CNET: Best tech gifts for the grad in your life

Graduation season is here again, and that means it’s time to start shopping for the grad in your life. Whether they’re graduating from high school or college, graduation is a huge milestone. You’ll naturally want to celebrate their success with a thoughtful gift that will help usher them into their new journey.

A recent high school grad might soon be moving into a freshman dorm room. A college grad may be heading into the real world and getting their first apartment. Regardless of what their next phase is, we’ve rounded up a batch of gifts that most grads will appreciate. Here are three of CNET’s top picks to enhance their techie lifestyle, wherever they’re heading.

SONY WH-1000XM4

For tuning out roommates

CNET TAKE: The Sony WH-1000X4s are arguably the best all-around noise-canceling headphones. While they list for $350, they frequently sell for closer to $275. That’s still expensive for a set of headphones, but compared to the AirPods Max at $549, this graduation gift seems like a bargain.

SONOS ROAM

For taking the party outside

CNET TAKE: Available in white or black for $179, the Roam is currently Sonos’ smallest and most affordable speaker, though it’s fairly expensive for a mini wireless speaker. This model, like Sonos’ earlier, but more expensive, Move portable speaker, is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can tap into an existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers. This gift idea makes for a good starter speaker for those new to the Sonos world.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 7

A new twist on an old classic

CNET TAKE: The Apple Watch puts a modern spin on a traditional graduation gift. This is stylish and more practical than a simple bracelet. The Series 7, which can usually be found starting at under $400 for the smaller 41mm size, features an always-on display, blazing-fast speed and a host of health and wellness features.