I Broke Down and Bought 5 Cheap Gadgets on AliExpress. Here's How It Went

I love a good YouTube video where the host tests cheap tech from low-cost retailers. Curious as I am, I decided to try my hand at testing cheap home products from popular discount marketplace AliExpress. Surely you've seen the site populate in a Google shopping search for smart lights or home decor with items so cheap it seems impossible that they would be worth it. 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 ... Read full article.