These are the 10 best gadgets under $100

What's more pleasurable than upgrading an old, ailing piece of technology with something fresh and new? Or improving your life with a kind of gadget you've never before owned?

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Unfortunately, we can't all upgrade our phones or laptops to the latest model. But there are plenty of devices that fall under $100 but still offer solid usefulness and quality. Here are 10 of our favorite examples.

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Plantronics Backbeat FIT bluetooth earphones

Plantronics Backbeat FIT
Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider

These are, unquestionably, the best headphones for working out. And they have been for a long time. The FITs offer excellent sound quality without blocking out street noise on your run, they stay in your ears without tangling you up in wires, they let you take hands-free calls, and their batteries will last you through a week of workouts.

$82

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Jabra MOVE Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

jabra move wireless
Jabra/Amazon

When you're not working up a sweat, the best affordable Bluetooth headphones we've seen are the Jabra MOVEs.

This a good-looking, good-sounding wireless device. Its battery will last you for about six hours of active listening, and it's so light that you'll forget its there. Tech Insider science editor Dave Mosher has a pair, and bought another for his dad — who reports that he hates to take them off.

$70

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Microsoft Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse

Arc Touch Mouse 1
Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider

The computer mouse is not the first place you might look for exciting, innovative designs, but Microsoft's Arc Touch Bluetooth device is a big exception. It's been around for a little while now, but there still isn't a portable competitor that can match its elegance or convenience.

The Arc Touch runs on a single AAA battery, and lies flat in your bag. Ready to use it with your laptop or tablet? Press lightly in its middle and it pops into a sculpted bulge that'll fit easily in your hand, activating and connecting in the same motion. No more wasting batteries because you forget to flip a little switch.

$48

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Eneloop rechargeable batteries

eneloop rechargable aa aaa battery
Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider

Want to cut down on battery waste even further? Pick up some Eneloop batteries. I've previously called these little wonders among the most perfect gadgets in the world, and I stand by that claim.

They solve a simple problem: Regular batteries are wasteful and expensive, while many rechargeable don't work as promised. Eneloops will chug along for a long time between charges, and maintain their high capacities with heavy use. Want even longer-lasting versions? Go for the Eneloop Pros.

Regular Eneloop packs start at $9.

Pros start at $13.

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Withings Go

Withings Go
Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider

The fitness tracker market is pretty saturated right now with highly similar products from many different brands. The Withings Go stands out for doing all the right things well — lasting for months between charges, detecting a range of activities, and performing well underwater — while introducing one nice innovation: an always-on E-Ink display.

$80

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Sony MDR7506

sony mdr7506
Amazon

At 25 years old, these are far from the best-looking headphones you can buy. But they still deliver exceptional quality. With a coiled cord that extends to nearly 10 feet, they may be a bit unwieldy as streetwear. However, their noise-blocking design makes them an excellent pair for your desk at work or at home, and you know your purchase will stretch a long time.

$80

 

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Panasonic RP-HTX7

panasonic rp htx7 g1
Amazon

The Panasonic RP-HTX7s are a better-looking and more portable wired headset than the Sony MDR7506s. While less tried-and-true, they still offer very good build quality and sound at a reasonable price, and come in a range of attractive colors. They don't do a terrible job of blocking noise either — you'll spot them all over the New York City subways.

$40-$45

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Chromecast

red chromecast
Matt Weinberger/Business Insider

If you're an Android user, or use Google Chrome on your computer, there's no better way to send media to your TV then the Google Chromecast. This little device will mirror anything in your browser, as well as the content of most Android media apps, with no fuss or muss.

$35

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Chromecast Audio

chromecast audio
Tim Schofield (Qbking77)/YouTube

Like the Chromecast, the Chromecast Audio turns your Android device or Chrome browser into a powerful media remote. The Audio will send a high-fidelity audio stream, received over WiFi, to any speakers in your home with an audio jack. It allows you to upgrade old-school sound systems to 21st-Century connectivity, and will play music or podcasts even as you take calls or play other media on your phone.

$35

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Roku Streaming Stick

roku
Roku

If you want a device that will handle all your streaming needs itself, the best option is the Roku Streaming Stick. This gadget is home to plenty of native apps for all the major streaming services, and plugs invisibly into the back of your TV. A remote helps you easily browse to your favorite options, though there's also an app for Android and iOS that will do the same.

$40

Gadgets Roku
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