From blasting music on a boombox to watching photos develop in your hands, many people are rediscovering the imperfect charm of old gadgets that can’t be replicated on a smartphone or laptop.
Tech companies are all about blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest retro-inspired devices right now.
digital typewriter
In a world full of endless notifications, tabs, doomscrolling, and other distractions, smart typewriters are carving out a niche for a more focused writing experience. These devices strip away everything you need, just you, your keyboard, and your words.
Freewrite ($699): Freewrite features a design inspired by classic typewriters and offers a minimalist writing experience. It includes a small screen and easy-to-press keys. However, if you need to make any edits, your drafts are synced to the cloud and can be exported to any software. Pomera ($549): A more modern version of Freewrite’s device, the Pomera looks like a compact laptop and includes useful tools like spell check, document management, and word count. Balances simplicity and functionality with multiple transfer options and up to 20 hours of battery life.
Radio cassette player, cassette tape, record player
The boombox is making a re-emergence as both a design statement and a functional audio device. The current version combines chunky buttons, a cassette deck, and oversized speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. Meanwhile, cassette players are making a comeback with improvements, and record players continue to be popular.
We Are Rewind ($579): A modern reimagining of the classic boombox, the GB-001 is everything you want in a boombox and better. It retains all the essential features like a woofer, tweeter, cassette player, and recorder, but adds Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. Equipped with a speaker that delivers 104W of power, it delivers both nostalgia and high-quality sound. Bumpboxx: The new BB-777 on Kickstarter is a portable boombox with a bold ’80s aesthetic while packing a wide range of features. It features a powerful 3-way speaker system, dual cassette decks for recording and high-speed dubbing, a built-in CD player, USB recording, and more. Compatible with multiband radio such as AM and FM. Retrospekt ($99): A minimalist take on the classic Walkman-style player, this portable cassette device has all the features you need, including playback, rewind, fast forward, and record. It supports both battery power and USB-C, making it a simple yet modern throwback. Kickback World ($500): This DEKO record player will begin shipping in January 2025 and has become popular not only for being a step up from traditional players, but also for its aesthetics with its orange acrylic, “Swedish Modernism” design compared to the traditional suitcase-style record players we usually see.
instant camera
There’s something uniquely satisfying about holding onto an actual photo seconds after it’s taken. That sense of excitement and anticipation, combined with the film’s imperfect beauty, makes each shot feel more meaningful than a quick snap on an iPhone.
Polaroid ($199): Polaroid’s popularity never fades, but it continues to innovate. More recently, the Polaroid Flip, launched last year, is a retro-looking instant camera with modern features like autofocus and app connectivity for remote control. Fujifilm ($234): If you want a hybrid camera that can shoot digitally and print photos, there’s the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It offers the best of both worlds: instant film and digital storage and sharing flexibility. In recent years, this device has been upgraded to USB Type-C. In January, Fujifilm launched the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, a new version of its three-in-one hybrid camera that can also print images from your smartphone. Kodak ($35): You can’t go wrong with a classic disposable camera. It’s simple, reliable, and provides high-quality photos without any photography skills. Last year, Kodak released Charmera, a small keychain digital camera. A twist on its signature “Fling” camera, this little device can store and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.
phone
Landlines are quietly making a comeback, especially among people looking for freedom from screen-intensive communication. They are also becoming increasingly popular as aesthetic objects, often used as statement pieces in home decor.
Tin Can ($100): Remember the days when you rushed home after school and used your landline to chat with your friends for hours? That’s the inspiration behind Tin Can. Designed for kids, it’s similar to a landline phone, but doesn’t require a phone jack, only Wi-Fi. Only authorized people can make calls, and parents can easily manage their contacts through a companion app. You can pre-order now. There’s a free plan to call other Tin Can users and a $9.99/month plan to call all authorized contacts. Clicks ($499): Announced at CES 2026, hardware company Clicks Technology has debuted a smartphone much like the BlackBerry, which dominated the mobile phone market in the 2000s and has enjoyed a resurgence among Gen Z. Clicks phones have access to text messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, but not mobile games or social media, making them an attractive alternative for people looking to get back on track. long ago.
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