Lifestyle
15 Everyday Gadgets That Could Be Obsolete in 5 Years
By CM Chaney · July 25, 2025
In this article, we take a closer look at 15 common household gadgets that may not be around in five years. We'll explore why these items are becoming outdated and highlight the tech trends that are pushing them aside. From landlines to point-and-shoot cameras, understanding these shifts can help you decide whether you want to invest in the old, embrace the new, or just hold onto what works best for you. So, let's embark on this tech journey and see which gadgets might soon say their goodbyes. Photo by BandLab on Unsplash
1. Landline Phones
Remember when having a landline was a household necessity? Well, those clunky phones from brands like AT&T and Panasonic are losing their place in our homes. With everyone glued to their smartphones, landlines are gathering dust, offering little more than a nostalgic ring. The convenience and portability of mobiles, combined with internet calling options, make landlines feel like relics from a bygone era. Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash
2. Digital Cameras
Once the go-to for capturing memories, digital cameras from makers like Canon and Nikon are feeling the heat. Smartphone cameras are catching up, boasting high-res photos and fancy lenses, all in a pocket-sized package. Plus, smartphones let you edit and share pics in a snap, making standalone cameras seem a bit unnecessary unless you're a photography buff. Photo by Ludde Lorentz on Unsplash
3. Portable GPS Devices
Remember spending ages setting up your Garmin or TomTom? Those days are numbered thanks to smartphone apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps. With real-time traffic updates and integrated search options, who needs the hassle of separate GPS devices? It's all right there in your pocket, ready to guide you at the tap of a finger. Photo by Mark Cruz on Unsplash
4. MP3 Players
The iPod revolutionized music on-the-go, but now it's all about streaming. Services like Spotify and Apple Music offer endless choices without clogging up your device with files. So, unless you've got a thing for vintage tech, MP3 players might be better off displayed next to your CD collection. Photo by Andres Urena on Unsplash
5. DVD and Blu-ray Players
Gone are the days of Friday night DVD rentals. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime have made physical media feel pretty cumbersome. With instant access to vast libraries of content, dusting off a Blu-ray can feel like too much work. It seems like convenience, once again, is king. Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
6. E-readers
E-readers like the Kindle are lovely for dedicated readers, but many are turning to multifunction devices like tablets and smartphones. With apps for reading, gaming, and web browsing now packed into one gadget, dedicated e-readers are starting to feel a bit niche. Unless they keep innovating, they might soon be sitting unused on the shelf. Photo by Perfecto Capucine on Unsplash
7. External Hard Drives
Cloud storage options from Google Drive to Dropbox are taking over how we manage our files. They're convenient and secure, though not without their own costs. But the days of lugging around physical drives might be over, as cloud storage tackles our need for space without the physical bulk. Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
8. Alarm Clocks
Remember how many times you've hit snooze on a bedside alarm clock from RCA or Sony? Now, your smartphone or smart speaker can handle morning wake-ups, weather updates, and play your favorite tunes. Why crowd your nightstand with more gadgets when one can do it all? Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
9. CD Players
Physical CDs are facing extinction, as digital and streaming options dominate. Love that tangible CD feeling? You're part of a dwindling tribe, as most have shifted to digital, seeking easier, more accessible music options online. Goodbye, Discman; hello, Spotify! Photo by Matias Megapixel on Unsplash
10. Fax Machines
In the age of emails and instant messaging, fax machines are struggling to find relevance. Once essential in offices, they're being replaced by quicker, more efficient methods of sharing documents. Unless you're in a super traditional setting, it's time to hang up on fax machines for good. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
11. Desktop Computers
Desktops are a mainstay for many gamers and creatives, but laptops and tablets are inching into that market. With each new release boasting more power, portability, and even gaming capabilities, desktops are finding themselves more niche. Their bulk and need for a fixed space could spell their gradual decline. Photo by VD Photography on Unsplash
12. Point-and-Shoot Cameras
With smartphone cameras like those on the latest iPhones and Samsungs rivalling dedicated cameras in quality, who has room for a standalone point-and-shoot in their pocket? Unless you're keen on professional photography features, your mobile device probably meets all your snapshot needs. Photo by Samsung Memory on Unsplash
13. Handheld Camcorders
Capturing special moments is easier with a phone or a GoPro, which offer incredible video quality without the hassle of lugging around a hefty camcorder. The ease, plus direct social sharing from mobiles, makes camcorders less attractive for everyday use unless you're filming the next Sundance hit. Photo by Anthony Adu on Unsplash
14. Landline Answering Machines
Voicemail is just a button away on mobile phones, making that old answering machine on your landline seem like a relic. With fewer homes keeping landlines, the quirky beeps and whirs of a standalone answering machine will probably soon be little more than a quirky memory. Jorge Barrios Riquelme/Wikimedia