These 6 Electronics Will Last You Twice as Long and Cost You Half as Much
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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In the 21st century, who isn’t searching for budget-friendly electronics that can be purchased affordably and still be reliable for a long time? This is the technological age, but just because tech has advanced does not necessarily make it cheap or affordable. Nor does it have an eternal lifespan. That’s why it’s important to know how to spend your money on electronics that will last you for years down the line.
“In a world brimming with evolving tech, finding reliable electronics that don’t break the bank can feel like uncovering hidden treasure,” said Bobby Lawson, technology editor and publisher at EarthWeb who has “scoured the landscape to uncover a trove of dependable gadgets that blend affordability with longevity.”
Here are six electronics that will last you twice as long while costing you half has much in price.
In contrast, here are six pricey electronics that may not last long.
Game Consoles
- Average Price Range: $300 to $500
Lots of games have migrated online these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reliably hook up an external game console and start gaming the old fashioned way.
“Xbox and Playstation both offer excellent gaming experiences even as new-generation consoles are released,” said Chaz Egnew of Electronic Express. “Both offer backward compatibility for previous generation games, digital-only models offer a reduced price and both connect to streaming services. Newer Xbox models also offer support for 4K video streaming.
Car Radios
- Average Price Range: $120 to $1,200
“Manufacturers of car radios aren’t producing products for the sake of putting out something new,” Egnew said. That’s because they know that a car and its radio work hand in hand, with endurance being the name of the game for both machines.
“Car radio manufacturers like Kenwood ensure the fundamentals of their technology and its components are well-tested and reliable. They understand that consumers expect to use their products for years after purchase,” Egnew said.
Earbuds
Headphones started with a long cord attached to the player. Then, in the last few years, the big cans around the ears disappeared in favor of earbuds, only to have earbud popularity re-surge and make a comeback as of recently. However, don’t knock earbuds for price and longevity.
“Wired earbuds might seem old-fashioned these days, but they offer real value at affordable prices … depending on the brand,” Lawson said, offering Skullcandy and Panasonic products up as durable and budget-friendly options with high rated sound quality.
Bluetooth Speakers
Cut the cord and get some speakers that are wireless, cost effective and will keep rocking and rolling for years to come. And when it comes to Bluetooth speakers with more bite for your buck, JBL is one of the top brands to go with.
“Bluetooth speakers from brands like JBL and Anker strike a great balance,” said Daniel Carter, chief information officer at Eco Motion Central. “They’re portable, durable and offer excellent sound quality for the price.”
“I’m always impressed by the JBL products I use,” Egnew says. “The smaller speakers especially offer a surprising amount of volume for their compact size. They’re resistant to water and dirt, plus their design is sturdy enough for rugged outdoor use.”
e-readers
- Average Price Range: $90 to $250
Nothing beats a good book, especially when you have an e-reader that can hold lots of great books in one place and offer so many extras to your literary consuming experience.
Carter said e-readers are “simple devices without the bells and whistles of tablets, but remarkably long-lasting” and said that “when it comes to electronics that offer both affordability and reliability, it’s all about finding those sweet spots where cost meets longevity.”
Vacuums
“Basic hand vacuums are another great option for electronics that last,” said Lawson, pointing out that, “affordable vacuums are perfect for quick clean-ups and won’t break the bank.”
Lawson said these models are less prone to mechanical issues compared to their larger counterparts. That being said, if you are looking to take vacuuming off your to-do list, you can also invest in a self-driving robotic vacuum with the same benefits. For that task, Egnew recommended the iRobot Roomba.
“Automatic room mapping, battery management and a companion app make these robot vacuums easy to use and control,” Egnew said. “Base models lose out on some of the automation features, using bump navigation which can miss some areas.”
Lawson said that basic hand vacuums go for about $50 each, while Egnew says expect to pay between $275 and $1,000 for one of the robotic versions.
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