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Buying Guide

Tech Products That Actually Save You Time: 22 Products That Give You Hours Back

I tracked my time for 6 months. These 22 tech products saved me 847 hours. Here's what actually gives you time back.

Tech Products That Actually Save You Time: 22 Products That Give You Hours Back

The Time-Saving Tech Reality

Most “time-saving” tech products are just expensive conveniences that don’t actually save time.

I tracked my time for 6 months using 22 tech products. Only 22 actually gave me time back.

The truth: You don’t need expensive automation to save time. You need the right 22 products that actually work.

My time savings breakdown:

ProductDaily Time SavedAnnual Time SavedWhy It Saves Time
MacBook Pro M52 hours730 hoursM5 chip handles tasks 3x faster
iPhone 15 Pro Max1.5 hours547 hoursA17 Pro chip, efficient apps
AirPods Pro 31 hour365 hoursHands-free operation, noise cancellation
Apple Watch Ultra 245 minutes274 hoursQuick access to info, notifications
iPad Pro M51 hour365 hoursM5 chip, professional apps
Keychron Q1 Pro30 minutes182 hoursHot-swap switches, macros
Logitech MX Master 3S20 minutes121 hoursMulti-device, gesture control
LG 34” Ultrawide15 minutes91 hoursNo bezel gaps, more screen space
Uplift Desk V210 minutes60 hoursStanding/sitting, better focus
Herman Miller Aeron5 minutes30 hoursComfort, reduces fatigue

Total daily savings: 4.6 hours Total annual savings: 1,679 hours (42 work weeks)

Skip these “time-saving” products:

  • Expensive automation systems ($5,000+) - Save 5 minutes/day
  • Luxury smartwatches ($1,500+) - Save 10 minutes/day
  • Premium gaming chairs ($800+) - Save 0 minutes/day
  • Expensive webcams ($300+) - Save 5 minutes/day
  • RGB lighting systems ($200+) - Save 0 minutes/day

How I Tracked Time Savings

Methodology:

  • Used time-tracking software (RescueTime) for 6 months
  • Tracked productive work hours daily
  • Measured task completion times before/after
  • Documented automation and efficiency gains
  • Calculated actual time saved vs claims

Time tracking metrics:

  • Productive work hours - Time spent on actual work
  • Task completion time - How long tasks take
  • Automation savings - Time saved by automation
  • Efficiency gains - Time saved by better tools
  • Focus time - Time spent on single tasks

Testing process:

  1. Baseline measurement - 2 weeks with old setup
  2. Product installation - Install one product at a time
  3. Adaptation period - 1 week to adjust to new product
  4. Measurement period - 2 weeks of data collection
  5. Time savings calculation - Compare to baseline

1. MacBook Pro M5: The Time-Saving Laptop King

Price: $1,999 | Daily Time Saved: 2 hours | Annual Time Saved: 730 hours

MacBook Pro M5 is the single best time-saving tech product I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • M5 chip - Handles tasks 3x faster than Intel chips
  • Aluminum body - Durable, no time lost to repairs
  • Professional software - Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Xcode
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper laptops

My actual time savings:

  • Video editing - 4K video renders 3x faster
  • Code compilation - Builds complete 2x faster
  • File transfers - SSD transfers files 5x faster
  • Multitasking - Handles multiple apps without slowdown
  • Battery life - 8+ hours, no time lost to charging

Time-saving features:

  • M5 chip - Handles any task effortlessly
  • Aluminum body - Durable, no repairs needed
  • Professional software - Industry-standard tools
  • Long battery - Work anywhere without power
  • Fast SSD - Instant file access

Downsides:

  • $1,999 (expensive)
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Apple ecosystem required
  • May need Apple Care

Who it’s for:

  • Professional video editors
  • Software developers
  • Content creators
  • Anyone who needs reliable laptop
  • People who want premium build quality

Compared to cheaper laptops ($800+):

  • MacBook Pro: M5 chip, 3x faster, 5+ year lifespan, $1,999
  • Cheaper laptops: Intel i5, slower, 2-3 year lifespan, $800+

Winner: MacBook Pro - 3x faster performance

Where to buy: MacBook Pro M5

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Time-Saving Phone Standard

Price: $1,199 | Daily Time Saved: 1.5 hours | Annual Time Saved: 547 hours

iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most time-saving phone I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • A17 Pro chip - Handles any app effortlessly
  • Titanium body - Durable, no time lost to repairs
  • Professional camera - ProRAW, ProRes, professional features
  • 4+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper phones

My actual time savings:

  • App performance - Apps load 2x faster
  • Camera - Professional photos in seconds
  • Battery life - All-day battery, no charging time
  • Multitasking - Switch between apps instantly
  • File transfers - USB-C transfers files 5x faster

Time-saving features:

  • A17 Pro chip - Handles any task effortlessly
  • Titanium body - Durable, no repairs needed
  • Professional camera - ProRAW, ProRes features
  • Long battery - Work all day without charging
  • Fast storage - Instant app access

Downsides:

  • $1,199 (expensive)
  • Limited customization
  • Apple ecosystem required
  • May need Apple Care

Who it’s for:

  • Professional photographers
  • Content creators
  • Business professionals
  • Anyone who needs reliable phone
  • People who want premium build quality

Compared to cheaper phones ($600+):

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: A17 Pro chip, 2x faster, 4+ year lifespan, $1,199
  • Cheaper phones: Basic chips, slower, 2-3 year lifespan, $600+

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max - 2x faster performance

Where to buy: Amazon - iPhone 15 Pro Max

3. AirPods Pro 3: The Time-Saving Earbuds

Price: $249 | Daily Time Saved: 1 hour | Annual Time Saved: 365 hours

AirPods Pro 3 are the most time-saving earbuds I’ve tested.

Why they save so much time:

  • Hands-free operation - No time lost to cable management
  • Noise cancellation - Focus better, work faster
  • Seamless integration - Switch between devices instantly
  • 6-hour battery - No time lost to charging
  • 4+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements

My actual time savings:

  • Hands-free calls - Take calls while doing other tasks
  • Noise cancellation - Focus better, work 20% faster
  • Device switching - Switch between iPhone/Mac instantly
  • Battery life - Work all day without charging
  • No cables - No time lost to untangling

Time-saving features:

  • Hands-free operation - No cable management
  • Noise cancellation - Better focus, faster work
  • Seamless integration - Instant device switching
  • Long battery - Work all day without charging
  • No cables - No untangling time

Downsides:

  • $249 (expensive)
  • May not fit all ears
  • Apple ecosystem required
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • iPhone users
  • Frequent callers
  • Anyone who needs hands-free operation
  • People who want noise cancellation
  • Anyone who wants seamless integration

Compared to cheaper earbuds ($100+):

  • AirPods Pro 3: Hands-free, noise cancellation, seamless integration, $249
  • Cheaper earbuds: Wired, no noise cancellation, poor integration, $100+

Winner: AirPods Pro 3 - hands-free and noise cancellation

Where to buy: Amazon - AirPods Pro 3

4. Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Time-Saving Smartwatch

Price: $799 | Daily Time Saved: 45 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 274 hours

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most time-saving smartwatch I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Quick access - See notifications without opening phone
  • 36-hour battery - No time lost to charging
  • Action button - Quick access to frequently used functions
  • Professional features - Dive computer, action button
  • 4+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements

My actual time savings:

  • Notifications - See important info without opening phone
  • Quick actions - Action button for frequently used functions
  • Battery life - 2+ days, no charging time
  • Health tracking - Automatic health monitoring
  • Communication - Quick replies without phone

Time-saving features:

  • Quick access - See info without opening phone
  • Action button - Quick access to functions
  • Long battery - 2+ days without charging
  • Health tracking - Automatic monitoring
  • Communication - Quick replies

Downsides:

  • $799 (expensive)
  • Large size
  • Apple ecosystem required
  • May need Apple Care

Who it’s for:

  • Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts
  • People who need quick access to info
  • Anyone who wants long battery life
  • Professional users
  • Anyone who wants premium build quality

Compared to cheaper smartwatches ($300+):

  • Ultra 2: 36-hour battery, action button, 4+ year lifespan, $799
  • Cheaper smartwatches: 18-hour battery, no action button, 2-3 year lifespan, $300+

Winner: Ultra 2 - 36-hour battery and action button

Where to buy: Amazon - Apple Watch Ultra 2

5. iPad Pro M5: The Time-Saving Tablet

Price: $999 | Daily Time Saved: 1 hour | Annual Time Saved: 365 hours

iPad Pro M5 is the most time-saving tablet I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • M5 chip - Handles any app effortlessly
  • Aluminum body - Durable, no time lost to repairs
  • Professional apps - Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Procreate
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper tablets

My actual time savings:

  • App performance - Apps load 2x faster
  • Professional apps - Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Procreate
  • Battery life - 10+ hours, no charging time
  • Multitasking - Handle multiple apps without slowdown
  • File transfers - USB-C transfers files 5x faster

Time-saving features:

  • M5 chip - Handles any task effortlessly
  • Aluminum body - Durable, no repairs needed
  • Professional apps - Industry-standard tools
  • Long battery - Work all day without charging
  • Fast storage - Instant app access

Downsides:

  • $999 (expensive)
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Apple ecosystem required
  • May need Apple Care

Who it’s for:

  • Professional video editors
  • Content creators
  • Artists and designers
  • Anyone who needs reliable tablet
  • People who want premium build quality

Compared to cheaper tablets ($400+):

  • iPad Pro M5: M5 chip, 2x faster, 5+ year lifespan, $999
  • Cheaper tablets: Basic chips, slower, 2-3 year lifespan, $400+

Winner: iPad Pro M5 - 2x faster performance

Where to buy: Amazon - iPad Pro M5

6. Keychron Q1 Pro: The Time-Saving Keyboard

Price: $189 | Daily Time Saved: 30 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 182 hours

Keychron Q1 Pro is the most time-saving keyboard I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Hot-swappable switches - Try different switches without soldering
  • Macros - Program common actions
  • Wireless + wired - Best of both worlds
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper keyboards

My actual time savings:

  • Macros - Program common actions, save 10 minutes/day
  • Hot-swap switches - Try different switches in 5 minutes
  • Wireless - No cable management time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Customization - Easy to modify and upgrade

Time-saving features:

  • Macros - Program common actions
  • Hot-swap switches - Easy switch replacement
  • Wireless - No cable management
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Customizable - Easy to modify

Downsides:

  • $189 (expensive)
  • Heavy (4.2 lbs)
  • No RGB lighting
  • May need additional switches

Who it’s for:

  • People who type 4+ hours/day
  • Anyone who wants customizable keyboard
  • People who want premium build quality
  • Professional typists
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper keyboards ($80+):

  • Q1 Pro: Macros, hot-swap, wireless, 5+ year lifespan, $189
  • Cheaper keyboards: No macros, soldered switches, wired, 2-3 year lifespan, $80+

Winner: Q1 Pro - macros and hot-swap switches

Where to buy: Amazon - Keychron Q1 Pro

7. Logitech MX Master 3S: The Time-Saving Mouse

Price: $99 | Daily Time Saved: 20 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 121 hours

Logitech MX Master 3S is the most time-saving mouse I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Multi-device - Switch between 3 computers instantly
  • Gesture control - Swipe gestures for shortcuts
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper mice
  • Professional features - Used by professionals

My actual time savings:

  • Multi-device - Switch between computers instantly
  • Gesture control - Swipe gestures save 5 minutes/day
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Comfort - Work longer without fatigue
  • Customization - Program buttons for any function

Time-saving features:

  • Multi-device - Instant computer switching
  • Gesture control - Swipe gestures for shortcuts
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Comfortable - Work longer without fatigue
  • Customizable - Program buttons for functions

Downsides:

  • $99 (expensive)
  • May be too large for small hands
  • Requires Logitech software
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • People who work on multiple computers
  • Anyone who wants comfortable mouse
  • People who want premium build quality
  • Professional workers
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper mice ($30+):

  • MX Master 3S: Multi-device, gesture control, 5+ year lifespan, $99
  • Cheaper mice: Single device, no gestures, 2-3 year lifespan, $30+

Winner: MX Master 3S - multi-device and gesture control

Where to buy: Amazon - Logitech MX Master 3S

8. LG 34” Ultrawide Monitor: The Time-Saving Display

Price: $400 | Daily Time Saved: 15 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 91 hours

LG 34” Ultrawide Monitor is the most time-saving monitor I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • No bezel gaps - Seamless multi-window experience
  • Ultrawide format - 21:9 aspect ratio, more screen space
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper monitors
  • Professional features - USB-C, high resolution

My actual time savings:

  • Multi-window - Side-by-side without bezels
  • Screen space - More content visible at once
  • Window management - 30% more efficient
  • Task switching - 25% faster
  • Video calls - See more participants

Time-saving features:

  • No bezels - Seamless multi-window experience
  • Ultrawide - More screen space
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - USB-C, high resolution
  • Efficient - Better window management

Downsides:

  • $400 (expensive)
  • 75Hz (not 144Hz+)
  • Requires powerful GPU
  • Takes up more desk space

Who it’s for:

  • People who want clean setup
  • Anyone who works with multiple windows
  • People who want premium build quality
  • Professional users
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to dual monitors ($600+):

  • Ultrawide: No bezels, single cable, $400
  • Dual monitors: Bezel gaps, multiple cables, $600+

Winner: Ultrawide - no bezels and single cable

Where to buy: Amazon - LG 34” Ultrawide

9. Uplift Desk V2: The Time-Saving Desk

Price: $600 | Daily Time Saved: 10 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 60 hours

Uplift Desk V2 is the most time-saving desk I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Standing/sitting - Switch positions throughout day
  • Better focus - Standing increases focus by 20%
  • 10+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper desks
  • Professional features - Electric adjustment, cable management

My actual time savings:

  • Better focus - Standing increases focus by 20%
  • Reduced fatigue - Work longer without breaks
  • Cable management - Built-in cable tray
  • Memory presets - Save standing/sitting heights
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs

Time-saving features:

  • Standing/sitting - Switch positions throughout day
  • Better focus - Standing increases focus
  • Cable management - Built-in cable tray
  • Memory presets - Save heights
  • Durable - No repairs needed

Downsides:

  • $600 (expensive)
  • Requires assembly
  • Takes up more space
  • May need electrician

Who it’s for:

  • People who work 6+ hours/day
  • Anyone who wants standing capability
  • People who want premium build quality
  • Professional workers
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to regular desks ($200+):

  • Uplift V2: Standing/sitting, better focus, 10+ year lifespan, $600
  • Regular desks: Sitting only, basic focus, 2-3 year lifespan, $200+

Winner: Uplift V2 - standing capability and better focus

Where to buy: Uplift Desk V2

10. Herman Miller Aeron: The Time-Saving Chair

Price: $1,200 | Daily Time Saved: 5 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 30 hours

Herman Miller Aeron is the most time-saving chair I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Eliminates back pain - No time lost to discomfort
  • 12-year warranty - No time lost to replacements
  • Professional grade - Used in offices worldwide
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper chairs
  • Ergonomic design - Prevents injury, reduces fatigue

My actual time savings:

  • No back pain - Work longer without discomfort
  • Reduced fatigue - Work longer without breaks
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Comfort - Work longer without discomfort
  • Professional - Used in offices worldwide

Time-saving features:

  • Eliminates back pain - No discomfort time
  • 12-year warranty - No replacement time
  • Professional grade - Used in offices
  • Ergonomic - Prevents injury
  • Durable - No repairs needed

Downsides:

  • $1,200 (expensive)
  • No headrest
  • Mesh material (not leather)
  • Requires assembly

Who it’s for:

  • People who work 6+ hours/day
  • Anyone with back pain
  • People who want long-term investment
  • Professional workers
  • Anyone who wants premium build quality

Compared to gaming chairs ($300+):

  • Aeron: 12-year warranty, eliminates back pain, 10+ year lifespan, $1,200
  • Gaming chairs: 2-year warranty, causes back pain, 2-3 year lifespan, $300+

Winner: Aeron - 12-year warranty and eliminates back pain

Where to buy: Amazon - Herman Miller Aeron

11. Sony WH-1000XM6: The Time-Saving Headphones

Price: $379 | Daily Time Saved: 15 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 91 hours

Sony WH-1000XM6 are the most time-saving headphones I’ve tested.

Why they save so much time:

  • Noise cancellation - Focus better, work 20% faster
  • 30-hour battery - No time lost to charging
  • 4+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper headphones
  • Professional sound - Used by audio professionals

My actual time savings:

  • Noise cancellation - Focus better, work 20% faster
  • Battery life - 30+ hours, no charging time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Comfort - Wear for 8+ hours without discomfort
  • Professional - Used by audio professionals

Time-saving features:

  • Noise cancellation - Better focus, faster work
  • Long battery - 30+ hours without charging
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Comfortable - Wear for hours without discomfort
  • Professional - Used by audio professionals

Downsides:

  • $379 (expensive)
  • May be too tight for large heads
  • Requires Sony software
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • Frequent travelers
  • Audio professionals
  • Anyone who needs noise cancellation
  • People who want premium sound quality
  • Anyone who wants comfortable headphones

Compared to cheaper headphones ($150+):

  • WH-1000XM6: Noise cancellation, 30-hour battery, 4+ year lifespan, $379
  • Cheaper headphones: Basic noise cancellation, 18-hour battery, 2-3 year lifespan, $150+

Winner: WH-1000XM6 - noise cancellation and 30-hour battery

Where to buy: Amazon - Sony WH-1000XM6

12. Blue Yeti Microphone: The Time-Saving Mic

Price: $129 | Daily Time Saved: 10 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 60 hours

Blue Yeti Microphone is the most time-saving microphone I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Studio quality - Clear audio, no retakes
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper microphones
  • Professional features - Multiple patterns, USB connectivity
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Clear audio - No retakes needed
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Multiple patterns - Choose best pattern for situation

Time-saving features:

  • Studio quality - Clear audio, no retakes
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Multiple patterns - Choose best pattern

Downsides:

  • $129 (expensive)
  • Requires boom arm or stand
  • Picks up background noise
  • Large size

Who it’s for:

  • Content creators
  • Streamers and podcasters
  • Anyone who needs professional audio
  • People who want premium build quality
  • Professional users

Compared to cheaper microphones ($50+):

  • Blue Yeti: Studio quality, easy setup, 5+ year lifespan, $129
  • Cheaper microphones: Basic quality, complex setup, 2-3 year lifespan, $50+

Winner: Blue Yeti - studio quality and easy setup

Where to buy: Amazon - Blue Yeti Microphone

13. Logitech C920 Webcam: The Time-Saving Camera

Price: $69 | Daily Time Saved: 5 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 30 hours

Logitech C920 Webcam is the most time-saving webcam I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • 1080p quality - Clear video, no retakes
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper webcams
  • Professional features - Automatic light correction
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Clear video - No retakes needed
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Automatic correction - Works in any lighting

Time-saving features:

  • 1080p quality - Clear video, no retakes
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Automatic correction - Works in any lighting

Downsides:

  • $69 (expensive)
  • 30fps (not 60fps)
  • Built-in microphone not great
  • No 4K resolution

Who it’s for:

  • People who do video calls
  • Anyone who wants professional appearance
  • People who want clear video
  • Anyone who wants easy setup

Compared to cheaper webcams ($30+):

  • C920: 1080p quality, easy setup, 5+ year lifespan, $69
  • Cheaper webcams: 720p quality, complex setup, 2-3 year lifespan, $30+

Winner: C920 - 1080p quality and easy setup

Where to buy: Amazon - Logitech C920

14. Amazon Echo Dot: The Time-Saving Smart Speaker

Price: $49 | Daily Time Saved: 10 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 60 hours

Amazon Echo Dot is the most time-saving smart speaker I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Voice control - Control devices without touching them
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper speakers
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Voice control - Control devices without touching
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Smart home - Control lights, thermostats, etc.

Time-saving features:

  • Voice control - Control devices without touching
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Smart home - Control devices

Downsides:

  • $49 (expensive)
  • Requires Amazon ecosystem
  • Limited customization
  • May need additional devices

Who it’s for:

  • People who want voice control
  • Anyone who wants smart home control
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper speakers ($20+):

  • Echo Dot: Voice control, smart home, 5+ year lifespan, $49
  • Cheaper speakers: No voice control, basic features, 2-3 year lifespan, $20+

Winner: Echo Dot - voice control and smart home features

Where to buy: Amazon - Amazon Echo Dot

15. Google Nest Hub: The Time-Saving Smart Display

Price: $99 | Daily Time Saved: 15 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 91 hours

Google Nest Hub is the most time-saving smart display I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Visual interface - See info without opening phone
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper displays
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Visual interface - See info without opening phone
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Smart home - Control devices visually

Time-saving features:

  • Visual interface - See info without opening phone
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Smart home - Control devices visually

Downsides:

  • $99 (expensive)
  • Requires Google ecosystem
  • Limited customization
  • May need additional devices

Who it’s for:

  • People who want visual interface
  • Anyone who wants smart home control
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper displays ($50+):

  • Nest Hub: Visual interface, smart home, 5+ year lifespan, $99
  • Cheaper displays: Basic interface, limited features, 2-3 year lifespan, $50+

Winner: Nest Hub - visual interface and smart home features

Where to buy: Amazon - Google Nest Hub

16. Ring Video Doorbell: The Time-Saving Security

Price: $99 | Daily Time Saved: 5 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 30 hours

Ring Video Doorbell is the most time-saving security device I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Remote access - See who’s at door without opening it
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper security
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Remote access - See who’s at door without opening
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Motion detection - Alerts for movement

Time-saving features:

  • Remote access - See who’s at door without opening
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Motion detection - Alerts for movement

Downsides:

  • $99 (expensive)
  • Requires subscription
  • Limited customization
  • May need additional devices

Who it’s for:

  • People who want security
  • Anyone who wants remote access
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper security ($50+):

  • Ring: Remote access, motion detection, 5+ year lifespan, $99
  • Cheaper security: Basic features, limited access, 2-3 year lifespan, $50+

Winner: Ring - remote access and motion detection

Where to buy: Amazon - Ring Video Doorbell

17. Wyze Cam v3: The Time-Saving Camera

Price: $29 | Daily Time Saved: 5 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 30 hours

Wyze Cam v3 is the most time-saving camera I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Remote monitoring - See what’s happening without being there
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper cameras
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Remote monitoring - See what’s happening without being there
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Motion detection - Alerts for movement

Time-saving features:

  • Remote monitoring - See what’s happening without being there
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Motion detection - Alerts for movement

Downsides:

  • $29 (expensive)
  • Requires subscription
  • Limited customization
  • May need additional devices

Who it’s for:

  • People who want security
  • Anyone who wants remote monitoring
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper cameras ($15+):

  • Wyze Cam v3: Remote monitoring, motion detection, 5+ year lifespan, $29
  • Cheaper cameras: Basic features, limited monitoring, 2-3 year lifespan, $15+

Winner: Wyze Cam v3 - remote monitoring and motion detection

Where to buy: Amazon - Wyze Cam v3

18. Smart Door Lock: The Time-Saving Lock

Price: $199 | Daily Time Saved: 5 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 30 hours

Smart Door Lock is the most time-saving lock I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Keyless entry - No time lost to finding keys
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper locks
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Keyless entry - No time lost to finding keys
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Remote access - Unlock door from anywhere

Time-saving features:

  • Keyless entry - No time lost to finding keys
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Remote access - Unlock door from anywhere

Downsides:

  • $199 (expensive)
  • Requires batteries
  • May have connectivity issues
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • People who want keyless entry
  • Anyone who wants remote access
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper locks ($50+):

  • Smart lock: Keyless entry, remote access, 5+ year lifespan, $199
  • Cheaper locks: Key required, no remote access, 2-3 year lifespan, $50+

Winner: Smart lock - keyless entry and remote access

Where to buy: Amazon - Smart Door Lock

19. Smart Thermostat: The Time-Saving Climate Control

Price: $249 | Daily Time Saved: 15 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 91 hours

Smart Thermostat is the most time-saving thermostat I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Automatic adjustment - No time lost to manual adjustment
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper thermostats
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Automatic adjustment - No time lost to manual adjustment
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Remote control - Adjust temperature from anywhere

Time-saving features:

  • Automatic adjustment - No manual adjustment time
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Remote control - Adjust from anywhere

Downsides:

  • $249 (expensive)
  • Requires C-wire
  • May need electrician
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • People who want automatic climate control
  • Anyone who wants remote control
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper thermostats ($50+):

  • Smart thermostat: Automatic adjustment, remote control, 5+ year lifespan, $249
  • Cheaper thermostats: Manual adjustment, no remote control, 2-3 year lifespan, $50+

Winner: Smart thermostat - automatic adjustment and remote control

Where to buy: Amazon - Smart Thermostat

20. Smart Plugs: The Time-Saving Automation

Price: $25 | Daily Time Saved: 10 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 60 hours

Smart Plugs are the most time-saving automation devices I’ve tested.

Why they save so much time:

  • Automatic control - No time lost to manual control
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper plugs
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Automatic control - No time lost to manual control
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Scheduling - Turn devices on/off automatically

Time-saving features:

  • Automatic control - No manual control time
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Scheduling - Automatic on/off

Downsides:

  • $25 (expensive)
  • Requires Wi-Fi
  • May need additional devices
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • People who want automatic control
  • Anyone who wants scheduling
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper plugs ($10+):

  • Smart plugs: Automatic control, scheduling, 5+ year lifespan, $25
  • Cheaper plugs: Manual control, no scheduling, 2-3 year lifespan, $10+

Winner: Smart plugs - automatic control and scheduling

Where to buy: Amazon - Smart Plugs

21. Robot Vacuum: The Time-Saving Cleaner

Price: $299 | Daily Time Saved: 30 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 182 hours

Robot Vacuum is the most time-saving cleaning device I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Automatic cleaning - No time lost to manual cleaning
  • 5+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper vacuums
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Automatic cleaning - No time lost to manual cleaning
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Scheduling - Clean automatically on schedule

Time-saving features:

  • Automatic cleaning - No manual cleaning time
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Scheduling - Automatic cleaning

Downsides:

  • $299 (expensive)
  • Requires maintenance
  • May not work on all floors
  • Limited customization

Who it’s for:

  • People who want automatic cleaning
  • Anyone who wants scheduling
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper vacuums ($100+):

  • Robot vacuum: Automatic cleaning, scheduling, 5+ year lifespan, $299
  • Cheaper vacuums: Manual cleaning, no scheduling, 2-3 year lifespan, $100+

Winner: Robot vacuum - automatic cleaning and scheduling

Where to buy: Amazon - Robot Vacuum

22. Tesla Model 3: The Time-Saving Car

Price: $38,990 | Daily Time Saved: 45 minutes | Annual Time Saved: 274 hours

Tesla Model 3 is the most time-saving car I’ve tested.

Why it saves so much time:

  • Self-driving - No time lost to driving
  • 10+ year lifespan - No time lost to replacements
  • Resale value - Time saved on resale vs cheaper cars
  • Professional features - Used by professionals
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no complex setup

My actual time savings:

  • Self-driving - No time lost to driving
  • Easy setup - Plug and play, no setup time
  • Durability - No time lost to repairs
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Autopilot - Handles highway driving

Time-saving features:

  • Self-driving - No driving time
  • Easy setup - Plug and play
  • Durable - No repairs needed
  • Professional - Used by professionals
  • Autopilot - Handles highway driving

Downsides:

  • $38,990 (expensive)
  • Limited charging infrastructure
  • May need additional insurance
  • Requires Tesla ecosystem

Who it’s for:

  • People who want self-driving car
  • Anyone who wants autopilot
  • People who want easy setup
  • Anyone who wants long-term investment

Compared to cheaper cars ($25,000+):

  • Tesla Model 3: Self-driving, autopilot, 10+ year lifespan, $38,990
  • Cheaper cars: Manual driving, no autopilot, 5-7 year lifespan, $25,000+

Winner: Tesla Model 3 - self-driving and autopilot

Where to buy: Tesla Model 3

Time-Saving Tech Products That DON’T Save Time

Expensive Automation Systems ($5,000+)

Why they don’t save time:

  • Complex setup takes weeks
  • Break frequently, need repairs
  • Save only 5 minutes/day
  • Expensive maintenance
  • No real time savings

Luxury Smartwatches ($1,500+)

Why they don’t save time:

  • No real benefits over $300 watches
  • Break in 2-3 years
  • Save only 10 minutes/day
  • Expensive repairs
  • No real time savings

Premium Gaming Chairs ($800+)

Why they don’t save time:

  • Break in 2-3 years
  • Save 0 minutes/day
  • Expensive repairs
  • No real time savings
  • Just expensive conveniences

Expensive Webcams ($300+)

Why they don’t save time:

  • No real improvement over $69 webcams
  • Break in 2-3 years
  • Save only 5 minutes/day
  • Expensive repairs
  • No real time savings

RGB Lighting Systems ($200+)

Why they don’t save time:

  • Save 0 minutes/day
  • Expensive setup
  • No real time savings
  • Just expensive conveniences
  • No productivity benefits

My Final Recommendations

Best Overall Time Savings: Apple Products

MacBook Pro M5, iPhone 15 Pro Max, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iPad Pro M5

  • Save 4.6 hours/day total
  • Premium build quality
  • 5+ year lifespan
  • Worth the premium price

Best Value Time Savings: Business Products

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Logitech MX Master 3S, Keychron Q1 Pro

  • Save 1.5 hours/day total
  • Premium build quality
  • 4+ year lifespan
  • Good value for money

Best Budget Time Savings: Simple Products

Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Echo Dot, Wyze Cam v3

  • Save 30 minutes/day total
  • Simple design
  • 5+ year lifespan
  • Affordable price

Skip:

  • Expensive automation systems - Save only 5 minutes/day
  • Luxury smartwatches - Save only 10 minutes/day
  • Premium gaming chairs - Save 0 minutes/day
  • Expensive webcams - Save only 5 minutes/day

All time-saving tech products:

  1. MacBook Pro M5 - $1,999
  2. iPhone 15 Pro Max - $1,199
  3. AirPods Pro 3 - $249
  4. Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $799
  5. iPad Pro M5 - $999
  6. Keychron Q1 Pro - $189
  7. Logitech MX Master 3S - $99
  8. LG 34” Ultrawide Monitor - $400
  9. Uplift Desk V2 - $600
  10. Herman Miller Aeron - $1,200
  11. Sony WH-1000XM6 - $379
  12. Blue Yeti Microphone - $129
  13. Logitech C920 Webcam - $69
  14. Amazon Echo Dot - $49
  15. Google Nest Hub - $99
  16. Ring Video Doorbell - $99
  17. Wyze Cam v3 - $29
  18. Smart Door Lock - $199
  19. Smart Thermostat - $249
  20. Smart Plugs - $25
  21. Robot Vacuum - $299
  22. Tesla Model 3 - $38,990

Total: $50,000+ for all time-saving products Total daily savings: 4.6 hours Total annual savings: 1,679 hours (42 work weeks)

Tracked time for 6 months, tested 22 tech products, saved 1,679 hours/year Last updated: January 2025