Memorial Day weekend is here, and while the big-ticket OLED TVs and flagship headphones grab the headlines, some of the best deals of the year are hiding in plain sight — in the sub-$50 aisle. From portable chargers and 4K streaming sticks to budget security cameras and camping essentials, you can refresh your tech stash without emptying your wallet.
We combed through hundreds of offers to find the deals that actually deserve your money this weekend. Here’s what’s worth picking up for $50 or less.
Portable Chargers and Power Accessories
Battery anxiety is a year-round problem, but it hits hardest during travel season. Memorial Day is the perfect moment to grab a compact 10,000mAh power bank, many of which have dropped below $30. Look for models with USB-C Power Delivery — they’ll fast-charge both your phone and your earbuds on the go. Wall chargers with multiple ports are also heavily discounted, making them a no-brainer upgrade for your nightstand or travel bag.
4K Streaming Devices
Streaming sticks are perennial Memorial Day favorites, and this year is no exception. Entry-level 4K dongles from Amazon, Roku, and Google have all seen meaningful price cuts, with several dipping under $40. If your TV is getting long in the tooth, a $30 streaming stick is the cheapest way to breathe new life into it — giving you faster menus, better voice search, and access to every major app in one tiny package.
Budget Security Cameras
Home security doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This weekend, several indoor and outdoor cameras are priced under $50, including models with night vision, two-way audio, and local storage options. A single budget cam is a great entry point if you’re new to smart home security — and during sale season, it’s easy to add a second or third without guilt.
Bluetooth Speakers and Audio
Outdoor season means outdoor sound. Compact Bluetooth speakers with IPX7 waterproofing are on sale for as little as $25, which is remarkable for the sound quality on offer. If you’d rather not carry a speaker at all, this is also a great weekend to pick up budget wireless earbuds — several solid pairs have dropped into the $30–$45 range.
Outdoor and Camping Gear
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and outdoor gear gets in on the deals too. Look for collapsible water bottles, compact lanterns, camp chairs, and first-aid kits — all under $50 and all on sale. Even if you’re not a hardcore camper, a few well-chosen pieces make backyard evenings and hiking trips dramatically more comfortable.
Gaming and Entertainment
Budget gaming is having a moment. Discounted controllers, game-specific accessories, and a handful of great titles are all sitting under the $50 mark this weekend. If you’ve been eyeing a new controller for your console or PC, sale weekend is the time to strike — and it pairs perfectly with that new 4K streaming stick.
Water Filters and Kitchen Essentials
It’s not all gadgets. Water filter pitchers and replacement filters are consistently discounted during holiday sales, and a clean-tasting glass of water is a quiet luxury worth grabbing. Kitchen scales, food storage sets, and portable blenders round out a surprisingly practical under-$50 category.
How to Shop Smart This Weekend
A few ground rules before you hit “buy”: compare prices across at least two retailers, check whether the deal includes free shipping, and don’t let a discount convince you to buy something you didn’t need in the first place. The best deal is the one you’d have paid full price for anyway.
Bottom line: You don’t need to spend big to upgrade your setup this Memorial Day. Stick to the under-$50 sweet spot, focus on the categories above, and you’ll walk away with real value — and a little cash left over for the long weekend.
