The 1960s were a time of exciting technological advances, but many flashy gadgets were out of reach for most middle-class families. While some electronics became household staples, others carried price tags that made them more of a luxury than a convenience.
You might be surprised to learn which fancy electronics from the ’60s middle-class families simply couldn’t afford. These devices were symbols of status and innovation, showing how far technology had come even if it wasn’t accessible to everyone.
Sony Trinitron Color TV
If you were lucky enough to spot a Sony Trinitron TV in the late ’60s, it was a big deal. These sets came out in Japan in 1968 and hit the U.S. market a year later. The picture quality was noticeably better than most TVs back then.
The Trinitron used a new tube design that was brighter and clearer than other color TVs. But fancy tech like this didn’t come cheap. Most middle-class families wouldn’t have dreamed of affording one, making it a symbol of status.
Owning a Trinitron meant you were ahead of the curve, but it was definitely a splurge. The high price kept it out of reach for many households during the ’60s.
RCA Victor High-Fidelity Stereo System
If you had an RCA Victor high-fidelity stereo system in the ’60s, you were pretty lucky. These consoles weren’t just about sound—they combined rich audio with stylish mid-century designs that stood out in any room.
Most models came in warm walnut finishes with unique details like leaf motifs or sculpted wood legs. They featured AM/FM radios, record players with multiple speeds, and sometimes tape players.
These systems delivered clear, powerful sound with deep bass and crisp highs. But they were expensive and definitely not something every middle-class family could afford back then.
Philco Predicta TV
The Philco Predicta TV looked like something from the future when it appeared in the late ’50s. Its sleek design and swivel screen made it stand out in any living room.
But owning one wasn’t easy on your wallet. The advanced design and technology made it expensive, keeping it out of reach for many middle-class families.
It had a unique two-piece model with a separate base, which felt pretty high-tech for its time. Still, the Predicta wasn’t perfect, and some reliability issues made it less popular than expected.
Motorola Portable Transistor Radio
You might think a portable transistor radio sounds simple now, but back in the ’60s, getting your hands on a Motorola model wasn’t cheap. These radios were sleek for their time and showed off high-tech design.
Carrying one made you feel connected to music and news wherever you went. But the price put them out of reach for many middle-class families.
Motorola’s radios, like the Ranger X31A or the 520T, were made in the U.S. and known for quality. Still, their cost made them a fancy gadget rather than a household staple.
Zenith Space Command Remote
If you had one of these in the ’60s, you were ahead of your time. The Zenith Space Command was one of the first wireless TV remotes, letting you change channels or adjust volume without leaving your seat.
It looked simple but clever, with buttons for channel up, channel down, mute, and even hue control. It didn’t need batteries because it used mechanical technology, which was unusual back then.
But the price wasn’t something most middle-class families could justify. These remotes were often seen as fancy extras, not everyday gadgets, making them pretty rare in typical homes.
Wurlitzer Jukebox
A Wurlitzer jukebox was a cool gadget in the ’60s, but definitely not something most middle-class families could afford. It was big, flashy, and played your favorite records with a touch of nostalgia you’d find mostly in diners or bars.
If you had one at home, it was pretty much the centerpiece. These machines could hold anywhere from 24 to 200 selections, which was impressive but came with a hefty price tag.
You might find a 1960 Wurlitzer with lights and all the trimmings, but even then, repairs or keeping it working was a whole different story. It was luxury, plain and simple.