5 Must-Have Tech Accessories Under $50

TL;DR 

Need the highlights fast? Here's what made our list:

• Anker Nano Power Bank - A super-slim MagSafe battery that snaps to your iPhone for a quick, cable-free boost anywhere you need it.
• Anker Prime 67W Charger - Three ports, one tiny brick that charges your laptop, phone, and earbuds simultaneously without hogging your bag space.
• Tribit StormBox Mini+ - A waterproof Bluetooth speaker that sounds way bigger than it looks, perfect for showers, beaches, or your desk.
• 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller - Retro vibes meet modern gaming with this Super Nintendo-inspired controller that works on basically everything.
• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) - Your voice-activated smart home sidekick that sets timers, plays music, and controls your lights for pocket change.

Introduction

Spending a hundred bucks shouldn't be the entry fee to the future. The sweet spot between solid gear and empty wallets is real. We did the grunt work - digging through specs and reviews - to find it. The goal isn’t flashy tech, but accessories that integrate seamlessly, that you actually use. That’s the real upgrade.

Our picks aren't random Amazon finds that'll break after two weeks. They're based on actual editor testing, verified user reviews, and recommendations from trusted tech sources. We're covering power solutions, audio, gaming, and smart home essentials - basically, the stuff you'll actually use every single day.

Pro tip: Before you buy anything tech-related, swing by Catchers to snag promo codes for major electronics retailers. Why pay full price when you don't have to? Our platform aggregates working discount codes for ecom sites, so you can stretch that $50 budget even further. (You're welcome.)

Anker Nano Power Bank (MagSafe-Compatible)

Key Specifications:

Why It's a Must-Have:

You know that mini heart attack when your phone hits 12% and you're nowhere near an outlet? Yeah, this fixes that. The Anker Nano is ridiculously thin - like "I forgot it was in my pocket" thin - and delivers true 15W MagSafe wireless charging. Just snap it to your iPhone's back and keep scrolling.

Here's what it's NOT: a full 0-100% rescue mission. Think of it as your daily safety net for those crucial top-ups when you're out and about. Got a long commute? Watching videos during lunch? This keeps you above survival mode without cables dangling everywhere.

Plus, it's got a built-in graphene cooling system, so it won't turn into a hand-warming brick mid-charge. Safety and style? Check.

Anker Prime 67W 3-Port GaN Charger

Key Specifications:

• Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
• Total Output: 67W Max
• Technology: GaN (Gallium Nitride) for compact size
• Size: 51% smaller than Apple's old 67W MacBook brick

Why It's a Must-Have:

Modern life means juggling multiple devices. Phone, tablet, laptop, earbuds - they all need juice, and your single-outlet hotel room isn't cutting it. This cheap gadget solves that mess in one tiny package.

GaN technology shrinks the charger down to travel-friendly dimensions while keeping the power output high. Folding prongs? Absolutely. Smart power distribution? You bet. Charge your MacBook at full speed solo, or split the load between three devices when you're grinding from a coffee shop.

Perfect for:

• Remote workers tired of outlet tetris
• Travelers who pack light
• Anyone who wants a cleaner desk setup

Tribit StormBox Mini+ Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Key Specifications:

• Sound: 360-degree surround, customizable EQ via app
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Durability: IP67 waterproof and dustproof
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4

Why It's a Must-Have:

Phone speakers are weak. Tablet speakers are slightly less weak. This? This actually sounds good, even at full volume. The StormBox Mini+ delivers surprisingly rich audio for its size - perfect for shower singalongs, beach days, picnics, or just filling your room with actual bass.

The IP67 rating means it survives real chaos - sandy beaches, sudden spills, getting caught in a drizzle. You won’t freak out. That practicality makes it one of those affordable tech gifts people reach for daily, not another item buried in a drawer. The value isn’t just toughness; it’s eliminating the stress of minor accidents.

Stop settling for tinny audio. This speaker punches way above its weight class and price tag.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller

Key Specifications:

• Design: Retro Super Nintendo-inspired
• Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Android, Raspberry Pi
• Features: Bluetooth, motion controls, rumble vibration
• Special: Hall Effect joysticks (on newer models for improved durability)

Why It's a Must-Have:

Nostalgia alert: if you grew up mashing buttons on a Super Nintendo, this controller will hit you right in the feels. But it's not just about retro aesthetics - this thing works with basically everything. Switch? Yep. PC platformers? Absolutely. Emulator setup on Raspberry Pi? You're covered.

Modern additions such as Bluetooth, motion controls, and rumble give it actual utility. The Hall Effect joysticks in recent versions virtually eliminate stick drift - a real threat to precise speedruns. This is a niche accessory, admittedly. But in the under-$50 category, it delivers notable versatility, avoiding the cost of a premium controller.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Key Specifications:

• Core Function: Voice-controlled smart speaker with Alexa
• Audio: Plays music/podcasts (not as powerful as larger Echo models)
• Hub: Controls smart home devices (lights, plugs, thermostats)
• Additional: Can function as Eero Wi-Fi extender, clock display option available

Why It's a Must-Have:

Looking to add a smart home but worried about sticker shock? The Echo Dot is your legit entry point. It handles the simple, daily gig: “Alexa, set a timer.” “Dim the lights.” It excels at those immediate, small-scale commands that add up. A key insight is its role as a routine catalyst. You start by asking for lo-fi beats, then later automate the lights to soften with your evening playlist. The value isn’t just voice control - it’s how this cheap device quietly trains you to build a system that fits your actual habits, without a huge upfront investment.

It's incredibly versatile:

• Kitchen: hands-free timers and recipe conversions
• Bedroom: alarms, white noise, smart light control
• Living room: music streaming and podcast playback
• Office: quick reminders and weather updates

Plus, it frequently drops to $50 or below during sales (check Catchers for current deals). For the price of a few fancy coffees, you get a voice assistant that actually makes life easier.

FAQ

Are these products actually good quality, or will they break quickly?

Brands like Anker, Tribit, and Amazon are reputable names. They balance quality with value. Many come with manufacturer warranties. Editors have tested them and confirm good durability. Anker specifically has earned a name for reliable power accessories.

Do prices fluctuate often for these items?

Tech item prices on Amazon change daily. We're aiming for that target range around $50. Most of these products typically hover right at or under that mark. Major sales like Prime Day or Black Friday guarantee drops, but random flash sales are common too. Gotta track them. Use price alerts and hunt for promo codes on deal forums.

I have an Android phone. Are these accessories still good?

Most of them, yes! The 67W charger works with any USB-C device. The speaker uses standard Bluetooth. The controller works with Android and PC. The Echo Dot is platform-agnostic. Only the Anker Nano Power Bank is iPhone-specific due to MagSafe, but Anker makes USB-C alternatives that work great with Android phones.