The Most Overrated Tech Purchases of 2026

Introduction

Every year the tech industry discovers exciting new ways to convince perfectly reasonable adults to spend alarming amounts of money on products they absolutely do not need. And honestly? 2026 might be setting a new record. Somewhere between AI branding, influencer hype, luxury peripherals, and endless promises of "futureproofing," we’ve entered an era where people are buying hardware for problems they don’t actually have.

The goal here isn’t to attack technology. I genuinely love tech. Instead, let’s help each other spend money more intelligently. After all, technology should improve life, not complicate it.

The Psychology of Tech Hype

Let’s face it: there’s a bizarre psychology behind why we chase new gadgets. It’s like a dopamine rush every time we unbox something shiny and new. Fear of missing out is real, especially with YouTube review culture and influencer recommendations. And let’s not forget that futureproofing anxiety — you know, that nagging feeling that you’re going to be left behind if you don’t buy the latest and greatest.

I’ve fallen for many of these traps myself. Sometimes I find myself questioning my life choices while clicking “Add to Cart” on a $300 keyboard. I’m sure I’m not alone here!

Overrated Purchase #1: AI PCs For Most People

AI branding is everywhere these days. It’s like modern tech marketing has somehow convinced people they need dedicated AI processors to answer emails and watch YouTube. Sure, many of these AI PCs are excellent computers. But for the average user? They’re often poor value upgrades. Most people aren’t benefiting from dedicated AI chips yet. If you’re not into heavy computational tasks or AI development, you might want to hold off.

Overrated Purchase #2: Ultra-Premium Mechanical Keyboards

Ah, the luxury keyboard culture. We’re talking about $300-$500 keyboards that have enough features to make your head spin. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the obsession; some keyboard communities discuss switch lubrication with the seriousness of international diplomacy. But at a certain point, the diminishing returns kick in. Do you really need a custom keyboard that costs more than your rent?

Overrated Purchase #3: 8K Monitors

Let’s talk resolution hype. 8K monitors are the shiny new toys, promising the ultimate clarity. But here’s the kicker: scaling issues and GPU requirements mean that most people would benefit more from a great 4K display. Unless you’re a professional content creator, an 8K monitor might just be overkill.

Overrated Purchase #4: RGB Everything

RGB desks, RGB speakers, RGB mousepads, and even RGB monitors — at this point, some setups resemble small cyberpunk nightclubs. I actually like RGB; it adds a fun vibe to my workspace. But when you have more lights than a Christmas tree, it might be time to take a step back. At a certain point, RGB lighting stops being decoration and starts becoming a weather system.

Overrated Purchase #5: Extremely Expensive Gaming Chairs

Gaming chair marketing is a wild ride. They often come with racing seat aesthetics that promise to enhance your gaming experience. But here’s the truth: many office chairs outperform expensive gaming chairs in comfort and ergonomics. Don’t let the flashy ads fool you.

The Difference Between Fun and Necessary

Let’s wrap this up with a critical thought: some products are still worth buying, not because they are practical, but because they are fun. Technology is allowed to bring joy! The mistake is confusing fun purchases with productivity purchases and necessity purchases.

Buy technology that genuinely improves your life. Ignore technology that simply makes you feel temporarily behind. The best setup is not the most expensive setup; it’s the setup that helps you enjoy your life, your work, and your hobbies.

In the end, know what you need and what makes you happy. Because when it comes to tech, it’s all about finding the right balance between practicality and pleasure.