If 2025 taught us something, it’s that “inexpensive” doesn’t need to imply “cheap” with regards to the latest tech products. Some of our favorite gadgets of the yr got here in at a cool $50 or much less, from modern energy strips that stored our cables organized to circumstances that improved our telephones’ and earbuds’ model and performance. You don’t have to spend so much to present your on a regular basis carry a severe improve; these seven merchandise we swore by all yr are proof of simply that and make nice tech gifts for any time of yr.
One of my instant-favorite merchandise of 2025 takes the favored PopSocket and makes it extra purposeful than ever. It nonetheless packs a MagSafe-compatible cellphone grip (hi there iPhones and Pixel 10) that helps you maintain your more and more giant cellphone (sure, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is barely greater and heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro Max). Now, there’s a small hinge that permits you to flip the PopSocket right into a cellphone stand to maintain your cellphone upright and vertical, which is sweet to have and likewise a giant deal when you pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard for getting work performed on the go. It additionally works in horizontal mode for when it’s bedtime or binge time, and a fast press and counter-clockwise twist allow you to swap out its PopSocket so you possibly can swap in your present favorite. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
A small improve that is made a giant distinction in my on a regular basis carry, this Mujjo case provides a trendy leather-based protecting to my AirPods Pro 3 whereas additionally throwing in a key ring that retains them hooked to my keys always. Now I’ve one much less factor to fret about when grabbing all my pocket necessities for the day, a comfort that has me questioning why I waited so lengthy to get one of these. It’s a really nice under-$50 present for any AirPods lover in your life, together with your self. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
When it got here time to check iPhone 17 cases, I used to be searching for a combination of type, perform and usefulness, and one of my early favorites was Casekoo’s Matte Magic Stand case. It contains a pop-out O-ring that you need to use for a stand or just to present your self just a little extra stability when taking pictures or video. But the even greater function for my part is the one you possibly can’t actually see: This case contains a matte shell that makes it simpler to carry. Oh, and for everybody who acquired one of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro or just loves that hue, its mixture of opaque and orange supplies supplies a wonderful combine. It’s additionally offered in black, white, blue, inexperienced and purple. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
I’ve by no means been a giant MagSafe pockets man, however this Moft mannequin that updates author Ellen McAlpine swears by instantly stood out to me by additionally doubling as a way to prop your cellphone up. It makes a surprisingly sturdy stand for one thing so skinny — one thing I recognize as a content material creator — and likewise serves as a superbly advantageous cell pockets that may retailer as much as two playing cards proper on the again of your cellphone. And like most Moft equipment, it is available in a ton of nice colours. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
I’ve tried out loads of nice Nintendo Switch 2 accessories this yr, however this Mumba case is the one add-on I legitimately cannot play my system with out. This glossy rubber protecting fixes one of the console’s largest points by giving me some much-needed ergonomic grips for handheld play, eliminating all of the palm ache I used to get from the skinny and sharp Joy-Cons. I additionally love that it is dock-friendly, so I by no means have to fret about taking it off when it is time to carry my video games to the large display screen. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
NCS Underscored has a crew of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and we guarantee every article is rigorously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted. We speak to prime specialists when relevant to make sure we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely the very best merchandise and contemplating the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
Senior tech editor Mike Andronico and electronics author Henry T. Casey have been writing about client electronics for a mixed 20 years, and have examined out tons of of (oftentimes junky) price range merchandise in that point. The two don’t simply advocate the above merchandise; they’re nonetheless utilizing most of them each day at this time.
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