The Best iPhone Accessories

There once was a time when you bought whatever cell phone looked the most fun when your contract renewed (remember getting a new phone for free every two years?). Now we tend to be staunchly team iPhone or Android. If you’re here, you’re likely the former, like many of us at Better Report. These are some of our favorite iPhone accessories from headphones to MagSafe chargers.

In early September, Apple announced its next generation of iPhones — the base iPhone 16, as well as a Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. If you’re upgrading, many of these accessories will still work, but be sure to read the fine print first. The 16’s new camera control button requires specific cases.

_{Prices are accurate as of September 10, 2024. Subject to change.}

Accessories

• Headphones
• Smart Watches
• Cases
• Chargers
• Car Mounts
• Gaming
• Tracking
• More Accessories

Headphones

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

There are tons of great headphones available across budgets, but Apple’s own earbuds offer solid sound quality and easy connectivity. The standard AirPods are fine, but the hard plastic can start to hurt after a while. The Pros have soft ear tips that eliminate that issue — they come with four sizes for a customized fit. They are equipped with active noise cancellation and are dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant. Apple recently announced that the AirPods Pro will get a software update to include hearing tests and they can then function as a hearing aid. We’re excited to try those features when they’re available.

Apple AirPods Max

The AirPods Max over-ear headphones are beautiful with great audio quality and long battery life. But they’re quite pricey and some people find they’re too tight after a long day of wearing them. At the September Apple event, a new AirPods Max model was announced. They come in some great new colors, but not much else has been updated other than finally adding USB-C charging.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are also pricey, but they’re among the best headphones around. You’ll notice a sound upgrade, comfortable fit, and 30 hours of battery life. If you can splurge, you won’t be disappointed — they’re often slightly discounted too.

Smart Watches

Apple Watch Series 9

If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for monitoring notifications and health updates. Most modern phones will do great with the Series 9, which is brighter than previous models and includes cycle tracking. The Watch Series 10 was just announced. We haven’t used it yet, but it has a bigger, brighter screen that’s easier to read at an angle.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you’re an adventurer who needs something rugged and powerful, you might prefer the Ultra 2. It costs more than most people need to spend on a watch, but it offers multiple days of battery life, 1000-meters of water resistance, and advanced exercise metrics. A new Ultra 2 was also announced at the September Apple Event. It has some upgraded aesthetics as well as new water sport tracking, but it’s not a big difference if you already own this version.

Cases

Mujjo Leather Case

Mujjo’s vegetable-tanned leather case looks modern and stylish, and the one-millimeter raised edge around the screen and cameras keeps the glass protected from drops without being over-the-top clunky. It’s also MagSafe-compatible. This is the iPhone 15 version, but there are other sizes available, including new versions for the new iPhone 16 models.

Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet

This leather case includes a matching wallet that attaches magnetically — you can take it off and charge your phone via MagSafe. The wallet holds up to three cards, so it’s handy but not super obtrusive. There are iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max sizes currently available.

Chargers

Zagg 3-in-1 MagSafe Extendable Stand

This is a helpful little companion for a desk or bedside table. With three magnetic charging surfaces, you can charge or dock your phone, watch, and headphones at once, keeping them all neat and in view. It extends from 7.5 inches to 16, which is nice if you want to use it to keep your phone at eye level during video chats.

Anker MagGo Power Bank

If you want an on-the-go MagSafe charger or simply don’t need something as complex as the Zagg three-part stand, Anker’s power bank is a great choice. A screen on the side displays the battery level of the device you’re currently charging, or, when not in use, the battery level of the actual power bank.

Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable

If you need a new USB-C cable, you want to stick with reputable brands, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton. Anker’s cable is usually around $20, but still delivers high-speed charging or data transfer between two devices.

Twelve South PlugBug with Find My

The PlugBug charges either two devices at once with the 50-watt version, or four with the 120-watt version. The slim design allows it to fit outlets near furniture too. It also has Find My built-in, so you won’t accidentally leave it behind somewhere.

Car Mounts

ESR MagSafe Car Mount Charger

This ESR mount easily charges your MagSafe-compatible phone in the car. It comes with two mounts for use with the air vent or dashboard, so you can set it to best view directions without taking your eyes off the road.

PopSockets Multi-Use Phone Mount

Some car mounts are too narrow to hold a phone with a PopSocket — and unless you use a MagSafe-specific PopSocket, it won’t connect to one of those mounts either. Thankfully, the brand has its own and this one uses suction to attach to a dashboard or windshield in the car, but can also work for desks or any other surface you might want to use it on. If you’re charging your phone while using it, there’s a slot for your cord to stay tidy too. PopSocket also has a vent clip mount.

Gaming

Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller

The Backbone One can be used as a controller for any compatible screen, but it’s designed to make mobile gaming easier. Pop your phone in the center to turn it into its own gaming console.

Tracking

Apple AirTag

AirTags use the Find My app to track nearly anything you want. With this four-pack, you can track your belongings like keys or bags, and you can even put one in your kid’s backpack when they go to school.

Nomad Tracking Card

If you have a large wallet, you can likely fit an AirTag in there. But for slimmer wallets, go for Nomad’s Tracking Card. It’s about the size of two credit cards, so it still keeps tabs on where your wallet is without bulking it up. A full charge lasts about five months.

More Accessories

PopSockets

As phones get bigger, they become more uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. Popsockets stick to the back of your phone or case, either with adhesive or via MagSafe. You can get Popsockets in nearly any pattern or design, like flowers, neon, and even a Squishmallow.

Moment Lenses

iPhone camera quality is impressive on its own, so anyone interested in photography can thrive without pricey accessories. But adding Moment’s lenses — paired with a Moment case — will level up iPhone photos even further. There are several available, like fisheye, macro, and telephoto.

Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC

Hopefully you’re already using strong, unique passwords, and wherever possible, two-factor authentication. But a physical security key, like this YubiKey, replaces verification codes, offering the most security currently available to the average user. Two keys are required when using security keys with an Apple Account. Given that they’re separate, phsyical devices, they’re resistant to phishing and other malicious practices. Losing all the keys associated with an account can result in permanently being locked out, so be sure to weigh the peace of mind of having the best security with the need to keep your keys safe and secure.

Featured Image Credit: Natalia Blauth/ Unsplash+