5 Tech Gadgets Under $30

**Tech Under $30: A Surprising Collection of Affordable Gadgets**

As I embarked on this journey to explore tech under $30, I had low expectations. But what I found was a collection of surprisingly decent gadgets that will make you wonder if they're really worth it.

**1. ZTE Maven 2 - A $30 Smartphone with Android Marshmallow**

The first item on my list is the ZTE Maven 2, a smartphone that costs exactly $30. With Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 and an eight-gig storage capacity, this device might not be the most powerful out there, but it's definitely usable.

"I spent a little while with a $20 smartphone last year, and while it probably wasn't as good as this one, it was kind of usable," I recall. "It's definitely plasticy, although to be fair, it doesn't have the battery in it yet."

The screen is pretty decent, considering the price, and the build quality feels reasonably sturdy. While there's a lot of bloatware, I was surprised by how well the camera performed, even taking 720p videos.

**Is the Maven 2 worth $30?**

When you consider that this smartphone is one-fifth the price of a flagship model, it's hard to argue with its value. It might not be the fastest or most sexy device, but at the end of the day, it gets the job done.

**2. Roku Express - A $25 Streaming Box**

The next item on my list is the Roku Express, which costs about $5 less than a Chromecast. With a USB wall adapter and batteries included, this streaming box seems like a solid standalone experience.

Navigating through the interface is reasonably snappy, and I was impressed by how well it worked with the remote. While it's not the most exciting thing to watch, for $30, you're getting a pretty good deal.

**3. Mini Wired Controller for XBOX One and Windows**

Moving on to gaming peripherals, I came across a mini wired controller that costs under $20. With its compact design and decent build quality, this controller is perfect for casual gamers or those who want a backup option.

The tracking feels nice and responsive, and while it might be a bit small for some users, it's definitely worth considering for the price.

**4. Sony MDRVX110 - High-Quality Sound at $14**

Next up is the Sony MDRVX110, a pair of headphones that costs an astonishing $14. With its folding mechanism and decent build quality, these headphones might not be the most premium option out there, but they're definitely worth considering.

When paired with a headphone amp, these headphones sound surprisingly good, with clear highs and decent bass response. While it's not on par with high-end headphones, for $14, this is an absolute steal.

**5. A USB Cable and Some Really Terrible Headphones**

Finally, I have to mention the Doritos bag that doubles as a headphone amplifier. With its built-in headphone jack and terrible sound quality, this "innovation" might not be the most practical solution, but it's definitely a funny addition to this list.

When paired with some real music, these headphones still manage to surprise me with their decent sound quality, considering the price.

**Which One Would You Pick Up for $30?**

So, which one of these gadgets would you pick up for $30? Let me know in the comments below!