The Best Essential Tech for Starting Your Business

What technology do I need to start a business? Are there any must-have tech and gadgets for entrepreneurs?

You’re just starting out as a business owner and it can feel like you need everything and you need to learn everything.

Whether you’re looking for ways to make money at home, starting a side hustle in college, or launching an online business, you need the right tech.

Don’t get overwhelmed! Odds are if you have a working smartphone and internet you can accomplish a lot. But, if you’re like me, you want to invest in yourself and your new business, then you want to know what the best technology for small business owners is.

Or maybe you know someone who wants to be an entrepreneur and you want to get them an awesome gift they will love and find useful. Personally, I love thoughtful gifts that are practical to my hustle, it shows that you get me and what I’m about. So feel free to use this as a gift guide for entrepreneurs too.  

I’ve been going at this self-employed, entrepreneur’s life for a while now, and I’ve bought, tried, and returned a lot of gadgets and tech. That’s why I love Amazon Prime (get your Prime Discounted Monthly Offering), I buy it, get it in a day and if I don’t love it I return it and get something better.

This post is a collection of the very best products I love and use and the highest-ranked and reviewed technology online. I did the researching and the returning, so hopefully, you don’t have to. 

Let’s get to the must-have tech for entrepreneurs!

The Bare Essentials

These are the basics, nothing beats having a powerful laptop that can keep up with you and enough storage to grow with.

#1. Laptop

For the Apple-User

You’re a boss now and the number #1 thing you need is a reliable laptop that you can count on to keep up with you and everything you need to get done in a day. Everyone always asks which laptop they should get, or if they “need” a Mac. Sure, you can work on anything, but if you want a laptop that will last you for years and has reliable support, then I highly recommend the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop.

With M4 Pro, 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, this MacBook Pro should serve you well and for many years. It’s an investment, I’ve had mine since mid-2012 and it’s still going strong, so I’ll always first recommend a MacBook Pro.

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For the Chrome-User

But, it’s you’re not a fan of Apple and maybe looking for a more medium-term investment in a laptop, check out these. The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 2-in-1 Chromebook offers a powerful performance, stylish design, and versatile touchscreen. With 14″ FHD Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop, Intel Core i5-1130G7 Processor, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Garaged USI Stylus, Backlit Keyboard, SD Card Reader, and Chrome OS.

I purchased an older version of this laptop and I LOVED IT! Granted, it didn’t have the longevity of my Macbook, it was useful for what it is.

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For the Windows-User

Switch to Mac, just kidding. If you’re willing to splurge, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024). It’s a powerful and stylish laptop with a 13.8-inch or 15-inch touchscreen, powered by Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors, and offers up to 20 hours of battery life.

This comes with Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8″ Touchscreen Display, Snapdragon X Elite (12 core), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage and an insane battery. Plus, with loads of memory, storage options, and fun accessories to choose from you can customize it just for you. This beauty almost makes me want to switch to Windows.

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#2. Portable Hard Drive

Let’s be honest, once you start creating products, and shooting photos and videos you’re going to run out of hard drive space. Offers high-speed performance and durability is the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. Available with up to 2000MB/s – USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE81-2T00-G25.

I am also a huge fan of the SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD hard drives. They are beyond durable for whatever adventure with the wildly reliable T7 Shield. I’ve traveled the world with them and haven’t had one issue. They’re also lightning fast, with speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s4.

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#3. Cloud Storage

When you’re on the go and you need cloud storage for your files. I’m a huge fan of Dropbox. Not only does it store your files safely and securely for you, but it allows for easy sharing with clients and collaborators, as well as quick syncing across your devices. Get started for free today and get 500MB of bonus space when you join with my referral link and install Dropbox on your computer.

Once you join, you can sign up for 1TB of storage for $9.99/month.

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#4. Smartphone

You’re busy and on the go, you need a smartphone that can keep up with you! From posting on social media, and accepting payment to running your online empires in the palm of your hands, smartphones are essential business gear.

For the Apple-User

Renowned for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and cutting-edge technology the latest Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are your best bet.

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For the Android-User

Offering a powerful performance, stunning display, and advanced camera systems, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is a line of high-end Android smartphones. 

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#5. Smartwatch

Wearable tech has come so far, and every entrepreneur could use a smartwatch. Why not be able to answer calls, texts, and emails without your phone? Also, having that work-life balance is so important when you’re running a business, and a smartwatch can motivate you to get fit.

For the Apple-User

A valuable tool for entrepreneurs offering several benefits like freeing up your hands for other tasks makes this Apple Watch Series 10 is a must-have. This Apple Smartwatch comes with a Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band. Plus built in fitness tracker, ECG app, always-on retina display, and it’s water resistant.

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For the Android-User

One of the many great Android smartwatches available on the market is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. With 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, and Fitness Tracker.

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The Perfect Home Office Set-Up

Your home has likely become your office too. Whether you have a dedicated room to deck out, or you’re balancing on your kitchen counter or table, here’s everything you need to create your at-home office.

#6. Frameless Eye Care Monitor

If you have an office, you need this monitor. Hunching over your tiny laptop is bad for your back, eyes, and mental health (been there, and tried that). The ASUS VP229HE Eye Care Monitor is where it’s at with Full HD, and a wide range of monitor controls including night mode for those late-night work sessions. 

Don’t forget, if you have a Mac you may also need a Amazon Basics Premium Aluminum USB-C (Source) to HDMI (Display) Cable Adapter. It’s Thunderbolt 3 compatible. Or you may want to get a dongle for additional ports. I’ve tested a few, and trust the Anker 6-in-1 USB C Hub with 65W Power Delivery to always work.

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#7. Wireless Ergonomic Mouse

You need a mouse that isn’t going to kill your hand and shoulder. Trust me, it’s not worth the carpal tunnel.

I switched to the Anker Ergonomic Vertical Mouse and haven’t clicked back since. It’s also USB 2.4G Wireless and has fun side controls on top of being ergonomic.

Plus, you may also want to get a wrist rest to offset your wrist rubbing on the desk.  Get the Gimars Memory Foam Set Keyboard and Mouse Wrist Rest on Amazon.

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#8. Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

No matter which device you’re working from, you can always use a wireless keyboard to help you set up an ergonomic office space (on the go or away!).

The Logitech MX Keys works on pretty much every device, from your smartphone to your computer as long as it has a Bluetooth connection. It’s compact and portable, with comfortable keys for quiet and effortless typing and with super long battery life.

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#9. Wireless Printer

I’m sure you’d love to be fully paperless but the reality is you’re going to need to print stuff. Depending on your business, that might include shipping labels for example. Save time on running to the print shop every minute with a simple, yet reliable Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer. It has just what you need with fast printing from your mobile device or laptop and two-sided when you need it.

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#10. USB Multi-Port Charger

You’re probably going to run out of USB ports to charge your phone, tablet, and other gadgets. Pick up the Anker Desktop Charger, Fast Charging USB C Charger, and 112W Max 6-Port Charging Station that charges your devices as fast as possible.

Most laptops only come with two USB ports, you might want to also get a UDB port hub, I recommend the Anker USB-C Hub, 8-in-1, 5Gbps Data Hub, USB Splitter, with 3 USB-A and 4 USB-C Ports, 100W USB-C PD-in, 2-in-1 USB Connector, for USB-A and USB-C Laptop, MacBook, iPad and more. I have mine secured to the side of my desk.

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#11. Echo Dot Personal Assistant

Get the personal assistant you’ve always wanted with the All-new Amazon Echo Spot. Put it anywhere you’re working. You can play music, get directions, check your calendar or weather with just a command. Compact smart speaker with Alexa and enhanced LED display for at-a-glance clock, timers, weather, and more.

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Office On-the-Go Essentials

Even with the most-perfect at-home office setup, you’ll need a break from working from home. You’ll enjoy coffee shops and coworking spaces, or maybe even become a digital nomad.

#12. Noise-Canceling Headphones

You need to focus and work almost anywhere. Give yourself peace and quiet with the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones, and Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones. With world-class noise cancellation, the world is quieter and your music sounds better, plus enjoy 24-hour battery life per charge and up to 40 hours in wired mode. Also, take calls with a built-in dual-microphone.

Keep your headphones safe and beautifully displayed with the Link Dream Headset Stand for your desk or office.

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#13. Portable Charger

Running a business from your smartphone while listening to music and catching up on social smartphones drains your battery. Don’t lose your charge with the Portable Charger Power Bank 30,800mAh LCD Display Power Bank, 25W PD Fast Charging +QC 4.0 Quick Phone Charging Power Bank Tri-Outputs Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone, Android, etc. Not only does it have high-speed charging, but simultaneously charges multiple devices.

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#14. Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Take your playlists anywhere with a portable, wireless speaker that packs a punch. The JBL FLIP 4 Flip4 Bluetooth Speaker comes in 7 colors including white, grey, teal, and red, and has 12 hours of playtime. Connect wirelessly to up to 2 smartphones or tablets and it’s waterproof so “working” by the beach or pool ain’t a problem.

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The Creative Content Set-Up

If you’re on the creative side of content, always filming and capturing moments, these must-haves are for you.

#15. HD Webcam

Video is the #1 form of content! Shoot awesome YouTube videos, TikToks, IG lives, and even webinars with the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Collaboration and Streaming Webcam. With Auto Light Correction, Show Mode, and Dual Noise Reduction Mics, it Works with Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom, with a USB-C Cable. Plus, built-in privacy shutter.

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#16. USD Microphone

Can you hear me now? Pick up the most popular microphone among creatives to complete your setup. The Blue Yeti USB Microphone delivers clear audio for all your online calling and conferencing needs and is perfect for recording podcasts or videos. Bonus, it’s compatible with Windows and Mac and comes in 10 colors including blackout, space grey, satin red, white, and teal.

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#17. Lighting Kit

We all can’t live and work in perfectly lit spaces. Shooting video or snapping flat lays in poor lighting is a nightmare. Stay lite with the LimoStudio 800W Triple Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit, which includes 3 compact light bulbs, three umbrellas, 3 light stand tripods, and carrying cases. I love the tabletop light for shooting live videos!

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#18. DSLR Camera

Want to shoot videos and photos with more power and performance?  The Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR features a flip-out screen, shoots up to 24.2 Megapixels, and comes with a bunch of bonuses including a spare battery, shotgun mic, tripod, and 64 GB SDHC Card.

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#19. iPad

Are you an artist, illustrator, or looking for a touchscreen? Why not treat yourself and your business to an iPad. Get yourself an Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life.

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#20. Action Camera

Want to level up your video production? If you’re running an action-oriented business, then you should invest in an action camera that delivers high-quality videos and photos.

Insta 360 Series

Why not get the 360 view? Insta360 cameras, with their unique 360-degree capture capabilities and advanced features, offer a multitude of benefits for businesses across various industries. This Insta360 X4 Standard Bundle is a Waterproof 8K 360 Action Camera, 4K Wide-Angle Video, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Removable Lens Guards, 135 Min Battery Life, AI Editing and Stabilization.

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GoPro Hero Series

Offering an impressive video resolution and advanced stabilization makes it ideal for a high-quality content creation. The GoPro HERO13 Black is a Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K, 60 FPS Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses. 

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#21. Tracking Tripod

Want the action camera feel with out the investment? With an auto-tracking tripod, you can have a cameraperson at your finger tips. Get the Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder, No App Required, 360° Rotation Face Body Phone Tracking Tripod Smart Shooting Camera Mount for Live Vlog Streaming Video, Rechargeable Battery-Black.

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BONUS Must-Have for Entrepreneurs

Have all of your entrepreneur essentials delivered to you in record time with Amazon Prime. Trust me, nothing beats one-day delivery when you really need something for your business ANYWHERE in your country. Seriously amazing feature if you’re always on the go.

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Last Updated on November 26, 2024