These are the best gadgets for writers that make writing a breeze.
As a freelance writer and solopreneur, I’m always looking for the right tools that make running my business easy. Writing for a living may seem easy to some, but in reality, it’s not always easy with writer’s block, distractions, and other issues.
The right gadgets can become a team to which you can outsource tasks and help you get more done.
Luckily, as technology advances, so do the apps, programs, and software that will increase productivity, beat writer’s block, and more.
This post with the best gadgets for writers makes the perfect gift list to give your family and friends present ideas throughout the year.
17 Top Tech Gadgets and Tools Every Writer Can Use
1. Writer’s Blocks Software
Writer’s Blocks is a unique book-writing software that helps you start and finish your project. It’s easy to use with no steep learning curve.
Writing for hours with this software is fun, and you can use it for any size writing project, from short stories to novels. In it, you create blocks that act as separate word processor documents that can be organized into 100 columns.
It’s the ultimate story-writing software to take your writing to the next level.
2. Grammarly
Grammarly is one of my favorite tools to use as a professional writer. It automatically proofreads your writing and checks for grammatical or spelling errors. The free version is great, but Grammarly Premium will take your writing to the next level by:
- Checking your work for passive voice
- Showing you how to rewrite sections for clarity
- Checking for plagiarism
- Checking for inconsistencies like punctuation, spacing, or wording
- Finding unclear antecedents
- Suggesting synonyms
And much more. It ensures that all client work is error-free and professional, which is critical for your long-term success if you want to get testimonials and new clients by word of mouth. If you would like to learn a little more about Grammarly, read this review of Grammarly Premium I wrote.
ProWritingAid is another grammar and spelling checker used by writers and authors. I have never personally used it, but many people swear by it too.
3. Miracle Cube Timer
The cute timer works off a principle similar to the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in brief time blocks to increase productivity. The Pomodoro technique uses 25-minute intervals to help you remain focused and more productive.
It’s perfect for kids or adults and has preset time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60-minute intervals. What’s neat about the Miracle Cube Timer is that it requires no programming. All you do is flip the minute up to start the countdown.
It’s perfect for people who:
- Often work past the point of productivity.
- Find minor distractions make them unproductive
- Enjoy making a game out of goal setting
- Are way over-optimistic about how much they can get done each day
- Have a lot of work that has no specific time limit to complete
4. Rocketbook Erasable Wirebound Notebook
If you don’t know what a smart notebook is, the Rocketbook Erasable Wirebound Notebook takes your note-taking to a whole new level. If you’re familiar with erasable pens (I’ve been using Pilot FriXion pens), this notebook is the perfect partner.
The Rocketbook Smart Notebook is made of special material that allows you to write in it with an erasable pen and then erase it with a moist cloth. This means the notebook is reusable for a long time.
What makes it even better is that it comes with an app that lets you scan your written pages once you’ve taken notes and upload them to a cloud app like Evernote, Google Drive, or something similar.
Pro Tip – I’m not sure if it happens with the pages in the Rocketbook, but if you use Pilot FriXion pens with a regular notebook and find the writing disappears, all you need to do is stick it in the freezer to get your notes back. The heat makes the ink disappear.
5. Scrivener 3
I love Scrivener writing software and have started using it to write and plan my novel. It can be overwhelming, to begin with, but many writers love and use this software.
I love it so much because it helps you organize your writing, develop characters and plots, and so much more – all the essential parts of the writing process. Track your word count and progress, store your research and notes with your writing, and export it into different formats.
You can use it on your Mac or Windows laptop or computer, so it’s accessible to almost anyone. Plus, you get a 30-day free trial, which is different from most software. Most trials give you 30 days, but Scrivener gives you 30 days of actual use before you need to upgrade.
And you’ll find Scrivener 3 is a reasonably priced writing software that has many features others don’t. It’s quite the comprehensive writing software many authors love.
6. Smart Pen Camera, Voice Recorder, and Stylus
Your note-taking just got leveled up with the Livescribe Smart Pen if you like taking handwritten notes the traditional way instead of using a tablet. I have to say my mind was blown by this note-taking or writing software, as you can capture your handwriting and turn it into digital text.
It is kind of like touchscreen monitors that allow you to navigate and touch your computer screen like a mobile device; this is brilliant.
Plus, the Livescribe Pen can record audio and link it to your text. Simply replay the audio by tapping on your notes and save and easily organize your digital notes with the playback on your Windows or Mac computer or iOS or Android device.
Little known fact, did you know that taking handwritten notes helps you remember things better? Get this pen and level up your old school note-taking.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones
You can never go wrong with a good pair of noise-canceling headphones for most online business owners. Anyone who works from home often with family in the house knows the value of a good set of affordable headphones.
They’re perfect for writers who need to interview sources on Skype or Zoom and for use with a laptop or desktop computer. Or even if you want to listen to music while you write.
If you need to block out background noise, noise-cancelling headphones are essential gadgets for writers.
But there’s no need to break the bank, as a superior set of headphones can cost hundreds of dollars. Features like long battery life, intelligent controls, and bold sound can still be found in more moderately priced options like:
8. Standing Desk
Of all the writing gadgets on this list, a standing desk might be the most practical as we spend a lot of time at our desks. A standing desk like the affordable Flexispot EC1 allows you to write standing or sitting so you can stretch and not get cramped or have back pain.
It comes in various sizes and colors to match your decor and the measurements of your space. Even the smallest size of this standing desk has room for two monitors, and you can raise it or lower it easily with the electrical lift system.
9. Kindle
So, I will admit when eBooks became really popular, I started with a Nook by Barnes and Noble. And I still love my Nook, but the Kindles are very nice too, especially the Kindle Paperwhite.
It has a long battery life of 10 weeks, and the page turns faster than previous models. The pages even look like actual paper in the Paperwhite, and the light allows you to read in the dark in case you don’t want to keep your partner up. A long battery life is an essential feature of Nooks and Kindles.
The screen is durable too. And you can get a bundle with a case and power adapter, so you have everything you need to read more on this device.
10. Wireless Keyboard with Customizable Emoji Keys
Now I thought this wireless keyboard with customizable emoji keys is one of my favorite gadgets writers love. If you’re someone who uses emojis a lot like me (though I am told that is not the cool thing to do now ?), then this portable keyboard lets you have your favorite ones at your fingertips.
Another thing that makes it unique is the feel of the mechanical keys as your fingers bounce across them. Plus, they make a noise like a typewriter.
And you can set up the keyboard with three devices and switch between them using the Easy-Switch keys.
The Logitech POP Keys Mechanical Keyboard also comes in a bundle with a mouse pad and a POP mouse.
11. Glowseen LED Light-Tipped Pen
I’m not sure that this pen counts as one of the tech gadgets writers love, but it is definitely helpful for writing down ideas late at night. Of course, we don’t get our best ideas at convenient times, only the worst, like when you’re going to the bathroom late at night.
If you don’t want to wake your partner up, simply use this pen to write your ideas down. Or if you have an article deadline, need to write on a red-eye flight, and don’t want to flick on your lamp.
The Glowseen LED Lighted Pen would make a perfect stocking stuffer for a writer.
12. Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard
Now, this cool rechargeable ultra-slim portable keyboard is inexpensive and folds up for traveling and business trips. It will fit in any computer case or bag, so you can work wherever you are, which makes it one of the best tech gadgets for writers.
This wireless keyboard is also compatible with iOS or Android tablets, so you write even if you can’t bring your laptop with you or don’t have a lot of space. As a foldable bluetooth keyboard, you can pair it easily with a simple touch of the CONNECT button, and it has an automatic on/off and reconnection design that makes it convenient to use.
If you’re looking for a small wireless keyboard, this Samsers Bluetooth keyboard is one of the best options for bluetooth keyboards out there.
13. Apple MacBook Air
This Apple MacBook is one of the best laptops for writers as it’s one of the thinnest and lightest MacBooks. With 18 hours of battery life, speed, and durability, it’s one of the best tech gadgets for writers. Some of the best features include the following:
- Apple M1 processor for fast processing and graphics
- Fast SSD memory
- It has a fanless design for silent operation.
- Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Next-Generation Wi-Fi 6
- The 13.3-inch screen size is perfect for traveling.
And much more. The backlit keyboard is huge for me as I missed it when mine went out, and a friend replaced it with one that didn’t light up. It’s the simple technology you don’t miss until it’s gone.
This Apple MacBook is an excellent laptop for travel because of its compact size and is perfect for all your writing needs.
14. Click Up
If you’re looking for the ultimate productivity app for writers, then you may love Click Up. It’s one of my favorite useful tools for task management as it’s pretty robust, and you can use it with other software like Asana, Evernote, or Trello.
Click Up has some awesome features and benefits that make it stand out from the rest like:
- Multiple views – 15+ to be exact
- Communicate with a team if you need to
- Real-time reporting
- Time tracking capabilities
- Templates
- It integrates with many other apps
- The Mobile App
- 24/7 customers service
- It’s affordable
It’s also scalable, with hundreds of customizable features for teams or solopreneurs. It has everything you need to boost efficiency, save time, and simplify workflows.
My favorite part of the Click Up technology is the ability to create a customized dashboard.
Click Up makes the perfect tool for managing your writing business.
15. Keurig Coffee Maker
I love my morning coffee, so I can’t live without my Keurig Coffee Maker, and even I don’t have a smart brewer yet (though it’s on my list). I’ve had a Keurig Coffee Maker for at least 15 years and feel like I couldn’t live without it.
The one niche thing about these coffee makers is that many allow you to save money by using your own ground coffee. Plus, there are plenty of other great features the innovative brewer technology offers like:
- Customize your cup of coffee by size or brew hot over ice
- Multiple brew sizes
- You can brew a second cup without waiting for it to reheat
- Multistream technology that extracts more flavor
- Simple button controls
The multiple brew size feature is significant for me because I need a different size for my travel mug than the cup I drink at home. The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Brewer is everything you need to make a good cup of joe without going to the coffee shop.
16. reMarkable
This is another smart notebook that is fantastic writing technology everyone needs. reMarkable allows you to draw and write on a screen that feels just like paper.
The screen is easy on the eyes, and the stylus that comes with it makes it a neat gadget for writers. And you can even write and convert it to a digital text file later on, which makes using this tablet convenient.
No other tablet/notebook feels like this making it really unique. reMarkable comes with the tablet, marker, charging cable, and eight market tips.
17. WD 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
Of all the gadgets on this list, the portable external hard drive might be one of the best writing side kicks. If you’ve ever lost part (or all) of a novel or writing project due to power outages or a broken laptop, you know what it’s like to lose hours and hours of work.
This WD Passport External Hardrive lets you back up all your work in case you lose the copy you’re working on when you dump water all over your laptop or another device (oopssy).
Final Thoughts on the Best Gadgets for Writers
Now you have a list of gadgets that can help make your life easier (and more fun). Each device, tool, or software on the list serves a different purpose, whether it’s a reusable notebook, smart pen, or keyboard.
Give this list to any friends or family looking for gift ideas for you, or save it if you’re looking for gifts for a writer friend. Any of the products on this list will make a great gift for writers this year.
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