The 11 best new tech gadgets of 2019 so far

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

The year is far from being over, but there are already plenty of promising new gadgets worth checking out.
From cheaper new Pixel phones to Apple’s improved AirPods, these are our favorite new devices of the year so far.
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Although major product unveils from Apple and Google are usually reserved for the fall, the first half of 2019 has already seen a slew of new gadget announcements. Companies like Samsung, Apple, Google, and Fitbit have debuted new devices worthy of your attention.

Here’s an unranked list of the best new gadgets we’ve had the chance to try so far in 2019.

Google Pixel 3a/3a XL

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Google’s new pair of smartphones proves that you don’t have to pay nearly $1,000 for a high-quality mobile device. Even though the phone starts at $400, making it hundreds of dollars less expensive than the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy S10, it doesn’t make any big compromises. It has a large OLED screen, a camera that’s very similar to the Pixel 3’s — including its Night Sight feature for shooting in the dark — and even a headphone jack.

Powerbeats Pro

Beats

If you’re not confident that Apple’s AirPods will remain snug in your ears during an intense workout, the $250 Powerbeats Pro could be the headphones you’ve been searching for. Because Apple is Beats’ parent company, the Powerbeats Pro also offer several of the same advantages as the latest AirPods, including the ability to summon Siri with just your voice and automatically connect the earbuds to your iPhone just by opening their case. Plus, they offer noise isolation unlike AirPods and a more secure fit, making them a great choice for working out or commuting.

Oculus Quest

Facebook

Virtual reality headsets have come a long way in recent years. While early models launched in 2016 were clunky and cumbersome to set up, newer iterations are lighter, cheaper, and make it easier to get started. The $400 Oculus Quest is the best example of this yet. It’s completely wireless and functions on its own, meaning you won’t need to attach it to a computer or slot in your smartphone in order to get it to work. It also offers more powerful specifications than Facebook’s other wireless headset, the Oculus Go, and inside-out tracking.

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