The 5 best AmazonBasics products

Update, Sept. 10, 2020: Following the publication of a CNN report citing significant safety concerns around several AmazonBasics-branded products, we have removed the AmazonBasics Microwave and alkaline batteries from this roundup.   

About as basic as "brick" speakers get, Amazon's house-brand model includes a 3.5-mm AUX jack for connecting non-Bluetooth sources, a microphone for hands-free calls and a battery that's good for up to 8 hours. Available in red, blue and black, it typically sells for $18-$20.

Phones and tablets aren't meant to lie flat. They're meant to sit upright so you can read your books, watch your movies and do video chat hands-free. Once you start using this simple stand, you'll be amazed at how invaluable it becomes. It can hold pretty much any phone, tablet or e-reader, and it folds up for easy transport.

Is your cubicle cold? Warm up your personal area with Amazon's cute little fan-blown heater, which for a mere $16 comes in your choice of four colors.

An electronic deadbolt lock is incredibly handy, as it saves you having to fumble with keys and can automatically re-lock your door in case you forget. Amazon's model does all that and more, and comes in both satin and oil-rubbed bronze finishes.

Tired of the cord clutter resulting from your old wired mouse and/or keyboard? Wishing your laptop had a full-size set of keys, including a numeric keypad? Whatever your need, this simple combo does the job for a very reasonable price. Just take note that you'll need two available USB ports, as each device requires its own USB receiver.