My 47 favorite products: ranked by value for money
I cherish many products and services, a great number of them offer more value than what I actually pay. Economists refer to this as consumer surplus.
Take red licorice as an example. I love it! Although I pay $3 for a bag, I'd still buy it even if it cost $7. However, the grocery store isn't aware of my willingness to pay that higher price. Even if they were, they don’t have a mechanism to adjust the price specifically for me. In essence, the licorice manufacturer, the grocery store, and everyone else involved in the product's creation and distribution are, in a way, providing me with a $4 'gift'. I'm immensely grateful to all parties involved. They've collectively enriched my life and, by extension, made the world a more delightful place.
I've been reflecting on the consumer surplus of the products in my life. As a result, I’ve compiled this list of the products and services that offer the greatest consumer surplus for me. I recommend giving them a try. If you value them as much as I do, then in a sense I will have given you a gift!
FlipBelt
Price: $34
Willingness to pay: $40
Surplus: $6 (15%)
When I go for runs, I take my phone, keys, and gels (for longer runs). The flipbelt secures them comfortably to me, ensuring they don’t jiggle about. I can easily access items when needed and then slip them back in. It significantly enhances comfort during longer runs.
iPhone continuity camera attachment
Price: $25
Willingness to pay: $30
Surplus: $5 (20%)
Did you know you can use your iPhone as a webcam or microphone for your Mac? It’s really good, especially in low-light conditions. I often have meetings at night, and with my previous low-quality webcam, my video appeared grainy. In contrast, the iPhone camera produces crisp and clear visuals.
This handy attachment lets you magnetically mount your iPhone to your monitor, ensuring it's positioned at the perfect angle.
MacBook Pro
Price: $2,000
Willingness to pay: $2,600
Surplus: $600 (30%)
I spend 5-12 hours a day on my computer. I often tell my partner, Steph, that with my laptop and an internet connection, I feel unstoppable. The M2 MacBook Pro is a remarkable device. It's fast, resistant to viruses, and a joy to use. The battery life is astounding. After working an entire day and watching a movie, I still find it at 50%.
In absolute terms, this is one of the items with the highest consumer surplus that I own. I would happily pay more for it if Apple raised its prices.
Garmin Forerunner 245
Price: $200
Willingness to pay: $280
Surplus: $80 (40%)
Running with a Garmin is more enjoyable. Immediate feedback on pace, distance, and heart rate not only refines performance but also adds a motivational boost to every run. Moreover, monitoring my daily step count genuinely influences my behavior. I often find myself seeking additional opportunities to walk.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 has proven to be the ideal fit for me. It’s not the most advanced watch, but it offers just the right balance of smart features I need.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price: $350
Willingness to pay: $500
Surplus: $150 (43%)
These make a noisy environment almost silent. Whether I'm in the office, a cafe, or on a plane, and I need to concentrate, I put them on and listen to focus soundtracks. This makes most environments significantly calmer and more comfortable.
Putting them on serves as a clear signal to both myself and those around me that I do not wish to be interrupted. I often listen to audio for up to 10 hours a day, so investing in a good pair is a no-brainer.
AIRism Ultra Seamless Briefs
Price: $14
Willingness to pay: $20
Surplus: $6 (43%)
This is the most comfortable pair of underwear I've ever worn. They're seamless and moisture-wicking, making them perfect for warm weather.
Steelcase Leap V2 Chair (refurbished)
Price: $600
Willingness to pay: $900
Surplus: $300 (50%)
This chair is so comfortable it makes me want to work! When people see the price, they might think this is an absurd purchase. However, compared to the emotional and financial toll of back pain, it’s a bargain! This chair's exceptional comfort and adaptability truly set it apart from others. For instance, the armrests can be adjusted to conveniently avoid interference with the desk.
Given the hours I spend seated, the cost-per-use is quite reasonable. Additionally, you can often find refurbished chairs from offices that have either relocated or closed at substantial discounts. I was lucky to find one in pristine condition on Craigslist for just 25% of its original price.
Logitech MX Master 3S
Price: $100
Willingness to pay: $150
Surplus: $50 (50%)
I like using an ergonomic mouse. This is the best there is. It connects to multiple devices, allowing seamless transitions between my work and personal computers. The horizontal scrolling is especially useful in applications with an infinite canvas like Miro and Figma. The fast scroll feature lets you navigate long documents with ease. Above all, it's comfortable. The mouse contours beautifully to your hand, positioning your wrist at a much more comfortable angle compared to standard mice.
Nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo
Price: $130
Willingness to pay: $200
Surplus: $70 (54%)
Throughout my life, I've owned 3 or 4 blenders, but this one is by far the best. It effortlessly crushes ice and features a convenient 'blender pitcher' that you can drink from, sparing you an extra cleaning task.
Midea U-shaped Air Conditioner
Price: $379
Willingness to pay: $600
Surplus: $221 (58%)
Last summer, I made the mistake of buying the cheapest air conditioner I could find. It was loud, inefficient, and unsightly.
Eventually, I switched to the Midea U-shaped Air Conditioner, and it's perfect. Its unique U-shape design allows for quieter operation by cleverly isolating the noise-making components outside the window. This design also means it occupies less space in our living room and has a more aesthetic appearance.
It's a smart air conditioner, too. I love the convenience of turning it on and off using voice commands while lying in bed. On particularly hot days, I activate it from my phone as I approach my apartment, ensuring I walk into a cool environment.
Most importantly, on sweltering nights, I sleep so much better! That alone is worth the investment!
Incase Backpack
Price: $139
Willingness to pay: $230
Surplus: $91 (65%)
I've used this product nearly every day for 6 years and still find joy in it! Incase backpacks marry durability with a tech-oriented design, providing padded sections to safeguard electronics. It accommodates everything I need efficiently. It has several thoughtfully designed compartments that truly impress me.
Dove Moisturizer Soap
Price: $9
Willingness to pay: $15
Surplus: $6 (67%)
Using this soap is a delightful experience! It contains 25% moisturizing cream, giving it a luxurious feel. I'm not sure if there is any benefit to that, but the pleasant sensation alone justifies the purchase for me.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Containers
Price: $10
Willingness to pay: $17
Surplus: $7 (70%)
If you take a packed lunch, leak-proof containers are essential for storing and transporting food. These containers are top-notch. I can confidently stuff a container of soup in my backpack alongside my electronics.
They are extremely durable, microwave-safe, and neither stain nor retain odors. They're the perfect containers!
Lululemon Pants
Price: $128
Willingness to pay: $220
Surplus: $92 (72%)
I wear these pants almost every day. They're pricey but truly worth every penny. For many who work out, traditional dress pants often don't fit well around the bum and thighs. Plus, the tightness can be uncomfortable. The ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design addresses this issue perfectly.
In my view, they're versatile enough for workouts, office environments, and casual outings. Made from high-quality, stretchy, moisture-wicking materials, they're both breathable and durable. Their tailored fit is complemented by several practical pockets, ensuring a balance of style and functionality.
Lululemon's return policy is also incredible. After two years of frequent use, one of my pairs discolored slightly. They replaced it without any fuss. Considering cost-per-wear, these pants are one the most affordable clothing items I own.
IKEA Brimnes Bed frame
Price: $314
Willingness to pay: $550
Surplus: $236 (75%)
Your bed occupies a significant portion of your living space. This became evident to me after moving to New York City, where space is at a premium. The difference in price between one and two-bedroom apartments can range from $1,000 to $3,000 a month, and often, it's the bed that consumes much of this space.
Beneath the bed is a considerable storage area that is typically unused because it’s difficult to access. Beds with built-in drawers, like the Ikea Brimnes model, make this space usable. They eliminate the need for an additional large cabinet in the bedroom.
Matto Coffee
Price: $2.5
Willingness to pay: $4.5
Surplus: $2 (80%)
After moving to New York City, I was shocked to find that a coffee often costs over $5. That changed when I stumbled upon Matto Coffee. Every coffee on their menu is $2.50 when ordered through their app. Most days, I opt for a large cold brew that lasts me several hours. Even my good friend Kemble, a true Melbourne coffee aficionado, approved of its quality.
Microwave
Price: $132
Willingness to pay: $240
Surplus: $108 (82%)
When I first moved into my apartment I didn’t have a microwave for a few weeks. That made me realize how painful it is not to have one. What an incredible device! I bought this one for just over $100 and it has served me perfectly well.
I reheat most meals rather than freshly cook them. Preparing food every night is completely absurd to me. We don’t think of sewing our own clothes, unless it is as a hobby, so why do so many people insist on cooking for themselves. It’s like having a part time low skilled labor job, you have to go out and source ingredients and then bring them back to your little manufacturing plant to assemble the components. It’s madness! I think cooking should go the way of horse riding. Reserved for rich people in fancy outfits to signal their status to friends with too much time.
New Balance Running Shoes
Price: $140
Willingness to pay: $260
Surplus: $120 (86%)
There's nothing worse than running in ill-fitting shoes. I wouldn’t settle for a pair that doesn’t fit perfectly. I tried several running shoes before settling on my current pair. To find the ideal pair, I visited a specialized running store. They allowed me to try on various pairs and even run a 500m test in each of them before making a purchase. While there was a slight markup in the price, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t buy a pair without going for a decent run around the block in them first.
I've also researched how often one should replace running shoes. The idea that they must be replaced after a specific number of kilometers is a myth. You can continue using your shoes until they're completely worn out without increasing the risk of injury. Essentially, they only need replacing when wear affects your stride, and most people rarely reach that stage. So basically everyone can replace their shoes less frequently.
Timeshifter
Price: $10
Willingness to pay: $20
Surplus: $10 (100%)
I travel between Australia and America one to two times a year, and one of the most challenging parts of the journey is adjusting to the time zone. If not managed well, this adjustment can result in losing a few valuable days. It's worthwhile to invest a little to reclaim that lost time. The Timeshifter app has been a significant help in managing this transition.
The key to reducing jet lag is to adjust your circadian clock. Proper timing of light exposure and avoidance is crucial. Incorrect timing can exacerbate jet lag. Melatonin can aid in this adjustment, but it's effective only when taken at the right moment. Navigating the intricacies of these timings can be complex, but the Timeshifter app simplifies the process. Its user-friendly interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. By following the app's guidance, I've noticed a considerable improvement in handling my jet lag!
CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
Price: $17
Willingness to pay: $35
Surplus: $18 (106%)
This water bottle is perfect. The top unscrews, allowing for easy cleaning from the inside. The cap is securely attached to the bottle, ensuring you never lose it. A smart magnetic mechanism prevents the cap from flapping into your face while drinking.
Additionally, it's completely leakproof, so I confidently store it in my backpack alongside my laptop.
Kindle E-reader
Price: $139
Willingness to pay: $300
Surplus: $161 (116%)
Reading on a Kindle versus a physical book offers advantages in almost every aspect. Here are the main reasons I prefer reading on a Kindle:
You can read a sample before committing to the book. Occasionally, I feel motivated to read a particular book, but after delving into the first 20 pages, I discover it doesn’t captivate me. Kindle samples prevent me from purchasing about 50% of the books I initially consider.
When I decide to buy a book, it's usually cheaper on the Kindle, and I can start reading it instantly.
The Kindle is lightweight, allowing me to carry it easily to various places. It’s especially comfortable for bedtime reading.
It's backlit, enabling me to read in bed without requiring bright lights.
Highlights are saved, making them easy to search for later.
The Kindle mobile app is impressively user-friendly. In situations where I didn’t anticipate reading and don't have my Kindle with me, I can still read on my phone.
Reading on a computer is also great. When researching a topic, I appreciate the ability to switch between different books on the subject, browse through my highlights, or search for specific keywords.
I'm honestly surprised that more people haven’t embraced e-readers. I think the primary reason is that people can't intellectually flex with a full bookshelf to impress guests.
Cafes
Price: $5
Willingness to pay: $12
Surplus: $7 (140%)
It’s crazy to me that I can pay $5 for a coffee and then sit in a cafe working for 5 hours. Four days a week, Kemble and I spend half a day at Cafe 787 in the financial district. The atmosphere there is fantastic. The staff are very supportive of patrons working for hours, and their cold brew coffee is served in a bag which is novel. It's an energizing place.
Amazon Prime
Price: $108
Willingness to pay: $260
Surplus: $152 (141%)
Amazon never ceases to amaze me. Just the other week, I needed a bucket large enough to soak my feet in. I searched on Amazon, browsed through various options, read reviews, and even watched product videos to ensure the product matched my expectations. The very next day, it was at my doorstep. Incredible! Think about the days before Amazon. We would jump into a two-ton metal box and spend half a day driving to multiple big box retailers, only to find a product that only somewhat met our needs. Thanks to Amazon, the world is undoubtedly a better place.
With a Prime membership, you not only get free two-day shipping but also access to Prime video and music. That's an outstanding deal, in my opinion!
Pancake Mix
Price: $4
Willingness to pay: $10
Surplus: $6 (150%)
What a brilliant invention! You add water, heat it, and you have a perfect dessert. We have pancakes with Greek yogurt and berries. They're delicious and not too unhealthy.
iPhone
Price: $800
Willingness to pay: $2,000
Surplus: $1,200 (150%)
The iPhone undoubtedly changed the world. There isn't a corner of our planet where people aren't using smartphones. If I were to teleport someone from the 1960s to the present, they would view what we do on our phone usage as sheer magic.
Even if smartphones cost $5,000, I think most people would still own one. It's astonishing! Over the last 15 years, Apple has provided the world with trillions of dollars in consumer surplus. I marvel at my iPhone and would happily pay more for it.
Velcro Cable Management Tape
Price: $8
Willingness to pay: $20
Surplus: $12 (150%)
Tangled, unorganized cables are a pain in the arse. Organizing them with adhesive tape is extremely satisfying!
Kitchen Knife
Price: $69
Willingness to pay: $180
Surplus: $111 (161%)
You only need one knife for 95% of cooking. Instead of getting a huge set of knives you'll never use, get one high quality knife. Cooking with a good knife makes food preparation bearable.
NYC Subway
Price: $2.75
Willingness to pay: $8
Surplus: $5.25 (191%)
The heart of New York City is in the subway. I've seen the best and worst of humanity there. It's the fastest way to get around the city, and you can reach virtually any corner of the city for just $2.75.
Caffeine Free Coke
Price: $1
Willingness to pay: $3
Surplus: $2 (200%)
You get the classic Coke taste without the sugar or caffeine. To me, that's a triple win.
For many years, I held a vague notion that sugar-free drinks were "bad for you." However, I've since changed my view. There's no evidence to suggest they're harmful.
Aspartame, the artificial sweetener found in sugar-free Coke, is among the most extensively studied substances. It has been the subject of over 200 large-scale randomized control trials. The consensus within the scientific community is that it's entirely safe for human consumption. Contrary to some people's beliefs, it doesn't cause cancer, headaches/migraines, increased appetite, alter insulin response, or weight gain.
Moreover, as Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross note in their book, "Talent," many of the world's highest achievers are fond of diet Coke. So, why not? 🤷♂️
Cardly
Price: $4
Willingness to pay: $15
Surplus: $11 (275%)
Writing a thoughtful message to a loved one can have a profound positive impact on both your well-being and the recipient's, especially when it's unexpected. Given the rarity of receiving physical cards and messages today, they have a powerful ability to cut through the noise and touch someone's heart. With Cardly, in just 10 minutes, I can craft and share a card that brings tears of joy and gratitude to my mother's eyes, uplifting her spirits for days.
Cardly allows you to create a customized card and send it anywhere in Australia, Europe, or North America for just $4 - that's remarkable. A blank Hallmark card without any personalization costs around $10, and then I still need to buy a stamp and find a mailbox to post it.
Google Nest Mini
Price: $49
Willingness to pay: $210
Surplus: $161 (229%)
Smart home speakers are incredible and Google’s is the best. I have the Google nest which is an inconspicuous speaker that controls a lot of the other devices in our home. I feel like a Lord in the 17th century voicing commands to my loyal subjects. I lay in my bed and voice a command that turns on their aircondier and turns off the lights.
The Google Assistant is insanely helpful. I ask it questions, set reminders, play podcasts, check the weather, make calls and get news updates. It’s a tiny device that gives me so much value.
ChatGPT Plus
Price: $240
Willingness to pay: $1,500
Surplus: $1,260 (525%)
If the Google Assistant makes me feel like a lord in the 17th century, ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4 at the time of writing) makes me feel like a god. More and more of my work and personal life runs through ChatGPT. It helps me generate new ideas, solve problems, and refine my work.
What would you pay for a research assistant that turns around work in seconds and has a photographic memory of basically every word written in human history: $1,000, $10,000, a million dollars? This technology is the culmination of hundreds of years of human innovation. It is the most powerful technology ever invented, and I get access to it for $20 a month! That's mind-blowing.
ChatGPT is a fulcrum for the mind. It now plays a pivotal role in leveraging thought, understanding, and perception. I don’t know where this technology will go, but if it doesn’t destroy us, I can’t shake the feeling that it will help me produce more in the next year than I have in my entire life up until this point.
If you’re reading this thinking, “What is this guy on? Am I missing something?” Yes, you are.
Free Products
Pocket Casts
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $25
Surplus: $25
I often joke that the last time I listened to music was the first time I listened to a podcast. Of course, that's not entirely true, as most podcasts include music in their introductions.
Pocket Cast is elegantly designed, allowing me to organize podcasts into feeds, trim unnecessary silence, and offering various other thoughtful features.
If you’re curious these are some of my favorite podcasts:
Dwarkesh Podcast - Dwarkesh Patel is exceptionally intelligent. He interviews experts in their respective fields, and often, I come away feeling that Dwarkesh is even more knowledgeable about the subject.
EconTalk - this was the first podcast I ever listened to and it has profoundly shaped my worldview.
Founders - the host reads biographies of famous founders emphasizing key lessons throughout.
Lenny’s Podcast - Lenny interviews world-class product leaders to uncover concrete, actionable, and tactical advice.
Acquired - the hosts share the history of great companies.
The Joe Walker podcast (Jolly Swagman) - refreshingly in-depth conversations with founders, scientists, scholars, economists, and public intellectuals.
Conversations with Tyler - I can never predict who Tyler is going to interview and what he is going to say.
Doer: overcome procrastination - I can't praise the creators of this podcast enough! Joking, I co-created this with my good friend, Kemble.
Todoist
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $40
Surplus: $40
Effective time management requires a consistent system to capture tasks, ideas, or commitments. Todoist simplifies this process. Using the shortcut Command + T, I can quickly add a task without disrupting my current task or conversation.
My note-taking has become entirely task-centric. Realizing that 99% of my non-task notes were never revisited, I stopped that practice. Now, if information doesn't lead to a specific action, I don't record it. This approach ensures I only focus on actionable information.
Google Maps
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $60
Surplus: $60
It astonishes me that we have this! It’s hard to imagine what life was like before Google Maps. Some people argue that it’s made life worse because it removes the moments of serendipity where you discover something unexpected when trying to find your way. However, I think this misses an even more important point. We go to many more places. I'm much more likely to check out something new with zero planning because I can look it up and get there quickly without fuss. Google Maps has made the world smaller and more connected.
Miro
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $120
Surplus: $120
Miro is an online collaborative workspace. Think, virtual whiteboard.
When we were all forced to work from home in 2020, Miro spread through my company like wildfire. Within a couple of weeks, everyone was using it constantly for everything. That's because it's an incredibly powerful virtual collaboration tool. However, what I value most is that it acts as an extension of my mind. I organize my thoughts on Miro boards. I use shapes and colors to represent ideas and move things around until I have a clear visualization of an idea.
Bitwarden
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $140
Surplus: $140
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager for securely storing and managing passwords across devices. My friends, who are knowledgeable about internet security, recommend Bitwarden, and I trust their judgment.
People's Google Accounts (and consequently all their online accounts) are phished and hijacked in large numbers daily; it's surprisingly easy to compromise them. Therefore, it's worth investing some effort to enhance your internet security.
I've started using a Universal 2nd Factor key (U2F) wherever possible, instead of Google Authenticator or SMS. Criminals can readily intercept the second-factor codes sent via SMS. Additionally, the complexity of these types of attacks is decreasing rapidly with the advent of increasingly powerful LLMs (the technology behind AI chatbots).
Speechify
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $160
Surplus: $160
Speechify allows you to listen to any written content. I use it to listen to PDFs, lengthy emails, blog posts, and essentially anything that requires more than a few minutes to read.
For those with dyslexia, I highly recommend giving Speechify a try. Listening to lengthy documents with text tracking helps maintain my focus and enables me to process the content more effectively. I typically play content at 1.5x speed, and for lighter material, I might go up to 3x speed.
A habit I've developed is listening back to my own writing. I can read something ten times, but it's only when I listen to it that I recognize areas that need improvement. For some reason, listening activates a distinct part of my brain. Give it a try. The free tier of Speechify provides significant value—possibly too much, in my view!
YouTube
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $200
Surplus: $200
YouTube is underrated. Everyone loves Netflix and happily pays $16 a month for it. However, YouTube offers more, and on most dimensions higher quality, content.
In my view, YouTube is the greatest learning tool ever created. Much of my knowledge about the world comes from YouTube. This ranges from practical knowledge, such as how to change a bike tire, to more complex topics like valuing a company.
Google Workspace
Price: $0
Willingness to pay: $200
Surplus: $200
Google's suite of productivity tools, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms is massively underrated.
These tools work seamlessly together, offering just the right level of customization. For instance, I have an accountability system for my workouts. I record my weight and reps from each session in a Google Sheet. This data then populates a line graph of my progress, which automatically updates a slide deck summarizing my personal goals. This presentation is automatically sent to my close family and friends once a month!
The suite boasts many powerful hidden features, such as linked blocks in Docs and live data feeds in Sheets. As someone with dyslexia, I've found their spelling and grammar checks to be superior to other writing tools.
Additionally, its ability to predict the next word is constantly improving. I jokingly say that 20% of my job involves pressing the 'tab' key. Though, I suppose that won't be a joke for much longer.
Charitable Products
Founders Pledge - Climate Change Fund
I've met many people who make significant personal sacrifices to reduce carbon emissions. They meticulously recycle, opt to live without a car, abstain from travel, and even choose not to have children! However, the cumulative effect of all these lifestyle choices is dwarfed by the impact of modest donations to effective climate charities.
The chart below compares the impact of a $1,000 donation with the impact of various lifestyle choices. Every lifestyle decision is practically imperceptible on the chart.
I've contributed to the Founders Pledge Climate Change Fund, which supports highly impactful, evidence-based solutions to the "triple challenge" of carbon emissions, air pollution, and energy poverty. You can support them directly via Giving What We Can and if you're curious about the relative effects of lifestyle changes, checkout their climate and lifestyle report.
GiveWell - All Gants Fund
Imagine if every year you saved a person's life. One year you rescue someone from a burning building, the next year you save someone from drowning, and the year after that you perform life-saving CPR. It would be an extraordinary life.
You have the opportunity to do that every single year of your life by targeting your donations to the most effective global health and well-being charities. The charity evaluator GiveWell estimates that for roughly $5,000, you can save a human life with a donation to medicine to prevent malaria.
I've donated to GiveWell's All Grants Fund. GiveWell is focused on finding the most effective interventions to improve global health and well-being.
Effective Altruism Funds: Long-Term Future Fund
There’s a nontrivial chance that human civilization will end in the next century due to unaligned artificial intelligence, an engineered pandemic, or a combination of the two.
I want the human project to continue for many more millennia so I would like to reduce the risk of a premature end. For that reason, I’ve chosen to donate to the Long-Term Future Fund, which aims to positively influence the long-term trajectory of civilization by making grants that address global catastrophic risks, especially potential risks from advanced artificial intelligence and pandemics.
It's difficult to evaluate the impact of their work, but given what is at stake, even a low probability of success surpasses all other cause areas.
