Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
from £35 / stuff.tv/dot
This fabric-covered take on Marvin the paranoid android in disguise as a Magic 8-Ball feels playful yet classical. It can’t match a full-size smart speaker for audio, but as a little radio and an Alexa assistant for the bedside table or kitchen worktop, this cutey gets the job done. It’s worth paying £15 more for the ‘with Clock’ version, which adds extra functionality beyond telling the time.
Stuff says ★★★★★
With the optional clock, this is our favourite bedside wondergadget
Sega Mega Drive Mini £70 / stuff.tv/megadrivemini
There’ll always be rows over whether Nintendo’s or Sega’s games are better, but the Mega Drive Mini wins the miniature retro console war in terms of the faithful recreation of both hardware and software – especially as there are 42 titles included.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Sega’s back – and this really is the ultimate mini gaming machine
Raspberry Pi 400 £94 / stuff.tv/pi400
This DIY computer kit isn’t about the work (or homework) it can do, but what you can turn it into.
It’s an affordable standalone programming rig, a hub for electronics and a stashable device that can become any classic home computer in seconds.
Stuff says ★★★★★
A superb gadget for hacking around and exploring computing’s past
Moto G8 Plus ★★★★★ £180 / stuff.tv/g8plus
This is classic Moto: a smart, well-equipped smartphone for under £200.
Soundmagic TWS50 ★★★★★ £79 / stuff.tv/tws50
Expertly judged wireless in-ear performance at an eye-catching price.
Mi Smart Band 5 ★★★★★ £30 / stuff.tv/miband5
Fantastic value and decent features make this an easy fitness tracker to recommend.
Ring Indoor Cam ★★★★★ £49 / stuff.tv/ringindoor
This cute little spy-cam is a bona fide bargain for anyone with security worries.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 ★★★★★ £90 / stuff.tv/wonderboom2
A rugged little wonder that’ll bring a sonic boost to any occasion.
Chromecast with Google TV ★★★★★ £60 / stuff.tv/chromecasttv
A solid buy if you like Google’s casting tricks but also want all your TV apps in one place.
Apple Homepod Mini ★★★★I £99 / stuff.tv/homepodmini
This smart speaker is a sonic success… but only worth getting if you’re an Apple Music subscriber.