Let’s take a look at the return of retro technology

From playing music on a speaker to watching images develop in your hands, many people are rediscovering the imperfect magic of older gadgets that smartphones and laptops can’t emulate.

Tech companies lean into all of this, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest vintage-inspired devices out there.

Digital typewriters

In a world filled with endless notifications, tabs, scrolling, and other distractions, smart typewriters provide a niche for a more focused writing experience. These devices take things back to the basics: just you, your keyboard, and your words.

• Freewrite ($699): The Freewrite features a design inspired by classic typewriters, providing a simple writing experience. Includes a small screen and comfortable keys to press. However, if you need to make edits, your drafts will be synced to the cloud and can be exported to any program.
• Pomera ($549): A more modern device than the Freewrite, the Pomera looks like a compact laptop and includes useful tools like spell checking, document management, and word counting. With multiple transportation options and up to 20 hours of battery life, it balances simplicity and functionality.

Boomboxes, cassette tapes and record players

The Boombox is making a comeback as both a design statement and a functional audio device. Today’s versions combine large buttons, cassette decks, and oversized speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth technology and rechargeable batteries. Meanwhile, cassette players are making a comeback with improvements, and record players remain very popular as well.

• We Are Rewind ($579): A modern reimagining of the classic boom box, the GB-001 has everything you want in a boom box, but better. It retains all the basic features, such as speakers, amplifiers, cassette player and recorder, while adding Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. With speakers delivering 104W of power, it’s built for nostalgia and high-quality sound.
• Bumpboxx: Now on Kickstarter, the new BB-777 is a portable boom box that features a bold 1980s aesthetic with a wide range of features. Includes a powerful 3-way speaker system, dual cassette decks with high-speed recording and dubbing, built-in CD player, USB recording, and more. It also supports multi-band radio, including AM and FM.
• Retrospekt ($99): A simple take on the classic Walkman player, this portable cassette player has all the basics: playback, rewind, fast forward, and recording. It supports both battery power and a USB-C port, making it a simple, modern throwback.
• Kickback World ($500): This DEKO record player began shipping in January 2025 and has become popular not only for being a step up from traditional players, but also for its aesthetic appeal thanks to its orange acrylic “Swedish modernism” design compared to the traditional suitcase-style record players we typically see.

Instant cameras

There’s something uniquely satisfying about taking an actual photo seconds after you take it. This sense of excitement and anticipation, combined with the film’s imperfect beauty, makes every shot feel more meaningful than just a quick snapshot on your iPhone.

• Polaroid ($199): Polaroid has never stopped being popular, but it’s always innovative. More recently, the Polaroid Flip was launched last year, 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 lets you shoot digitally and print photos, there’s the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It offers the best of both worlds: instant film with the flexibility of digital storage and sharing. In recent years, the device has received an upgrade with USB Type-C. In January, Fujifilm launched a new version, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, a three-in-one hybrid camera that can even print photos from your smartphone.
• Kodak ($35): You also can’t go wrong with a classic disposable camera. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers high-quality images without requiring any photography skills. Last year, Kodak released a mini digital camera called Sharmera. Featuring its signature “Fling” camera feature, this small device can save and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.

Phones

Landline phones are quietly making a comeback, especially among people looking for a break from screen-heavy communications. They are also gaining popularity as aesthetic objects, often used as accent pieces in home decor.

• Tin Can ($100): Remember the days when you would rush home after school to use the landline phone and chat with your friends for hours? This is the inspiration behind Tin Can. Designed for children, it is similar to a landline phone but does not require a phone jack, only a Wi-Fi connection. Only approved people can call, and parents can easily manage contacts through a companion app. You can pre-order now. There is a free plan to connect with other Tin Can users and a $9.99 per month plan to connect to all approved contacts.
• Clicks ($499): Hardware company Clicks Technology first announced at CES 2026 its smartphone that looks a lot like the BlackBerry, which dominated the phone market in the 2000s and has seen a resurgence among Generation Z. While the Clicks phone has access to messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, it doesn’t offer access to mobile games and social media, making it an attractive alternative for people looking to get back to the good old days.