Blog

5 posts

Guides that explain what you are buying, and short notes on how chi-fi works.

Earphones for a phone with no jack

A phone with no headphone jack needs a USB-C dongle, earphones with a USB-C plug, or wireless earbuds. The cheapest working pair starts at $23 on AliExpress.

Guide 5 min read

  1. Gadget gifts under $30, by who they're for

    Earphones, controllers, gaming mice and phone dongles from $8 to $30 on AliExpress, sorted by who you're buying for, with what to check before you order.

    Guide 6 min read

  2. Best budget retro handhelds, by what they play

    Six handhelds from $33 to $224 on AliExpress, and which game systems each one runs well, so you can match the device to the games you want.

    Guide 4 min read

  3. Best cheap IEMs under $20, by sound

    Five wired earphones from $8 to $18 on AliExpress, sorted by the sound you want: big bass, warm and easy, or small and comfortable.

    Guide 4 min read

  4. Cheap wireless gaming mouse: $20 or $70?

    What a $16 to $22 mouse gives you, what a $68 to $74 one adds, and whether 8,000 Hz polling and a flagship sensor are worth paying for.

    Guide 4 min read