While Prime Day is usually focused around big-ticket tech devices with deep discounts, it’s important to also remember the essential accessories that you need to make them work.
Prime Day is always about the big-ticket purchases. New TVs, smart home devices, maybe a new phone or tablet—these are the things we save up for and pick up when they get deep discounts during events like these.
But now that you’ve made your big purchases, there’s something else to think about. How are you going to charge that tablet? Do you have up-to-date HDMI cables to plug gaming consoles and the DVD player into? When was the last time you replaced your surge protector?
As with nearly everything during Prime Day, these accessories you may not be thinking about (but definitely need) are often on sale. Not only can you save a few bucks by picking them up now, but you can make sure they arrive at the same time as your other Prime Day purchases. No surprise trips to a store to pick up an overpriced cable needed!
1USB-C Cables
Anker USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable
These Anker USB-C cables are on the shorter side, making them perfect for desks or plugging them into charging stations. The unique colors are more than just nice-looking, too—the pastel hues make it easier to find them if they slide off the table, or if you tend to leave your cables lying around.
Everyone needs USB-C cables nowadays. You may think that since you already have a bunch lying about, you don’t need more, but are theygoodUSB-C cables? Older cables aren’t capable of fast charging your devices, and damaged ones are going to be even worse off if they work in the first place.
There’s also the issue of length—some can be too long, some too short, and it’s always a pain if you can’t find anything that’s the length you need it to be. Longer might seem better, but when you’re trying to get the extra wire slack out of your way, the idea quickly falls apart. And I don’t need to tell you why wires that are too short are a pain.
The thing is, USB-C cables are so cheap, why not pick up one or two new ones? That way, you know they’ll work and be the length you want. You can even recycle or donate some of those old cables, making it a win/win of decluttering and upgrading. I prefer Anker for my USB-C cables, and thesecolorful, three-foot cablesare perfect for my needs.
2A microSD Card
SanDisk Extreme
Available in a number of storage capacities, the SanDisk Extreme microSD cards are perfect for GoPro cameras. These cards are rated UHS-3 and V30.
If you picked up a portable device for Prime Day, you’ll likely want a microSD card to go with it. A microSD card is a fantastic purchase if you want to store more photos or games on something. If you happen to need a normal-sized SD card, most microSD cards come with an adapter to slot them into and use as a typical SD card.
What size you’ll want will depend on what sort of device you picked up. A 128GB or 256GB card will be enough for most phones and tablets, but if you picked up a portable gaming console like the Steam Deck, you’ll want something bigger. 256GB is typically a good middle point in terms of price and storage if you’re not sure what to get.
The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t use the standard microSD card. This new portable console usesmicroSD Express cardsinstead, so make sure to get the right type if that’s what you’re looking for!
3A Few New HDMI Cables
UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Cable
Available in lengths of 6 feet and longer, the UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Certified Cable is perfect for gaming as it adheres to all HDMI 2.1 specifications.
HDMI cables are probably one of the accessories you think the least about. You get a new TV or monitor, plug everything in, and if the cables still work, everything appears to be all good!
But if you’re using an older HDMI cable, your image quality will suffer. While you can get by on older cables, resolutions and refresh rates won’t be as good as they can be—and given HDMI cables are cheap, it’s easy to get what you need!
If you’re not familiar with HDMI standards, it’s always best to go with a 2.1 HDMI cable from a reputable brand. While you may not explicitly need HDMI 2.1, it’s the latest version, and you can still use the cable with older devices. Given that aUGREEN braided 2.1 HDMI cable is only $14, it’s not worth the extra couple of dollars you’d save by buying an HDMI 2.0 cable.
4Surge Protectors
Tripp Lite 3 Outlet Portable Surge Protector
Surge protectors aren’t always big, bulky power strips. This wall wart from Tripp Lite fits snugly into your wall outlet, giving you more plugs that are protected from electrical damage.
Surge protectors don’t last forever. It’s important to swap them out semi-regularly to ensure your devices are protected. Just as importantly, though, a defective and neglected surge protector can be a recipe for disaster. A combination of burnt-out parts and built-up dust and debris can cause the surge protector to spark or even catch fire.
So it’s always a good idea to check and see if you need to replace some. Not all surge protectors are long, bulky strips, either. I prefer wall warts that don’t take up as much space on my floor, and having them plugged directly into an outlet makes them easier to check, clean, and eventually replace.
5Some Rechargeable Batteries
Amazon Basics Rechargeable Batteries
Batteries are still a common enough need that it’s best to invest in rechargeable ones. This Amazon Basics bundle comes with four AA and AAA batteries and a wall charger.
I need to use batteries just often enough to worry about having some on hand, but not often enough to actually buy a big pack of them. I just need them for some cat toys and random little devices, and I imagine many are in the same boat.
The best option, by far, is to pick up a small pack of rechargeable batteries and the charger to go with them. While thisAmazon Basics battery bundleisn’t discounted, I can attest to them working well. I got a pack of these batteries back in 2020, and most of the batteries are still working as if they’re brand new. They last far longer than you’d expect, given the price.
