35 Products You'll Be So Surprised Work So Well For How Little They Cost

Buzz Feed

10-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Shopping
·
A high price doesn't always equate to a better product.
1. A super smart (and cute) humidifier tank cleaner for keeping your humidifier mold and mildew free for up to 30 days. It's designed to kill up to 99% of odor-causing bacteria, which you need if your humidifier has been spewing out some smelly smells.
Promising review:"I LOVE these little fish. I've been using them for about 2.5 years now, and I truly believe they help keep the humidifier and water cleaner. People don't realize all the nasty mold and bacteria that can be growing in their humidifier and then released into the air in their room! I've noticed a huge difference in mold growth when I use these fish." — Shelly
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
2. The Pink Stuff cleaning paste — a miraculous problem-solver that can help you get rid of stains, streaks, gunk, and dirt from just about anything. I'm serious. That pan you don't use anymore because of all the caked-on food you couldn't remove? The Pink Stuff's got that covered. Literally. Try it on your stovetop, your sneakers, your walls, your toilet...you get the picture.
Promising reviews:"I need this in bulk!! I have tried so many cleaning solutions to get out hard cooking stains on my stove top and nothing worked! This stuff took it right out without a problem!!" — Micaela Gunderson
"I was trying to get adhesive off of drywall and nothing was working. THIS WORKS on everything! It easily took off the adhesive. Then I had Corningware with a stubborn stain; I had tried everything. Then I tried The Pink Stuff, and it easily removed the stubborn stain. I will now always keep this on hand!" — David C. Rein
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
3. A pack of ceiling fan carbon air filters to turn your ceiling fan into an air purifier! They'll trap particles and contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke while the fan spins.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
4. A liquid tartar remover because getting a toothbrush in your dog's mouth is an Olympic sport in which you never seem to place well. Just add this to their water, and over time, it can help reduce plaque and prevent tartar buildup and bad breath.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" My senior girl is too old for teeth cleaning, but she had some serious tartar. I figured I'd try this Nylabone liquid to soften some of the buildup. I have seen a marked difference in her tatar issues — it seems to be dissolving away from her back teeth, and her breath is definitely better! Both dogs love the taste, and I haven't had any issues with upset tummies like other reviewers. I'm putting this on auto-renew to keep on hand for my pack!" — allyson
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
5. A Shark Tank -famous bug bite suction tool for mosquito bite relief because you're excited about tank tops and short shorts but not the fact that you'll be exposed to some nasty bloodsuckers. It pretty much sucks the irritant out from under your skin so you can live an itch-free life.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times, so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm, so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions), and immediately after use, it stopped itching! Less than 24 hours later, the bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but it is a small price to pay, IMO. Bottom line: It's awesome. I'm carrying it with me everywhere!" — Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five colors).
6. A grape cutter if grapes are your tot's fave snack, but it takes you forever to cut them up by hand. This will quickly slice grapes into quarters, so they're less of a hazard for your snacking tot. It's also safe enough for your tot to use (with your supervision, of course).
Promising reviews: "LOVE it. It took three minutes to cut grapes, which would have taken me at least 10. As a mom of a toddler, those minutes are precious. It was also fun and easy to use." — Jacqueline
"I wish I would've had this a LONG time ago. This little gadget has come in so handy. If you have a toddler or small child, you NEED this. It quarters grapes, cherry tomatoes, olives, etc., so they aren't choking hazards for little ones. So much faster than slicing every tiny grape up yourself. 10/10 would recommend." — Sara Waits
Get it from Amazon for $11.76.
7. An inexpensive in-shower hair protein treatment that some reviewers swear is just as good as K18. It's designed to condition and repair dry, damaged, and over-processed hair in just 5–20 minutes. TBH I'm already obsessed with your hair evolution!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I saw this product mentioned in so many articles about cheap products that are great. I don't know what took me so long to purchase this, but I am kicking myself for waiting!! My hair is DAMAGED. Beyond fried. I've bleached it so many times. I am consistently changing my hair color, and while the semi-permanent dyes don't hurt it, the bleach sure does! My hair always feels like straw. My hair looks and feels INCREDIBLE!!! It is so soft and I am just absolutely in love! This will forever be used by me from now on!" — Krystle
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more!
Get it from Amazon for $7.68.
8. A durable and super-accurate digital luggage scale because you're planning to buy a lot of new clothes on your travels and you'll need to make sure your suitcase doesn't exceed your airline's weight maximum.
You can switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising reviews:"I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I'm sure, surprise charges at the airport." — Potter Freak
"This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." — Robert
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors and also a two-pack).
9. A non-greasy hair wax stick to slick back any flyaways or style your edges. And its vegan and cruelty-free formula contains castor oil, which hydrates and smooths.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BUT please don't feel any pressure to lay your edges unless you way want to! Check out " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."
Promising review:"Thought this would be an inferior product for the price. I've always used Bed Head, but this time, when I saw what Bed Head cost, I took a gamble on this wax stick. Guess what?! It works the same as the expensive Bed Head. So save your money and enjoy this affordable, great product." — AJ Carrelli
Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in multipacks).
10. A dog paw scrubber — just squeeze the bottle to unleash the antibacterial foaming formula within and get those dirty spots off Spot's paws. This is perfect for at-home and on-the-go use! Stop worrying about your pup tracking ickiness throughout your home.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wanted something that would clean my baby's paws after our walks because I didn't want germs or dirt coming into the house. It smells great, it works well, and I can see that the rubber part doesn't bother my doggy! It's super easy to use, and I use it to keep her paws clean and my house clean! 10/10, especially for the price point!" — Thia
Get it from Amazon for $6.24.
11. An oil-absorbing face roller made using absorbent volcanic stone that'll soak up any excess oil so you can have instantly matte skin. No more dabbing your face with a million small oil-blotting sheets.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have super oily skin and am always looking for something to help control it during the day. The linen squares are good, but you have to keep them around (and keep replacing them), and they end up in the landfill. This little contraption really works, and I just rinse it at the end of the day and start over again the next. I kept one on my desk and bought a second for my purse. This is magic for my shiny skin, especially on camera in my hours of Zoom every day." — Jennifer Helseth
Get it from Amazon for $8.11.
12. An industrial-strength mold and mildew stain cleaner whose foaming no-scrub formula will do the work you don't wanna do. If you've been plagued by stubborn dark spots in your tub (or sink, toilet, and washing machine), this fast-acting cleaner has got you covered.
www.amazon.com
PSA: Proper ventilation and PPE should be used for each application.
Promising review:"This stuff really works. I have never written a review for something on Amazon, but I can't get over how amazing this product is. I hurt my back and getting down to scrub our shower was a challenge I didn't want to deal with it and before I knew it I couldn't ignore it any longer. Then along comes this miracle product and I was blown away. Yes, it definitely works, but make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. I had our shower fan on and used a respirator." — Lisa M Martin
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
13. A vegan under-eye brightener to help balance out bluish tones and dark circles. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and hydrate skin. You'll look like you've had days of sleep...even if the truth is you haven't slept in days. (Gosh darn, those true crime documentaries!)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This medium-coverage concealer can be applied with your fingers or a brush.
Promising review:"I believe I was born with dark circles under my eyes, and I have spent the last 50+ years looking for something that will cover my dark circles. I've spent a lot more money on products that do a lot less. And I was very hesitant to buy something so inexpensive as I thought it would not work. I was surprised to find my circles a lot lighter, and my eyes are looking much more alert and younger. I'm very pleased with this product!" — Lafinrsm
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
14. A pack of touch-up paint pens so you can address the splotches left over from when you removed your painter's tape from the striped accent wall you painted a few years ago. Just fill one of these pens up with your latex paint and brush away!
Slobproof is a woman-owned small business!
Promising review:"It's nice to have a way to touch up the paint in my house without having to pull out a full can of paint and a paintbrush every time. It is also a great option to get into tiny places as you're finishing a larger paint project. Definitely a great option if you have kids in the house and you need to touch up more often. I could see me using these while crafting, too." — LG
Get a pack of two from Slobproof on Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a larger pack size).
15. A sleek and rechargeable 3-in-1 handheld fan that's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark and it's hot and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this handy gadget in your back pocket.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Excellent product!!! I love the two-speed function and how much air blows on this device. I take it with me everywhere while I travel via air, church, Disney, and out to dinner, etc. I love the fact that I can charge my phone with this device, and I love the bright flashlight. Great price as well." — Satisfied Road Warrior - The sky is the limit
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six colors).
16. A garbage guard if you've ever opened your trash can and were welcomed by a host of pests. These not only kill insects, but they also prevent future infestations. And don't worry, it's completely odorless (though I can't say that about your trash).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've got an outdoor can, the kind with that the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying and no flies/maggots! There's no apparent odor, and it just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc.)." — Michael E. Bradley
Get it from Amazon for $9.84.
17. An Apple-compatible locator tag you can clip to your keys, luggage, dog's collar, and so much more. If you're a bit of a worry-wart when it comes to losing precious belongings, you might just wanna get a few of these. And since it's Apple-compatible, you can use the Find My app to locate it. Plus, it comes with a waterproof holder!
Promising review: "Perfect tracker with a stylish touch! They function perfectly with the Apple Find My app, and I use them for my backpack, keys, and luggage. No more worrying about lost things, thanks to the extremely accurate tracking and easy setup! I adore that I can rely on it to protect my AirTag in any condition. This is the perfect tracker if you're an iOS user searching for something dependable, useful, and stylish! Five stars! Highly recommended!" — JoyfulGenius
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five colors and a four-pack).
18. A set of 10 Snug Plugs if you're tired of fighting loose outlets just to get your charger to stay plugged in. Simply pop one of these into the janky outlet in question, then pop in your plug, and it should stay put!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Snug Plug is a small business that specializes in home improvement products.
Promising review:"I saw Snug Plug on TikTok and immediately ordered them. I have outlets at home AND at work that I couldn't keep anything plugged into because they're so loose. Snug Plug quickly and easily solved that problem and now I can finally have a phone charger in my den. Yay! I highly recommend this product." — KSay
Get a 10-pack from Snug Plug on Amazon for $10.99 (available in two colors and packs of 25).
19. A pair of eyeshadow color removal sponges that clean your makeup brushes without water so you can go from applying a neon pink eyeshadow to a bright white eyeshadow without breaking out the makeup brush shampoo OR having to dirty another brush.
Fellow BuzzFeed writer Jenae Sitzes is a fan of these sponges:
"I picked up this color removal sponge from Amazon after hearing about this hack on TikTok and can testify that it actually works SO well. I'm *so* bad about cleaning my brushes (I know...shameful), and this makes it super easy to clean a brush in a matter of seconds. So, even if I'm trying to do a *slightly* more elaborate eyeshadow look for the day, this makes the process of switching colors as quick and painless as possible. Also, it's *super* lightweight, and I've already tossed it in my bag and brought it on vacation with me. This is one of those products I won't be traveling without in the future if I plan on doing eyeshadow at any point — and it means you only need to pack one or two eyeshadow brushes!"
Promising review: "This product makes it even easier for me to be lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes. It also allows me to use the same brush for a makeup look since I can swish away a previous shadow and move on to the next. Great buy. Super easy to wash." — Azaleah Bumpus-Barnett
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
20. A pack of 25 disposable shower hair catchers — make post-shower cleanups super fast and easy while also preventing future clogs. If the thought of having to periodically clean a more traditional drain protector (lookin' at you, TubShroom), then these were made for you. Just peel them off when they're covered in hair and toss them in the trash!
Amazon
Promising review:"For anyone with long hair, drainage clogging in the shower is a pain. So, THANKS to whoever thought of such a simple but clever solution. They stick perfectly and the glue lasts like three weeks. It literally does not let a hair pass, and it's just so easy to place and remove. I wish I had known about this product before! A must-buy." — MER
Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in a 50-pack and 100-pack).
21. A pack of Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets so you don't risk limescale and mineral buildup affecting your dishwasher's performance. If a dishwasher can't properly wash dishes...it's essentially just a wet cabinet.
Promising review:"I had tried lots of white vinegar for two cycles in my 20-year-old dishwasher for the cloudy and powdery dinginess it had started making, and it only helped about 30%. We have very hard water. These tablets zapped the buildup, and my glass is clear again, and colored plastics no longer have the powder-like coating. So glad I took a chance on this!" — J. Holden
Get six tablets from Amazon for $8.99.
22. A bottle of Lumify eye drops to help reduce redness in as little as a minute. And results can last up to eight hours! Got red eyes? Well, here's your holy grail.
www.amazon.com
Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief.
Promising review:"I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." — Angela Leonard
Get it from Amazon for $11.93.
23. Some Glisten garbage disposal cleaner that'll foam up and scrub your disposal, leaving a fresh scent behind instead of icky drain pipe odors.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This works like a charm to eliminate odors and leave my sink smelling fresh with a pleasant lemon scent. The foaming action cleans thoroughly and is super easy to use. A must-have for keeping your disposal fresh and clean!" — JonG
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $3.78.
24. A water-based instant carpet spot remover because it'll erase life's little messes in the blink of an eye. Those stubborn wine, pet, coffee, food, and dirt stains will be a thing of the past!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"The only reason I'm giving the Folex 5 stars is because there's no place to give it 10. My dog, Sweetie, while playing on the tan carpeting in the family room, got hold of a blue Pilot G2 pen and chewed through the outer casing and the ink cartridge, leaving an approximately 6x12-inch area of carpeting splotched with blue ink. It took four or five applications, but following the label instructions to the letter, the spot was totally removed. Way to go, Folex. Outstanding!" — Bob
Get it from Amazon for $6.88+ (available in various sizes/packs).
25. A box of maximum-strength one-step wart-removing pads with extra cushioning so there's no discomfort while they work their magic.
Promising review:"This stuff works! I'd never had a wart in my life! At first, I thought it was a small callus, but as months went by, it was getting larger. I started to google and realized I had a plantar wart on my thumb! So I got the Freeze Off and thought, 'This has to work!' Nope! I tried the Freeze Off three times, and nothing! I then realized the same thing was happening on my other thumb, a small callus but I knew that the wart had spread! Now I was desperate to get rid of them and knew I had waited too long! I bought the invisible strips, and they removed my small wart in four days and my big wart in eight!! I couldn't believe it. I left strips on for two days, then pulled back the dead skin with a cuticle clipper and reapplied! My bigger wart was a little tougher to remove, and I had irritated my skin trying to cut it out, so I left it alone for a few days before reapplying a strip, and by the second 48-hour treatment, it was gone! I thought my skin would be damaged, but it looks like nothing was ever there!" — Audrey N.
Get 14 pads from Amazon for $7.29+ (available in three styles and larger packs).
26. A Scrubbing Bubbles cleaning stamp since rings have been forming around the inside of your toilet. This will keep your toilet bowl fresh and clean with every flush. Just plop some gel inside the bowl and let it work so you don't have to.
Scrubbing Bubbles, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I absolutely love these things! I have five kiddos. These gel stamps keep my toilet cleaner and fresher-smelling for longer, which is a definite plus with four boys. These have an easy, no-mess application. I finally just put them on my Subscribe & Save so I always have them ready." — Alyssa M
Get six stamps from Amazon for $4.67.
27. A Pikk-it hair-removal tool that'll help you pull out all the hair and fur caught in your vacuum head. Finally, you can more effectively clean your floors without secretly wishing your fluffy pet was born hairless. Reviewers also use this to clean their hairbrushes!
Promising review: "Between myself (medium long hair) and my overly fluffy cat, a lot of hair and fluff was continually getting caught up on the roller brush of my vacuum. I dreaded vacuuming because it took so long to pull and snip the hairs wrapped up on the roller brush out with scissors. Not anymore! This silly, little, inexpensive thing works great! Super quick to remove all the hair/fur — in virtually a minute, then back to vacuuming with my lovely Miele vacuum." — MKS
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
28. A skin-repairing body oil chock-full of natural oils to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its skin-renewal formula could help fade acne scars, surgery scars, and so much more!
www.amazon.com
Just make sure to use sunscreen with this since it can make you a bit more sensitive to the sun.
Promising review: "This product has worked wonders on my skin, especially for fading scars and stretch marks. The texture is smooth and non-greasy, absorbing quickly into the skin without leaving any oily residue. After using it consistently for a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my scars and stretch marks — they became less noticeable, and my skin felt incredibly soft and hydrated." — bmendoza
Get it from Amazon for $11.12.
29. Packs of ready-to-use fruit fly traps for luring and killing the fruit flies trying to take over your home. Just pour the included liquid bait into the "apple" and let it do its work.
Each trap lasts for up to 45 days.
Promising review:"A miracle worker! I bought at least seven different types of products trying to destroy an army of fruit flies. This is freaking awesome stuff! I seriously am beyond thankful that this product works." — JMC
Get two packs of two traps (four total) from Amazon for $13.23 (available in larger pack sizes).
30. A K-beauty rice water facial cleansing oil so you can win the fight against the makeup, sunscreen, and dirt teaming up to stay on your face. Made with jojoba oil, this lightweight and vegan formula will help nourish and brighten your skin while also potentially minimizing the appearance of pores.
Amazon
Promising review:"Super affordable compared to others, and it achieves the same results! If you want clear skin, this product is for you! It's super easy to use, it's moisturizing, cleanses well, and it's super effective! 10/10 recommend!!" — SKideys
Get it from Amazon for $15.
31. A small reusable ball with a sticky insert that'll keep dirt and crumbs from littering the bottom of your purse. Now, you don't have to empty the contents of your purse just so you can get all the nasties out. When the ball gets too full, just remove and rinse the insert, and you're good to go again!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This has to be one of the most amazing things I've ever purchased! I can't believe how easily it grabs all the debris that finds its way to the bottom of your bag." — QueenofGnomes
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five colors).
32. A microwave pasta cooker you just fill with pasta and water then chuck in the microwave for fast and easy meals that reduce the amount of water (and energy) you'd waste otherwise.
Amazon, www.youtube.com
Promising review:"This pasta cooker is amazing! It is so easy to use. I love pasta, and although it's not difficult to cook the traditional way, you do have to stand over it, and I almost always burn myself when straining heavy pots of boiling water. You just follow the directions, and you can walk away while it cooks. It's light and easy to strain without struggling or burning myself. It washes easily and doesn't take up much space." — Cheryl N.
Read our Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker review!
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
33. A rapid egg cooker for effortlessly preparing up to six eggs. Now you don't have to worry about cracking into what's supposed to be a hard-boiled egg and finding a runny yolk. Get ready for instant hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets! Breakfast made easy.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says,"I've owned one of these babies and have faithfully used it every week for upward of two years, and especially love it while working from home — it simplifies breakfast because I know no matter what assortment of groceries I'm working with, there are precooked eggs to add some protein to it. (I like mine medium-boiled. 🍳) If my dinner is boring or seems like it needs a little extra oomph to it, I'll throw in an egg from this, too. Some reviews note that the alarm on it is a little loud, but the new models have significantly decreased the volume and sing a little song instead!"
Promising review: "I saw someone on TikTok with this and gasped! Ordered it right away. I had no idea these things existed. Super easy and convenient, and the hard-boiled eggs came out perfectly. I'm testing a batch now without punching a hole in the eggs to see how they come out. Because why not make an easy process even easier?!?! LOL." — Gina
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six colors).
34. A tinted L'Oréal anti-redness cream you can use as a makeup base since nothing is worse than applying a fresh beat and seeing red skin peek through. This fast-acting moisturizer is also quite hydrating. No need to spend over twice as much on its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
35. A stainless-steel odor absorber that'll help you get rid of unwanted smells on your hands. If you've just cooked a huge meal with fish, onions, and garlic and your hands smell of all the above, you're gonna wanna add this to cart immediately.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Wow, worth every penny. This stainless steel bar works like a champ. It doesn't seem like it will do anything when you're rubbing it with your hands. There's no lather, no soap, no fragrance, and yet any and all smells are completely gone. Science is magic." — Beth
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.