Budget Finds That Deliver Quality.

As we anticipate the potential impact of upcoming tariffs on pricing, many of us are compiling lists of affordable items we may need, avoiding those that might force us to break the bank.

Last year, we polled our team at The Verge about their favorite products priced at $50 or lower. Given rising costs this year, we considered raising the budget to $75. However, our staff continues to excel at discovering excellent, budget-friendly gadgets, kitchen tools, tool kits, and other useful items that are both practical and easy on the wallet. Hopefully, these selections will stay under $50 for the time being.

I have a habit of keeping my phones for as long as they function decently, and although I feel the pull of the Pixel 9A, I’ll likely stick with my Pixel 6 for a little while longer. The main issue I’m facing now is battery life. After more than three years of use, it’s no surprise that I occasionally find my battery dipping down to 20% by day’s end. Thus, I’ve realized it’s time to start carrying a portable charger.

Initially, I considered the 20,000mAh Anker Zolo Power Bank, which came highly recommended. However, weighing in at over 11 ounces, it felt like I was lugging around a brick in my bag. I then opted for the lighter but slightly less powerful Anker Nano Power Bank that plugs directly into my phone’s USB-C port and acts as a compact accessory. Weighing just 3.5 ounces, it offers 5,000mAh of power—plenty to see me through the day. Plus, available in several soft colors (I chose Ice Lake Blue), it’s easy to spot in the depths of my bag.
— Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor