40 Cheap Products That Work Just As Well As The Expensive, Popular Alternatives

Prep ingredients like a pro with this stainless steel chef's knife that costs a fraction of what you'd pay for some high-end versions. The blade is made from durable high-carbon steel that maintains a sharp edge over time, and the full tang blade extends all the way into the handle, which evenly distributes weight while you chop and slice. Even better? It's dishwasher-safe.

• Available sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch

The perfect pair of athletic socks should feel totally seamless inside your sneakers and stay in place while you move, and this six-pack of running socks fits the bill at a wallet-friendly price. The vented socks are made from a blend of combed cotton and polyester, so they're breathable and moisture-wicking, and they're cushioned at all the right places for maximum comfort. Plus, the elastic cuffs and heel tabs help these socks stay put.

• Available sizes: Small - X-Large
• Available colors: 4

It's so easy to spend a fortune on beauty products, but this collagen hair treatment comes to the rescue at an incredibly low price and with over 10,000 Amazon reviews. The treatment is formulated with ceramides, soy protein extract, and collagen, to add strength and shine while leaving hair silky-smooth.

Not interested in paying for an expensive gym membership? You can still get your muscles looking toned by using these resistance bands at home. Each order comes with five bands in varying levels of resistance — and unlike some bands, these ones are made from tough, elastic fabric rather than latex.

Cook up some amazing meals with this pre-seasoned cast iron skillet, which heats food evenly and offers excellent heat retention. The skillet is pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, so it's ready for you to make meals on the stove, in the oven, and over a campfire or grill. You can purchase the skillet on its own or add a cast iron grill pan too.

• Available sizes: 3.5 inches, 6.5 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 10.25 inches, 12 inches, 13.25 inches, 15 inches

With two USB ports, one type-C port, as well as two AC outlets, this power strip will quickly become an essential companion on your next trip. The compact size makes it easy to fit into your bag — and since it weighs less than 6 ounces, there’s no need to worry about it contributing to an overweight checked bag.

NIVEA has been around since 1911, and devoted Amazon reviewers love this affordable face and body cream with near-identical ingredients to a luxury version that costs hundreds of dollars more. (Really.) A dream for dry skin, the concentrated moisturizer is enriched with vitamin B5 to nourish, soothe, and protect, and it's gentle enough to use anywhere. Plus, it comes in Nivea's signature tin that's easy to stash in your bag.

These high-waisted period panties are about half the price of a similar product, so it's no surprise they're a best-seller on Amazon. They're made from a soft bamboo-spandex blend that's breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, and there are absorbent and leakproof layers that extends from front to back.

• Available sizes: XX-Small - 6X-Large
• Available colors: black and multi-color combo packs

Having spare charging cables on hand is always a plus, and you can stock up with this affordable three-pack of high-speed Lightning cables. The 6-foot cables give you plenty of reach, and since they're made from braided nylon, you don't have to deal with tangles or fraying.

Get soft, smooth feet with these wallet-friendly foot peel masks. Sold in a two-pack, the hypoallergenic foot masks contains ingredients like lactic acid, milk protein extract, and aloe vera to gently slough off skin within five days. Also great: The foot masks have double barriers that are unlikely to rip when putting them on.

If you've been wanting to make the switch to an electric toothbrush, this one from Greater Goods offers all the oral hygiene benefits at an affordable price — in fact, many reviewers have chosen this brush over the pricier original. With multiple cleaning modes and a timer, it comes with a compact charging base and two brush heads. A bonus? For every toothbrush sold, the company donates one to a child in need.

For less than $20 while it's on sale, get the new 2020 Lite version of the fan-favorite Fire TV Stick. If you don't need to control your television with the Fire Stick, this affordable little unit has you covered for effortless streaming you can control with your voice. It doesn't just work for Netflix and Prime video, either. Use it to play music, watch live TV, and more. It has a 4.8-star overall rating after more than 18,000 reviews, so you know it's a tried and true option. For another great deal, check out the Fire Stick 4K that comes with a voice-controlled Alexa remote. It's on sale for $39, which is 20% off its original price of $49.

These build-your-own yoga pants allow you to pick the size, waistband, and color, so you get a look and feel that's totally you. Choose from medium-, high-, and cross-waistbands, and regular, short, and tall lengths, along with two color options: black and dark heather gray. Reviewers rave about these polyester-spandex yoga pants, noting they're thick and not see-through.

• Available sizes: X-Small - 3X
• Available colors: 2

You don't have to spend a lot on a high-quality boar bristle brush — take the Wet Brush Shine Enhancer, for example, which has more than 2,000 reviews and an impressive 4.8-star rating. This popular brush uses ultra-soft boar bristles to gently detangle and distribute the natural oils in your hair, leaving you with shiny locks. Also great: Because it requires less pulling on wet hair, it can minimize breakage and prevent split ends. Choose from retro pink and black.

This highly-rated Bluetooth speaker has over 20,000 Amazon reviews, earning raves for its sound quality and low price. The powerful speaker delivers loud, clear sound and connects to Bluetooth devices from up to 100 feet away. It offers up to 20 hours of play on one charge, and it's waterproof, so you can bring it to the beach or pool.

Ceramides can create a protective barrier on your skin, locking in moisture and preventing dryness — and this Holika Holika ceramide cream costs less than half of similar products. The hypoallergenic formula contains shea butter and essential oils to offers intense hydration and restore a plump appearance to skin.

If you prefer to take off your wedding ring before hitting the gym, why not switch it out with one of these silicone bands? They’re sized to fit just like traditional rings, yet the flexible silicone moves with your fingers so that you can wear them during intense workouts.

• Available sizes: 4 — 10
• Available colors: 17

Some upright vacuums can cost hundreds of dollars, but not the Eureka PowerSpeed bagless vacuum. The lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum weighs 10 pounds and features five height settings for use on hard floors and carpets. It also comes with multiple cleaning attachments, an extra-large dust cup, and a washable filter.

Add Alexa to your car with the Echo Auto, which syncs to your phone and plays directly through your car’s speakers. Use it to check traffic and weather, stream music, listen to books on Audible, and more — all hands free.

The vitamin C serum from SeoulCeuticals can help even skin tone, boost collagen production, and protect against sun damage, and it's earned thousands of loyal fans. This formula contains 20% vitamin C, along with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamin E and ferulic acid — just apply a few drops morning and night to make your skin smooth and glowy.

For intense hydration, thousands of reviewers are fans of Weleda Skin Food cream, noting its resemblance to a high-end version. The ultra-rich moisturizer is formulated with beeswax, almond and sunflower oils, and extracts of rosemary, chamomile, and pansy to soothe and hydrate the face and body. Plus, it's free from synthetic fragrances that might irritate sensitive skin.

Looking for a long sleeve tee that you can lounge in? Search no further than this shirt from Champion. It’s made from ring-spun cotton for an extra-soft feel, while the oversized fit gives you tons of room to move. “For the ladies that want to style up a cute Tshirt dress,” wrote one reviewer. “This is JUST what you want!”

• Available sizes: X-Large Tall — 6X
• Available colors: 13

Protect your iPhone with this affordable and durable phone case. It's features dual-layer protection and shock absorption, but it won't add bulk, plus there's a reinforced kickstand on the back for hands-free viewing.

• Available phone models: iPhone 7/8, iPhone 7/8 Plus, iPhone 10Xs, iPhone XR, iPhone11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• Available colors: 5

A cast iron Dutch oven like the one from Lodge can cost upwards of $250, so this is a great alternative for budget-conscious chefs. The enameled cast iron comes in a range of colors — like red, Caribbean blue, and lagoon green — that are sure to match your decor, and there are five sizes to choose from.

• Available sizes: 1.5-quart, 3-quart, 4.5-quart, 6-quart, 7.5-quart
• Available colors: 10

High-end candles usually come at a high-end price, but this luxury soy candle is both long-lasting and affordable. It's made from eco-friendly soy wax and comes in a variety of enticing scents — like pineapple evergreen, fresh linen, and jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — at different sizes to suit your space.

• Available sizes: 6-ounce, 8.5-ounce, 9-ounce, 35-ounce, pillar
• Available scents: 36

Centella asiatica — also known as tiger grass — is an ingredient found in several high-end skin care products, and this centella serum comes at a wallet-friendly price. The serum contains 49% centella extract, which works to calm redness, boost collagen production, and improve hydration. It's gentle enough to use morning and night and contains no artificial fragrances.

With the Magic Bullet blender, you can whip up smoothies, sauces, and dips with ease. The 11-piece set includes the blender, cups, blades, a recipe book, and a flip-top lid, so you can easily bring your blended drink on the go. There's also a 13-piece set with additional blender cups.

The all-new Echo Dot is back with a new design, and is seriously discounted while sales last. With all the same features that made the Echo Dot a best-seller, this smart speaker has Alexa built in, can be used as a hub for your smart home devices, can play music, tell you the weather, and so much more. Get it for less than $30 if you act fast.

A single name-brand makeup sponge can cost $20, but this five-pack of blending sponges is a bargain that's just as effective. These best-selling beauty blenders have more than 38,000 reviews and a 4.7-star overall rating, and the reusable sponges are latex-free, ultra-soft, and suitable for wet and dry use.

Reviewers are fans of this single-serve coffee brewer, finding it comparable to a name-brand version. The compact coffee brewer has a 12-ounce capacity and works with coffee pods or ground coffee (but filters are not included). The brewer boasts simple one-button operation, an easy-to-fill reservoir, and a drip tray that's removable for taller mugs.

This stainless steel travel tumbler is perfect for staying hydrated on the go. The insulated, double-walled bottle keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24, and it comes with a wide-mouth cap, straw lid, and flip-top lid so you can choose the one that's easiest to sip from. The leakproof bottle has a 26-ounce capacity and fits in most car cup holders. Plus, it comes in unique colors and styles, like gradient green, brushed stainless steel, and faux wood grain.

• Available colors: 14

Designed to boost radiance and resurface skin, the Nip + Fab peeling pads offer powerful results, but cost about one-tenth of the price of high-end alternatives. The pads are soaked in alpha hydroxy acids, which work to stimulate skin cell turnover and brighten skin.

Spiralize zucchini, make curly fries, and more with this compact handheld spiralizer. The BPA-free kitchen tool has a stainless steel blade that works with a variety of veggies, and there's a grippy food holder and non-slip grip for safety. Best of all, the spiralizer is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Get notifications on your phone when motion is detected with this super easy-to-install Blink smart security camera. It also lets you have a conversation over the camera thanks to the two-way audio feature. For less than $25 while it's on sale, it's an easy way to add peace of mind to your home, even if it's just to check on your pet. With more than 40,000 ratings and 4.5 stars overall, it's a popular pick. Want a little more? You can also purchase the Blink Mini camera with an Echo Show 5 for $49.99 (originally $124.98), a savings of 60% for the bundle, too.

If your computer doesn't have enough ports, you can easily add more with this five-in-one USB-C hub from Anker. The device includes two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, and SD and micro -D card slots, so you can quickly transfer media and get high-quality video output.

A wireless charger is great for decluttering, and this one is less than half the cost of a similar option. The slim wireless charger has a sleek and durable mirror panel and built-in protection against overheating, overcharging, and short circuiting. Plus, LED indicator lights let you check the charging status of your device at a glance.

• Available colors: 11

This heavy-duty bike lock keeps your bicycle safe and secure. It's made from hardened steel with a PVC coating, so it's resistant to cutting and won't leave scratches your bike's paint. Each order includes three keys — just in case you happen to accidentally misplace one.

There are many expensive blow dryers out there, but this hair dryer is a popular and affordable alternative with hundreds of rave reviews. The hair dryer uses ionic technology to dry your hair quickly and reduce frizz. There are two heat levels, a cool shot button, and diffuser and concentrator attachments are included.

This best-selling waterproof action camera captures all your adventurous moments, and reviewers note that compared to the higher-end option, it offers incredible value for the price. The camera takes photos and HD videos and has adjustable view angles, image stabilization, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an HDMI port, so you can connect to your TV. For diving and water sports, place the camera inside its waterproof case and you're good to go up to 100 feet underwater.

Reviewers note these Bluetooth headphones work just as well as a $300 pair for a fraction of the cost. The stylish headphones offer up to 15 hours of wireless play (and come with a cable for wired playback), and they deliver clear sound with passive noise isolation. There's also a built-in mic for hands-free calling, and the adjustable headband and plush ear cushions provide a comfy fit.

• Available colors: 2

Create the perfect lighting at home with this two-pack of color-changing smart light bulbs. The lights connect to your existing Wi-Fi network and are voice control-capable with Alexa and Google Home Assistant. You can also use a free smartphone app to control your lights from anywhere in the world.

Boasting more than 14,000 reviews, this face primer by Elizabeth Mott is about half the price of a similar product, and works to control oil, smooth pores, and balance skin tone. The cruelty-free formula is lightweight and will keep your makeup from budging all day long.

You can spend twice as much for a set of silicone cooking utensils, but it's not necessary, since this one has won more than 4,000 reviews and a 4.6-star overall rating. With natural acacia wood handles, the utensils are heat-resistant to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and the silicone heads go easy on your cookware. The set comes with eight pieces, including a slotted spoon, soup ladle, and pasta server.

This water gel moisturizer has earned more than 43,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, and for good reason: The fast-absorbing moisturizer is lightweight, but instantly quenches dry skin. It's a fantastic hydration option for anyone who doesn't like the feel of a heavier cream on their face.

These bath towels boast a 700 grams per square meter (GSM) rating, which means they offer a plush, luxurious feel that's similar to a cult-favorite linen brand. And reviewers agree — more than 3,000 have given them a 5-star rating. Made from ring-spun cotton, the towels are available in colors like plum, gray, and sage green.

• Available colors: 9