Thousands of readers bought these 10 useful tools and gadgets (number 5 sounds weird)

Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for Android users, the Chipolo One Point is an inexpensive AirTag alternative that’s highly accurate and integrates well into the Google ecosystem. These keyfob-like tags can help you keep track of your keys, your luggage, your pet, and anything else you can think of, all for $21 (on sale now).

“I’ve tested the detection capability of these Chipolo finders, and they’re super accurate, with the ability to locate tags at a distance – such as when hidden in a plant pot on the street or when stuffed behind a sofa,” wrote ZDNET reviewer Adrian Kinglsey-Hughes.

Review: As an Android user, these are the closest to AirTags (and in some ways even better)

Our pick for the best Samsung Galaxy S26 case, our readers are also big fans of Spigen’s affordable but durable phone cases, which bring solid features for the price. You’ll get a simple, sleek look in four colors, a pop-out kickstand, and a magnetic ring attachment that lets you use MagSafe accessories with Android phones.

As ZDNET editor-in-chief Kerry Wan writes about the Galaxy S25 case, “It’s thin enough to keep your phone from feeling like a brick, while still providing a remarkable amount of protection to keep the device free from scratches and scuffs. One of the reasons it’s so durable is Spigen’s shock absorption padding on the back.”

These little pliers are small but mighty: they have 11 adjustment positions and can open wide enough to hold a 1 inch (24 mm) fastener. ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says he’s used these pliers to do everything from simple plumbing to changing car batteries and alternators.

Kingsley-Hughes wrote in his review, “They provide better drip than your fingers, but not so much that you destroy things.”

Also: These Simple Pliers Replaced My Multitool for a Fraction of the Cost

This thermal camera is a great tool to have on your kitchen. It can do things like detect overheating electrical components, diagnose HVAC problems, find radiator pipes under the floorboards, locate overheating electrical wires, and spot binding brakes on cars.

ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has tested several thermal cameras, and says he recommends the Thermal Master P2 for its 25Hz refresh rate and 15x zoom. “The camera is small, weighing about 10 grams, and it fits into a carrying case that’s small enough to attach to a key chain, so it’s always ready whenever you need it,” he wrote.

Also: This little accessory superpowers your Android thermal vision (and works on the iPhone, too)

According to ZDNET review Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, this cheap little camera may be designed to look inside your ear canal, but it’s actually much more useful. This is a small, 360-degree, wide-angle 1080p HD camera that is perfect for using to inspect small ports, sockets or internal parts. The End is IP67 rated for water resistance, and it connects to iOS and Android, so you can see what the camera sees, take photos and videos, and control the front light. (And yes, you can use it to check the inside of your ears, too.)

Plus: The weirdest tool I own is also one of the most useful (and it only costs $9 on Amazon)

The CMF Buds 2 Plus earbuds offer excellent features at a lower price than competitors like AirPods. With these stylish earbuds, you’ll get options to personalize the sound and adjust the equalizer, a full suite of playback and volume controls, clear call quality, good ANC performance, and long-lasting battery life.

ZDNET contributor Prakhar Khanna wrote, “The CMF Buds 2 Plus are one of the most feature-rich and good-sounding earbuds available for under $80.” At the time of this writing, they’re on sale for $59.

Plus: I have no problem ditching my AirPods for these earbuds — especially at this affordable price

This two-pack of magnetic breakaway connectors eliminates the risk of broken USB-C ports for less than $30. ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has been using these connectors for six years.

“The idea is to let you have the convenience and security of Apple’s MagSafe MacBook Breakaway Connector on all your devices,” he wrote. “I can’t recommend these enough.”

Review: This tiny magnetic USB-C accessory changed the way I charge everything (and it’s cheap)

These Bluetooth trackers work with both iOS and Android, and conveniently are already on a keyring, so you don’t have to buy one as an accessory. According to ZDNET reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, the AirNotch Pro Dual trackers have two loud buzzers, which are also super durable: They’re IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, drop-proof and capable of surviving months and years attached to your keys.

Kingsley-Hughes wrote in his review, “Now these are the tags I recommend to all Android users.” “No, they don’t offer as precise a search as AirTags, but they outperform AirTags in every other way.”

Also: I removed my AirTag just minutes after trying this Bluetooth tracker option – here’s why

This strange little device solves a big summer problem: itchy insect bites. Plug it into your smartphone, and it heats up, allowing you to apply heat to your insect bite, which is proven to reduce swelling, especially if you do so soon after the bite.

Kingsley-Hughes wrote in her review, “I’ve tested it on many bites: horse fly bites, mosquito bites, dog flea bites, and other random insect bites, and yes, it works. Really good – far better than any over-the-counter cream or ointment I’ve used (and I’ve used a lot).

Also: This USB-C accessory gave my iPhone and Android an unexpectedly useful superpower

The latest Apple Watch Series 11 is our pick for the best Apple Watch you can buy, thanks to its 24-hour battery life and excellent health-tracking features.

ZDNET Wearables reviewer Nina Raimont wrote, “The Series 11 Ultra offers all the health-tracking capabilities of the SE 3 and longer battery life than the SE 3.” “This makes it the best choice among these three for health-conscious users who want to wear their smartwatch around the clock.”

Too: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11. Here’s who should buy it