Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For Linux tutorials, vintage PC know-how, smartphone reviews, and smart-home projects, these four tech YouTubers offer distinct places to start: Bread on Penguins, PhilsComputerLab, SomeGadgetGuy, and Everything Smart Home. The “deserve more attention” label is an editorial judgment, not an objective ranking. BGR’s August 23, 2026 article has a small counting mismatch: its headline says four, while its introduction and body present five channels. The profiles below cover the first four.
Which channel fits your interests?
| Channel | Best fit | Reported subscribers |
|---|---|---|
| Bread on Penguins | Linux learning, from basics to more advanced workflows | 169,000, reported by BGR in August 2026 |
| PhilsComputerLab | Retro PC hardware, compatibility, and gaming | 153,000, reported by BGR in August 2026 |
| SomeGadgetGuy | Smartphones, Android, and practical gadget reviews | 184,000, reported by BGR in August 2026 |
| Everything Smart Home | Home Assistant, smart devices, and automation projects | 246,000, reported by BGR in August 2026 |
These figures are dated snapshots from BGR’s article, not current subscriber counts. “Lesser-known” has no universal subscriber threshold; different roundups set their own editorial boundaries.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Four channels, four different ways into tech
Bread on Penguins: Linux and practical workflows
BGR describes Bread on Penguins as covering Linux at beginner and advanced levels. Topics include shell scripting, applications, window managers, workflow explanations, and installing and configuring Arch Linux. The channel also includes personal creative subjects beyond Linux, so it is not exclusively a how-to archive. It may suit viewers who want instruction alongside ideas for making a Linux setup their own.
PhilsComputerLab: older PCs and their capabilities
For retro computing, BGR points to PhilsComputerLab’s builds, guides, benchmarks, processor and graphics-card coverage, reviews, and retro PC gaming. The article says the channel has operated for more than a decade and maintains PC guides and a hardware archive. That makes it a useful starting point for exploring older components, compatibility questions, and the games those machines can run.
#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.
SomeGadgetGuy: phones and everyday device considerations
BGR identifies SomeGadgetGuy’s host as reviewer Juan Bagnell and describes in-depth Android and smartphone reviews, alongside coverage of headphones, laptops, smartwatches, gadgets, and accessories. The channel also features comparisons, tips, tutorials, and first looks. BGR characterizes its approach as hands-on and attentive to practical device considerations; that is BGR’s assessment, not an independent verification of the channel’s testing.
Everything Smart Home: automation projects, from entry-level onward
BGR identifies Lewis Barclay as the UK-based host of Everything Smart Home. Its described subjects include Home Assistant, Raspberry Pi and Arduino tutorials, smart-device reviews, renovations, and DIY projects. Viewers interested in building a smart home can use the tutorials as a route from beginner projects toward more advanced automations.
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.
How to choose where to start
- Choose by subject: Linux points to Bread on Penguins; vintage computers to PhilsComputerLab; mobile devices to SomeGadgetGuy; and home automation to Everything Smart Home.
- Choose by learning style: Bread on Penguins and Everything Smart Home are described as spanning beginner and advanced material. PhilsComputerLab emphasizes older hardware and its history; SomeGadgetGuy focuses on current mobile devices and practical review considerations.
- Use reviews as one input: A single creator’s perspective can help you learn what questions to ask, but check device compatibility and consult multiple reviews before spending money.
The four channels cover different corners of technology rather than competing for one ranking. The subscriber figures above show only what BGR reported on August 23, 2026; they do not establish which channel is best or how large each audience is now.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
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.
