Anker bundles sneaky $10 subscriptions with Nano power banks (www.pcworld.com)
from throws_lemy@lemmy.nz to tech@programming.dev on 05 Aug 15:27
https://lemmy.nz/post/26458136

Anker remains one of our preferred sources of power banks, USB-C hubs, and other PC and phone peripherals. But beware buying them from Anker itself. You might end up with a $9.99/mo “Plus subscription” that you’ll have to spot and actively cancel.

Some of Anker’s slim Nano products ship automatically bundled with the recurring Anker Plus subscription, which promises an extra five percent off of all purchases and benefits like free next-day delivery. That might be acceptable if it were your choice, but it’s not. The subscription is added as a one-time “free” benefit. After that, Anker will charge $9.99 to your credit card per month.

#tech

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slazer2au@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 15:34 next collapse

Yep that sounds pretty shady

Godnroc@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 15:42 next collapse

Anker hasn’t had a W for a long time.

MudMan@fedia.io on 05 Aug 16:13 collapse

Didn't they just recently have to recall a bunch of exploding batteries? PC World may want to rethink that endorsement.

rhythmisaprancer@piefed.social on 06 Aug 02:07 collapse

I had a charge pack under (presumably) this recall and they said it wasn't eligible 🫤 not very assuring.

officermike@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 15:46 next collapse

I loved Anker’s products and would seek them out over other brands on Amazon. Since their Eufy camera privacy fiasco and their absolutely moronic response to it, I have never bought another Anker or Eufy product. This is just another nail sealing that coffin for me.

otter@lemmy.ca on 05 Aug 16:07 next collapse

Which brands have you used instead, any that you’d recommend?

officermike@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 17:22 collapse

Largely Ugreen. Everything I’ve bought from them has seemed to work as advertised and feels like good quality.

Damage@feddit.it on 05 Aug 21:07 collapse

plus now they have cute faces!

idunnololz@lemmy.world on 06 Aug 09:48 collapse

I never understood the appeal of Anker. I buy a lot of cables due to my line of work and Anker’s cables have always been the same quality as the cheaper options (as in, their quality sucked) but with a higher price tag.

dangling_cat@piefed.blahaj.zone on 05 Aug 16:12 next collapse

I found ugreen is pretty good. It feels more premium too and is cheaper.

iAmTheTot@sh.itjust.works on 05 Aug 17:21 collapse

Second this.

ilinamorato@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 16:19 next collapse

Oof. Love their power banks and chargers, and their headphones and cables are consistently the best mid-cost option, but this bodes ill for the future.

emeralddawn45@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 05 Aug 19:46 collapse

Speakers too. I used to work in a kitchen and i bought one of the soundcore speakers to bring in and use since it was cheap and i had one i was happy with at home. Not only is the sound fantastic for the size but that thing survived like 3 years of 16hr a day playing, plus getting battered and beaten and spilled on and dropped. I got out of that job because i couldn’t handle it anymore but for all i know that speaker is still there plugging away.

ilinamorato@lemmy.world on 06 Aug 14:48 collapse

I kind of wish I lived the type of life where a bluetooth speaker was a useful thing for me. Honestly I never considered it. I think I’ve purchased one bluetooth speaker in my life, and it was a gift for my girlfriend (now wife).

pennomi@lemmy.world on 05 Aug 16:42 next collapse

Someone should sue or get the FTC involved. That’s extremely bad behavior.

Gerudo@lemmy.zip on 05 Aug 16:44 next collapse

Yet another brand to add to the list of never buying again.

Soapbox@lemmy.zip on 05 Aug 18:19 collapse

WTF are you supposed to even get from a $10 monthly subscription to a power bank company?

I’ve always had good experiences with their products, but this is fucking shady.