From blasting music on a boombox to watching a photo develop in your hands, many people are rediscovering the imperfect charm of older gadgets that smartphones and laptops just can’t replicate. Tech companies are leaning all the way in, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality.

Digital typewriters like the Freewrite ($699) and Pomera ($549) strip things back to the essentials: just you, a keyboard, and your words. These devices sync to the cloud for editing but offer a more focused writing experience than digital alternatives.

Boomboxes are re-emerging as both design statement and functional audio device. Devices like We Are Rewind ($579) and Bumpboxx: BB-777 (now live on Kickstarter, with a bold ’80s aesthetic) offer powerful speakers, cassette decks, and more.

Instant cameras are making a comeback too. Cameras such as the Polaroid Flip ($199), Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo ($234), and even classic Kodak disposable cameras like the Charmera ($35) provide that unique sense of excitement and anticipation associated with film photography.

Landline phones are also making a quiet comeback, especially among people seeking a break from screen-heavy communication. The Tin Can ($100) and Clicks smartphone (announced at CES 2026, $499) offer a return to the simplicity of old-school telephony.