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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Useful USB-C gadgets do more than add another cable to a drawer: they warm your hands, help with small repairs, read old media, and make it easier to connect or clean your devices. These 14 ideas span home, travel, and work. Product features and runtimes below are claims reported by PCWorld in its September 29, 2026 roundup, not results of independent testing for this article; confirm the exact model and current specifications before buying.
Portable power and comfort
1. Rechargeable hand warmers
A rechargeable warmer is a practical cold-weather carry item, especially when you are outside without easy access to a heater. PCWorld describes models with three temperature settings and up to 20 hours of runtime per charge. Treat that runtime as a reported product claim: actual use and temperature settings can affect it.
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2. Pocket power bank
The Anker Nano Power Bank in the roundup is described as a 5,000mAh pocket-size battery with a foldable USB-C connector and an additional port, allowing two devices to charge at once. Check the precise model’s port arrangement and capacity before relying on it; the description is not a guarantee of charging speed or the number of full phone charges.
3. USB-C mini fan
A standalone USB-C fan can draw power from a laptop, computer, charger, or power bank, which makes it more flexible than a fan that plugs directly into a phone. The trade-off is portability: phone-plug-in fans are generally smaller and cheaper, while the roundup says they provide less airflow. Check whether the fan needs a particular USB power source or position to work well for your setup.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Repair and inspection tools
4. Mini electric screwdriver
The Firrax 74-in-1 is described as a pen-shaped powered driver with three LEDs and 64 S2 steel bits. PCWorld reports the manufacturer’s claim of more than 500 screws per charge. A powered precision driver can help with small electronics and household fixes, but use a bit that fits the fastener and avoid applying powered torque to delicate screws or components.
5. USB-C endoscope camera
A phone-connected endoscope camera can help you look behind furniture, into a vehicle cavity, or toward a hard-to-reach area without dismantling everything first. The roundup reports an IP67 rating, a 16.4-foot semi-rigid cable, and hook, magnet, and mirror accessories. Confirm that the camera works with your phone’s connector and operating system, and do not assume an IP rating makes the phone or every included accessory suitable for immersion.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
6. Compact air pump
The Cycplus pump is described as a portable, USB-charged inflator for bicycle tires, with manufacturer claims about other vehicle tires as well as flashlight and power-bank functions. Before using it on a tire, verify the exact model’s supported tire type, pressure range, valve compatibility, and operating limits. A compact pump should not be treated as suitable for a safety-critical tire simply because a listing mentions vehicle use.
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Lighting and outdoor utility
7. Rechargeable flashlight
The Blukar flashlight listing described by PCWorld specifies a built-in 1,800mAh battery, up to 16 hours of operation, and four lighting modes, including a signaling mode. A rechargeable flashlight can be useful for a car kit, outage supplies, or a drawer near the entryway. Runtime depends on the selected mode, so check the exact model’s specifications if sustained light is important.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
8. Clip-on reading light
The Gritin reading light clips onto a book or similar surface. PCWorld reports three color temperatures, five light modes, a 1,200mAh battery, and up to 80 hours of use depending on usage. It recharges by USB. The long maximum runtime is usage-dependent; consider the brightness and mode you expect to use rather than treating the maximum as a typical session length.
9. Heat-based insect-bite device
Heat It is a smartphone-connected device that applies targeted heat to a bite or sting and works with an app. It is a specialized convenience gadget, not a substitute for medical care or evidence that a particular bite or sting has been treated. Follow the product’s own instructions and seek appropriate medical help for severe symptoms or a concerning reaction.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Media, data, and display connections
10. External CD/DVD drive
The Amicool external optical drive is described as connecting over USB-C or USB-A and reading and burning CDs and DVDs. It can be useful for accessing discs on a computer without a built-in drive. Confirm the exact model’s supported disc formats and that your computer has any software needed for the task; “plug-and-play” does not mean every disc or operating system is guaranteed to work.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches11. USB-C microSD card reader
A compact Ugreen microSD reader gives a USB-C computer a way to access cards from a camera or dashcam. The roundup also mentions a more versatile Ugreen reader with an SD-card slot and both USB-C and USB-A connectors. Match the reader to the card format and host port you actually use, and check the exact listing for compatibility before transferring important files.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
12. USB-C-to-HDMI adapter
An adapter can connect a compatible USB-C device to an HDMI monitor or television. PCWorld reports support up to 4K at 60Hz for the Anker adapter it describes. That resolution is not universal compatibility: the source device’s USB-C port must support video output, and the display and adapter must support the intended resolution and refresh rate. Verify the adapter’s exact specification and your device’s video-output capability before purchase.
Cleaning and measuring
13. Rechargeable electric air duster
The Wolfbox MF100 is described as a rechargeable air duster for tasks such as cleaning keyboards, PC cases, car vents, and dryer lint traps; the roundup also mentions inflation uses. It offers a reusable alternative to disposable canned air for some jobs, but check the model’s intended uses and instructions. Keep airflow and loosened dust away from sensitive components, and follow the equipment maker’s cleaning guidance.
14. Laser measuring tool
The Hoto laser measuring tool is described as pocket-sized, with two modes, an OLED display, Bluetooth phone connection, and USB-C charging. It can be more convenient than a tape measure for some room or furniture measurements. Check the specific model’s measuring range and accuracy in its listing before using it where precision is critical; those figures are not included in the roundup description.
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How to choose what belongs in your drawer
- Start with a recurring task: choose a card reader for moving camera files, an HDMI adapter for connecting to a display, or a flashlight for outages rather than buying a gadget just because it uses USB-C.
- Check both ends of the connection: a USB-C plug does not guarantee that a phone supports an endoscope camera or that a laptop’s USB-C port can output video.
- Read the exact model’s specifications: accessory lists, media support, charging details, and claimed battery life can differ between similarly named products.
- Use caution with safety-relevant claims: verify an inflator’s intended tire types and limits, and treat maximum runtimes as conditional product claims.
- Consider whether one tool replaces another: a reader with USB-C and USB-A or both microSD and SD slots may be more useful if your devices use different ports or cards.
PCWorld’s roundup was updated September 29, 2026, from an article originally published May 16, 2025. Product availability, specifications, and listing details can change, so confirm the current product identity and details before purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
