Running a race? These 5 tech must-haves got me across the finish line

I test tech for a living, whether the gadgets are smart rings, AI robotic massage tables, or earbuds. I have strong opinions on what makes a tech product worth your money, because I know that budgets are tight and there’s no greater disappointment than wasting a paycheck on a middling device. I do my research, checking competing websites for the newest products, reading Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, speaking with researchers and analysts about what makes a certain device good or bad, and, when in doubt, testing everything out for myself. 

For this story, if I hadn’t tested a product myself, I consulted ZDNET’s experts who have. I considered price, quality, and use cases for runners, among other things, to curate this list. While there are plenty of other tech I could have recommended to you, these are the five things that me, myself, and I think you would need to get a head start on your first race.