As CNN Underscored’s resident tech experts, we’re constantly testing out the latest gadgets to determine which ones are actually worth your money. And while playing around with a blazing-fast laptop or a luxurious pair of headphones is fun, we’ve often found that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in our day-to-day lives.
From the keyboards and webcams that keep us working from home smoothly to chargers and cases that keep us going out in the wild, here are 10 tech gadgets that we actually use on a daily basis — and, in some cases, have been relying on for years. The best part? These accessories are readily available on Amazon, and many of them are regularly discounted. They also make a great companion to the iPhone 16 and AirPods 4 that Apple just launched.
The underappreciated hero of my tech lineup, this PopSocket easily attaches and detaches to the back of the iPhone 12 and later (including my iPhone 15 Pro Max). And if you too have one of the larger iPhones, you’ll find this telescoping grip invaluable for helping keep a hold on your handset. A whole year into owning this PopSocket — and using it in lieu of an actual phone case — I’m both proud and shocked at how infrequently I’ve dropped my phone. The best part? This means I actually get to touch the well-designed and expensive phone I invested in instead of hiding it under a plastic or leather case. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
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I don't think there's a single gadget that's upgraded my home office setup quite like the Belkin BoostCharge 2-in-1. This handy wireless charging stand has kept my iPhone and AirPods Pro juiced up for years now, to the point where I rarely have to think about plugging in either of them before going out at night. It's only gotten better with the arrival of the iOS StandBy mode, as I can now prop my phone horizontally on my BoostCharge and instantly turn it into a smart display — one that simply tells me the time or shows me some photos, and I turn on Do Not Disturb to cut out the endless notifications. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
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A year ago, I was what you’d call a non-monogamous typist, jumping from keyboard to keyboard without finding anything that clicked with me enough to say I was in love with the experience. Then, last November, I reviewed the Logitech Wave Keys, the first ergonomic keyboard that really grew on me. From its padded wrist rest to the deep travel in its keys and full number pad, the Wave Keys is so complete for what I need that I’ve actually started packing it in my backpack when I go into the office. It’s sold in black, gray, pink and white, so you can have it match your desk. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
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But what good is a great keyboard without a mouse to go with it? That’s why I use the Wave Keys with Logitech’s Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse. After using it for a mere day or two, I’ve realized that holding a taller mouse provides a much more natural feeling, kind of like grabbing a drink. Plus, it has three extra customizable buttons that I use for volume controls and viewing my many open windows in a single click. It’s available in black, rose pink and white, just like the Wave Keys. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
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Unless I'm using my trusty MacBook Pro 14-Inch and its plethora of ports, I more often than not need an adapter for connecting all my stuff to a laptop. This Satechi adapter — which is also one of the best USB-C hubs — has served that purpose well for four years now, allowing me to do everything from connecting my old audio interface to modern laptops to popping in a microSD card when I need to transfer some files. With three USB-A ports for legacy gadgets, a microSD/SD card reader, 4K HDMI support, an Ethernet jack and USB-C passthrough charging support, this sleek little adapter gets you a whole lot of extra connectivity for a relatively cheap price. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
I have at least three things in common with most people: We often want to charge a laptop and a phone at the same time. We want to use chargers from companies with a great reputation and not the cheap, off-brand stuff that clutters online retailers. Lastly, we all also want our power adapters to be small and easy to pack away. That’s why I recommend this teeny-tiny 35W charger from Apple that I’ve used to keep my 15-inch MacBook Air M3 and other devices in the green throughout the day?— all at a price that is surprisingly affordable for an Apple accessory. ?— Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
After more than four straight years of working primarily from home (and testing a lot of webcams in the process), I've learned two important truths. One, your laptop webcam is probably fine; and two, a good external camera still makes a big difference. I've had the Logitech Brio 500 in my setup for a few years now, and I love how clear its wide 1080p lens makes me look when I'm running through our story schedule on Zoom every week. It's the rare webcam that actually looks good, with an attractive speckled white design that perfectly compliments my gaming monitor, and its physical security shutter is a nice added touch. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
There are two kinds of days: the ones where I remember to pack this invaluable portable charger and those where I am kicking myself for forgetting it at home. This little gizmo is the perfect sidekick for anyone whose phone uses USB-C (and they also make a Lightning model for iPhone 14 and older), thanks to its built-in charging cable that doubles as a strap so it’s super easy to hold on to while you’re charging your phone. It just dangles, held up by a couple of fingers. It’s the ultimate cure for the aesthetically challenged alternative where you’ve got that big white charging cable snaking from one pocket to another. Plus, it’s got enough battery power to refill my iPhone and also give a friend a boost. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
I've had Apple's clear case for most of my two years with my iPhone 14 Pro, and while it's got some noticeable wear and tear, it's also kept my phone relatively unscathed from the many, many accidental drops I've subjected it to. You can find other clear cases for less money, but I've always appreciated the simplicity and durability of Apple's covers. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Like my colleague Henry, I've never been a big PopSockets person — at least not until Anker slapped one on a MagSafe power bank. This unique and useful accessory gets you the best of both of these worlds, with a sleek and pocketable charger that easily snaps to the back of your phone and the added grip made possible by a PopSocket. The pop-out grip has proven useful for everything from taking photos to propping my phone up on a table to watch a video, and the actual battery (which is rated for up to 17 hours of extended use) has been clutch when I'm out at events. I also love that it comes in a nice range of colors, including a purple shade that matches my iPhone 14 Pro perfectly. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
