The Modular Product & System Database

A comprehensive resource for modular products and systems - helping consumers build adaptable, sustainable, and cost-effective product ecosystems with compatibility matrices, upgrade paths, and total cost of ownership analysis.

I Killed 3 Trays of Seedlings Before Building This $75 Grow Light Stand
modular-furniture

I Killed 3 Trays of Seedlings Before Building This $75 Grow Light Stand

After killing 3 trays of seedlings, I built a $75 grow light stand that actually works. Here's the exact parts list and step-by-step assembly.

JRJordan RiveraJuly 8, 202510 min read
I Built a $75 Grow Light Stand After Wasting $340 on a 'Professional' One
modular-home-systems

I Built a $75 Grow Light Stand After Wasting $340 on a 'Professional' One

I wasted $340 on a flimsy "professional" grow light setup. Here's how I built something better for $75 that actually adapts as your seedlings grow.

JRJordan RiveraJuly 8, 202510 min read
I Used to Measure Rooms With a Tape and Graph Paper. Here's What I Use Now.
modular-furniture

I Used to Measure Rooms With a Tape and Graph Paper. Here's What I Use Now.

I spent 3 hours moving the same sofa around my studio. Now I scan rooms with LiDAR and test furniture in AR before buying anything. Here's my workflow.

JWJenny WongJuly 7, 20259 min read
I Tore Down 8 Standing Desk Frames. Only 3 Were Actually Modular.
buying-guides

I Tore Down 8 Standing Desk Frames. Only 3 Were Actually Modular.

I bought 8 "modular" standing desks and tore them apart. Most brands stretch that word until it's meaningless. Only 3 actually let you swap accessories.

SBSarah BrennanJuly 7, 20257 min read
We Bought 5 Budget Ghost Chairs for Our Airbnb. Here's What Survived 2 Years.
buying-guides

We Bought 5 Budget Ghost Chairs for Our Airbnb. Here's What Survived 2 Years.

We tested 5 budget ghost chairs under $100 in a real Airbnb for 2 years. Only one held up like the $365 Kartell. Here's what to look for before you buy.

EBEthan BrooksJuly 6, 20259 min read
I Spent 3 Weeks Comparing Closet Systems Like a Supply Chain Auditor. Here's What Beat Elfa.
buying-guides

I Spent 3 Weeks Comparing Closet Systems Like a Supply Chain Auditor. Here's What Beat Elfa.

Elfa's prices had me questioning everything. After 3 weeks of spec-by-spec analysis, one budget system actually outperformed it on load capacity.

VPVikram PatelJuly 6, 20257 min read
I Got Fed Up with Sonos Prices and Tested Every Alternative Under $500
modular-electronics

I Got Fed Up with Sonos Prices and Tested Every Alternative Under $500

After testing 7 speakers across 4 rooms, one budget option matched Sonos quality at a fraction of the cost. My teens helped pick the winner.

CDCarmen DelgadoJuly 6, 20257 min read
What My Nephew's Question About GORUCK Turned Into a 23-Backpack Obsession
buying-guides

What My Nephew's Question About GORUCK Turned Into a 23-Backpack Obsession

I tested 23 tactical backpacks after my nephew asked about GORUCK. Turns out you can get the same durability for less, but only from 3 brands.

FOFarah OkonkwoJuly 5, 202510 min read
The Spreadsheet I Built to Find String Furniture Alternatives (And What Won)
buying-guides

The Spreadsheet I Built to Find String Furniture Alternatives (And What Won)

I scored wire shelving systems like tech products, tracking weight capacity, modularity, and expansion costs. IKEA Boaxel beat String at a fraction of the price.

PVPriya VenkateshJuly 5, 20257 min read
I've Been Repairing Laptops Since 2018. Here's What I Actually Buy for Myself.
modular-electronics

I've Been Repairing Laptops Since 2018. Here's What I Actually Buy for Myself.

Framework gets all the hype, but after 6 years of repairs, my pick is still the T480. Here's what actually holds up when you're the one opening it.

PSPriya SharmaJuly 5, 20257 min read
My Sister Asked for Nursery Help. I Came Back With a 15-Year Cost Analysis.
buying-guides

My Sister Asked for Nursery Help. I Came Back With a 15-Year Cost Analysis.

I ran the numbers on convertible cribs vs traditional nursery sets. The 15-year cost difference? About $2,400. Here's the math that convinced my sister.

APArjun PatelJuly 4, 20258 min read
I Tested 12 Backpacks Over 6 Months of Hybrid Work. Here's What Actually Survives.
modular-bags-travel

I Tested 12 Backpacks Over 6 Months of Hybrid Work. Here's What Actually Survives.

After 6 months testing 12 backpacks, most failed the hybrid work test. The winner? A modular system that killed my need for duplicate chargers.

DNDavid NakamuraJuly 4, 202510 min read