Best Tech Gifts for the 2023 Holiday Season: Headphones, Soundbars & More!

Technical gear has been important since the beginning of music recording and production. Whether you’re an avid onstage performer, a deskbound studio engineer, or an experienced podcast pro, chances are you rely on a formidable collection of electronic gear to keep your workflow efficient.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about gifts. We get it — buying for a musician can be challenging, but fear not! We’ve scoured the depths of Sweetwater’s tech treasury to curate a selection of items perfect for musicians and content creators of every skill level. From headphones, speakers, and cameras to a bevy of work-inspired accessories, we’re sure the list below has something for the special someone you have in mind. Let’s take a look!

HeadphonesEarphonesBluetooth SpeakersSoundbarsComputers/TabletsTurntablesCamerasAccessories

Headphones

Headphones are one of the most important tools in any musician’s arsenal. That’s why Sweetwater offers multiple models, from game-inspired headset microphones to audiophile-quality headphones. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT wireless over-ear headphones are an excellent option for music lovers who like listening to their audio on the go. Plus, the modest price point makes them an affordable choice for any musician. If your giftee is especially serious about their sound, then consider a pair of Sennheiser HD 599 open-back headphones. Their optimized transducer design and E.A.R. audio technology grant a massive boost to audio clarity and depth, ensuring the listener captures every nuance of their audio — all while remaining comfortable thanks to the built-in padded earcups.

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Gamers at Sweetwater are big fans of the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 analog gaming headset. Why? Given their 40mm drivers and low-noise output, they double as a solid PC accessory and hi-fi listening device. Plus, their detachable Meta Voice microphone keeps conversations between you and your teammates crystal clear. Also, check out these wireless JBL Lifestyle Live 660NC over-ear headphones. We are impressed with their noise-canceling technology, which adequately blocks out surrounding noise to ensure a clear and distraction-free listening experience. Better yet, tapping on the earcup activates Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, giving you near-limitless control of your sound without grabbing your phone or smart device. These are just four of our favorites; if you want more suggestions, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer or browse our website for headphones!

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Earphones

A nice set of earbuds is equally valuable in the studio as a top-notch pair of headphones. Earbuds are often a better option for on-the-go music lovers, thanks to their compact profile. As a result, they make a great gift option for the holiday season. Beyerdynamic Free Byrd noise-canceling earbuds have been popular at Sweetwater this year for good reason. Their 3-driver design makes them some of the clearest-sounding earbuds on the market, and low-latency Google Fast Pair technology means they effortlessly connect to nearly any Bluetooth device. Throw in an optimized active noise-canceling mode, and these ‘buds are prepared to impress any discerning audiophile.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW earphones are a budget-friendly option that includes touch sensors, a hear-through function, and superior built-in microphones for crystal clear calls. The ATH-SQ1TWs are designed to tackle nearly any environment, too, thanks to their IPX4 splashproof design — which makes them an excellent option for gym-goers and others working in humid environments. If the musician in your life is the type who can’t go anywhere without their music, then they’re going to need a reliable pair of earbuds. Ensure they start on the right foot with one of these prime selections from Sweetwater.

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Bluetooth Speakers

Parties these days rely on the power of a Bluetooth speaker to keep their energy alive. However, igniting the vibe of a friendly get-together isn’t the only trick these compact beasts offer. They’re also great for personal exercise routines and outdoor adventures, not to mention an entertaining addition at the pool. If you’re looking for something flexible, then you’ll find all you need in the Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker. A built-in utility loop allows you to take its clear, optimized Bose sound to virtually any location, and a maximized 12-hour battery life means it will fare well for several listening sessions. It also features left and right stereo pairing and a party mode to keep your audio lively and personal.

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If you want to control every facet of your music, then check out the JBL Lifestyle PartyBox On-The-Go. The extensive front panel offers controls for mic and guitar inputs, as well as a 2-band EQ control to fine-tune your frequencies to maximize the sonics of your tracks. It features splash protection, PartyBox connectivity options, and a convenient resting place for your device, making track changes easy on the fly. These are just a couple of our favorite options. Check our entire lineup of Bluetooth speakers for even more gift ideas!

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Soundbars

Television isn’t just visual these days. Audio plays a crucial role in how immersed we are as viewers, so investing in a soundbar may be just what you need to heighten your entertainment experience. Let’s start with the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini. This 6-driver soundbar system provides a classic 7.1.4 sound experience and a surprising amount of low end, given its compact form factor. It’s incredibly versatile, too, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, and 360 Reality Audio. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a similar level of performance, including an AI Dialogue Mode, ADAPTiQ audio calibration, and a remote control to up the ante in user control. Plus, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar can be commanded via voice, enabling seamless, hands-free utility.

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If your screen-time allegiance is to the desktop rather than to the couch, then the Mackie CR StealthBar desktop PC soundbar is for you. It’s specifically designed to rest under your monitor and contains three sound presets — Music, Voice, and Game — so you can quickly optimize your sound without leaving your desk. Best of all, its USB connectivity makes it a cinch to integrate into virtually any computer rig, so you’ll be set for sound no matter the complexity of your setup. Adding a soundbar can be all it takes to transform your entertainment system into a cinema-grade experience.

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Computers/Tablets

Digital production requires a suitable setup — which can be accomplished with a dedicated computer system or a tablet workstation. If you need plenty of power to get your projects up and running, then it’s worth considering a Sweetwater Custom Computing workstation, like the CS400 4U professional audio and video production workstation. This rackmountable unit is easily capable of handling nearly any DAW, heavy-load plug-in collection, or audio database required for your project — thanks to an extensive 32GB of DDR4/3200 RAM, 2TB of storage space, Intel i7 processing speeds, and an optimized Microsoft Windows 11 operating system.

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For producers on the go, a laptop like this Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro is a more suitable choice. Its 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, and 8TB of SSD storage ensure that you get the same pro-level performance of a larger unit with the convenience of mobility. If even more portability is desired or a tablet-size workspace is preferred, then we’d suggest an Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It contains a similar Apple M2 chip, has a 16-core Neural Engine, and works with many compatible DAWs, plug-ins, and digital mixer systems. For musicians with a long-term setup, an iPad is still a solid option, as it creates even more access to hands-on controls and can allow you to take your projects on the road.

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Turntables

Recently, there’s been a massive surge in the popularity of vinyl records. Analog-oriented DJs, vintage-music lovers, and traditionalist audiophiles are among vinyl’s most dedicated proponents. As a result, the demand for turntables these days has skyrocketed. Luckily, we have plenty of them available right here at Sweetwater, from beginner-level, belt-driven beasts to top-shelf, direct-drive legends! Up first is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, a budget-friendly turntable with basic operating speed controls and a simple press-and-go design. Its older sibling, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB, provides the same reliable mechanics but with Bluetooth and USB connectivity — making it easy to integrate into any pre-existing entertainment system. It features three selectable speeds and variable pitch control.

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Finally, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7 manual belt-drive turntable marks phono-sophistication. Its ergonomic body shape and simple construction offer a pleasant look and seamless setup. Plus, its lower deck hub features extensive I/O for multiple connectivity options. Its deceivingly simple appearance and internal mechanics make it a mainstay of Sweetwater DJs and audiophiles alike. With the emerging vinyl revival in full swing, every musician needs a high-quality turntable. These are just a few of our favorites!

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Cameras

Photographers, bloggers, and content creators — we’re looking at you. Your camera dictates the quality of your productions, so it’s always wise to stick with a high-quality piece of gear if you want to get the job done right. Action cameras have become a popular choice at Sweetwater, with items like the GoPro HERO12 Black gaining traction for its amazing 5.3K video and convenient social media–sharing features. The Insta360 X3 action video camera is another solid option, boasting a dual-lens design and touchscreen menu navigation. 

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Our final handheld video camera favorite is the Zoom Q8n-4K video recorder. It’s built specifically for creators and features many handy features, like a USB interface, selectable phantom power, dual mic inputs, and more. If photos are your forte, then Sweetwater recommends the Panasonic Lumix G7 4K mirrorless camera for its 2,360K dot OLED viewfinder and new and improved adjustment controls. Creators spend a lot of time in front of their computers, especially during the production and editing phases. That’s where the Insta360 Link 4K webcam comes in handy. This webcam is a step above most modern models, as its AI-powered tracking ensures you’re in focus throughout your entire broadcast. Likewise, built-in hand-gesture recognition lets you command your device hands-free!

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Accessories

Finally, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite tech-inspired accessories! If you have yet to find a gift for the musician in your life, then you’re sure to find it here! First up is the Insta360 Flow standalone gimbal that, with its pro-grade effects bank and Deep Track 3.0 algorithm, grants mobile photographers and videographers a professional filming solution without needing a complex studio setup. The DJI Osmo Mobile SE gimbal stabilizer is similar, giving 3-axis professional stabilization and a tactical design for extra mobilization and ergonomic shots. Speaking of device optimization, the adjustable, 14-inch Fastset laptop/iPad stand is a great gift for musicians like DJs, keyboard performers, and others who use tablets! It will clamp to nearly any table, and it’s a great way to keep your device in sight during a performance!

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Need a charge? No problem! The Sweetwater Compact Mobile Power Bank provides up to eight hours of 5,000mAh charging. It’s inexpensive and a perfect gift for anyone, given that almost every musician carries a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. If you know someone who needs a head covering, the Sweetwater Campus Beanie is an excellent way to keep warm while being the most stylish person in the studio.

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Can’t Decide? Give a Sweetwater Gift Card!

Sweetwater Gift CardsChoosing the perfect gift has never been easier than instant digital delivery and the freedom to choose from over 63,000 music products. A Sweetwater e-Gift is the fastest way to get the giving going. You choose the dollar amount, and the music maker in your life — or maybe even you — gets exactly what they want. The perfect gift is just a few clicks away!

If you can’t make up your mind, then we have the perfect gift solution: a Sweetwater Gift Card! These can be purchased as either a digital card or as a physical card that you can use as a stocking stuffer.

For a digital card, simply click on the “Send as an e-Gift” button below, fill out your information, and choose the amount you want to place on the card. You can then email the gift card to your lucky giftee that day or choose a later date — you have up to a year to send it! Send a personal message with your gift card to make it even more special. Your giftee can pick from any of our 63,000 products, and they don’t have to spend it all on one purchase.

For a physical gift card, choose the “Send a Gift Card” option, choose the amount and the message, and we’ll handle the rest by mailing the card to either you or your recipient.

Whichever you choose, we are confident that the convenience will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These are the easiest way to make the season a little brighter.

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Find the Perfect Holiday Gift at Sweetwater!

No matter their level of expertise, any musician can benefit from the tech gifts offered in this list. Hopefully, our choices have helped you select the perfect gift for the instrumentalist in your life! If not, then no worries — Sweetwater offers several other tech-oriented products. So, browse our entire collection to expedite your search. If you have any questions regarding compatibility, want extra recommendations, or want to talk gear, then call one of our expert Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. Happy holidays!
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