Hey,
Welcome to this week’s issue!
Not every great gadget needs a flagship price tag.
Over the past year, I’ve tested a ton of budget-friendly tech — from chargers and earbuds to multitools and flashlights — and only a few actually earned a permanent spot in my setup.
Here’s what’s inside:
Affordable gear that outperforms pricey brands 💸
🧰 The tiny multitool and label maker I can’t live without
🔥 The internet’s debating Apple’s touchscreen plans
Let’s dive in👇
*Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to you.
10 Budget Tech Buys I Don’t Regret — Ever
Not every affordable gadget is worth your money — but these genuinely stand out.
After years of testing, swapping, and gift-buying, here are 10 budget tech pieces I’d enthusiastically buy again.
Why it’s budget gold: Reliable wall chargers, cables, and power banks that outperform some “premium” ones.
Why I don’t regret it: Zero overheating, ultra-fast charging, and they survive being thrown in a backpack daily.
Verdict: When it comes to power, these brands quietly dominate the under-$100 space.
🎧 AirPods 4 (non-Pro)
Why it’s budget gold: Apple’s latest mid-tier buds — same ecosystem magic, lighter price tag.
Why I don’t regret it: They just work. Easy pairing, solid sound, great mic — and cheaper than most “pro” options.
Verdict: For everyday use, they hit the sweet spot between performance and simplicity.
Why it’s budget gold: Four smart trackers for around $100 — peace of mind in pocket size.
Why I don’t regret it: My keys, backpack, and camera gear have never gone missing again.
Verdict: The easiest life-upgrade you’ll forget you even own.
📱 MagBack & Pataka Phone Cases
Why it’s budget gold: Slim, durable, and magnetic-mount-friendly — without the $80 designer markup.
Why I don’t regret it: MagBack is my everyday go-to; Pataka wins on minimal feel. Both make your iPhone feel custom.
Verdict: Small detail, big upgrade to how you actually use your phone.
Why it’s budget gold: Car mounts, desk chargers, and USB-C hubs that punch way above their price.
Why I don’t regret it: Clean design, sturdy magnets, and fast charging that rivals the big names.
Verdict: ESR quietly nails the “functional and aesthetic” balance.
📸 CMF Phone by Nothing / Pixel 9a (Trade-In)
Why it’s budget gold: Solid mid-range phones that deliver flagship-level polish under $100 with trade-ins.
Why I don’t regret it: My kid’s Pixel 9a handles everything from gaming to school apps — no slowdowns.
Verdict: Proof you don’t need four-figure phones to get great cameras and performance.
🧰 Gerber Dime Mini Multitool
Why it’s budget gold: A pocket-sized tool that fits on your keychain — knife, scissors, pliers, and more.
Why I don’t regret it: It’s saved the day countless times — from opening packages to random fixes.
Verdict: The best $30 you’ll ever spend on something this tiny.
🏷️ DYMO Label Maker
Why it’s budget gold: Keeps cables, chargers, and drawers actually organized.
Why I don’t regret it: Labeling my tech setup made me feel like I had my life together (even if it’s just the cables).
Verdict: Peak satisfaction for minimal effort.
Why it’s budget gold: 64 tiny bits, magnetic driver, and lifetime warranty — built for repairing almost anything.
Why I don’t regret it: I’ve used it to fix a laptop, drone, and my kid’s toy car — all in one week.
Verdict: Makes DIY repairs weirdly satisfying.
🔦 BORUIT V3 Mini Torch
Why it’s budget gold: A tiny flashlight that outshines most full-size ones — 900 lumens, USB-C charging, waterproof.
Why I don’t regret it: Always in my car or travel bag — saved me during a power cut and a camping trip.
Verdict: Over-engineered brilliance for under $30.
The best budget tech isn’t about compromise — it’s about clever design and reliability that lasts.
Sometimes the $40 gadget is the one that sticks around longest.
📱 Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend who’s as obsessed with tech as you are:
🔥 Hot This Week: Will Macs Finally Get Touchscreens?
Rumors say Apple is planning touchscreen MacBook Pros with OLED displays for late 2026 or early 2027 — reversing decades of “no touch on Mac” philosophy.
Would you actually want one?
📦 Next Issue: 10 Desk Things That Actually Make Me More Productive
Some tools just look productive — others actually change how you work.
Over the past year, I’ve tested everything from ergonomic setups to small gadgets that quietly shave minutes off my day (and keep my desk from turning into chaos).
In the next issue, I’ll share my top 10:
The $20 gadget that ended my cable clutter once and for all.
The desk light that somehow makes me want to work longer.
The tiny timer that turned my focus around.
The stand that saved my neck — literally.
And the one under-$50 upgrade that instantly made my workspace feel “premium.”
Plus: my honest verdict on which desk tools actually boost productivity — and which ones just take up space.
📅 See you Thursday.