3 Luxury Tech Gadgets That Are a Complete Waste of Money

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Nothing says “I’m rich” like obsessing over things that the average Joe would have to work half their life to buy. Of course, if you have the means to live comfortably while also having the resources to afford some nice purchases, that’s fine. The problem ultimately comes down to your shiny new toy turning out to be something better suited for the landfill than your living room.

The world of technology is probably one of the biggest areas where you can see this scenario. Average consumer technology like smartphones, laptops, and TVs can fetch a pretty penny, and even within that, there are many items that are a waste of money. As a result, more expensive items become all the more valuable to those with deep pockets, not because of their higher level of functionality, but rather because their gadgets and gizmos can be a reminder of their financial status.

That’s not to say you don’t deserve an 8K TV or a smartwatch that costs as much as someone’s annual income, but like all of our possessions, your purchase should have a purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive tech items that no amount of money can justify.

Louis Vuitton Horizon Illuminated Headphones

Even if you don’t live a life of luxury and opulence, you’ve probably heard of Louis Vuitton. Owning any of the designer shoes, watches, jewelry, handbags, or perfumes that bear the name of the luxury French fashion brand makes you the textbook definition of wealth in the eyes of many. With so many expensive products under its belt, it’s no surprise that the company would soon enter the lucrative world of technology — with predictable and pretentiously priced results.

While we could have included their $2,230 portable speaker or their $4,110 light-up watch, we’re going to go with what’s probably the biggest waste of money you can find on their site — and that’s saying a lot — the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up headphones. While they’re not as expensive as some of the products mentioned above, at $1,660, they’re definitely the most useless. Who wouldn’t want to spend their entire month’s rent on something that’s likely to get lost under the couch or forgotten about in the pair of pants you just threw in the washing machine?

As you might imagine, most of the main differences from much cheaper products come in the form of aesthetics, like the shiny gold or silver coloring and the illuminated charging case surround with animated patterns. But other than that, they offer about the same performance and battery life as your typical wireless earbuds. While the 12-hour battery life on a single charge isn’t bad, you can get the same or more from a pair of JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 Earless Airbuds for $100 or less.

Apple Vision Pro

It’s probably no surprise that Apple makes this list. The iconic Mac and iPhone name has produced some advanced technology that, while certainly useful and innovative, can sometimes make us wonder if we’ve been robbed blind. In a slightly more literal sense, perhaps the biggest waste of money you can get from the company is the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Combining virtual and augmented reality is certainly no small feat, and it can certainly improve entertainment, productivity, and the experience of interacting with others. But honestly, it’s unlikely that a pair of clunky goggles will be the first tool that comes to mind when you’re looking to upgrade your hardware. Especially when that upgrade means paying $3,499. The product has received mixed reviews from the likes of Wired and The Verge, who, while hailing it as a technical breakthrough, also reported complaints about its bulky size, blurry video quality, and inconsistent motion tracking, among other concerns raised by other users. Ultimately, it could be a tool to try out at the Apple Store, but for now, you’re better off investing your money in a cheaper VR headset.

Devialet Mania Phantom 108dB Speakers

If you have a lot of money, then you certainly have the right to listen to music at home. Portable speakers are a favorite accessory for music lovers, and even regular ones can be quite expensive if you don’t know where to look for affordable speakers. But the Devialet Mania Phantom 108dB speaker takes this ideal to the next level, costing an absurd amount.

The biggest performance element this speaker claims to have over its competitors is its ability to deliver sound without distortion or saturation. That’s not necessarily a minor issue, as even some of the best speakers have some level of distortion. Plus, it allows customization via an integrated app and can connect to devices via AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. But barring the most extreme audiophiles, most of us don’t need to spend $3,199 on something that’s never even crossed our minds. Nor should we, as even Devialet’s cheaper portable speakers approach the $800 range.

The Phantom I 108dB has an average rating of 3.9 stars on Amazon. They are mostly positive, with a fair few lower-level customer reviews stating they had difficulty setting up the product, while others noted inconsistent sound quality when playing on their phone compared to other devices.