The Electronics That Genuinely Improved Our Lives 

"My boyfriend and I both frequently use our NordicTrack treadmill, but with one key difference: He's training for his fourth ultramarathon, and I just want to make sure I hit my step goal by the end of the day. Despite using it in vastly different ways, we both get so much out of this equipment. It inclines up to 12 percent, and we can stream trainer-led workouts via iFIT on the large attached screen. The treadmill automatically adjusts speed, incline, decline, and resistance based on the workout you select, so we can just go with the flow.

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Sara Levine, KCM's managing editor, actually tipped us off to iFIT, which she loves for its emphasis on warming up and injury prevention, and for the ability to stream your own music during guided workouts. Not up for a grueling session? You can even 'follow' instructors on a hike or walk through nature."* — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“After losing my wallet on a hike at 14,000 feet, I immediately bought a set of AirTags to ensure that didn’t happen to me again. Since then, I’ve tucked them in my luggage, my car (a surprisingly handy way to remember where you parked), and even my boyfriend’s pocket during remote runs. Just a couple of weeks ago, I slipped one into his running pack for a 62-mile desert race. When the official tracker didn’t update, I still knew exactly where he was and where to meet him for refueling. And yes, he knew about it!” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“While most people fear growing more like their mother as they age, I take it as a compliment. One of the annoying behaviors we both have in common? Somehow, our phones are always in an unknown location within the house. My boyfriend has actually taken to calling me my mom’s name when I ask ‘Have you seen my phone?’, so I decided to upgrade my case to something that’s harder to lose and has an attached wrist strap. Bonus: The chunky chain now means my phone is a stylish accessory, not just another item hidden in the bottom of my purse.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“I’ve somehow made it this far without ever owning an Apple Watch or a Fitbit — mostly because I refuse to let my wrist buzz for every notification I receive. I’ve been loyal to an analog watch since high school, but I do appreciate a little health intel. That’s what drew me to NOWATCH: it looks like a classic timepiece (no glowing screen, no vibrating alerts) but quietly tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep, with all the data living in the app — and notably, no pricey subscription required. It’s wellness tracking for people who don’t want to feel tracked.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“When, about a year ago, I saw that viral video of the insurance scammers trying to force a woman to rear-end their car — and who would've gotten away with it, if it weren't for her dash cam — I was stunned. Then I saw Reddit posts about similar scams proliferating in my area. Then I was almost run off the road by a carful of teens, with no witnesses to vouch for me. That's when I knew my boyfriend and I were getting a vehicle dash cam. Ours is a well-reviewed model on Amazon that records front and rear video automatically every time we start the car. The footage is automatically stored on a secure website, and lasts for seven days before it's overwritten, giving you plenty of time to pull any videos you'd need.

Most good-quality dash cams come in around or under $200, and you can install them yourself if you don't mind dealing with the wires. (My boyfriend had ours installed at a local auto body shop for about $150 more, and they hid the wires inside the panels of the car, so it looks tidier.) They're not dirt-cheap, certainly, but a false car insurance claim could cost you thousands, making this a simple, smart precaution. And when it comes to my peace of mind? Our dash cam is priceless.” — Molly Simms, Editorial Director

“This is technically a tech upgrade…that disables my tech. The irony is not lost on me. Yes, I know it feels slightly pathetic that I need a physical device to keep me off my phone. But when I’m alone, I catch myself grabbing for it for no reason. Since I started using this, I’ve logged upwards of 10 hours of no screen time during the day, aside from true essentials like Gmail and Maps. I also 'Brick' my phone at night, which has helped me fall asleep more peacefully and wake up without immediately checking my device. Of all my tech purchases, this might be the one that’s improved my life the most because it forces me to use my phone the least (and it’s FSA- and HSA-approved!).” — Victoria Bellucci, Senior Account Manager

“This is my all-time favorite electronic I've ever purchased, and I'll shout it from the rooftops any chance I get. It has helped me manage the often-invisible yet completely exhaustive cognitive and emotional labor required to balance all the responsibilities of a family. For me, that means a spouse who travels frequently for work, two kids with multiple after-school and weekend activities, a puppy who has a knack for needing to visit the vet when it's least convenient, and did I mention I have a full-time job of my own? We used to have a dry-erase board on the kitchen wall to keep track of our weekly schedules, and while it was helpful, it just wasn't cutting it. 

A year ago, I invested in this smart organizer. Our Skylight Calendar is now the hub for our family's organizational needs. Not just scheduling, but to-do lists, grocery lists, and chores. It has encouraged my 10- and 7-year-olds to be more independent, add items to the grocery list as needed, and be more aware of what our family has going on in a given day, week, or month. While the mental load is still heavy, it's a little lighter thanks to Skylight.” — Mary Agnant, Senior Video Producer

“If you live in the Northeast, you know the particular kind of despair that has set in this winter: the one that feels like it absolutely, positively will never end. I actually bought these rechargeable hand warmers back in October, bracing myself for long hours on the sidelines at my son's soccer practices and games, but this year has been something else entirely, and I've gotten far more use out of them than I ever anticipated. They recharge quickly, they're reliable when you need them most, and perhaps best of all, I don't feel like I'm contributing to unnecessary waste the way disposable hand warmers always made me feel. Spring may be coming eventually, I have to believe that, but until it does, these have been a lifesaver.” — Mary Agnant, Senior Video Producer

"I am a wellness tech junkie. I've tried everything from total duds not-to-be-named to absolute game-changers that improved my health. I have extremely tight hip flexors — to the point where even rolling is painful. Hyperice's compression leg sleeves have relieved so much tension that I didn't know could be relieved. It's a little difficult to explain, but the 'whoa' factor is pretty incredible the first time you use it. It feels as if you're being blissfully steamrolled, like when a physical therapist pulls your legs to realign your muscles. It's expensive, but this OG version is way more sophisticated than the cheaper ones you can buy elsewhere." — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager

“I know, I know, it tells time. But my Apple Watch has become so much more than a glorified clock on my wrist, and I will not apologize for how much I love it. It keeps me connected without the dreaded phone spiral. One glance, and I can decide whether that notification actually needs my attention or can wait until after my meeting with Katie (yes, THAT Katie). It quietly gamifies my health in a way that somehow doesn't make me want to throw it across the room: the little tap on my wrist to stand up, the movement rings that I am absolutely closing every single day, whether I like it or not. And honestly? It just makes me feel put-together. It goes with everything, it does everything, and it holds me accountable in the most polite yet persistent way possible. It's like having a very stylish, very encouraging friend on your wrist at all times. Ten out of ten, no notes.” — Mary Agnant, Senior Video Producer

"This is a deceptively simple pick — you probably own a TV that’s already 'good enough' to play your favorite shows. As someone who once happily lived with a postage-stamp-sized television and a broken Fire TV Stick, I get it. (Ah, the days before I met my tech-savvy husband.) But since starting a family, I’ve become so much more appreciative of a streamlined viewing experience — and Roku delivers. My Roku streaming player is fast, easy to use, and wildly intuitive. Plus, this version includes a rechargeable remote with eye-catching backlit buttons (it’s also got a lost remote finder for the forgetful among us)." — Diana Valenzuela, Assistant Editor

“Living in a small condo means every inch has to work a little harder. When space is limited, big tech pieces like TVs can easily take over a room. Since I can’t live without streaming, I had to get a little creative.

That’s why The Frame has been a life- and space-saver for me. It’s low profile, literally lying flat against the wall like a piece of art, so it doesn’t dominate the room the way most TVs do, which makes a big difference in a smaller home. And while I know the whole “is it a TV or is it art” illusion isn’t for everyone, it totally works for me. When it’s off, it actually blends into the room instead of feeling like a big black screen. I swap out the artwork every month or so, depending on my mood or the season, which makes the space feel a little more personal too.” — Danny Feekes, VP Affiliate Commerce