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Most Snapchat Filters and many Lenses are free to use without a separate purchase. Filters are overlays you apply to a Snap, while Lenses are interactive camera effects you can browse in Lens Explorer. Some Lenses and AI features require a paid plan, and Snapchat’s Imagine Lens only provides a limited number of free generations.
What is free on Snapchat?
Ordinary Filters
Snapchat’s support instructions describe choosing an available Filter after taking a Snap, without listing a fee for ordinary Filter use. Filters are overlays such as color effects, venue details, Bitmoji, or activity information; they are distinct from camera Lenses. Snapchat’s Filter instructions also explain that some Filter information may appear in the sticker drawer.
Community Lenses
Lens Explorer provides access to thousands of community-made Lenses. Snapchat says you can add a Lens to the carousel for 24 hours or save one as a favorite, subject to its favorite limit. Some Lenses may also be opened from a friend’s Snap using its Context Card when available, or unlocked temporarily by scanning certain Snapcodes. These access options do not mean every Lens is always available or free.
To browse, open the Lens carousel and tap the magnifying glass to enter Lens Explorer. Find a Lens and add it to your carousel or favorite it. Availability can vary by Lens.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Creating Lenses
Lens Studio is Snapchat’s free Lens-creation tool. Snapchat describes the desktop app as suited to more complex professional development, with mobile and web tools aimed at everyday creators. You do not need a subscription simply to use Lens Studio to make a Lens. See Snapchat’s Lens Studio page.
Which Snapchat features require payment?
Exclusive Lenses and subscription features
Some Lenses and features are reserved for paid subscriptions. Snapchat says Lens+ is a paid monthly plan that includes exclusive Lenses and AI features. Snapchat+ Platinum includes Lens+ and additional plan benefits, which Snapchat lists as including no Story or Lens ads and 5 TB of Memories storage. Plan availability varies by region; check Snapchat’s current plan information in the app.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Imagine Lens generations
The Imagine Lens allows a limited number of free generations. After those are used, Snapchat requires Lens+ or Snapchat+ Platinum to continue generating. Subscribing does not mean unlimited generations: Snapchat applies generation limits, and AI allowances reset according to the billing date. When a limit is reached, the app may offer an upgrade. Snapchat’s Imagine Lens support page explains its free generations and subscription requirement.
How to check the price before subscribing
There is no single price that applies to every Snapchat user. Snapchat says subscription prices vary by country and device. Open the Snapchat+ plan options in your account, then review the amount and renewal terms displayed in the Apple App Store or Google Play purchase flow before confirming. Those screens show the terms applicable to your account and location. Snapchat’s subscription guidance explains where to find plan options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why a Filter might be missing
- Check the sticker drawer: Snapchat says some Filter information may be found there.
- Distinguish a Filter from a Lens: Filters are applied after taking a Snap; Lenses are camera effects browsed through the Lens carousel and Lens Explorer.
- Check availability: A Lens found through search, a friend’s Snap, or a Snapcode may not remain available indefinitely.
Snapchat says custom Filters for personal events such as weddings and birthdays can no longer be created. It suggests using Lens Studio to make a commemorative Lens instead. The old On-Demand Geofilter option is also historical: Snapchat says support ended on February 10, 2023, and existing On-Demand Geofilter ads stopped delivering on March 31, 2023. Its business guidance points organizations toward Sponsored Lenses and business-account campaigns rather than treating this as a personal event-filter purchase. Read Snapchat’s business guidance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
