If you're shopping online, you may have noticed products from Temu and AliExpress often come up in your shopping search. These items are so cheap that you may wonder if it's really a steal or if you should stay away. I was in that boat as well. And I love a good YouTube video where the host tests cheap tech from low-cost retailers.
So, curious as I am, I decided to try my hand at testing cheap home products from the popular discount marketplace, AliExpress. Now, when shopping for a new piece of home hardware, gaming gear or audio tech, cheap tech usually equates to low-quality performance. But as I've come to learn, that's not always the case.
Rules for the experiment
Products must cost less than $15.
Devices need to be cheaper than a mainstream equivalent.
Weird devices are more likely to make the list.
I'm happy to report it was an authentic experience with a mix of good-ish products and some really bad ones. From best to worst, here's how my AliExpress order played out.
Best: Tuya Zigbee smart USB adaptor switch
It's the smallest plug in my smart home. John Carlsen/CNET
USB chargers for lighting and small devices occupy far too much space in my smart plugs, so I always wondered if I could get a USB smart plug. I got the Tuya Zigbee Smart USB Adaptor Switch -- which includes three USB-A ports -- for a measly $5.02. Tuya devices like these are hidden gems for smart home enthusiasts, though they aren't always the easiest to work with. I'm glad it was easy to link to my SmartThings home automation system.
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