USB-C has become the universal standard for charging and data transfer, and it’s hard to find a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or accessory released today that doesn’t rely on it. That also means the collection of USB-C cables sitting in your drawer can finally be put to work with more than just your main devices. There are plenty of small, practical gadgets that charge over USB-C and make everyday life easier. We’ve gathered 14 of the best ones that are compact enough to keep around, useful enough to justify their price, and simple enough to plug into the cables you already own.

Whether you’re dealing with cold weather, flat tires, dusty keyboards, tangled cables, or a pile of old DVDs, there’s a USB-C gadget here that can help. Each item in this list was chosen with real-world usefulness in mind, not just novelty. From $9 basics to a few more serious tools, these are the kind of devices you’ll reach for again and again.

Key facts at a glance

• Unihand rechargeable hand warmers: $20, up to 20 hours of heat, three temperature settings.
• Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver: $36, 64 S2 steel bits, USB-C charging, 500 screws per charge.
• Anker Nano Power Bank: $27, 5,000mAh capacity, foldable USB-C connector, two-device charging.
• Endoscope camera with light: $60 or less, IP67 rating, 16.4-foot semi-rigid cable, hooks and mirror included.
• Blukar flashlight: $9, 1,800mAh battery, up to 16 hours of light, four modes.
• Heat It insect bite healer: $30, app-controlled heat to reduce itching.
• Cycplus tiny air pump: $36, inflates tires in two minutes, also a flashlight and power bank.
• USB-C mini fan: $16, powered by any USB-C source, portable and pocket-friendly.
• Gritin reading light with book clamp: $9, 1,200mAh battery, up to 80 hours, five light modes.
• Amicool external DVD drive: around $20–$29, reads and burns CDs and DVDs, plug-and-play.
• Ugreen Type-C microSD card reader: under $10, ultra-compact, keychain-friendly.
• Anker USB-C to HDMI adapter: $17, supports 4K at 60Hz.
• Wolfbox MF100 electric air duster: usually $90, rechargeable, works as a blower and inflator.
• Hoto laser measuring tool: around $30–$45, OLED display, Bluetooth, two measuring modes.

Unihand rechargeable hand warmers

Cold weather is no match for these rechargeable hand warmers. They cost around $20, and a full charge gives you as much as 20 hours of warmth, depending on the heat level you select. The built-in temperature sensor chip lets you choose from three temperature settings, so you can dial in exactly how much heat you want. They come in multiple colors and fit comfortably into a coat pocket or a pair of gloves.

Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver

The Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver is a great companion for anyone who tinkers with computers, laptops, toys, or household items. Its pen-shaped body makes it easy to control, and three LED lights illuminate your work area. The set includes 64 S2 steel bits, which covers a wide range of screw heads. It charges over USB-C and can drive more than 500 screws on a single charge. With a stylish desk base, it’s easy to keep on hand. The typical price is $36, and it often goes on sale.

Anker Nano Power Bank

Anker’s Nano Power Bank is small enough to slip into any pocket or bag, but it still delivers 5,000mAh of charging capacity. That’s enough to fully recharge a modern smartphone in an emergency. The built-in foldable USB-C connector lets you plug it directly into a phone, and the side USB-C port means you can charge a second device at the same time. It costs $27 and is a genuinely useful backup for commutes, travel, or long days out.

Endoscope camera with light

The USB-C endoscope camera is the kind of tool you don’t need every day, but you’ll be glad you have it when you do. Plug it into your phone, open the companion app, and you can see into tight spaces. It’s perfect for retrieving dropped items behind furniture, inspecting car parts, checking pipes for leaks, or looking inside walls. The 16.4-foot semi-rigid cable gives you plenty of reach. It also has an IP67 rating, so it can be submerged in an aquarium or other shallow water. The kit usually costs $60 or less and includes a hook, magnet, and mirror.

Blukar flashlight

A small flashlight is something everyone should have, and Blukar’s model makes it easy. It has a built-in 1,800mAh battery that charges over USB-C, so you can use any cable already in your tech drawer. A full charge lasts up to 16 hours, depending on the brightness mode. The four lighting modes include a high beam, low beam, strobe, and an SOS signal. At $9, it’s cheap enough to grab a couple and keep them in different bags, cars, or rooms.

Heat It insect bite healer

If you spend summer evenings outdoors, the Heat It insect bite healer is a clever solution for mosquito bites. The tiny device connects to your smartphone over USB-C and is controlled through a companion app. You hold it against a bite, and the targeted heat helps break down the proteins that trigger swelling, itching, and pain. It costs only $30 and can make a real difference after an evening outside.

Cycplus tiny air pump

Cycplus makes a compact air pump that fits easily into a cycling bag or backpack. With the touch of a button, it can inflate a bicycle tire in about two minutes. It also works for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even car tires in specific scenarios. The USB-C charging port means you can top it up with the same charger you use for your phone. As a bonus, it functions as a flashlight and a small power bank, which makes it especially useful on long rides. It’s $36 and a recommended backup for any cyclist.

USB-C mini fan

The USB-C mini fan is a simple summer essential. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket, and it plugs into any USB-C source, including a power bank, laptop, or wall charger. The $16 standalone model gives you better airflow than the tiny phone-mounted fans, and it’s still very portable. It’s perfect for crowded subway trains, outdoor events, or any place where the air gets still and stuffy.

Reading light with a book clamp

For book lovers, the Gritin reading lamp clips directly onto a book and provides adjustable lighting without disturbing anyone else. It has three color temperatures and five different light modes, so you can go from warm amber to bright white. The built-in 1,200mAh battery lasts up to 80 hours, depending on which mode you use. Recharging is via USB-C, and the flexible neck lets you aim the light exactly where you need it. It costs $9 and includes a small charging indicator.

External DVD drive

Even as physical media fades, an external DVD drive can still be necessary. If your laptop doesn’t have an optical drive, Amicool’s drive connects over USB-C or USB-A and works as a plug-and-play peripheral. It reads and burns both CDs and DVDs, so you can install software, copy files, back up older discs, or watch a movie. It usually costs $29 but is often found closer to $20. That’s a fair price for the convenience of having an optical drive when you need one.

Type-C microSD card reader

Many modern laptops no longer include a full-size SD or microSD card slot. Ugreen’s USB-C microSD reader solves that in a very compact package. It’s small enough to attach to a keychain, making it easy to grab whenever you need to transfer photos from a camera or footage from a dashcam. If you need more flexibility, Ugreen also sells a version with both USB-C and USB-A connectors and support for full-size SD cards. Either option costs less than $10, making it an easy purchase.

USB-C to HDMI adapter

If you have a modern laptop with USB-C but an older monitor that only has HDMI, Anker’s USB-C to HDMI adapter is a reliable solution. It lets you plug a regular HDMI cable from your monitor into your laptop’s USB-C port. The adapter supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, which is great for presentations, external displays, or connecting a tablet to a TV. It costs $17 and is small enough to keep in a laptop bag.

Electric air duster

The Wolfbox MF100 electric air duster is small but surprisingly powerful. It can blow dust out of a keyboard, PC tower, car vents, or a dryer lint trap. It also works as an inflator for mattresses and inflatable toys when you’re camping or by the pool. Because it charges over USB-C, you never need to buy compressed air cans again. It’s normally $90, but sales happen often, so it’s worth waiting for a discount.

Measuring tools

Hoto’s pocket-sized laser measuring tool is perfect for anyone who takes on DIY projects. Despite its compact size, it has two measuring modes and a hidden OLED display that shows measurements and battery life. Bluetooth lets you pair it with your phone to log measurements for bigger projects. It’s powered by USB-C and usually costs $45, though it frequently drops to around $30 on sale. It’s a practical tool that saves space in a toolbox and simplifies any measuring task.

Source: PCWorld News