Affordable Tech Dupes to Save Money

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on the latest tech gadgets, there are plenty of affordable alternatives out there that can give you similar results for a fraction of the cost. Often costing as little as 20% of their branded counterparts, these budget-friendly options are perfect for those of you looking to keep costs low.

Many of these alternatives are also super accessible, available through platforms like TikTok Shop and stores like Amazon, Home Bargains, eBay and Aldi, alongside plenty of customer ratings and real-time video reviews.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular tech alternatives and where to find them, allowing you to secure exciting and innovative tech without the expensive price tags.

Popular Tech Dupes to Look Out For

1. Wireless Earbuds

Alternatives to premium wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods are available on various online platforms. You’ll find great quality options from TikTok Shop, Aldi and Amazon for under £20-£30 compared to the £150 price tag for the real thing.

For example, Amazon’s Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds are rated 4.5 from over 15,000 customer reviews. The Baseus brand is also highly rated and available on TikTok Shop with earbuds starting at just £10.90.

These alternatives come with similar features such as noise cancelling technology. Many are also reviewed as having long battery lives, lasting a few weeks between charges!

2. Hair Styling Tools

Hair styling tools are also another big category when it comes to alternatives. With the recent emergence of the Dyson Airwrap and other electrical hair-styling products, brands have created their own low-cost alternatives that do a similar job. 

You’ll find 5-in1 hairstylers for £30 or less on TikTok Shop while long-standing brands like Remington, BaByliss and Revlon have upped their game with similar technology at lower-cost prices. These can be found at high-street stores like Boots, Argos and Lookfantastic. For an affordable 6-in-1 styler, try the Revolution Hot Air Brush Set for just £27.49!

3. Smartwatches

Smartwatches are also popular gadgets that come in low-cost options. Instead of forking out hundreds on one of these devices, you can find alternatives with the same fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring technology.

For instance, the Amazfit Band 7 Smartwatch is available for under £40 and comes with an 18-day battery life, a large HD AMOLED display, 120 built-in sports modes and 24-hour blood-oxygen monitoring.

4. Kitchen Gadgets

There are loads of low-cost kitchen gadgets and appliances available from lesser-known brands that offer the same versatile functionality for a fraction of the price. 

Instead of spending hundreds of premium food processors and mixers like Thermomix or KitchenAid, why not opt for a cheaper version? Supermarkets like Tesco and Aldi offer multifunctional food processors for under £50 that are highly rated by customers. You can also find low-cost options from Ninja, John Lewis and Curry’s alongside regular discounts and voucher codes.

Another popular kitchen gadget that you can save on is your coffee machine. Swap the trending yet pricey Sage Oracle for the similar-looking Delonghi Stilosa Express and save up to £1500. Or, if you’re more interested in functionality rather than aesthetics, try the affordable TASSIMO by Bosch Coffee Machine that’s priced at just £34.99

5. Beauty

Beauty gurus know that investing in the latest must-have products can be pricey! From LED face masks to laser hair removal tools, many popular brands charge a premium for items that promise salon-quality results at home.

If you’re eyeing a must-have beauty tool, take your time before splurging on a top brand. There are plenty of affordable alternatives that deliver similar results without costing a fortune.

The Philips Lumea 8000 Series, IPL Hair Removal Device is a popular choice for those wanting to achieve laser removal results from home! However, retailed at £449, it’s certainly not the cheapest option on the market. Products like the LUX SKIN IPL priced at just £59, are a much more cost-effective alternative.

If it’s an LED face mask you’re after – don’t rush into purchasing the most expensive option, like the Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair costing £269. The Silk’n Facial LED Mask is less than half price (£128!) and looks like a fantastic option if you’re not looking to spend loads.

6. Tablets

Tablets have become an essential gadget for entertainment, work and staying connected. But let’s face it – some of the most popular models come with a hefty price tag! If you’re considering investing in a tablet, weigh your options and compare features before splurging on a top brand.

The Apple iPad is a firm favourite for many. However, with prices starting at £999 for the latest iPad Pro, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. For those looking for a more affordable option, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is an excellent alternative. Retailing at just £149.99, it offers a 10.1-inch Full HD display, up to 12 hours of battery life, and access to essential apps like Netflix and Spotify.

While it doesn’t have the premium name of an iPad, it’s perfect for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and reading!

Tips for Saving Money While Shopping for Tech Dupes

1. Research Before You Buy

When shopping for tech alternatives we’d always recommend checking product reviews on platforms like TikTok and YouTube as well as trusted websites. With so many dupes available these days, you want to make sure the product you’re buying does the job to ensure you’re not wasting money. 

With that in mind, it’s also important to compare the specifications against the more expensive version to ensure the alternative option meets your needs and is better value for money.

2. Check Warranties and Return Policies

It’s also a good idea to check warranties and return policies as some cheaper alternatives may not have the durability of premium brands. Make sure you contact your seller or check the brand website to see if you’re protected in case your product fails.

3. Avoid Overpaying

Some sellers’ price alternatives are close to those of branded products, making the cheaper version less value-for-money. For example, a smartwatch dupe priced at £70 may not be worth it compared to an entry-level branded option. 

It’s best to always compare your options. If an older version of a big-branded device is priced similarly to an alternative, it may be more cost-effective to choose the first.

4. Look out for Discounts

Platforms like TikTok Shop and Aldi often run seasonal promotions or clearance sales, making their low-cost tech alternatives even more affordable. Always keep an eye out for a discount code from us too to save even more on your devices.

5. Shop in Refurbished Sections

A lot of huge tech companies offer low-cost versions of their bestsellers in Refurbished Sections. This category features second-hand, repaired or recycled devices that still work completely fine, but have been pre-owned by someone else. Because of this, they’re usually offered at a lower price despite being exactly the same as the brand-new version.

For example, on the Philips website, you can find refurbished Lumea Shavers and OneBlade razors with up to 47% off their RRPs. They even offer regular codes on this section for even further savings.

6. Shop Second Hand

Similarly, look out for second-hand tech gadgets on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Depop or Vinted for a cheaper price. A great thing about these sites is that you can haggle the price down further by sending your seller offers. Just make sure you check the seller’s reviews and ratings before buying to make sure they’re legitimate.

7. Don’t buy the Latest Edition

When shopping for cheaper tech alternatives, it’s a good idea to go for older versions to save yourself some money. Later editions usually come with hefty price tags that are eventually marked down when the hype dies down. Plus, the differences between versions are usually minimal- just make sure you check the product specification before buying to make sure your version has all the features you want.