. Also, it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Comparison Table

15. Best Soundbar for Samsung TV – Samsung HW-Q80R

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If you have a Samsung TV and you’re not happy with your TV speakers, adding a soundbar (and subwoofer) is a fairly simple and effective upgrade. Our favorite soundbar for Samsung TVs is the one made in cooperation with Harman Kardon – Samsung HK HW-Q80R. This is one of the latest and most capable Samsung systems. The biggest downside of this system is the price (priced slightly under $1,000). If you need something cheaper, you can check out our list of the best soundbars under $200.

Things we like

HW-Q80R is advertised as a 5.1.2 system due to a specific driver arrangement, even though it’s just a soundbar/subwoofer combo. Both soundbar and subwoofer are sleek and elegant. The bar is thin and can be mounted on a wall.

HW-Q80R is incredibly versatile. It houses one HDMI ARC output, two HDMI inputs (with 4K and HDR10 support), and one TOSLINK input. There’s also a USB port, but it’s designed for service purposes only. Along with physical connections, the soundbar features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

For basic functions, you can use the four-button control panel on the top. For all the advanced features and functions, you have to use the included remote or the SmartThings app. You can even pair the soundbar with some Alexa speaker and use the speaker to control some basic functions (adjust the volume and turn it on/off).

The remote allows you to select the sound mode. There are 4 modes – adaptive, surround, gaming, and standard. Adaptive mode analyzes the content and adjusts the audio output in accordance with the content and volume. The remote also allows you to play with bass and treble response of the system, adjust the volume of each channel, etc.

HW-Q80R supports all the available surround sound formats including DTS:X and Dolby Atmos.

Inside the soundbar, there are 13 drivers arranged in 5 channels (11 drivers for the 3 front channels + 2 up-firing drivers). It’s quite impressive how they managed to install so many drivers inside a relatively small enclosure.

Compared to similar soundbar/subwoofer combos, HW-Q80R delivers an amazing surround sound performance. The soundstage created by the soundbar is pretty big and envelopes the listening area. The surround sound effects are pretty accurate and immersive. Those up-firing drivers are probably the only thing that’s not so great. If you want the best possible surround sound experience, you can combine this soundbar/subwoofer combo with two Samsung’s SWA-9000S wireless satellites.

Things we don’t like

Q80R features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity but it’s not Chromecast or Airplay enabled. It also doesn’t have Alexa built-in. Considering the price, the lack of these features is a downside.

Comparison Table

This is the end of our article on 15 best electronic gifts for men in 2024. Hopefully, you have found a perfect gift for your men. If you have any questions about audio equipment or have some doubts, read our FAQs section or leave your question in the comments below.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best electronic gift for men in 2024?

A: Well, if you ask us, it would have to be a nice piece of audio equipment. It doesn’t have to be expensive or flashy – it just has to be useful.

Q: What to get to someone who likes audio gear?

A: First, you should try to find out what he actually needs. If the guy is already into audio gear, he probably has a favorite brand or a device that he really wants. Maybe, he has a nice pair of headphones but needs the right portable amp to pair them with. Or maybe he needs a speaker for tailgating. We can’t give you one specific answer – we can only give you suggestions. So, once you find out what kind of device he needs, come here and check out our suggestions.

Q: What do you get a man who doesn’t want anything?

A: In my experience, if a person says that he/she doesn’t need anything it usually means that he/she wants you to find out what he/she needs and show him/her, that way, that you know him/her well enough. Or, in some cases, this means that he really doesn’t want anything and he just needs you to be with him.

Q: What to get to someone who exercises a lot?

A: If you want to buy him some audio gear, the choice is pretty obvious. You should get him a nice pair of sports earbuds. You should be looking for something waterproof (IPX certified), stable, and lightweight. If the person you are buying a gift for likes jogging, cycling, or some other activity that requires staying aware of the surroundings, you could surprise him with a pair of bone conduction headphones.

Q: What to get to someone who likes to party?

A: Well, get him a speaker. A huge one. You can find plenty of options in this one and some of our previous articles. In the past, we did articles on extremely loud speakers, on tailgate speakers, and on party speakers with lights so be sure to check them out.

James Longman

Hello, my name is James Longman.

I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.

Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.

I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.

Electronic Gifts for Men		Review
Powerbeats Pro	Best Wireless Earbuds with Long Battery Life	Read Review
SONY ZSR-S60BT	Best Portable CD Player with Speakers	Read Review
NEW SOUNDBOKS	Best Loud Speaker for Parties	Read Review
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4	Best Wireless Surround Sound System	Read Review
SADES Spirit Wolf	Best Sades Gaming Headset	Read Review
Chord Hugo 2	Best DAC/AMP Combo	Read Review
ViewHD Prosumer VHD-U4X1AS	Best HDMI Audio Extractor	Read Review
Audioengine B1	Best Bluetooth Audio Receiver	Read Review
Avantree Audikast Plus	Best Bluetooth Transmitter for TV	Read Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Best Headphones Under $150	Read Review
Jaybird Vista	Best Wireless Earbuds for Small Ears	Read Review
AfterShokz Aeropex	Best Bone Conduction Headphones	Read Review
Sony NW-WM1Z	Best HD Music Player	Read Review
LG SL5Y	Best Soundbar for LG TV	Read Review
Samsung HW-Q80R	Best Soundbar for Samsung TV	Read Review

Best Electronic Gifts for Men – Comparison Table