Image: Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
If the Black Friday sales have you searching through webpages for smartphone accessories you’ve come to the right place. Here we point out the top accessories you will want after you bag a new phone. On the list are no-brainer essentials to keep your phone safe, like a screen protector and a phone case, but you’ll also find other items to make using your smartphone as easy as pie, like a phone stand and Bluetooth earbuds.
A lot of phones don’t come with cable chargers nowadays so you might want to pick up a wireless charger (which is a more convenient way to charge your phone) while the Black Friday sales are on. If you’ve already got one, a good power bank and car charger are recommended to keep your phone juiced up when you’re on the road. But enough talk… it’s time to jump in and browse the list!
Top 10 essential smartphone accessories
- Screen protector: You’re going to need one of these to prevent scratches, nicks, or a smashed screen. The Ultra Armor Liquid Screen Protector is a wipe on liquid coating that bonds to your smartphone’s surface and prevents nicks and scratches. It’s $16.99 on Amazon. If you’re not keen on using a liquid protector, try a tempered glass one by ZAGG.
- Phone case: A phone case is an extra layer of protection against scratches, nicks, and a broken screen. ZAGG’s phone cases are designed to fit each model and are available in a variety designs and colors.
- Wireless charger: If you’re not a fan of constantly plugging and unplugging your smartphone to a cable charger and don’t like cable clutter on your desk, you’ll want one of these. The INIU Wireless Charger provides 15W charging for compatible iPhone and Samsung phones. It’s just $16 (down 20%) on Amazon.
- Power bank: Running out of power when you’re away from an AC outlet can render your phone a dead weight in your pocket, but with a power bank that never has to happen. Belkin’s Portable Charger is slim, has a 10,000 mAh capacity, and its three ports allow you to charge up to three devices at once. Prices start at $13.50 on Amazon.
- Bluetooth earbuds: Miss none of your phone calls and listen to your favorite tunes wherever you go with a pair of these. The Beats Studio Buds are compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and come with Active Noise Cancellation for blocking out unwanted sound. See them for $65 on Amazon or else consider these Rinsmola buds which are reduced from $130 to just $30 in the Black Friday sales.
- Car charger: With a car charger you can charge your smartphone as you drive. This iOttie dashboard car charger works with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and LG smartphones and comes with a telescopic arm that pivots on a 260-degree arc. Amazon’s Black Friday deal is just $39, 22% off.
- Charging cables: While wireless charging can sometimes be slow and fiddly, charging your smartphone via a USB cable is usually reliable and quick. This 6.6ft charger with a USB-C to USB-C cable promises quick 45W charging of Samsung smartphones. It’s reduced to just $15 on Amazon. If you don’t have a Samsung smartphone this multi-charger cable on Amazon is compatible with most devices and is just $16.
- Phone stand: Watch your phone hands-free with a stand that holds it for you. This Nulaxy cellphone stand is compatible with all 4- to 8-inch Android and Apple phones as well as Kindle e-readers and is collapsible so you can pack it down and take it with you. It’s just $11 on Amazon (reduced by 29%)
- Pop socket / grip: Holding your phone from the edges puts it at risk of droppage but with a pop socket or grip you can get a firm grasp on it and also prop it up on any surface. This Spigen ring works as a phone holder and a stand and is compatible with all phones that have a flat non-textured back. It’s reduced by 34% to just $13 on Amazon.
- VPN app subscription: A VPN app will enhance your privacy and security by masking your web activity on your phone. ProtonVPN is quick, has a privacy-supporting no-log policy, and is refreshingly free from annoying ads. ProtonVPN has deals available at its website.
Keen on picking up a few extra accessories online and the parcels rolling in? Then be sure to check out our PCWorld roundups for laptops, desktop PCs, TVs, monitors, and tablets, where you’ll find a top list of items to get for these products too. Happy shopping!
Author: Dominic Bayley, Australian Editor, PCWorld
Based in Australia, Dominic Bayley is a hardcore tech enthusiast. His PCWorld focus is on PC gaming hardware: laptops, mice, headsets and keyboards.
