Many people are rediscovering the imperfect charm of older gadgets that smartphones and laptops just can’t replicate. From blasting music on a boombox to watching a photo develop in your hands, these experiences offer a unique appeal. Tech companies are leaning all the way in, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest retro-inspired devices available right now.
Digital typewriters are carving out a niche for a more focused writing experience in a world full of endless notifications and distractions. These devices strip things back to the essentials: just you, a keyboard, and your words.
The Freewrite Smart Typewriter, priced at $699, features a design inspired by classic typewriters for a minimalist writing experience. It includes a small screen and satisfying mechanical keys. Your drafts sync to the cloud for easy export and editing in any software.
The Pomera, at $549, offers a more modern, compact laptop-like design. It includes helpful tools like spell check, document management, and word counts. With multiple transfer options and up to 20 hours of battery life, it balances simplicity with functionality.
The boombox is re-emerging as both a design statement and a functional audio device. Today’s versions pair chunky buttons, cassette decks, and oversized speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries. Cassette players and record players are also enjoying a resurgence with similar enhancements.
The We Are Rewind GB-001 boombox is a modern reimagining priced at $579. It keeps classic features like woofers, tweeters, and a cassette player and recorder, while adding Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. Its speakers deliver 104W of power for both nostalgia and high-quality sound.
The Bumpboxx BB-777, currently on Kickstarter, is a portable boombox with a bold ’80s aesthetic. It packs a powerful 3-way speaker system, dual cassette decks with recording, a built-in CD player, USB recording, and multi-band radio including AM and FM.
For a portable cassette experience, the Retrospekt player offers a minimalist take on the classic Walkman for $99. It features all the essentials—play, rewind, fast-forward, and record—and supports both battery power and USB-C.
In the world of record players, the Kickback World DEKO player, shipping for $500, has gained popularity. It offers a step up from traditional players with its aesthetic appeal, featuring an orange acrylic design inspired by Swedish modernism.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about holding a physical photo seconds after taking it. That sense of excitement and anticipation, combined with the imperfect beauty of film, makes each shot feel more meaningful than a quick smartphone snap.
Polaroid continues to innovate with instant cameras like the Polaroid Flip, launched last year for $199. This retro-looking camera includes modern features like autofocus and app connectivity for remote control.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, priced at $234, is a hybrid camera that lets you shoot digitally and print photos instantly. It offers the flexibility of digital storage and sharing and has been upgraded with USB Type-C. A new variant, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, is a three-in-one hybrid that can also print images from your smartphone.
For a classic experience, Kodak offers simple, reliable disposable cameras. Last year, Kodak also released the “Charmera,” a miniature keychain digital camera priced around $35. This tiny device can save and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.
Landline phones are making a quiet comeback, especially among people seeking a break from screen-heavy communication. They are also gaining popularity as aesthetic statement pieces in home décor.
The Tin Can phone, priced at $100, is designed for kids and resembles a classic landline. It operates over Wi-Fi without a phone jack. Only approved contacts can call, managed by parents through a companion app. A free plan allows calls to other Tin Can users, with a $9.99 monthly plan for calling all approved contacts.
Announced at CES 2026, the Clicks smartphone from Clicks Technology, priced at $499, looks a lot like a BlackBerry. It provides access to text messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, but deliberately does not support mobile games or social media apps, making it an enticing alternative for those seeking a less distracting device.