Tech House is a subgenre of electronic dance music that combines elements of house and techno. It emerged in the early 1990s, likely originating in Detroit before gaining popularity in the UK and Germany.

Key characteristics of Tech House include:

A fusion of house music's rhythmic structure with techno's synthetic sounds

Prominent off-beat open hi-hats, creating a distinctive shuffle rhythm

Minimalist approach, often perceived as repetitive or monotonous

Less emotional warmth than traditional house, but not as mechanistic as pure techno.

The genre has been criticized for lacking the strengths of both its parent genres, resulting in a sound that some find banal and uninspiring. However, it has maintained popularity in certain club scenes, particularly in Berlin.

Tech House has evolved over time, becoming increasingly popular while some argue its quality has declined. The genre has split into various subgenres since the 2000s, further diluting its original sound.

The genre's popularity is reflected in its prominence on electronic music platforms like Resident Advisor, where Tech House DJs have frequently topped annual polls.

Despite criticisms, Tech House remains a significant part of the electronic music landscape. Its influence can be seen in various club scenes worldwide, and it continues to evolve, with some producers experimenting with elements from other genres like trance and dubstep.