The Best Tech Under $25 That Actually Works in 2021

The best tech under $25 seems like a gimmick. A fraud. An absurdity. Something that simply doesn’t exist.

It seems like we’ve all been there once or twice. Skimming through Amazon looking through pages and pages of the best tech to find a deal that seems too good to be true. “The best noise-canceling headphones ever! Just $15!” You’re skeptical, but you have hope, don’t you?

So, you go ahead and press that buy button, wait a few days and there they are. Your brand-new noise-canceling headphones for just $15. Only, when you put them on, it’s as if nothing has changed. You can still hear your neighbor’s kids screaming outside, the audio quality is entirely muffled and you think they might have given you an ear infection. You begin to think that sadly, maybe the best tech under $25 actually doesn’t exist.

But, we promise you, it still does. You’re just unintentionally buying crap.

Finding the best tech under $25 isn’t an easy job. You really have to sit down and do your research before committing. Read all of those reviews, check the seller to be sure it’s not a scam and most importantly, you have to note that you’re not going to find many of the most well-known tech brands in the world under $25. If you do, we’re 100% certain that it’s way too good to be true.

With that all said, the best tech under $25 does exist and to make your life a little easier, we went on a hunt to find the best of the best affordable tech for purchase on Amazon. From smart light bulbs to some of the best Bluetooth speakers we’ve seen, see below for all of our top picks.

1. Belkin 4-Port Powered Desktop USB Hub

USB-C is all the rage right now, but that doesn’t mean USB-A peripherals have suddenly fallen from the face of the earth. Belkin’s 4-Port Powered Desktop USB Hub works with both 2.0 and 1.1 devices, with transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, great for storage devices, cameras, and other USB-A peripherals. The flat design and black and white colors also look great on your desk.

$25

Buy: Belkin 4-Port Powered Desktop USB Hub $24.99

2. Hussell USB 3.0 Car Charger Adapter

A dead phone’s best friend is a rapid charge in the car while you get your errands done. The Hussell USB 3.0 Car Charger Adapter gives you instant juice for two phones or devices, with two ports delivering a simultaneous output of 2.4A per port. For a single phone it brings the whole 5.4A charge at once, powering up both Android and iPhone compatible devices up to four times faster. It also has built-in protection to prevent overcharging and overheating.

$14

Buy: Hussell Car Charger Adapter $13.97

3. Satechi Aluminum Dock for MagSafe Charger

Apple’s MagSafe Chargers have become an indispensable power device since the unveiling of the iPhone 12. Satechi’s aluminum dock gives your MagSafe charger and your phone an elegant charging home on your nightstand or anywhere else. It has micro-suction padding for a secure grip to keep your phone from falling to the floor when you fumble to turn off your alarm in the morning, and the ultra-slim design takes up as little space as possible while looking great. MagSafe charger itself is not included.

$25

Buy: Satechi Aluminum MagSafe Dock $24.99

4. Anker Power Strip with USB

Let’s face it — power strips and extension cords are ugly but necessary. And the traditional power bars are unfriendly to devices with larger plugs. Anker solves both problems with this cube-shaped power “strip,” which gives you three outlets and three USB ports at the end of a five-foot extension cord. The USB outlets give 18W max output for fast charging for any USB-friendly device, and the AC outlets bring 1250W to give consistent reliable power to any of your tech devices.

$20

Buy: Anker Power Strip with USB $19.99

5. TALK WORKS Portable Charger Power Bank

A portable phone charger has become a basic necessity, and this one by TALK WORKS can get both you and a friend back up to a full green bar in no time flat. This power bank works across devices, so any iPhone from the 6 on up works, along with iPads and Android phones. With its 8000 mAh capacity, it can fully charge a Galaxy S9 twice, an iPhone XS twice, and an iPhone XS Max a time and a half, and at a snug 3 x 4 inches, it fits easily in your pocket.

$22

Buy: TALK WORKS Portable Charger $22.16

6. Belkin Wall Mount Surge Protector

This is a lot of power in a small and very convenient package, and is sure to become a must-add to your travel bag. The Belkin Wall Mount Surge Protector has two high-speed USB ports (2.1A combined) and three AC outlets with surge protection. The wall plug rotates 360 degrees with the push of a button to let you navigate tight spaces and position your devices how you like. And it is rated at 918 joules to safeguard your devices from power surges and even lightning strikes.

$20

Buy: Belkin Wall Mount Surge Protector $19.99

7. Cat6 40 ft Ethernet Cable (2-Pack)

No matter how fancy or expensive your modem or hardwired device is, they are only as good and fast as your ethernet cable allows them to be. Ultra Clarity’s cables are among the highest-rated on Amazon, and picking up a two-pack of high-end 40-foot cables for under $20 bucks is a steal. These Cat6 cables support frequencies up to 500 MHz and are suitable for 10GBASE-T internet for LAN network connections to PCs, servers, routers, printers, and more.

$16.30

Buy: Two-pack Cat6 Ethernet Cables $16.30

8. Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

There’s no doubt in our minds that every human with a smartphone on this planet is in serious need of a portable charger. Not to get dramatic, but it’s a hell of a world out there. Although our mega-reliance on smartphones has a blessing and a curse, we have to face the fact that we are reliant. Your phone should be charged and on your body at all times because you never know what could happen throughout your day. Keep it juiced with this two-pack with almost 40,000 reviews on Amazon.

$22

Buy: Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger $19.99

9. TW Lighting LED Desk Lamp

A touch sensor switch, an extended adjustable neck, a level dimmer and a USB charger for your smartphone? All for just under $19? With over 7,000 reliable reviews on Amazon? It simply doesn’t get any better. Whether you work from home full-time or simply need a small light source for your bedroom or home interior, we think you’ve hit the jackpot.

$24

Buy: TW Lighting LED Desk Lamp $21.86

10. LENRUE Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Mini doesn’t mean weak. This portable Bluetooth speaker from LENRUE packs all the power and sound that larger Bluetooth speakers do at more than half of the price. Take your music everywhere and listen for up to five whole hours with a full charge. It’s small enough to fit in your back pocket for easy carry and lightweight enough for you to forget it’s even there, making it an awesome last-minute bring-along for gatherings with friends. Plus, it comes in seven colors to peak your fancy.

$16

Buy: LENRUE Portable Bluetooth Speaker $18.99

11. Satechi Aluminum Mouse Pad

Just when you thought everything on your desk was upgradeable except for that ratty old mousepad with the picture of a piano-playing cat on it, Satechi comes with a great-looking and eminently durable aluminum mouse pad to class up your workspace. The smooth metal surface lets your mouse glide effortlessly over the large (9.3 x 7.3) surface area, and the anti-slip rubberized base gives it a heavy and firm grip on your desk, and it’s also light and thin enough to slip into your bag in case you’re working on the go.

$20

Buy: Satechi Aluminum Mouse Pad $19.99

12. Fintie iPad Case and Cover (9th/8th/7th Gen)

Bring ultimate protection and great style to your brand-new 9th gen iPad with this awesome-looking case from Fintie. The faux-leather and microfiber case supports multi-angle viewing and has a built-in holder for your Apple Pencil. There’s also an outer pocket to hold papers, cash, credit cards, or whatever you want to stash. It’s also compatible with the 8th and 7th gen iPads, and comes in a whopping 39 colors and patterns.

$15

Buy: Fintie iPad Case (9th/8th/7th Gen) $14.99

13. PopSockets PopGrip with Swappable Top (Moon)

The ubiquitous PopSockets are even cooler when you have a swappable top, and this one has an eye-grabbing full moon design. The PopSockets add so much function to your phone – one-handed texting, hands-free video watching, camera stand for great selfies. There are a great many imitators out there but this is a genuine PopSocket at a great price.

$10

Buy: PopSockets PopGrip (Moon) $9.99

14. Exerscribe Blue Blocking Glasses

Only now are people realizing the hazards of lengthy exposure to the blue light of our phones, tablets, and computer monitors. Gamers and workaholics alike are finding themselves suffering from eye fatigue, itchy dry eyes, and headaches from overexposure. These glasses from Exerscribe are amber-tinted to filter blue light to protect your eyes while not impeding your vision. Plus the black frames look great and the lenses are scratch-proof.

$10

Buy: Exerscribe Blue-Blocking Glasses $9.99

15. LUMIMAN Smart WiFi Light Bulb

Speaking of smart objects, smart light bulbs are an excellent way to light up your home in 2021. With these bulbs from LUMIMAN, you don’t even need a smart plug for voice control through your Amazon Alexa or Google Home even if you’re using a lamp from, like, the 60s. Simply connect both bulbs through the directions included and pick your favorite color to light your space.

$18

Buy: LUMIMAN Smart WiFi Light Bulb $17.99

16. Yootech Wireless Charger

With three charging modes available for a multitude of different smartphones and devices, the Yootech wireless charger is seriously in a world of its own. This charger can charge most newer Apple devices (including AirPods), Samsung devices, Google devices and more, making it the one-stop-shop charger for everyone in your household. We know what you’re thinking upon looking at the photo. “I charge my phone by my bedside at night, does that green light turn off?” The answer is yes, the charger recognizes your phone by blinking three times to let users know it’s connected then turn off shortly after so your bedroom won’t be blinded by a green hue at night.

$14

Buy: Yootech Wireless Charger $13.99

17. Anker Wireless Charger

While we’re talking about cordless chargers, another favorite of ours comes from one of the most reliable brands on this list. You already know Anker, but would you be shocked to discover that their wireless charger will only cost you $15? Just like the wireless charger prior, all you have to do is lay your phone down in the provided spot and charging will begin. The only real difference here is that the Yootech lays your phone down while the Anker props it up. Just depends on preference with these two.

$19.49

Buy: Anker Wireless Charger $19.49

18. Ultra Clarity High-Speed HDMI Extender Cable

If you have a large-screen television and a laptop full of movies or games or great photos, a long HDMI cable will have your two devices making sweet music together (literally, if you like). This male-to-female 15-foot HDMI extender from Ultra Clarity brings all of the 4K resolution, bandwidth speed (18 Gbps), and color depth (48 bit/px) from your laptop to your large screen. You can also use it to move your streaming device – Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku Streaming Stick, or any one with an HDMI port – to a better or more convenient location.

$12

Buy: Ultra Clarity HDMI Extender (15 ft) $11.95

19. Aigostar Glass Electric Tea Kettle

Shocked to see a tea kettle? Don’t be. Stop making your tea on the stovetop, people, it’s 2021. There are better, more ways to make tea. This isn’t the Victorian era. The Aigostar Glass Electric Tea Kettle will boil your water in a matter of just a few short minutes, saving you so much time in total. Additionally, it uses high-quality, durable glass so you never have to worry about shattering during the heat-up process. Typically, this electric tea kettle is around $30, but right now on Amazon, you can get it for just $19.49.

$19.49

Buy: Aigostar Glass Electric Tea Kettle $19.49

20. Roku Express

You’ll get the whole shebang with the Roku Express. Movies, television, music — whatever. Easily use all of the streaming platforms you pay for and find them in one place. With the Roku Express, you’ll also get Roku Originals plus free Live TV. Set up is effortless, too. Just plug it into your TV and it’s up and going. All that for just $25 is more than just a steal.

$25

Buy: Roku Express $24.99

21. YI 1080p Smart Home Camera

Need a little extra security for your home but can’t afford one of those fancy, schmancy cameras? Well, turns out you can. The YI 1080p Smart Home Cameras got all the bells and whistles those security cameras with triple-number price points do. It comes with an AI-powered human detective and rids of any false positives from bugs and other creatures. It also works with Alexa so you can see what the camera picks up on your Echo Show.

$25

Buy: YI 1080p Smart Home Camera $24.99

22. Cayzor Beard Straightener Comb

Alright, this one is wildly specific, but hear us out. Do you have a beard? Are you pissed about how curly or wavy it is? Well, you’re in luck — Cayzor’s got a beard straightener comb that will flatten out any kinks and curls your facial hair is working with. Not recommended for dudes with shorter beards, because, duh.

$20

Buy: Cayzor Beard Straightener Comb $19.99

23. New bee Bluetooth Earpiece

Take your calls hands-free on a budget with the best-selling New bee Bluetooth Earpiece. Calls are crystal clear from both ends so whomever you’re speaking with won’t feel like they’re yelling into a void. It sits comfortably in your ear to diminish any pain you might get from other earpieces and it’s got a 60-day standby time to make your life easier.

$18

Buy: New bee Bluetooth Earpiece $17.99