5 tech gadgets you can buy under $10
The lightest item on this list weighs 1.94 ounces, according to its listing. That is a working monocular, small enough to forget in a coat pocket until the moment you need it.
$10 technology gadgets generally work similarly: compact, single-use, and easy to miss until they help you out with a task.
5 tech gadgets under $10
Gadinsider has compiled a list of five of those. The list actually extends to some surprises when it comes to affordable gadgets. The thing with them is that they revolve around a good idea, like a magnetic feature of the base of the speaker and a lighter without fuel.
Among other things, brands like HDAJY, heetipuk, FineInno, YANGVVIA and ENGFYADSY will be featured on the list, and since the claims on the gadgets are made by their Amazon listings, we marked them accordingly.
1. HDAJY mini monocular telescope
This is a pocket-sized 30 x 25 monocular with a metal barrel and a rubber outer layer. HDAJY says it suits hiking, birdwatching, concerts, ball games and stargazing and that adults and children can use it.
Key features and specs
- Magnification: 30 x 25, per the product title
- Size: 3.7 inches long, 0.95 inches in diameter
- Weight: 1.94 ounces
- Focus: Manual
- Build: Metal barrel with rubber outer, per HDAJY
- Weather resistance: Described by HDAJY as waterproof and moisture-proof
- Colour: Black
Performance
It has only one eyepiece, making it smaller and lighter than the binoculars. The weight of HDAJY is less than two ounces, which makes it portable. It does not have auto-focus, meaning that the user will need to do it manually. The product claims that it is water resistant, although there is no rating to prove the extent.
Pros
- Pocket-sized and very light
- Metal barrel with rubber outer layer
- Suitable for hiking, birding and events, per HDAJY
Cons
- No phone adapter is listed, though the listing mentions smartphones.
- The waterproof claim comes with no test standard.
- Listed specs conflict, so check the details before relying on them.
Today's best deals
HDAJY mini monocular telescope — View at Amazon
2. ENGFYADSY AI language translator earbuds
These Bluetooth earbuds combine real-time translation with music and phone calls. ENGFYADSY says they support 144 languages and work with Android, iOS and Windows devices that have Bluetooth.
Key features and specs
- Languages: 144, with two-way translation, per ENGFYADSY
- Functions: Translation, music streaming and calls
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and a companion app
- Battery: Up to 4 hours per charge, with a charging case for top-ups
- Controls: Touch controls; the two earbuds pair with each other automatically when removed from the case.
- Fit: In-ear
- Noise control: None
- Colour: Black
Performance
These earbuds have been designed for two users in conversations. With the four hours of battery usage per charge, these earbuds seem to be good for short conversations and short trips as well; the carrying case should also provide help in charging the batteries. While the seller has mentioned great accuracy of the translations, there has not been any information provided regarding the test results.
Pros
- Supports 144 languages, per ENGFYADSY
- Works with Android, iOS and Windows over Bluetooth
- Charging case included
Cons
- The listing does not say whether translation needs an internet connection.
- Four hours per charge is modest.
- No noise control, and accuracy claims have no test details
Today's best deals
AI language translator earbuds real time — View at Amazon
3. Heetipuk magnetic Bluetooth speaker
The heetipuk is a mini Bluetooth speaker with a magnetic base, so it sticks to metal surfaces such as fitness equipment, a fridge or golf cart bars. It also works as a phone stand and has RGB lights.
Key features and specs
- Output: 5 watts, mono
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, plus a TF card slot
- Battery: Up to 7 hours at 70% volume, per heetipuk
- Charging: USB-C, cable included; can play while charging
- Size and weight: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.7 inches, 3 ounces
- Extras: Magnetic ring for non-magnetic surfaces, lanyard, built-in microphone for calls, TWS pairing for two speakers
- Lights: RGB, switched manually
Performance
The magnet is where this device shines. The speaker can be attached to sportswear or refrigerator doors through the magnet. There’s a TF card reader which allows the user to listen to saved songs without a phone. It uses mono audio in which only one channel can be generated using one speaker, but two heetipuk speakers can be used in TWS mode.
Pros
- Magnetic base and ring for mounting
- Bluetooth 5.3 and a TF card slot
- USB-C cable, lanyard and magnetic ring included
Cons
- Mono output only
- The battery figure is for 70% volume, so full volume may be shorter.
- The TF card is not mentioned as included
Today's best deals
Magnetic Bluetooth speaker — View at Amazon
4. YANGVVIA electric lighter
This is a USB-rechargeable plasma lighter that uses touch ignition and has no fuel or flame, per the listing. YANGVVIA sells it in a "Dragon" design, with a battery indicator of four blue dots.
Key features and specs
- Ignition: Touch, with no button to hold
- Power: Rechargeable by micro USB; cable included
- Fuel: None; electric
- Battery indicator: Four blue dots
- Size and weight: 3 x 1.3 x 0.4 inches, 1.76 ounces
- Material: Metal and plastic
- Weather: Windproof, but not waterproof, per YANGVVIA
- Design: Dragon
Performance
Unlike ordinary lighters that produce a flame, the plasma lighter produces an electric arc that requires recharging, not refilling. You can use the battery gauge to monitor the battery status, and this is important as the arc will cease once the battery empties. Being wind-resistant but not water-resistant, ensure that it remains dry at all times. It is appropriate for lighting candles among other similar purposes, although no charge life has been mentioned.
Pros
- No fuel needed; recharges over USB
- Four-dot battery indicator
- Windproof, per YANGVVIA
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Charges over a micro USB, an older connector
- No battery life or ignition count is given.
Today's best deals
Electric lighter — View at Amazon
5. FineInno desktop vacuum cleaner
The FineInno is a small cordless vacuum for desks, keyboards and car seats. It is meant for crumbs, dust, paper bits and pet hair, per the listing.
Key features and specs
- Power: 2 AA batteries, cordless
- Run time: 2 to 2.5 hours, per FineInno
- Size: 3.1 x 2.4 inches
- Filter: Cloth
- Use: Desk, computer, car
- Picks up: Crumbs, paper, dust, cat hair, eraser shavings and similar light debris, per FineInno
- Noise: Described by FineInno as low-noise
Performance
A device like this is made for light tasks, including removing bits from keyboards and erasers. It will be useful because of its compact size. FineInno uses a battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours, but no suction capacity is given in the listing, so there is no way to tell about its effectiveness with heavy dirt.
Pros
- Cordless and small enough for desks and cars
- Runs on common AA batteries
- Designed for keyboards and tight spots
Cons
- The listing does not say whether batteries are included.
- No suction or capacity figures are given.
- The low-noise claim has no measured figure.
Today's best deals
Desktop vacuum cleaner — View at Amazon