Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?

Hacker News Discussion ↗

Everyday comfort & ergonomics

  • Many cite ergonomic upgrades as life-changing: vertical mice, trackballs, wrist rests (including specific vertical models), and anti-fatigue/standing mats significantly reduce wrist and back pain.
  • Bidets, weighted blankets, shoehorns (especially long, metal or wood ones), and high-quality pillows/sheets are called out as small purchases that massively improve daily comfort.
  • Adjustable-temperature kettles are valued for convenient tea/coffee brewing at precise temperatures, despite some debate over boiling for hygiene vs flavor.

Coffee, tea & kitchen gear

  • Strong cluster around coffee: manual grinders, moka pots, Aeropress, drip gear, and stovetop espresso makers. Some insist you can get “good enough” espresso or coffee gear under $100; others are skeptical that truly great espresso can be that cheap.
  • Divided views on coffee obsession: some say better gear permanently upgrades life; others conclude a cheap drip machine and pre-ground coffee are fine and not worth the hobby-level effort.
  • Kitchen scales, thermoses, reusable bottles, French presses, and clever drippers are appreciated for making coffee and cooking more enjoyable and consistent.

Clothing & outdoor wear

  • High praise for durable outdoor and thermal clothing, especially merino wool (Smartwool, Darn Tough, Uniqlo down, Helly Hansen, etc.) for odor resistance, warmth, and longevity. Some regret not stockpiling discontinued favorites.
  • Wool socks and undergarments are repeatedly described as worth the premium, with anecdotal evidence of extreme durability.

Tools, gadgets & electronics

  • Everyday tools: multitools, Swiss Army knives, precision screwdrivers, pliers, knife sharpeners, and die grinders significantly reduce friction for repairs and DIY.
  • Tech items: cheap VPS, RTL-SDR dongles, ham radios, ESP32 boards, KVM switches, travel routers, and backup phones open up new hobbies or simplify work and travel.
  • Several note that modest electronics (USB mics, webcams, keychain flashlights, long USB-C cables) give disproportionate quality-of-life improvements.

Lighting, organization & home

  • Motion-sensing rechargeable LED strips in closets/hallways, dimmable accent lights, and standalone coat racks improve usability and ambiance. Some report quality issues with very cheap LEDs.
  • Magnetic fridge shelving, nesting silicone bowls, plants, robot vacuums, and wall systems (pegboards, rails) are praised for de-cluttering and making small spaces more livable.