The retro tech comeback is in full swing as people rediscover the imperfect charm of older gadgets that smartphones and laptops simply cannot replicate. From blasting music on a boom box to watching a photo develop right in your hands, the retro tech comeback is driven by a desire for more tangible, focused, and aesthetically pleasing experiences in our increasingly digital lives.
Tech companies are leaning all the way in, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest retro-inspired devices driving the retro tech comeback right now.
Digital Typewriters: A Focused Writing Renaissance
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 things back to the essentials: just you, a keyboard, and your words.
Freewrite ($699)
The Freewrite features a design inspired by classic typewriters, providing a minimalist writing experience. It includes a small screen and satisfying keys to press. If you need to make edits, your drafts are synced to the cloud and can be exported to any software.
Pomera ($549)
A more modern take than the Freewrite, the Pomera looks like a compact laptop. It includes helpful tools like spell check, document management, and word counts. With multiple transfer options and up to 20 hours of battery life, it balances simplicity with functionality.
Boom Boxes, Cassette Tapes, and Record Players
The retro tech comeback wouldn’t be complete without boom boxes and cassette players. These devices are re-emerging as both design statements and functional audio tools. Today’s versions pair chunky buttons, cassette decks, and oversized speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries.
We Are Rewind ($525)
A modern reimagining of the classic boom box, the GB-001 has everything you desire, but better. It keeps essential features like woofers, tweeters, a cassette player, and recorder while adding Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. With speakers delivering 104 W of power, it is built for both nostalgia and high-quality sound.
Bumpboxx
Now live on Kickstarter, the new BB-777 is a portable boom box with a bold ’80s aesthetic. It includes a powerful three-way speaker system, dual cassette decks with recording and high-speed dubbing, a built-in CD player, USB recording, and more. It also supports multiband radio, including AM and FM.
Retrospekt ($99)
A minimalist take on the classic Walkman-style player, this portable cassette device features all the essentials: play, rewind, fast-forward, and record. It supports both battery power and USB-C, making it a simple but modern throwback.
Kickback World ($500)
This DEKO record player started shipping in January 2025 and has become popular not just for being a step up from traditional players, but also for aesthetic appeal. Its orange acrylic and “Swedish modernism” design stand out compared to the traditional, suitcase-style record players we normally see.
Instant Cameras: The Magic of Tangible Photography
There is something uniquely satisfying about holding a physical photo seconds after taking it. That sense of excitement and anticipation, combined with the imperfect beauty of film, makes each shot feel more meaningful than a quick snap on your iPhone—and it’s a big part of the retro tech comeback.
Polaroid ($249)
Polaroid has never stopped being popular, but it is always innovating. Most recently, the Polaroid Flip launched last year. This retro-looking instant camera features modern upgrades like autofocus and app connectivity for remote control.
Fujifilm ($225)
If you want a hybrid camera that lets you shoot digitally and print photos, check out the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It offers the best of both worlds: instant film with the flexibility of digital storage and sharing. The device received an upgrade with USB-C, and in January, Fujifilm launched a new variant, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema ($412), a three-in-one hybrid camera that can even print images from your smartphone.
Kodak ($30)
You also cannot go wrong with a classic single-use, disposable camera. It is simple, reliable, and still delivers quality photos without needing any photography skills. Last year, Kodak released a miniature keychain digital camera, the “Charmera.” A twist on its signature “Fling” camera, this tiny device can save and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.
Phones: Reconnecting with Simplicity
Landline phones are making a quiet comeback as part of the retro tech comeback, especially among people seeking a break from screen-heavy communication. They are also gaining popularity as aesthetic objects, often used as statement pieces in home décor.
Tin Can ($100)
Remember the days when you would rush home after school to use the landline and chat with your friends for hours? That is the inspiration behind Tin Can. Designed for kids, it resembles a landline phone but does not require a phone jack, just Wi-Fi. Only approved people can call, and parents can easily manage contacts through a companion app. You can preorder now. There is a free plan to call other Tin Can users and a $9.99/month plan for calling all approved contacts.
Clicks ($499)
Announced at CES 2026, hardware company Clicks Technology debuted its smartphone that looks a lot like a BlackBerry. The device has seen a revival among Gen Z. While the Clicks phone has access to text messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, it does not provide access to mobile games and social media, making it an enticing alternative for people looking to go back to the good old days.
The retro tech comeback shows no signs of slowing down, with more brands embracing nostalgia while integrating the modern features users expect. Whether you’re after a focused writing tool, a statement audio device, or a simpler way to connect, there has never been a better time to embrace the old-school charm.
