Connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots is never the most secure way to get work done, and if you value your privacy and the security of your sensitive credentials, irrespective of where you currently are or where you’re headed, you can never go wrong with a portable router. Unfortunately, the drawback of these routers is their limited wireless performance, but that’s where TP-Link’s Roam 7 BE3600 raises the bar by supporting the faster Wi-Fi 7 standard and easily fitting in your backpack’s pocket. Today, it’s available for $129.99 on Amazon, and that’s your cue to make it your daily driver. Supporting […]
Amazon Prime Day 2026 may have concluded, but that doesn’t mean the discounts on a plethora of products have been lifted. During the DRAM shortage, SSD prices have also reached out of range for the majority of buyers, but you can still grab Samsung’s 9100 PRO series for up to 49 percent off on Amazon. The best part about this deal is that all capacities from 1TB, all the way up to 8TB, are now cheaper on the online retailer. With speeds reaching up to 14,800MB/s, Samsung’s 9100 PRO are no joke when it comes to raw performance Starting off […]
An aerospace worker and programmer created a GitHub-hosted program that lets your Steam Controller automatically walk back towards its charging puck as soon as you place it down on your desk. The web app, called the Auto-Charge Vision Tracker, uses a camera and computer vision to determine where your controller is, then it uses its powerful built-in motors to make it creep towards its docking station to top itself up when you’re not using it. The great thing about this web app is that you don’t need to install anything on your PC to use it. Just go to the website, connect your Steam Controller, ensure your camera is directly overhead your desk, click the puck, the front, and the back of your controller, and you should be good to go.
I made my Steam Controller automatically charge itself@Dexerto @HardwareSteam @valvesoftware pic.twitter.com/RzCApdq4l4June 25, 2026
This is an interesting use case for the Steam Controller’s haptic motors, which are primarily designed to give feedback to gamers. Although this app, which you can run in the background on your browser, is designed to make recharging your controller more comfortable, you do need a flat surface without any obstructions to ensure that the Steam Controller can reach the charging puck. Aside from that, the vibration and movement on the desk tends to cause abrasion on the controller’s surface, meaning you’ll soon find flat spots appearing on the surface that contact your desk. Ray Foss, the maker of the GitHub repo, said that adding rubber feet should help prevent this and might also give the controller better acceleration and handling.
Another programmer has created something similar before — a web app that uses the controller’s rumble motor to let it slip and slide on your desk. But what makes this project different is that instead of manually “driving” your Steam Controller, it uses computer vision to automatically guide the controller back towards the charging puck, making it look like a robot vacuum.
These apps have limited usability — after all, the Steam Controller would still be unable to hop from the coffee desk in your living room to the TV console where your charging puck and Steam Machine are likely sitting. Nevertheless, it shows Valve’s commitment to making it easy for gamers to use their devices the way they want to. The company even released the CAD files for the Steam Controller and Puck back in May 2026, just a few days after the controller became widely available. But if you want to give this curiosity a try, you can easily do so by going to the Auto-Charge Vision Tracker website. The program’s files are also readily available on GitHub if you want to play around with the program and make your own version.
There’s no better feeling than stumbling upon an offer that fits your budget, and on Amazon, there’s something listed for everyone. However, with hundreds of thousands of products showing up the moment you tap on the app or visit the website, it can be an arduous task when doom scrolling across a plethora of pages. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best tech deals for you, saving you hours of time and energy. Of course, with all of these deals changing without a moment’s notice, we recommend refreshing this page so that you’re ‘up to date’ on the latest offers. MacBooks […]
The Intel Core Ultra lineup of desktops might not have been able to garner a decent reputation thanks to what transpired with the company’s 14th-generation family of CPUs, but they are every bit as powerful and can help you bulldoze through the most demanding of tasks with ease. Now, these processors weren’t as value-oriented as before, but thanks to Amazon’s Prime Day 2026 sale, you can grab them at an attractive 26 percent off. A total of five SKUs can be picked from Intel’s Core Ultra lineup, starting from $219.99 The processors are only compatible with Intel’s 800 series of […]
Hoto is a brand that several Tom's Hardware writers and editors have come to appreciate over the last few years. I personally own and regularly use the Hoto electric screwdriver, and it's become an essential part of my toolkit as I renovate my home.
For those who haven't been inducted into the Hoto fan club yet, you're in luck. The Amazon Prime Day sales have brought the cost of these popular, powerful, and well-built tools, slashing them back to previous or new record lows in many cases. That includes the two Hoto electric drivers, as well as a vacuum/air blower, flashlight, precision screwdriver kit, and more.
The Prime Day sales are nearly over, however, so this is your last chance to pick up one of these brilliant Hoto tools at a bargain price. We'll be expecting the prices for all of these items to shoot up over the weekend, so if you're looking to jump in with a purchase, check out the recommendations below.
Prime Day Deals on Hoto Tools
Every sale event brings further Hoto tools onto the market. We're focusing on the kit that techies, hobbyists, PC builders, and DIY-ers will love.
That includes the trusty electric driver kits, as well as the precision drivers. We've also got flashlights, vacuum cleaners, rotary tools, and more, all listed below.
This deal features the Hoto NEX O1 Pro, a magnetic precision screwdriver powered by a 1,500 mAh battery that will drive over 1,000 screws on a single USB-C charge. There are 25 different bit included in the case. . This kit comes with a sturdy box and all the bits you will need to keep your PC running.View Deal
The Hoto PixelDrive is a magnetic, precision cordless screwdriver powered by a 2,500 mAh battery and charged via a USB-C cable. An upgrade over the Tom's Hardware favorite, the Nex O1 Pro, this model includes a built-in LCD screen to display torque and battery levels. It weighs 317g, features six different torque settings, and includes 30 different ultra-hard screw bits.View Deal
A go-to screwdriver set for the office, workshop and your go-bag. With all the bits you will need to fix a multitude of problems.View Deal
Sleek, compact and with 24 double-ended bits crammed inside, the Hoto 24-in-1 precision screwdriver should be in your 3D printer toolkit.View Deal
This HOTO SnapBloq 3.7V electric screwdriver includes 56 bits including Slotted, Phillips, Hexagon, Hexagon Security, Torx, Torx Security, Pentalobe, Standoff, Y-Shaped, Tri-Wing, Triangle, Square, U-Shaped, JIS, SIM Card Needle. It also has three torque settings, an integrated light, and charges via USB-C.View Deal
This Hoto workstation set is the go-to kit for on-the-go DIYers, PC builders, and hobbyists. It comes in a magnetic case which helps to organize 26 different steel precision kits, six spudgets, five opening picks, two tweezers, a suction cup, and a pry knife.
You're also getting a magnetic pad, anti-static wrist strap, along with demagnetizing and magnetizing zones. It comes with an electric driver with a 350 mAh battery, rechargeable using USB-C, that's ultra-slim and porable.View Deal
If your loved one suffers with a crumby desk or a dusty PC, this all-in-one desk vacuum and portable air blower with 15,000 Pa suction is the appropriate gift to share. One side is for blowing, one side is for sucking, with various magnetic tools, depending on your environment. This 4-in-1 tool is also good for inflating and vacuum sealing. View Deal
The Hoto handheld car vacuum delivers 20,000 Pa suction for serious grime busting capabilities, thanks to its 96,000 RPM motor. This 4-in-1 tool is more powerful than the one listed above, but comes with a 2-in-1 grooming brush head, as well as various nozzles for inflating and blowing.View Deal
Everyone needs a flashlight for an emergency (or in those tough-to-reach spaces). This Hoto model is rechargeable over USB-C and comes with up to 24 hours of battery life, thanks to its 1,500 mAh battery. Brightness provided is up to 280 Lumens, and it's waterproof, with an IP55 rating.View Deal
Hobbyists and makers will want to get a hold of this Hoto 35-in-1 cordless rotary tool kit. The rotary tool itself is fitted with a high speed motor, offering five speed modes between 5,000 and 25,000 RPM. You can use this for sanding, polishing, cutting, carving, as well as to finish off a 3D printed model. It's battery operated, using USB-C for charging, and has a full array of attachments for various roles.View Deal
This combo deal features the Hoto NEX O1 Pro, a magnetic precision screwdriver powered by a 1,500 mAh battery that will drive over 1,000 screws on a single USB-C charge. It also includes the Hoto AutoCare 4-in-1 air duster and vacuum cleaner with five accessories.View Deal
This Hoto 16V cordless drill delivers 50 newton-meter torque, with dual high-speed modes providing between 400 and 1,700 RPM for drilling and driving. It's fully rechargeable, with a 1,900 mAh battery. It comes with 10 screwdriver bits, two metal drill bits, three woodworking bits, a multi-purpose ceramic bit, and an extension rod with storage.View Deal
This is the essential Hoto tool kit for somebody starting out. It includes 14 essential tools and 26 accessories, including the Hoto NEX O1 Pro electric screwdriver, arranged in a compact case.View Deal
With the majority of today's entertainment media available on demand or via streaming services, physical media has taken a back seat, with many traditional DVD and Blu-Ray manufacturers packing up shop. However, there's also been a resurgence in people wanting to actually own the content they purchase, rather than relying on streaming services that may remove their favorite content on a whim.
With most laptops and PCs not having a physical disk drive nowadays, an external USB drive is the next best thing for easily picking up and playing your old DVD/Blu-Ray collection (if you still have one). I know I still have a bunch lying around, and actually prefer the visual quality to streaming, plus the added benefit of still having entertainment to hand in a power outage or if my internet service goes down.
This slimline 8x DVD/Burner +/- Rewriter external drive from Asus is great for being able to play your favorite DVD media on a compatible PC or Laptop with an available USB port. The drive is compatible with both Mac and Windows software.View Deal
For Blu-Rays, this Asus Blu-Ray drive comes with 6X Writing speeds and full BDXL support. Backup photos, videos, and other precious data to disk, or backup your existing Blu-Ray collection.View Deal
These drives are both portable and practical if you still want to own physical media. So if you happen to come across a stack of movies or an old PC game at a yard sale, these drives could be your answer to accessing a bunch of new entertainment. And why not make the most of the Prime Day sales event and save a few bucks?
An air blower, or air duster, is an often-forgotten part of any PC maintenance toolkit. Sure, you can buy cans of compressed air, but they run out, and then you have to buy more.
You don't need to do that anymore. Thanks to Amazon Prime Day, there are some serious bargains to be had on portable, hand-held air blowers that you can use to keep your desk clean and your fans clear. I've used an air blower for years to do just that, to clean underneath the keys in my keyboard and to clear out the dust from hard-to-reach places, especially in my PC case.
We're in the last stretch of the Prime Day week sales, however. These discounts on air dusters won't be around for much longer, and you might miss out on a bargain if you're not quick about it.
To help you, we've put together a list of some of the best (and cheapest) air dusters on the market right now. Pick one up, blast that grime, and get your desk ready for a summer of gaming.
Prime Day Deals on Air Dusters
No two air blowers are quite the same. You can expect to see variations in size, power (based on RPM, or revolutions per minute), battery life, charging ability, and more.
Prices can vary, and so can brands. Here is a good selection of options to choose from.
Another lightweight option, this air blower has a 130,000 RPM fan speed. It can blow up to 350 minutes on a full charge and five different nozzles for cleaning.View Deal
A brilliant price for a cordless air duster. It's rechargable, with a 130,000 RPM fan speed. It has three gear speeds, an LED light, and has various attachments for different cleaning scenarios.View Deal
This duser comes with a slightly varied set of attachments for cleaning your PC or keyboard. It's rechargeable using USB Type-C, has two different nozzles and three brushes, and has a speed of 150,000 RPM.View Deal
This silver-colored compressed air duster is an even faster option for your cleaning needs, with speeds of up to 160,000 RPM. It has four gears, can recharge to full in 2.5 hours over USB Type-C, and comes with four nozzles and 10 different brushes.View Deal
Wolfbox's rechargeable compressed air duster has a 110,000 RPM motor speed, comes with three different speeds, and has five nozzles for cleaning.View Deal
This high-power 180,000 RPM duster is the ideal option for blasting hard-to-clear dirt from your keyboard or fans. It has three different nozzles, three different speeds, and features fast USB Type-C charging.View Deal
This compact air duster can move air at up to 45 m/s with its 150,000 RPM turbofan. A rechargeable battery gives up to 100 minutes of use time and supports USB Type-C charging. The MF100 includes five nozzles and two brush tools to help clean your PC equipment.View Deal
Prime Day is a great time to pick up new tech — but instead of dropping a ton on a RAM bundle, why not buy something a little more wallet-friendly, such as a new gaming mouse? This is a great time to pick up a new gaming mouse, as a lot of companies released new versions that were more like updates last year. You can now find several great gaming mice on sale — they may not be the absolute newest versions on the market, but they'll still get you that extra edge.
Razer recently launched its DeathAdder V4 Pro, which has the same shape and size as the DeathAdder V3 Pro, because the shape and size of the DeathAdder V3 Pro were basically perfect. This lightweight wireless gaming mouse weighs just 2.22 ounces (63g) and features five programmable buttons and up to 90 hours of battery life over 2.4GHz wireless (with a 1,000 Hz polling rate).
The DeathAdder V3 Pro is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a fantastic shape, Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, and up to 90 hours of battery life. It weighs just 63g and is perfect for a range of gamers. View Deal
It sports Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor and works with Razer's HyperPolling Wireless Dongle (sold separately) to achieve a wireless polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz (at the expense of battery life, of course). The DeathAdder V4 Pro is also excellent, but the V3 Pro is still one of our favorites — and it's currently on sale for just $66.49 at Walmart, which is $83.50 off its MSRP of $149.99 and the lowest we've seen it at yet.
Another one of our favorite Razer gaming mice is also on sale: the Basilisk V3 Pro, which is part of Razer's flagship Basilisk lineup. The Basilisk V3 Pro isn't as performance-focused as the DeathAdder V3 Pro — this ergonomically-contoured wireless gaming mouse also features Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, which has a maximum sensitivity of 30,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 70G's of force. It has 11 programmable buttons and 13 zones of bright, customizable RGB lighting, and it weighs 3.95 ounces (112g).
Razer's flagship wireless Basilisk V3 Pro features Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, Gen-3 optical mouse switches, and 13 zones of bright RGB underglow lighting. It gets up to 110 hours of battery life and is compatible with Razer's HyperPolling Wireless Dongle and Mouse Dock Pro.View Deal
Razer's stripped down version of its Basilisk V3 Pro sports the Razer 5G 18K optical sensor, an ergonomic right-handed shape with 9 programmable buttons, and up to 285 hours o f battery life on a single AA battery. View Deal
Like the DeathAdder V3 Pro, this mouse also works with Razer's HyperPolling Wireless Dongle (sold separately) to get up to an 8,000 Hz wireless polling rate; it's also compatible with Razer's Mouse Dock Pro (sold separately), which integrates the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle and also allows for wireless charging (and also features 8 zones of customizable RGB lighting, because why not).
And if you want the stripped-down version of the Basilisk V3 Pro, Razer's Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed wireless gaming mouse is also on sale at Best Buy for $37.99 — $32 off its retail price of $69.99.
If you're looking for something ultra-light, well, it's in the name: the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is a pseudo-ambidextrous ultra-lightweight mouse weighing just 2.12 ounces (60g) and designed for those who need speed above all else. It comes in three colors: black, white, and Logitech's bright magenta rose color (that I happen to love).
Logitech's ultralight 60g wireless mouse features a pseudo-ambidextrous symmetrical shape and sports the brand's Hero 2 optical sensor and Lightforce hybrid optical/mechanical switches. View Deal
The Pro X Superlight 2 has Logitech's Hero 2 optical sensor, which has a maximum sensitivity of 32,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 500 IPS, and can handle up to 40G's of force. It has five programmable buttons; its primary buttons feature Logitech's Lightforce hybrid optical/mechanical switches, which can actuate optically (for the lowest latency) and mechanically (for saving power).
Maybe ultralight and stripped-down gaming mice aren't your thing. If you're looking for a mouse with all the buttons, Corsair's newest Scimitar Elite SE Wireless is a good option, and it's currently on sale for 50% off at Best Buy — you can pick it up for just $69.99, which is 50% off its original MSRP of $139.99. That's $5 cheaper than it was last Black Friday, too.
This MMO / MOBA-focused mouse features 16 programmable buttons, 12 of which are on its customizable, movable side panel. It also sports Corsair's Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum sensitivity of 33,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50G's of force.View Deal
The Scimitar Elite SE Wireless features 16 programmable buttons, 12 of which are on its movable side panel — you can move the side panel forward or backward, depending on your hand size and what's most comfortable for you. It sports Corsair's Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum sensitivity of 33,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50G's of force. It weighs 4.02 ounces (114g), but let's face it — if you're looking for a mouse with 16 programmable buttons, weight is not your top priority. The Scimitar Elite SE Wireless also features a pretty solid battery life of 150 hours over its 2.4GHz wireless connection, which means you'll only have to charge it every couple of weeks (and that's if you're a serious gamer).
If you're looking for something modular, HyperX's Pulsefire Saga Pro is a wireless gaming mouse with just a couple of modular options (plus the ability to print your own pieces, coming soon). This lightweight gaming mouse also features five programmable buttons and up to a 4,000 Hz wireless polling rate, and it's currently on sale at HyperX for 79.99 — $40 off its MSRP of $119.99.
This ultra-lightweight wireless mouse is modular and comes with 2 humps, 2 sets of primary buttons, and 2 sets of side buttons. It features up to a 4,000 Hz wireless polling rate and HyperX's 26K sensor.View Deal
The Pulsefire Saga Pro sports HyperX's 26K sensor, which has a maximum sensitivity of 26,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 650 IPS, and can handle up to 50G's of force. This is the same sensor we've seen in HyperX's mice for a couple of years now — it's a solid sensor in terms of speed and accuracy, but it might not be for you if you're looking for the latest and greatest.
However, if you're just looking for lightweight modularity, the Pulsefire Saga Pro is where it's at: this mouse comes with two mouse humps, two sets of primary mouse buttons, and two sets of side buttons, and it implements its modularity well — everything fits together nicely and feels sturdy, and we had no issues with creaking or parts moving around in our testing. All configurations will give you a weight of 2.54 ounces (72g) — lightweight, but not quite as light as the Pathfinder.
As much as I love high-priced tech like my RTX 4090-equipped gaming rig or the LG OLED TV I use as my monitor, most of us can't spend several hundred dollars on a tech purchase or gift all the time. But you can still improve your tech life (or the lives of your friends and family) while spending a comparatively small amount of money.
I own all of the affordable devices listed below, and all are on sale for under $50. Many are even under $25! All of these products have made my tech-saturated world a little nicer in their own way. If you're looking for a small tech splurge for yourself during this deals season, or an affordable gift for that tech-savvy friend or family member, one of these $50-or-under options might be a good fit and a great deal.
Last year, a family member asked me for help with an older PC, which was trying to run Windows 10 and several programs on a cramped 110 GB SSD. At first, I figured I could clone the boot drive onto a more spacious drive so the OS and programs had more space to stretch out.
But the thought of using multiple USB enclosures or shuffling drives in and out of my desktop filled me with dread as I pictured being there for hours getting everything done and the system back up and running. So I looked into getting an M.2 SSD cloner, and was surprised to see they can be found for less than $50.
With support for NVMe M.2 SSDs and offline cloning, this handy device makes it simple to move your files or OS from one drive to another. And with a 20 Gbps USB-C interface, it's also speedy in your OS of choice if you want to use software to clone or move your data between drives.View Deal
While I don't love the glossy plastic shell of Rosewill's model, it's one of the more affordable options. And it supports both NVMe M.2 drives and older AHCI models (Sorry, SATA). Using the cloner is pretty straightforward. You plug in the included USB-C power adapter, put your source drive in the left slot, the destination drive in the right slot, press the power button on the back, and a few logos light up, letting you know you're ready to go. Press the clone button on the top, and drive cloning will commence (provided your destination is the same size or larger than your source).
That's assuming you want to do an offline clone. But because I wanted to also resize the partition between the old 110 GB and the newer Team Group 512 GB SSD, I used the second included USB-C cable to connect the Rosewill cloner to my laptop and powered up the device. Within seconds, both drives were recognized in Windows, so I fired up the excellent free DiskGenius software, cloned the old partition to a new Team Group drive with a few clicks, and then used the software to drag the boot partition to the full size of the new drive. The whole process took just a few minutes, since the Rosewill cloner supports 20 Gbps USB, and I wasn't exactly copying a huge partition.
When the cloning process was finished and the partition inflated, it was hard to believe it was all that easy. I had expected to be at the task for hours, but I was done in less than 30 minutes. Sure, unless you're in IT, a drive cloner might not be something you use regularly, but it's sure handy to have around. You could also use it to save some money by buying a laptop with a cramped SSD and swapping in something much roomier – provided, of course, the laptop's storage isn't soldered to the motherboard.
The Rosewill cloner is also handy for just checking the contents of old M.2 drives you may have lying around. But if that's all you need, you can buy an NVMe enclosure or a single-drive dock. I also own a version of this model from Suitok, which costs $17.
This tiny, cheap, magnetic, USB-charging flashlight is great for PC building and other everyday tasks
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
I picked up the OLIGHT IMINI 2 mini flashlight last year on impulse, because it looked well-designed and cost around $20, but now it's down to just below $12. Its simple design and built-in USB-A plug for charging make it fun to use – just pull the back off and it turns on. And the magnet at the back lets you easily mount it anywhere you need a little extra light. I've used it inside a steel PC case while fiddling with RGB wires.
At just 2.17 inches long, this flashlight is rated to 50 lumens, and it sports a magnetic back with a USB-A plug for charging. Pulling the back off turns on the flashlight, and the magnetic back makes it easy to mount the light on anything with ferrous metal.View Deal
The OLIGHT IMINI 2 is also small enough for your keychain, is designed to live with your keys, and includes two silicone covers for the USB port and a little carabiner clip. But the flashlight portion is only held to the charging port via a magnet, and I feel like (for me, at least) it would fall off and get lost before too long.
I've used the HOTO 3.6V Screwdriver Set to build dozens of PCs
(Image credit: Hoto)
I build a lot of PCs, though not as many lately thanks to the RAMpocalypse, and I also do a fair bit of home improvement work around my apartment. So a cordless screwdriver is a nice thing to have. I also own a much slimmer Wowstick, but have found HOTO's NEX O1 Pro to be more useful thanks to its extra (and variable) torque. It's great for loosening those factory-installed screws on PC cases that just don't want to let go, and also good for assembling furniture.
The HOTO won't replace my DeWalt impact driver or drill for bigger, tougher jobs. But for everyday tasks, it's powerful enough, easy to charge over USB-C, and even looks good on my workbench.
Hoto's wireless screwdriver has three torque settings, charges over USB-C, and looks surprisingly good. It's even proven quite durable, as I've dropped it off of ladders and my workbench at least a dozen times, and it's still working flawlessly.View Deal
This travel-friendly 2K webcam is all most of us need for work calls and family chats
After using a few bulky and clunky 4K webcams during the pandemic, I picked up this 2K model from Anker in 2022 and haven't used anything else since. It's small, has a detachable cable, which makes it easier to toss in a bag, and most importantly, the 2K resolution sensor does a great job in both bright and low-light conditions. And while I don't often use the built-in mics because I prefer my headset, they have worked for me in a pinch more than a few times.
Anker's compact webcam has a built-in foot for angle adjustments or clamping on a screen, a tripod mount on the base, a detachable USB-C cable, and excellent image performance for the price. For most people, there's no reason to pay more for a 4K sensor or higher refresh rates.View Deal
You could spend less and get something serviceable with a rose sensor and fewer features, or way more and get a 4K webcam that tracks you around the room. But for most people, myself included, the PowerConf C200 is a great middle ground, especially now that it's on sale for under $50. I use this webcam every day, and like it so much that I have two of them: one for my treadmill desk and one for the desk in front of the TV in my living room that I use as a monitor.
Cheap USB media control box puts volume and track control a touch away
(Image credit: Amazon)
For those of us who grew up in the 1900s, few things beat a chunky tactile volume knob and physical buttons for controlling media, and Vaydeer's USB device provides that and then some. I own the previous version of this device and love it for controlling and muting music at my treadmill desk while I work.
I use the buttons on it to play / pause audio and video and move forward to the next track or backward to the previous one. It's totally plug and play, as no drivers are needed.
Just plug this simple USB device into a USB port and you can control the volume and select tracks without reaching for your keyboard or mouse.View Deal
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller
What's not to love about a SNES-inspired wireless gaming controller that's compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and the Nintendo Switch? Not much, but I own the original Pro model and not one of these newer models with translucent plastic shells. That's peak late-90s nostalgia and I really don't want to love it as much as I do.
As you might expect given this controller's small size and many more buttons than the SNES controller it was based on, its Rumble motors aren't the strongest, and the layout can feel kind of cramped for some modern games. But for any kind of retro game and especially platformers (I'm looking at you, Super Mario Bros. Wonder), this is my go-to controller. At this price, maybe I should pick up another one.
With its SNES-inspired design and white shell, this controller will appeal to gamers of a certain age. But its appeal goes beyond its looks., with Hall Effect joysticks, and support for the Switch, PC, macOS, and basically any OS that supports games and Bluetooth.View Deal
Go retro with modern specs with this NES-themed mouse from 8BitDo
There are so many gaming mouse options, most with specs that go well above and beyond my abilities. So I chose something with style that caught my eye, 8BitDo's Retro R8 Mouse with Charging Dock. This NES-inspired mouse is designed for nostalgia, with its black, gray, and red color scheme and round red side buttons. But 8BitDo went the extra mile (or two) by designing a weighted charging dock (with its own NES-like touches), and a spot for the 2.4 GHz dongle. This is the kind of extra feature that's more common in mice that cost twice as much.
The nostalgia of this mouse's design is nice. But it also sports a 26,000 DPI sensor, 4K polling, and a really nice charging dock that also houses the 2.4 GHz dongle. If you're in a pinch or just not gaming, Bluetooth is also supported. View Deal
Under the hood, you get a decent 26,000 DPI sensor and 4K polling (plenty for us older, non-esports gamers), and an ambidextrous design with two side buttons on either side, and a clicky, rubberized scroll wheel. The side buttons, which are concave, took a little getting used to for me. But they are also so distinctive that now I miss them while using other mice.
Never run out of USB ports with this powered 11-port hub
If you're like me, you never have access to enough USB ports. I solved this problem by picking up this Ikai hub, with 60W of power for your drives and peripherals and a premium metal shell. It sports three speedy 10 Gbps ports (two USB-C), along with seven 5 GBps USB-A ports. The final USB-C on the end of the hub is for charging your phone or other devices, and delivers 20W.
The other nice feature, is that all the data ports have a button on the side so you can toggle them on and off. Aside from saving a bit of power, I also find this handy for swapping between wireless mice and keyboards, while keeping the tiny dongles plugged in so I don't lose them.
With 11 ports and up to 10 Gbps speed, a solid aluminum shell, and buttons so you can cut the power to individual ports, this USB hub is a great addition to your desk. It has external power for better stability, and even a 20W USB-C PD port on the end for charging phones or peripherals.View Deal
The sole thing to keep in mind about this (and basically any) hub, is that it has a single 10 Gbps input. So don't expect to plug in multiple high-data devices (like SSDs) and have them run simultaneously at full speed. If that's what you need, you'll need to get a Thunderbolt or USB4 hub (and spend significantly more).
Add recessed power and USB ports to your desk for just $16
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
OK, this one's only for the DIY-inclined, because it involves cutting a hole in your desk (or anywhere else you might want some flush-mount power ports, like a nightstand). Jgstkcity's recessed power strip lets you drop a couple of AC outlets and two USB charging ports (one 30W USB-C) anywhere you need them – again, once you've cut a hole for it.
While it's always smart to be wary of no-name power strips, I've owned the older non-PD version of this strip for over two years and it's been functioning just fine. I have it installed in the narrow stand I built right behind my couch. It's a super-convenient place for power outlets, especially when friends or family stop by. I just warn people not to put drinks there. Thankfully, the coffee table is even more convenient for that and it's right in front of the couch.
You'll likely need a drill and a saw to install it, but having a couple of power plugs and USB-C PD power right on the surface of your desk or nightstand is super convenient. View Deal
Stay charged and save space while traveling abroad with Anker's slim Nano Travel Adapter
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
When you're traveling to another country for more than a few days, every small bit of space you can save helps. But you also usually need a travel adapter to plug your devices into the outlets of other countries. Anker's Nano Travel adapter serves both needs well, as it's roughly half the thickness of other adapters and is designed to work in over 200 countries.
The Nano Travel Adapter also has four USB ports for charging, which I've found super convenient for keeping my phone, ereader, and earbuds juiced up without needing a separate charger. There are two USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C on the side, with the latter delivering up to 20W. It also comes in black or white/silver. I opted for the white one, which makes it easier to find after months in a drawer when I'm not traveling.
Anker's slim travel adapter is 43% smaller than many other adapters, while supporting over 200 countries with its fold-down plugs. It also has two USB-C and two USB-A ports for charging, at up to 20W. View Deal
The major downside over other travel chargers is that the Nano Travel Adapter doesn't support plugging in devices with three-prong (grounded) plugs. But I haven't found this an issue since I typically plug things like my Baseus flat laptop charger in while traveling, rather than high-power devices like a desktop PC or hair dryer.
Powerowl's rechargeable batteries are good and surprisingly cheap
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
When I first started using rechargeable batteries with my Walkman in the early 90s, they were kind of awful (but still better than spending all my money feeding my music addiction). They couldn't hold a charge and didn't last nearly as long as name-brand disposable batteries. But here in the mid-2020s, rechargeables are surprisingly good.
Panasonic's Eneloops arguably ushered in the rechargeable AA and AAA renaissance, but PowerOwl's batteries are a lot more affordable and I haven't had a single one fail in over three years of using them in my various remotes, smart door locks, and other devices.
These PowerOwl Pro AA batteries are rated to 2800mAh (though I wouldn't put stock in that spec) and are rated to keep 60% of their power for two years. The included USB-powered charger isn't the fastest (10 hours rated), but it gets the job done. Clip the coupon to get it at this price.View Deal
If there's one thing everyone with modern tech could probably use at this point, it's an extra high-speed and compact charger. The Baseus 65W Flat Wall Charger is my favorite. It's especially great for travel, because it outputs 45W over USB-C for my laptop and up to 20W over USB-A for my phone or other devices, all while folding to a slim 0.66 inches thick. It's smaller than a deck of cards and easily fits in pretty much any bag pocket.
Its slim shape should also help keep the device fully inserted in loose hotel room power sockets, and while the outer shell is plastic, the build quality feels solid, and it includes a 3.3-foot USB-C charging cable for those of us who aren't already drowning in cables from other devices. You'll have to provide your own USB-A cable to charge a second device, but at its current sale price, there's hardly a reason to complain about that. And who doesn't have an extra USB-A charging cable at this point?
TP-Link's AX1800 WiFi 6 USB Adapter delivers Wi-Fi 6 to older devices over USB
(Image credit: TP-Link)
Have you upgraded your router to Wi-Fi 6 or later, but your desktop or laptop doesn't have the requisite hardware to take advantage of your recent network tech? TP-Link's AX1800 WiFi 6 USB Adapter is here to solve that problem for you. It's quite large by USB Wi-Fi dongle standards, but I've found it works quite well with the Wi-Fi 6 router I bought in 2020.
I have the router running downstairs from my office. And it instantly fixed an issue I was having with very poor reception from the SFF PC I built in the Fractal Terra case.
Sure, it's big and bulky with two antennas, but this Wi-Fi 6 USB adapter can deliver some serious speed to your desktop or laptop when paired with a Wi-Fi 6 or later router.View Deal
Orico USB 3.0 Clamp Hub is easy to mount on many desks
This is a four-port, 5Gbps USB-A hub that's designed to clamp onto your monitor or desk and give you extra convenient connectivity.
It comes in black or silver and has a nice, sturdy metal frame. Just note that its clamp section is pretty shallow and its adjustable screw can only open between 10 and 32 mm, so it won't fit on all monitors or desks.
An otherwise standard four-port USB 3.0 hub, this Orico model stands out for its metal frame and clamp design.View Deal
Clean up the cables under your desk with a tray
(Image credit: Delamu)
If you to get a handle on the PC cables in your home or office, some cheap cable management trays will do the job. This two-pack comes with tape, though heavier loads will ultimately require some screws.
Besides the trays, this kit also comes with cable ties and a few cable clips you can place along the bottom or sides of your desk. One of these has been holding up the PC cable clutter in my living room for the past year. But I had to screw it into my desk because it's holding one of the above Anker power strips, plus the large external power brick from my LG OLED TV/Monitor.
If there's a rats nest of cables under your desk, attaching some trays can help you clean it up. This set has tape for light loads, but for longer-term cleanliness, you probably want to consider screws.View Deal
Keep a fast charging cable with your keys
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
You may, like me, be swimming in a world of USB cables. But that doesn't mean you always have one when you need it away from home. This short 240W USB4 charging cable from EndlesShine solves that by being small enough to attach to your keys. It's not always convenient, at just over 5 inches long, but it will do in a pinch, and has come in handy more than once, particularly on trips when I'm traveling light.
It's short in length, at 5.11 inches, but this keychain cable supports 240W charging and USB4 (40Gbps speeds). Clip it onto your keys and you'll always have a fast cable when you need one.View Deal
If you're the type who is rough with your keys, the plastic cap may wear out over time, so you might want to just keep the cable in a pocket or your bag. It even comes in white and yellow if you don't like basic black.
Everyone wants the freedom of a great wireless gaming headset, but it's hard to find one that's budget-friendly without compromising on... well, a lot. HyperX's new Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is a budget-friendly (ish) wireless headset that doesn't compromise on much — it's got large, 50mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response range of 10 - 50,000 Hz, an ultra lightweight, comfortable frame with reinforced metal yokes for durability, and it gets up to 80 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is a number we usually only see in much pricier products. The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless comes in at just under $100, which isn't nothing, but is significantly cheaper than the $200 - $300 price range of headsets with similar specs.
Design and Comfort of the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is an over-ear (circumaural) wireless gaming headset with a lightweight plastic frame and a non-detachable flip-to-mute boom mic. It's mostly made of plastic, with a matte black finish and some machined texturing around the outer edges of the large, oval earcups, but it does have stainless steel sliders in the headband for durability. The earcups are independently height-adjustable, and they also tilt and swivel 90 degrees for flat storage (though the headset doesn't come with a travel bag or case). The earpads and the underside of the headband are padded with soft, leatherette-covered memory foam, which does an excellent job of passive noise cancellation.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
It looks like a gaming headset, mostly because it has a non-detachable boom mic. HyperX's HX logo is glossily debossed on both earcups, while the HyperX text logo adorns the top of the headband. It's not unattractive, but it does look a little cheap — I blame the matte black plastic; it's hard to have this particular finish without looking like you're cutting corners at least somewhat. It feels relatively sturdy for its weight, and the flexible frame makes me think it would hold up decently well if you take care of it. The leatherette-covered memory foam padding feels more premium than the rest of the headset, so that's a nice touch.
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is expectedly lightweight, weighing in at just 10.1 ounces (286.5g). It's almost two ounces lighter than the extremely comfortable HyperX Cloud III S Wireless (12.05oz / 341.5g), and it's half an ounce lighter than the Turtle Beach Atlas Air (10.61oz / 301g), which is one of the lightest wireless headsets we've tested. It's still heavier than wired lightweight headsets, however, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 (8.3oz / 235g).
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Weight isn't the only factor when it comes to comfort, but it certainly helps — and the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is a very comfortable and adjustable headset. The headband measures around nine inches (228.6mm) with the earcups fully retracted, and each earcup can be extended around 1.5 inches (38mm) for a total headband length of just under 12 inches (304.8mm). While it wasn't so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing it, I had no problems wearing the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless for hours at a time.
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It's a wireless headset, so it's got several on-ear controls. On the left earcup, from back to front, there's a power button and a USB-C charging port. On the right earcup, from back to front, there's a multi-function button, a volume wheel, and a mode switch for switching between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
In the box, the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless comes with a short, 1.6-foot (0.5m) USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Audio Performance of the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless has large 50mm dynamic drivers with a listed frequency response range of 10 - 50,000 Hz, which is pretty far outside the normal range of 20 - 20,000 Hz (though we often see headsets outside this range these days).
Music on the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless sounded good — a fairly neutral profile with no immediately noticeable distortion at either end of the spectrum. The bass in songs such as Kaskade's POW POW POW was powerful-feeling without being muddy, and I could hear the full reign of the kick drum at the beginning of Lorde's Royals. It wasn't the absolute clearest bass I've heard, but I was impressed with the balance between power and restraint. The mid- and high-range also sounded good, though perhaps a little too neutral for my taste. The high strings in Britney Spears' Toxic were well-curbed, but the dynamics in songs such as Farruko's Pepas and David Guetta's Titanium (ft. Sia) felt a little... lacking in excitement.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Games also sounded good on the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless. While it doesn't have a particularly wide soundstage, the headset did a good job of picking up detail in dense, layered audio environments such as the cities of Baldur's Gate 3 and Where Winds Meet, or the jungle of Uncharted 4. In noisy environments these details did tend to blend together in a way that was more cacophonous than artistically rendered (but I suppose that's pretty realistic to how audio works in the real world, too). Directional sound was accurate, if not as finely-tuned as it is in premium, performance-oriented headsets such as the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro.
The headset features dual-wireless connectivity, though not simultaneous — a switch on the right earcup lets you quickly switch between the headset's 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 2 connections. Audio sounded a little compressed over the headset's Bluetooth connection, but it was fine for taking calls or scrolling through TikTok.
Specs
Driver Type
50mm dynamic
Frequency Response
20 - 20,000 Hz
Design Style
Overear (circumaural)
Microphone Type
6mm, unidirectional
Connectivity
2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
Weight
10.1oz / 286.5g
Cord Length
N/A
Battery Life
80 hours
Lighting
N/A
Software
Ngenuity
MSRP / Price at Time of Review
$99.99
Release Date
April 30, 2036
Microphone of the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless has a non-detachable flip-to-mute boom microphone that sits on the end of a 3.5-inch (89mm) flexible gooseneck arm. The mic is a 6mm back electret condenser microphone with a unidirectional polar pattern, and it does a decent job of keeping background noise at bay, even without any software-based noise cancellation active.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
As for quality, the mic isn't anything to write home about — it's a pretty typical headset mic that picks up vocals loud and clear, but won't make you sound like you're a professional podcaster (or anywhere near that level). My voice sounded decently full over both voice chat and in recordings, but it still had the thin, slightly fuzzy quality that easily gave away the fact that this was a headset mic and not a standalone USB gaming mic. But as long as you're not creating content, this mic is perfectly capable for communicating with coworkers, friends, and teammates.
Features and Software of the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is supposed to be configurable via HyperX's Ngenuity software, but I downloaded both the new Ngenuity (Ngenuity 3?) and the legacy version of Ngenuity, and neither was able to recognize the headset when it was connected to my PC (wired or wireless).
Luckily, the Cloud Stinger 3 works pretty flawlessly out of the box, so you shouldn't need the software (HyperX's Ngenuity software generally tends to be lacking on features, anyway) to use the headset. The headset comes configured by default with voice prompts that tell you when you're switching between connections and when your mic is muted/unmuted (though this is fairly obvious given that it's a flip-to-mute mic), and tapping the power button once gives you the headset's current remaining battery life. There aren't any settings I desperately wanted to change, though I did want to see if tweaking the EQ could pull out footstep details, and HyperX does boast about its software-based spatial audio on the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless' product page.
Battery Life of the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless
HyperX rates the Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless' battery life at "up to 80 hours" over 2.4GHz wireless, which is pretty impressive given how light the headset is. The BlackShark V3 Pro, which weighs 12.96 ounces (367g), gets up to 70 hours of battery life, while the 1.23-pound (560g) Audeze Maxwell 2 gets over 80 hours. Of course, HyperX's other headsets also have battery life that far outclasses their peers — the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless, which weighs 12.05 ounces (341.5g) and retails for $180 gets up to 120 hours over its 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Bottom Line
The Cloud Stinger 3 Wireless is a lightweight, comfortable wireless gaming headset that offers impressive performance and battery life for its $99.99 retail price. It has large dynamic drivers with a wide frequency response range and a fairly neutral (if a little boring) sound profile and up to 80 hours of battery life. It's extremely lightweight and comfortable, though it does look and feel a little cheap overall, and its flip-to-mute boom mic is perfectly adequate for most typical gaming situations. At $100, it's not quite what I'd call budget-friendly (more like the low end of mid-range), but it's definitely worth the price. My only real complaint is that it's a little boring (in both sound profile and looks) — for something a little more fun, I'd still recommend the $120 Corsair Void Wireless v2.
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