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USB ports have been a staple in cars since the mid-2000s. However, early use cases mostly involved charging your phone while on a drive. Not only have modern car USB ports become more powerful, allowing faster charging, but there has also been a meteoric increase in the number of compatible USB gadgets.
Depending on your experience as a car owner, the fact that there are a multitude of cool gadgets that use your car’s USB port might not be a revelation. Devices like charging hubs, USB fans, lights, and vacuum cleaners have become quite common in recent years. That said, there are still plenty of USB-powered devices that fly under the radar. In this guide, we’ll unearth these hidden gems, ensuring you have a wide number of options to choose from for your next USB car gadget purchase.
Our selection today includes a mini-fridge, a Bluetooth receiver, a heads-up display, and a portable humidifier. These gadgets serve to add comfort to your drive, upgrade your car’s functionality, and offer excellent value. Plus, each one of these devices is easy to use. Don’t fret if they support USB-A instead of USB-C, as you can get an Amazon Basics USB converter for as little as $5.
Mini USB Fridge
Cooled glove boxes might sound like a handy feature until you realize they might not really work as advertised. They’re only designed to keep already chilled items cooler for a bit longer, which is why you need a mini USB refrigerator. Unlike car mini-fridges that demand a 12V power supply, the TOPINCN Mini USB Fridge is compatible with a USB port.
It measures about 12 inches long and weighs less than a pound, so you can easily store it in small spaces. Priced at a reasonable $30, the fridge will hold a single medium-sized can, and you don’t have to worry about unplugging it when not in use. Just leave it connected to your car’s USB port and use the built-in switch to turn it off.
You could also plug this portable fridge into a power bank, making it ideal for camping and picnics. TOPINCN claims it takes just five minutes to reduce the temperature of a can to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Will it turn a room temperature drink ice cold? Probably not. But it’s a useful low-cost gadget to have for long drives in hot conditions.
Bluetooth Receiver
Over 25,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon speak volumes about the utility of the UGREEN Bluetooth Receiver. It’s a game-changer for folks with older cars that don’t natively support Bluetooth and require an aux cable to play music from a portable device like a smartphone. A Bluetooth adapter, like this UGREEN unit, lets you upgrade your car’s infotainment system for just $14, and it supports the latest Bluetooth 6.0 version.
Combined with support for SBC codec, the gadget promises a clear connection within a 32-foot range. To use it, plug the 3.5 mm aux pin into your car’s aux jack and the other end in the USB-A port. Then, connect your device to the UGREEN receiver as you would a normal Bluetooth accessory. In addition to playing songs hands-free, you’ll also be able to answer calls without having to pick up your phone, thanks to the built-in microphone.
Just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean this USB gadget skimps on features. Not only can the adapter remember up to five devices, it can automatically connect to your phone when you turn the car on. You can even connect two devices simultaneously.
Portable Humidifier
A portable car humidifier is an underrated device, but one that comes in handy, especially when you’re on a long drive in the heat. With time, your car’s air conditioning can gobble up nearly all the moisture in the air, giving you relief from the heat, but possibly also causing dry eyes and a scratchy throat due to excessively dry air.
However, picking a car humidifier is easier said than done. There are hundreds of options on Amazon, but we’ve found one that has a 4.1-star rating from nearly 38,000 user reviews. That’s the GENIANI Portable USB-Powered Humidifier. It comes in various tank sizes, starting from a compact 250ml unit all the way up to four liters. The 250ml version costs $27 and can run for up to eight hours without needing a refill.
To set it up, fill the water tank, dip the cotton stick in it, let it soak for a couple of minutes (important to avoid damage from dry starts), and plug it into your car’s USB port. This GENIANI humidifier automatically shuts off when the water level is too low, plus it runs quietly at just 38dB.
Heads-Up Display
Your car’s USB port can do more than you think. In addition to cooling beverages and playing music, it can also help keep your speed in check. With this KUOWEIHUD Heads-Up Display (HUD), you can stay aware of your speed without having to look down at the dashboard. This HUD costs just $16 and requires a 5V power source. The speedometer, which has a 10Hz refresh rate connects with up to 32 satellites, ensures you always have precise speed data.
Plus, it’s easy to use. Simply plug the included cable into your car’s USB port and place it on your dashboard. The KUOWEIHUD unit also includes a reflective film you have to stick on your windshield to display the numbers clearly. It shows speeds up to 115 mph and has a built-in sensor that gauges available light to automatically adjust brightness. The goal here is to improve clarity and minimize glare, so that you can easily read the speed day and night.
Methodology
Our priority for this guide was to shine a light on devices you might not know work with your car’s USB port. That’s why we’ve consciously avoided popular road trip USB gadgets like fans, lighting kits, and vacuum cleaners. We’ve scoured public forums, expert guides, and Amazon to narrow down lesser-known devices that add value while also being relatively plug-and-play.
The products in this guide have been identified after independent research; none of them are endorsed. Accessibility was a consideration for us as well, meaning you can buy these products on Amazon right now. Lastly, we only picked items that deliver excellent bang for your buck, so none of the products on this list cost more than $30.
