Today we will talk about the best audio accessories under $20. During my journey into the world of sound, I have experimented with a lot of devices and accessories. While some audiophile accessories can be quite expensive (and even shamelessly overpriced), many useful accessories are still very affordable. I also use all the accessories on this list daily, so it’s based on my own hands-on experience.
1. Reusable fastening cable ties
We, audio enthusiasts, love cables, and those cable ties are a game-changer when it comes to organizing cables and wires. They usually come in many colors, so I advise you to get them in a few different colors. Why? Because you can use different colors for different cables. Like red ties for power cables, green ties for data cables, etc. Well, you get the idea.
🛒 Reusable Fastening Cable Ties 100 pcs on Amazon
2. Magic Fiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack
The ultra-fine microfiber material effectively captures and traps dust, dirt, and grime without leaving behind streaks or lint. This ensures a thorough cleaning experience, leaving surfaces sparkling clean. Who doesn’t like their equipment clean and shiny?
🛒 MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack on Amazon
3. DUKABEL Top Series 3.5mm AUX Cable
Replacement cables offer a convenient solution for restoring functionality to electronic devices headphones included, and it doesn’t need to be expensive. Over the years I had only positive experiences with this cable, so I bought myself a few extra.
🛒 DUKABEL Top Series 3.5mm AUX Cable on Amazon
4. Short RCA-to-RCA interconnects
There are many interconnect cable options on the market, but finding shorter interconnect cables for your audio stacks can be challenging. In addition, some companies charge a premium for such cables. I was lucky to come across the CESS cables, so now I use them for all my DAC/AMP stacks. They are affordable, come in different sizes, and are a great value for money.
🛒 CESS-075-6i Heavy Duty RCA Cable on Amazon
5. Strenco 2-Inch Hook and Loop Strips with Adhesive
Does your DAC, amplifier, audio interface, or USB hub slide on your desk? Use this! The Strenco 2 Inch Hook and Loop Strips with adhesive offer strong, reliable adhesion and versatile, reusable fastening, making them ideal for many applications, including desk organizing. I bought this one almost two years ago, and I still have more than half a roll left.
🛒 Stenco 2 Inch Hook and Loop Strips with Adhesive on Amazon
6. Headphone stand
There are a lot of fancy headphone stands out there that can cost $100, $200, and beyond. But when we look at more budget-friendly offerings, a lot of products come with cons. This is fortunately not the case with the Lamicall headphone stand which has a few benefits like a heavy rubberized base, matte plastic that is prone to fingerprints, metal rod, and a very ergonomic top that can accommodate your headphones in several ways. And if you get creative, you will find a way to use it with two headphones.
🛒 Lamicall Headphone Stand on Amazon
7. SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter
If your device has a microSD slot, then this is one of the top audio enthusiast accessories! The SanDisk Extreme microSDXC memory cards offer a high-speed performance with up to 160MB/s read speeds and 90MB/s write speeds, making it ideal for storing and transferring your FLAC and DSD collections and using it on the go with your smartphone or DAP.
🛒 SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter on Amazon
8. Aftermarket lightning to USB camera adapter for iPhone.
The USB Camera Adapter for iPhone allows for quick and easy transfer of photos and videos from your camera to your iPhone. Additionally, its plug-and-play design supports various USB peripherals, including portable DAC/AMPs. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to an Apple camera adapter to use with my USB-C dongles and found this one. It works well with the external DACs and supports bit-perfect too!
🛒 IVSHOWCO USB Camera Adapter for iPhone, iPad to USB OTG Cable Adapter on Amazon
9. HDD USB 3.0 enclosure
I had a few old external USB hard drives around my house that didn’t work anymore. But one day I learned that the major problem with external HDDs is not the hard drive itself, but low-quality USB controllers that usually fail over time. So I went and bought a few USB 3.0 HDD enclosures, took the actual hard drives from the old external HDDs, put them into the new enclosures, and Voila. A lot of external storage for my music collection is available again!
🛒 SABRENT 2.5 Inch SATA to USB 3.0 External Hard Drive Enclosure on Amazon
10. HDD cases
If you use NAS to back up your music and movie collection, then you need a way to protect & store the hard drives when you dismount them. The ORICO Hard Drive Case 3.5 inch HDD Storage Carrying Case provides robust protection for your hard drives with its durable, shockproof, and dustproof design, ensuring safe transport and storage. Its compact and portable form factor, along with interior cushioning and a secure closure, keeps your drives organized and protected from physical damage. Do I need to mention it also looks futuristic and comes in a variety of colors?
🛒 ORICO Hard Drive Case 3.5 inch HDD Storage Carrying Case on Amazon
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11. Headphone and IEM cable extender
This simple IEM and headphone cable extender is a very handy accessory. Especially when you need to move from your desk, but still need your headphones or IEM (for example, recording yourself playing guitar). While there are more expensive extender options on the market, this Amazon cable just does the job fine.
🛒 Amazon Basics 3.5mm Aux Jack Audio Extension Cable on Amazon
12. IEM replacement cable
A lot of stock cables that come with IEMs (even expensive ones) feel cheap and are tangly, microphonic, and generally low quality. I tried many IEM replacement cables and finally settled on Tripowin Zonie. In my opinion, this cable is the best value you can get for under $20 when it comes to IEM replacement cables. You can buy Tripowin Zonie in 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm versions. You can further select each version in 0.78mm 2-pin, recessed 2-pin, and MMCX connection variation.
🛒 Tripowin Zonie 16 Core Silver Plated Cable on Amazon
13. Headband protection
Some headphone headbands are very prone to wear (Focal I’m looking at you!) so I was looking for a cheap way to protect it. The Geekria Knit Fabric Headband Pad is a perfect audiophile accessory that enhances headphone comfort with its soft, breathable material, reducing pressure and preventing discomfort during extended listening sessions. It’s easy-to-install design provides a snug fit for various headphone models and improves the headband’s durability.
🛒 Geekria Knit Fabric Headband Pad on Amazon
14. Short and rigid USB-C to USB-C cable
Short and rigid USB-C to USB-C cables offer a range of benefits that make them indispensable accessories in the tech world. Their compact length reduces clutter and tangling. Additionally, their rigidity ensures a stable connection, minimizing wear and tear on device ports and maximizing charging and data transfer speeds. Whether you’re on the go or working at your desk, these cables provide reliability and convenience for all your USB-C-compatible devices.
🛒 Short and rigid USB-C to USB-C cable on Amazon
15. U-Shape 180 Degree Angled USB Type C extension adapter
The U-shaped 180-degree angled USB 3.1 Type C Gen 2 male-to-female adapter is crucial for enhancing space efficiency and reducing strain on device ports, thereby extending their lifespan. Its design ensures easier access and better cable management in tight or cluttered spaces. Additionally, it maintains high-speed data transfer and power delivery capabilities, making it an invaluable accessory for modern connectivity needs.
🛒 U-Shape 180 Degree Angled USB Type C extension adapter on Amazon
16. Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Apple USB-C dongle is a fantastic little device, no matter if you are an iPhone or Android user. And if you are starting your DAC/AMP journey and you don’t own any hard-to-drive headphones – this is your best bet and probably the best $10 you will ever spend on audiophile accessories.
🛒 Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter (US version) on Amazon
17. 3 in 1 Multi Charging Cord
Need a hefty and chunky charging cord with USB-C, Lightning, and Micro USB connectors? This is the one. It’s the ultimate all-in-one solution for powering your devices, ensuring you’re never left stranded with a dead battery, no matter what gadget you use.
🛒Multi Charging Cord, 3 in 1 Charging Cable, 60W USB-C Fast Charge on Amazon
18. Adjustable Cell Phone Stand
This accessory is one you might not realize you need—until you have it. Say goodbye to missed calls while enjoying your favorite artist’s latest album. Additionally, it doubles as a convenient stand-in case and provides an efficient way to manage cables when using your phone with an external DAC/AMP on your desk.
🛒 Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand on Amazon
19. Motorcycle Phone Mount Tether
Not an obvious choice for an audio accessory, but hear me out. I tried a lot of solutions to carry a portable DAC/AMP with my phone, and while double-side adhesive works just fine for the majority of dongles, if you want to attach a larger DAC/AMP to your phone you will need something like this.
🛒 Motorcycle Phone Mount Tether 4-Pack on Amazon
20. Ear tips storage case
In-ear monitors (IEMs) have become essential for audiophiles, musicians, and casual listeners alike. However, an often overlooked aspect of owning IEMs is the care and maintenance of the ear tips, which play a crucial role in the overall listening experience. Here’s why having a dedicated storage case for your IEM ear tips is so important.
🛒 Portable ear tips case on Amazon
And that concludes my list. If you’d like to see more content like this, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for future updates. Thank you for joining me, and until next time, goodbye!
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