Let’s take a look at some retro technology coming back

From playing music on a boombox to watching a picture grow on your wrist, many people are rediscovering the beauty of old devices that smartphones and laptops can’t replicate.

The tech industry is leaning all the way, combining nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest retro-inspired gadgets out there right now.

Digital printing machines

In a world full of endless notifications, tabs, doomscrolling, and other distractions, smart spam machines are carving out a niche for more typing. These devices strip away the essentials: yourself, the keyboard, and your voice.

• Register for free ($699): The Freewrite has a design inspired by old-fashioned typewriters, offering minimal text. It includes a small screen and buttons to satisfy your needs. However, if you want to make changes, your documents are connected to the cloud and can be sent to any application.
• apple tree ($549): A more modern take on the Freewrite device, the Pomera looks like a compact laptop and includes useful features like a checkbook, document management, and word recognition. With multiple switching options and up to 20 hours of battery life, it balances simplicity with functionality.

Boomboxes, cassette tapes, & turntables

Boombox is also appearing as a creative sound and listening device. Today’s versions include chunky buttons, cassette decks, and larger speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries. Cassette players, meanwhile, are reappearing with accessories, and music players continue to be popular.

• We Are Coming Back ($579): A modern take on the classic boombox, the GB-001 has everything you could want in a boombox, but better. It keeps all the essentials, such as woofers, tweeters, a cassette player and a recorder, while adding Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. With speakers that provide 104W of power, they are designed for nose and high-quality sound.
• Bumpboxx: Now on Kickstarter, the new BB-777 is a portable boombox that has a rugged ’80s aesthetic while packing a lot of stuff. It also includes a powerful 3-way speaker system, dual cassette decks with high-speed audio and video recorders, a built-in CD player, USB recording, and more. It also supports multi-band radio, including AM and FM.
• Looking back ($99): The smallest version of a Walkman player, this portable cassette player has everything you need: playback, rewind, fast forward, and recording. It supports both battery power and USB-C, making it simple yet modern.
• Kickback World ($500): This DEKO music player started shipping in January 2025 and became popular not only because of a slight rise from traditional players, but also because of its attractive appeal with its orange acrylic, “Swedish modernism” design compared to traditional players, suitcases that we often see.

Instant Cameras

There is something very satisfying about having a picture in seconds of taking it. That excitement and anticipation, combined with the imperfect beauty of film, makes every shot more meaningful than just a quick snap on your iPhone.

• Polaroids ($199): Polaroid has never stopped being popular, but it’s always innovating. Most recently, the Polaroid Flip it was launched last yeara retro-looking instant camera with modern features such as autofocus and remote control software connectivity.
• Fujifilm ($234): If you want a hybrid camera that lets you shoot digitally and print photos, then there’s the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It offers the best of both worlds: live video with the flexibility of digital storage and sharing. In recent years, this device has received an upgrade with USB Type-C. In January, Fujifilm launched a new model, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, a three-in-one camera that can print photos from your smartphone.
• What? ($35): You can’t go wrong with a classic disposable, disposable camera. It’s simple, reliable, and still delivers great photos without the need for photography skills. Last year, Kodak released a small digital keychain camera, the “Charmera.” A twist on its signature “Fling” camera, this small device can store and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.

Phones

Landline phones are quietly making a comeback, especially among people who want to take a break from stressful communications. They have also become popular as decorative items, often used as decorative pieces for the home.

• Tin Can ($100): Remember the days when you would rush home after school to use the landline and hang out with your friends for hours? That’s the inspiration behind Tin Can. Designed for kids, it’s similar to a landline but doesn’t need a phone jack, just Wi-Fi. Only authorized people can make phone calls, and parents can easily manage contacts through an app. You can order now. There is a free plan for calling some Tin Can users and a $9.99/month plan for calling all authorized users.
• Click ($499): Announced at The cost of CES 2026hardware company Clicks Technology launched its smartphone that looks like BlackBerry, which dominated the phone market back in the 2000s and has seen a resurgence among Gen Z. Although the Clicks phone has messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, it doesn’t offer access to mobile games and social media, making it a great throwback to the old crowd.