Score Verge Staff's Secret Favorite Gadgets on Sale!
The Verge Staff's Hidden Gems: Insider Gadget Deals You Can't Miss.
Background
While you might be sifting through endless deals on products you've seen reviewed a thousand times, we've got a treat for you.
This isn't just about what our team officially tests and recommends; it’s about the stuff the seasoned tech journalists at The Verge genuinely love, the gadgets they buy for themselves, gift to friends, and use every single day
And here’s the kicker: many of these personal favorites were cheaper than ever for Amazon’s October Prime Day event, which just wrapped up on October 7, 2025. Think beyond the typical.
We're talking everything from pocket-friendly power banks that’ll save your phone on a long day out in Manila to waterproof Bluetooth speakers perfect for a spontaneous beach trip in Phuket
Let’s dive into these hidden gems, because who better to trust for tech recommendations than the people who live and breathe it
This focus on 'personal picks' offers a more relatable and trustworthy approach, especially for a tech-savvy audience in a region like Southeast Asia.
Power Up, Fix Up, & Explore: Essential Gear for Every Lifestyle Anker Nano Power Bank (USB-C): Your Go-To for Power on the Move ~$19
19 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $29. 19 at Walmart - Originally $29.
99 If you're anything like reviews editor Barbara Krasnoff, you hold onto your phone until it practically begs for retirement.
Her Pixel 6, after three years, is finally showing its age, especially in the battery department
“I sometimes hit the 20 percent mark toward the end of the day,” she admits. Her solution.
The Anker Nano Power Bank. She initially considered a bulkier 20,000mAh model, but that felt like “a small brick” in her bag.
The Nano, however, is a mere 3. 5 ounces and offers 5,000mAh – enough to keep her Pixel going.
It plugs directly into her phone’s USB-C slot, feeling more like a seamless extension than a separate device.
For those of us navigating bustling Southeast Asian cities or long commutes, a compact, reliable power bank isn't just a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity
Plus, the pale ‘Ice Lake Blue’ means it won’t get lost in the bottom of your bag – a small but brilliant detail. 6V Electric Screwdriver Kit (Classic): The DIY Hero You Didn't Know You Needed ~$39.
99 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $69. 99 at Walmart - Originally $59.
99 Remember when your old boss told you about something, and it actually turned out to be amazing. That’s what happened to senior commerce editor Brandon Widder with the Hoto electric screwdriver.
His former boss, Dan Seifert, consistently pitched it for gift guides, and Brandon is glad he listened.
This isn't for heavy-duty construction, but for everyday tasks like tightening desk legs, assembling IKEA furniture (a universal pain, no
), or ensuring your bike seat stays put, it’s a godsend. It's got a USB-C port for charging, a handy LED light (ditch the headlamp.
), and 25 steel bits neatly tucked into a magnetic case.
For apartment dwellers or anyone doing small fixes around the house, especially in places where hiring a handyman for every little thing isn't practical, this tool is invaluable
And yes, it makes a great gift. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4: Party Hero in Your Pocket ~$66.
49 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $99. 99 at Best Buy - Originally $99.
99 at B&H Photo - Originally $99. 99 “A pool party, a park day, a golf outing, a hang on the back patio — it’s all better with music.
” declares editor-at-large David Pierce. His speaker of choice.
The UE Wonderboom 4.
At just over $66, it’s compact but surprisingly loud, with an all-day battery, and crucially for those humid, water-logged adventures common in Southeast Asia – it’s waterproof and it floats
Whether you’re chilling by the beach in Bali, picnicking in a Singapore park, or just hosting friends on your balcony, this speaker delivers.
David keeps one in his trunk, and it’s consistently made him “the party hero
” For sheer practicality and fun, the Wonderboom 4 is tough to beat. Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator: Sun Protection, Sans Mess ~$12.
78 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $15. 98 Jess Weatherbed, a news writer and self-proclaimed “pasty redhead,” knows a thing or two about sun protection.
If you avoid sunscreen because it makes your hands feel greasy, this is your solution.
The Solar Buddies applicator is a mess-free way to slather on SPF, especially vital in the scorching tropical sun of countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or the Philippines
It’s also brilliant for kids, with a large handle and roller dispenser that even small hands can grip.
Just fill it with your favorite SPF 50+ sunscreen, screw it tight (no more sunscreen explosions in your bag
), and you're good to go. This is an absolute must-have for anyone living in or visiting a sunny climate.
Magpul DAKA Essential Wallet: Toughness Meets Minimalism ~$13. 56 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $16.
95 For nearly a decade, senior reporter Andrew Liszewski searched for the perfect slim, minimalist wallet. The Magpul DAKA Essential Wallet.
Made from reinforced polymer fabric with welded seams, it’s incredibly durable. The anti-slip texture means it won’t easily slide out of your pocket, but it’s still easy to extract.
He bought three as backups but is still using the original after eight years with minimal wear.
In humid climates where leather can sometimes deteriorate or absorb moisture, a robust polymer wallet is a smart choice
Its slim profile is also perfect for those who want to avoid bulky pockets in lighter clothing, a common preference in warmer regions. ToAuto DS90 Soldering Station: Ignite Your Inner Fixer ~$38.
99 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $54. 99 News writer Emma Roth's ToAuto soldering station sat gathering dust until she started experimenting with game console repairs.
While it might not be a top-tier Hakko, for $55, it’s more than enough for beginners.
Heating up to 842 degrees Fahrenheit, it comes with interchangeable tips, steel wool for cleaning, and a handy rack for solder
Emma's used it to solder an HDMI port onto a PlayStation 4 and install new batteries on old Game Boy games.
For the burgeoning tech DIY and repair community in Southeast Asia, where fixing electronics can be more economical and sustainable than replacing them, this beginner-friendly station is a fantastic entry point into the world of electronics repair
Paleblue AA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries (four-pack): Power Up, Save Cash ~$22. 49 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $29.
99 Deputy editor Todd Haselton used to buy AA batteries in bulk for his Xbox controller and his kids' toys. He resisted rechargeable batteries, recalling the bulky, slow chargers of old.
Then he found Paleblue USB-C rechargeable batteries. “They’re great,” he says.
Just plug them into any USB-C source. They last long, and you can charge all four at once.
This is a brilliant money-saver and convenience booster.
Imagine not having to run to the convenience store for batteries for your kids' toys or remote controls, a frequent occurrence in many households
It’s a small change that makes a big difference, especially for families looking to cut down on waste and recurring costs. Royal Kludge Foldable Mechanical Keyboard: A Portable Typing Dream ~$43.
99 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $54. 99 Senior editor Sean Hollister can’t help but laugh at the name “Royal Kludge,” but he swears it’s “the best folding Bluetooth keyboard I’ve used yet.
Because it doesn’t fall off his lap. It’s a mechanical keyboard with swappable keycaps, but its real magic lies in its portability and stability.
It lets him swap between multiple Bluetooth devices, offers USB-C connectivity, and folds vertically, spanning his legs without collapsing.
For digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone with limited desk space in urban apartments common across Southeast Asia, this chunky but reliable keyboard is a godsend
It’s a proper typing experience without the bulk of a full-sized board. Anker 321 Power Strip: Your Travel Companion Against “Loose Socket Syndrome” ~$15.
99 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $25. 99 “Nobody wants to carry a power strip or an extension cord with them on their vacation,” says deputy features editor Sarah Jeong.
But sometimes, charming historical hotels or rustic cabins in the woods come with a downside: only one inconveniently placed, loose electrical socket. Sarah’s solution after a frustrating trip.
The Anker 321 Power Strip. It’s a compact cube with three AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port at the end of a five-foot cable.
The key for her. The static prongs, which unlike folding ones, stay firmly in those notoriously “loose sockets” of older buildings.
For travelers venturing through heritage towns or quaint guesthouses in Southeast Asia, where older infrastructure is common, this little cube is a lifesaver, ensuring all your devices get charged without a precarious stack of books holding up your charging hub
Epicka Universal Series Travel Adapter: Never Be Unplugged Abroad ~$17
99 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $23. 99 Senior reviewer Victoria Song knows the pain of forgetting plug adapters on international trips.
“Buying them once you’ve landed in another country isn’t always easy,” she explains. Her solution: the Epicka Universal Series Travel Adapter.
It’s essentially six plug adapters in one, often with USB ports for charging multiple devices.
While it might be bulkier than a single specialized adapter, it’s a “game-changer” for multi-continent itineraries
Crucially, it comes with a spare fuse in case of voltage mishaps.
For the adventurous traveler from Southeast Asia exploring the world, or even just moving between different countries within ASEAN (which sometimes have varying plug types), this adapter is a non-negotiable item
While it covers the four most common plug types (not all, like Brazil or India), it beats airport price gouging any day.
Ritche Military Ballistic Nylon Watch Strap: Style, Comfort, and Durability ~$16
98 at Amazon (with Prime) - Originally $19. 99 Laptop reviewer Antonio G.
Di Benedetto is a man who loves his traditional watches, and his go-to straps are slip-through NATO nylon straps.
“They’re timeless, they’re dead-simple to swap out in less than a minute, and they come in a dizzying amount of colors and designs,” he says
Originating from the military, these ballistic nylon straps offer a snug, light, and airy fit that’s perfect for casual wear, or even dressed up a bit.
For those living in warm, humid climates, nylon is often far more comfortable and less prone to sweat retention than leather
And the best part. They’re dirt cheap.
Antonio even put a $16. 98 blacked-out NATO on his new Mission to Mercury MoonSwatch.
It’s a fantastic way to personalize your watch collection without breaking the bank, offering both style and practicality, especially for active lifestyles. Your Next Favorite Gadget Awaits.
So there you have it: a treasure trove of genuinely loved gadgets, straight from the experts’ mouths (or rather, their keyboards).
And with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days just having concluded, these personal picks were more accessible than ever.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days reflect the growing trend of major retailers hosting multiple sales throughout the year to boost consumer spending globally
For Southeast Asian readers, the emphasis on portability, durability in humid climates, travel-friendly accessories, and cost-effective solutions for everyday life makes these deals particularly relevant in a region with high smartphone penetration, growing tourism, and a strong culture of practical consumption
What are you waiting for
Grab some of these insider favorites while they’re hot, and tell your friends where you heard it first. Happy shopping.
It’s not every day you get recommendations this good from the pros without paying a premium for the advice.
