BGR Recommends 5 Anker Gadgets Under $25 for Tech Kits

Q: That budget USB-C hub looks like a steal, but what hidden device specs could render it completely useless?

The biggest hidden deal-breaker is this: a USB-C port’s shape does not guarantee it can drive the hub’s HDMI output. If your laptop, tablet, or phone has a USB-C port that supports only charging or basic data, Anker’s 5-in-1 hub may still power the device and read USB accessories, but the HDMI port will be effectively useless. The key spec to check is video output support, usually listed as DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, or in some cases HDMI Alt Mode. Without one of those, the hub cannot send a display signal to a monitor or TV. This is a common source of confusion because many devices charge over USB-C just fine while showing “No Signal” on an external display. Power can also be a hidden limitation. The hub advertises 90W USB-C passthrough, but that only helps if the host device supports USB Power Delivery. A laptop with a proprietary charger or a USB-C port that does not accept PD charging will not benefit. Some cheaper or older devices also limit USB-C data speeds, which can bottleneck peripherals. Cable choice matters too. A charge-only or USB 2.0 USB-C cable may power the setup but fail to carry video if the hub or display connection depends on a full-featured cable path. In practice, buyers should verify three specs before assuming the $19.99 hub will work as advertised: the device’s USB-C port must support video out, it should support USB-C PD if charging matters, and the cable used must be video-capable.

2 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 18

Five Anker accessories priced from $12.99 to $22.99 top BGR’s latest budget-tech picks, aimed at shoppers building a practical kit without buying the brand’s pricier chargers and power banks.
The list focuses on overlooked utility items: a $16.99 USB-C to Ethernet adapter, a $12.99 two-pack USB-A to USB-C adapter, and a $19.99 5-in-1 USB-C hub.
It also highlights a $22.99 240W USB-C cable with a 10,000-bend nylon braid and a $19.99 10-in-1 power strip with 300J surge protection and up to $200,000 in connected-equipment coverage.
BGR said it skipped more obvious Anker buys such as fast chargers and power banks, noting the closest sub-$25 power bank misses the cutoff at $25.99.
All five picks were chosen partly for strong Amazon feedback, with each product carrying at least a 4-star rating and thousands of user reviews.