X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

The best fidgety gadgets that aren't fidget spinners or cubes

You might already have one of these lying around: here are some top-notch fidget-friendly electronic things.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
img5004.jpg
1 of 13 Scott Stein/CNET

Fidget cube, or fidget spinner?

Fidget cubes and spinners are ultra-popular now, and cost anywhere from a dollar to twenty. Fidget cubes (center, grey) are covered in buttons, knobs and switches. Fidget spinners (blue, bottom right) are flat and spin on ball bearings like a gyroscope. But a lot of electronics have fidgety features, and you may not even realize it.

apple-watch-032116-7478.jpg
2 of 13 James Martin/CNET

Apple Watch

Whether or not you appreciate the idea of a smartwatch, the spinning side crown button is perhaps the most addicting and satisfying fidget feature in any current gadget.

nintendo-switch-console-4834.jpg
3 of 13 Sean Hollister/CNET

Nintendo Switch

The Supreme Fidget Game System. The Switch's slide-out Joy-Con controllers are studded with buttons, and feel fun to play with. Also, don't forget the slide-on grips.

apple-airpods-2016-007.jpg
4 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

AirPods

Apple's little wireless earbuds have a well-machined magnetic way of snapping into their case, and even the lid has a comforting magnetic click. It's very flippable.

samsung-gear-s3-frontier-11.jpg
5 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung Gear S3

Samsung's smartwatch features a clicking, rotating bezel around the watch face that spins like a wheel. It's good for navigating, and excellent for fidgeting.

blackberry-0844-014.jpg
6 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Blackberry KeyOne

Do you miss lots of buttons on your phone? Blackberry's back with a full-keyboarded phone, and it could be what you're looking for if you miss those clicky keys.

microsoft-surface-dial-003.jpg
7 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Surface Dial

Microsoft's wireless Surface accessory spins like a giant knob and control apps. It's also an excellent desktop toy to fiddle with.

SteelSeries_Stratus_Game_Controller_35833864_06_610x436.jpg
8 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Steelseries Stratus

This tiny Bluetooth game controller has been around for years, but its pleasingly crammed-in assortment of buttons could make it a good little stress reliever.

apple-ipod-shuffle-5614-007.jpg
9 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

iPod Shuffle

It's small, it's got a springy clip, it has clickable buttons. Come on.

fd-logitech-mx-master-wireless-mouse-15.jpg
10 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

A good, clicky, dial-filled mouse

Mice are a perfect fidget. One of our favorites was the Logitech MX Master, seen above. Plenty to keep you occupied.

misfit-shine-2-9424.jpg
11 of 13 James Martin/CNET

Misfit Shine 2

Misfit's disc-shaped fitness tracker is the size of a coin and pops into its own accessories. Tapping the smooth disc brings up a flare of colored LEDs. Or, it's a fitness-tracking worry stone.

img4996-2.jpg
12 of 13 Scott Stein/CNET

Old MacBook Air charger

An office pick via Bridget Carey: the MacBook charger's flip-down prongs and the flip-up cable catchers make for many dimensions of fidget.

img4997.jpg
13 of 13 Scott Stein/CNET

Slide-out USB sticks

A cheap pocket fix: SanDisk's slide-out design is like the modern-day clickable pen.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos