# chi-fi

> A curated shortlist of budget gadgets sold on AliExpress: earphones, wireless earbuds, USB DACs, gamepads, retro handhelds, gaming mice and keyboards. Each page explains the product in plain terms, lists pros and cons, and links to AliExpress through affiliate links. Picks come from research (reviews, specs, community consensus), not hands-on testing. Prices are USD "from" prices and may be out of date.

> Full catalog specifications, pros and cons, and trade-offs are available at [llms-full.txt](https://chi-fi.top/llms-full.txt). Programmatic JSON catalog feed at [catalog.json](https://chi-fi.top/api/catalog.json), its fields described by a [JSON Schema](https://chi-fi.top/api/catalog.schema.json). Every category, product, blog post and page also has a Markdown version at its URL plus ".md", for example https://chi-fi.top/iem.md.

- [Gamepads](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads.md): Controllers for PC, phones and Nintendo Switch. Most connect by cable, Bluetooth or a small USB dongle.
- [Earphones](https://chi-fi.top/iem.md): Wired earphones that sit in your ear, often called IEMs (in-ear monitors). They plug into a headphone jack, or into a dongle on phones without one.
- [Retro handhelds](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds.md): Pocket consoles for playing classic games. Some run Android, so they can play phone games too.
- [Gaming mice](https://chi-fi.top/mouses.md): Light gaming mice, mostly wireless and rechargeable.
- [Headphone DACs](https://chi-fi.top/dac.md): Small dongles and desk boxes that feed wired headphones from a phone or computer, often called DACs. Handy for phones with no headphone jack.
- [Keyboards](https://chi-fi.top/keyboards.md): Mechanical keyboards for gaming and typing. Some have magnetic switches that let you set how far a key goes down before it counts, for faster presses in games.
- [Wireless earbuds](https://chi-fi.top/tws.md): Bluetooth earbuds that sit in your ear without a cable between them, often called TWS (true wireless stereo). They recharge in their pocket case and pair with phones, tablets and computers.

## Gamepads

- [GameSir T4 Nova Lite](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/gamesir-t4-nova-lite.md): Budget wireless controller for PC, Switch and phones, from $16
- [Machenike G5 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/machenike-g5-pro.md): Wireless controller with back buttons, from $35
- [FANTECH SHOOTER III WGP13S](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/fantech-shooter-iii-wgp13s.md): Wireless controller for PC, Switch and Android, from $20
- [Flydigi Vader 4 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/flydigi-vader-4-pro.md): Wireless controller with adjustable sticks and triggers, from $57
- [8BitDo Ultimate 2C](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/8bitdo-ultimate-2c-bluetooth-game-controller.md): Budget controller with drift-resistant sticks, from $28
- [GameSir Cyclone 2](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/gamesir-cyclone-2.md): Wireless controller with back paddles, from $55
- [Flydigi apex 5](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/flydigi-apex-5.md): Pro wireless controller with a built-in screen, from $125
- [EasySMX X05](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/easysmx-x05.md): Wireless controller for PC, Android and Switch, from $25
- [GameSir Nova 2 Lite](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/gamesir-nova-2-lite.md): Budget wireless controller with Hall-effect sticks, from $30
- [GameSir G7 SE](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/gamesir-g7-se.md): Wired Xbox and PC controller with Hall-effect sticks, from $45
- [8BitDo SN30 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/8bitdo-sn30-pro.md): Retro-style wireless controller with a great D-pad, from $36
- [8BitDo Pro 2](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/8bitdo-pro-2.md): Pro-style controller with a strong D-pad, from $45
- [Flydigi Vader 5 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/gamepads/flydigi-vader-5-pro.md): Premium wireless controller with adjustable Hall-effect sticks, from $80

## Earphones

- [KZ Castor Bass](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-castor-bass.md): Wired earphones with extra bass, from $8
- [KZ Audio ZVX](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-audio-zvx.md): Budget wired earphones, from $8
- [TANGZU WAN ER SG](https://chi-fi.top/iem/tangzu-wan-er-sg.md): Wired earphones that run fine from a phone, from $15
- [Moondrop CHU II](https://chi-fi.top/iem/moondrop-chu-ii.md): Wired earphones with a balanced sound, from $18
- [MOONDROP Kadenz](https://chi-fi.top/iem/moondrop-kadenz.md): Higher-end wired earphones, from $197
- [7Hz X Crinacle Zero 2](https://chi-fi.top/iem/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2.md): Wired earphones tuned with reviewer Crinacle, from $15
- [Moondrop CHU III](https://chi-fi.top/iem/moondrop-chu-iii.md): Wired earphones with punchy bass for the price, from $25
- [TRUTHEAR PURE](https://chi-fi.top/iem/truthear-pure.md): Wired earphones with four drivers and a warm sound, from $90
- [SIMGOT EW300](https://chi-fi.top/iem/simgot-ew300.md): Wired earphones with three kinds of driver in a metal shell, from $69
- [Kiwi Ears Belle](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kiwi-ears-belle.md): Compact wired earphones with tight, plentiful bass, from $25
- [Kiwi Ears Cadenza II](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kiwi-ears-cadenza-ii.md): Warm, smooth wired earphones with a titanium driver, from $45
- [SIMGOT EG280](https://chi-fi.top/iem/simgot-eg280.md): Gaming-tuned earphones with a planar tweeter and USB-C dongle, from $72
- [SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat](https://chi-fi.top/iem/simgot-ea1000.md): All-metal dynamic-driver earphones with a passive radiator and swappable nozzles, from $219
- [KZ ZS10 Pro X](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-zs10-pro-x.md): Hybrid five-driver earphones with punchy bass and detailed highs, from $30
- [TANGZU Wan'er S.G II Red Lion](https://chi-fi.top/iem/tangzu-waner-sg-ii-red-lion.md): Bass-boosted wired earphones with ruby-red shells, from $21
- [KZ Vibe X](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-vibe-x.md): Dual-driver earphones with tactile physical bass vibration, from $36
- [MOONDROP Dark Saber](https://chi-fi.top/iem/moondrop-dark-saber.md): Ten-driver flagship hybrid earphones with carbon fiber faceplates, from $800
- [KZ Gale](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-gale.md): Ultra-budget gaming earphones with spatial bass tuning, from $11
- [FiiO JH13](https://chi-fi.top/iem/fiio-jh13.md): Three-driver hybrid earphones with natural zebrawood faceplates, from $40
- [7Hz G1](https://chi-fi.top/iem/7hz-g1.md): Dual-cavity DLC dynamic driver earphones for gaming and music, from $35
- [KZ Taurus](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-taurus.md): Horizontal dual dynamic driver earphones with electronic crossover, from $25
- [KZ Decet](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-decet.md): Ten-driver dynamic earphones with five dynamic drivers per side, from $39
- [KZ Axas](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-axas.md): FPS gaming in-ear monitors tuned for positional spatial audio, from $13
- [CVJ Vivian](https://chi-fi.top/iem/cvj-vivian.md): Warm budget earphones with punchy bass and gothic faceplates, from $18
- [KZ EDZ](https://chi-fi.top/iem/kz-edz.md): EDX series collector's edition earphones with ultra-wideband dynamic driver, from $12
- [MOONDROP Harmon](https://chi-fi.top/iem/moondrop-harmon.md): Triple dynamic driver earphones with isobaric sub-bass and glass-dome treble, from $350

## Retro handhelds

- [Trimui Smart Pro](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/trimui-smart-pro.md): Widescreen retro game handheld, from $60
- [Boyhom R36S](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/boyhom-r36s.md): Pocket handheld for classic games, from $33
- [Retroid Pocket 5](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/retroid-pocket-5.md): Android handheld with an OLED screen, from $224
- [ANBERNIC RG Cubexx](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg-cubexx.md): Retro game handheld with a square screen, from $69
- [ANBERNIC RG35XX H](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg35xx-h.md): Pocket-size retro game handheld, from $47
- [Boyhom K56](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/boyhom-k56.md): Android handheld for retro and phone games, from $105
- [Miyoo Mini Plus](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/miyoo-mini-plus.md): Pocket-sized retro handheld for classic games, from $52
- [TrimUI Brick](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/trimui-brick.md): Compact metal-back retro handheld with a very sharp screen, from $79
- [ANBERNIC RG35XX SP](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg35xx-sp.md): Folding retro handheld in a Game Boy Advance SP shape, from $105
- [ANBERNIC RG35XX Pro](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg35xx-pro.md): Vertical retro handheld with two analog sticks, from $69
- [ANBERNIC RG DS Plus](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg-ds-plus.md): Dual-screen handheld for Nintendo DS games, from $115
- [ANBERNIC RG 476H](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg476h.md): Android handheld with a sharp 4:3 screen that plays PS2 and GameCube, from $194
- [TrimUI Brick Pro](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/trimui-brick-pro.md): Bigger-screen Brick with analog sticks and a larger battery, from $79
- [Anbernic RG SP](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg-sp.md): Slim GBA SP-style clamshell for Game Boy and 8/16-bit games, from $73
- [Anbernic RG Rotate](https://chi-fi.top/handhelds/anbernic-rg-rotate.md): Square-screen Android handheld with a rotating screen, from $89

## Gaming mice

- [Attack Shark R1](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/attack-shark-r1.md): Light wireless gaming mouse, from $16
- [Attack Shark X11](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/attack-shark-x11-mouse-paw3311.md): Rechargeable wireless gaming mouse, from $22
- [Attack Shark R2](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/attack-shark-r2-gaming-wireless-mouse-paw3950-8k-magnesium-alloy.md): Very light magnesium gaming mouse, from $74
- [ATTACK SHARK R11 Ultra](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/attack-shark-r11-ultra-8k-carbon-fiber-wireless-gaming-mouse.md): Very light carbon-fibre gaming mouse, from $68
- [ATTACK SHARK R5 ULTRA](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/attack-shark-r5-ultra.md): Ultralight wireless gaming mouse, from $72
- [AJAZZ AJ139 V2 MC/Pro](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/ajazz-aj139-v2-mcpro.md): Wireless gaming mouse with a charging dock, from $19
- [MCHOSE L7 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/mchose-l7-pro.md): Small, very light gaming mouse for claw and fingertip grips, from $56
- [VXE Dragonfly R1 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/vxe-dragonfly-r1-pro.md): Light, mid-size gaming mouse for most hands, from $46
- [MCHOSE A7 V2 Ultra](https://chi-fi.top/mouses/mchose-a7-v2-ultra.md): Superlight-style gaming mouse with a big battery, from $65

## Headphone DACs

- [FiiO KA11](https://chi-fi.top/dac/fiio-ka11.md): Headphone dongle for phones and laptops, from $25
- [HiBy FC1](https://chi-fi.top/dac/hiby-fc1.md): Tiny headphone dongle for phones and laptops, from $20
- [TOPPING E30II LITE](https://chi-fi.top/dac/topping-e30ii-lite.md): Desktop DAC for a computer speaker setup, from $99
- [TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro](https://chi-fi.top/dac/tempotec-sonata-bhd-pro.md): Headphone dongle with two headphone jacks, from $48
- [HiBy FC3](https://chi-fi.top/dac/hiby-fc3.md): Headphone dongle for phones and laptops, from $30
- [Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini](https://chi-fi.top/dac/kiwi-ears-allegro-mini.md): Cheap headphone dongle with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, from $24
- [TRN Black Pearl](https://chi-fi.top/dac/trn-black-pearl.md): Headphone dongle with two jacks and an EQ app, from $36
- [FiiO JA11](https://chi-fi.top/dac/fiio-ja11.md): The cheapest headphone dongle here, with EQ and mic support, from $15
- [Fosi Audio K5 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/dac/fosi-audio-k5-pro.md): Desk box for a gaming headset on a PC or PS5, from $54

## Keyboards

- [MCHOSE Ace 60 Pro](https://chi-fi.top/keyboards/mchose-ace-60-pro.md): Cheap wired gaming keyboard with magnetic, adjustable keys, from $60
- [AULA F75](https://chi-fi.top/keyboards/aula-f75.md): Wireless 75% keyboard with a soft, cushioned typing feel, from $68
- [MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra](https://chi-fi.top/keyboards/monsgeek-fun60-ultra.md): Aluminium 60% gaming keyboard with magnetic keys, wired or wireless, from $74
- [YUNZII YZ98](https://chi-fi.top/keyboards/yunzii-yz98.md): Compact 98% mechanical keyboard with a number pad, wireless and a soft gasket feel, from $56

## Wireless earbuds

- [Moondrop Space Travel 2 Ultra](https://chi-fi.top/tws/moondrop-space-travel-2-ultra.md): Planar magnetic true wireless earbuds with LDAC and AI noise cancellation, from $40
- [KZ Xtra Pro](https://chi-fi.top/tws/kz-xtra-pro.md): Qualcomm QCC5181 wireless earbuds with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and 55dB ANC, from $35
- [Moondrop Golden Ages II](https://chi-fi.top/tws/moondrop-golden-ages-ii.md): Planar magnetic true wireless earbuds with Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC, and 3D spatial audio, from $90

## About

- [About chi-fi](https://chi-fi.top/about.md): chi-fi is a short, curated list of budget gadgets on AliExpress: earphones, wireless earbuds, DACs, gamepads, retro handhelds, gaming mice and keyboards, with plain-language pros and cons.
- [How we pick](https://chi-fi.top/how-we-pick.md): How chi-fi chooses budget AliExpress gadgets: research from reviews, specs and community opinion, plain-language pros and cons, and honest prices. No hands-on testing claims.

## Blog

- [Earphones for a phone with no jack](https://chi-fi.top/blog/earphones-for-a-phone-with-no-jack.md): 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.
- [Gadget gifts under $30, by who they're for](https://chi-fi.top/blog/gadget-gifts-under-30.md): 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.
- [Best budget retro handhelds, by what they play](https://chi-fi.top/blog/best-budget-retro-handhelds.md): 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.
- [Best cheap IEMs under $20, by sound](https://chi-fi.top/blog/best-cheap-iems-under-20.md): Five wired earphones from $8 to $18 on AliExpress, sorted by the sound you want: big bass, warm and easy, or small and comfortable.
- [Cheap wireless gaming mouse: $20 or $70?](https://chi-fi.top/blog/cheap-wireless-gaming-mouse.md): 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.