Amazon has changed the way I shop. If I ever need anything, I usually follow the same process. Search the item on Amazon, read a couple of reviews, make sure it’s eligible for Amazon Prime, rinse and repeat. If I really want something the next day, I’ll go to the nearest Best Buy and price match the item. Amazon has even convinced my parents to start online shopping, which is something I’ve tried convincing them to do for years.
Amazon is my go-to website for tech accessories. I clearly remember going into an Apple Store couple years back to get a replacement Lightning cable for my iPhone. I almost fought the Apple package when I saw the staggering $29 price tag for a single cable. Instead, I decided to try a third-party cable from Amazon and I haven’t looked back.
This is where AmazonBasics comes into the picture. Whether you’re on a budget, or just looking for cheap, quality tech accessories, you might want to look into AmazonBasics products. AmazonBasics is to Amazon what the Kirkland brand is to Costco. I’ve had great experiences with AmazonBasics products and wanted to share a list of some of my favorites.
1. 6-Port USB Wall Charger: $24.99
If you don’t have a multi-port USB charger, you need to get one immediately. This is by far one of the most useful charging devices you can buy. I have one in my room that charges my Fitbit, iPhone, iPad, and Bose headphones simultaneously. This 6-port USB wall charger provides up to 2.4 Amps per port and comes with a 5-foot power cable.
2. Single Monitor Displaying Mounting Arm: $99.99
If your computer monitor isn’t on a stand, chances are it’s positioned too low causing unnecessary neck strain. Combine hours of looking down at your monitor and your phone and you’re looking at a case of poor posture, which can lead to neck, back, and shoulder pain. This single monitor mount increases desk space by using a clamp to minimize the normal footprint of a monitor. The single monitor arm is easily adjustable to extend, retract, or rotate from landscape to portrait mode.
3. Felt Laptop Sleeve: $11.99 (13-inch) or $13.99 (15-inch)
Laptops are expensive. The standard among people I know starts at a minimum of $1000. This laptop sleeve has a felt exterior with a suede interior to protect against scratching. The Velcro closure ensures your laptop isn’t going to fall out. There is a smaller compartment that can fit various accessories such as pens, pencils, or even a small tablet. With a laptop sleeve, you don’t need a “tech backpack” to securely transport your computer scratch-free.
4. Nylon Braided Lightning Cable (6 Feet): $11.99
I prefer nylon braided cables because they are much more durable than the standard charging cable. I always get the longest cord possible because I like to charge my phone and use it on my bed. This cord has an additional layer of protection on the ends of the cable, which is usually the weakest part of the cable. Unfortunately for the my fellow Android users, the nylon option is only available with the Lightning connector.
5. Low-Back Computer Chair $44.99
I recently moved to another house and I spent a good amount of time looking for a computer chair. I almost pulled the trigger on a mesh back chair from Costco for a $100 before deciding to check on Amazon. I had no idea that AmazonBasics sold a computer chair for half the price. The setup took around five minutes to build and all the tools were included. I prefer this model to the other AmazonBasics model, which has hand rests. The hand rests are not adjustable and I always keep my hands on the desk anyways.
6. Adjustable Tablet Stand: $7.99
Holding a tablet for extended periods of time to watch a movie or show is not ideal. It’s tiring and keeps at least one of your hands occupied. Cases like Apple’s Smart Cover is limited to only two viewing angles. This adjustable tablet stand a range of viewing angles along with an extremely portable design that can easily fit into any bag.
7. Bluetooth Keyboard $23.99
This Bluetooth keyboard is marketed for Android tablets or smart phones, but it will work with anything that has a Bluetooth connection. The slim profile features scissor-switch keys, which I fell in love with on my 2010 MacBook Pro. This may be a deal-breaker for some, but this model does not have a number pad.
8. DSLR Gadget Bag: $17.99 (Medium) or $24.99 (Large)
My roommate is an avid photographer and he swears by this bag. He has a Sony Alpha 6000 and has three different lenses. He likes to camp at various national parks to get beautiful scenic pictures and needs a durable bag to keep his equipment safe. This bag has been able to weather all different kinds of conditions.
9. USB-Powered Computer Speakers $13.99
If you’re an audiophile, you’re most likely going to hate these speakers. If you want something that is louder than your laptop speaker, this is a great option. These computer speakers are the epitome of AmazonBasics. Cheap price tag that gets the job done.
10. Dual USB Car Charger $7.49
Many of the newer cars already come standard with USB charging ports. If you older car, go ahead and pull the trigger on this dual USB car charger. Every car has a cigarette lighter, which you plug the car charger into. There is also an LED indicator light that will notify you if the charger is working.
All of these products are unsurprisingly qualified for Amazon Prime. Two-day shipping is the single greatest standard that Amazon has created. I feel a bit spoiled that I expect fast and free shipping but I can’t help it. There is nothing as satisfying as placing an order and seeing it arrive on your door two days later.