Phone Accessories: The Essential List

The most essential phone accessories for 2024 are a durable case, a tempered glass screen protector, a fast wall charger, and a portable power bank. These items directly protect your device from damage and ensure you have power when you need it most, making them non-negotiable for most smartphone users. Skipping them can lead to costly repairs or inconvenient dead batteries.

Key takeaways:

• A phone case and screen protector are your first line of defense against drops and scratches.
• A 20W or higher fast charger can fully charge most phones in under 90 minutes.
• A 10,000mAh power bank offers at least two full phone charges on the go.
• Wireless charging pads offer convenience but are often slower than wired charging.

What are the absolute must-have phone accessories?

The absolute must-have phone accessories are a protective case, a screen protector, a fast wall charger, and a portable power bank. These four items address the primary concerns of phone ownership: physical damage and battery life. A good case can absorb impacts from drops up to several feet, while a screen protector can prevent scratches and cracks on the display. A fast charger dramatically cuts down charging time, and a power bank ensures your phone stays alive during long days out or emergencies.

Which phone case should I get?

You should get a phone case that balances protection, grip, and your personal style, focusing first on durability. For most people, a case made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or a combination of TPU and polycarbonate offers excellent shock absorption and scratch resistance. Brands like Spigen, Ringke, and Casetify offer a wide range of options. If you are prone to dropping your phone or work in a demanding environment, look for cases with MIL-STD-810G drop certification, which means they have been tested to withstand drops from a specific height, often 4 to 6 feet. Slim cases are aesthetically pleasing but offer less protection than bulkier, rugged options. Expect to spend between $15 and $50 for a quality case.

Do I really need a screen protector?

Yes, you really need a screen protector; it is inexpensive insurance against scratches and cracks that can cost hundreds to repair. Modern phone screens are durable, but they are not impervious to keys, coins, or accidental drops onto rough surfaces. Tempered glass screen protectors, typically rated 9H hardness, are the best choice. They are thin, clear, and designed to shatter themselves upon impact, absorbing the force before it reaches your phone screen. Plastic film protectors offer minimal scratch protection but do little for impact. Installation can be tricky, so look for kits that include alignment frames to make it easier. A quality tempered glass protector usually costs between $7 and $20.

What kind of charger should I buy for fast charging?

You should buy a fast wall charger that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) with an output of at least 20 watts (W). Most modern smartphones, including iPhones (since iPhone 8) and many Android devices, support fast charging via USB-PD. A 20W charger can typically charge an iPhone 15 from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. For even faster charging, especially for larger phones or tablets, consider chargers with 30W or 45W output. Many phones no longer include a charger in the box, so this is often a necessary purchase. Look for reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, or UGREEN. A good 20W USB-C fast charger usually costs between $15 and $30.

How big of a power bank do I need?

You need a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity to get at least two full charges for most modern smartphones. A standard smartphone battery is typically between 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh. For example, an iPhone 15 has a 3,349mAh battery, while a Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 4,000mAh battery. A 10,000mAh power bank provides ample reserve power for a day or two away from an outlet. If you need to charge multiple devices or use your phone heavily for navigation or streaming, consider a 20,000mAh power bank. Look for models with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) output for fast charging your phone, and USB-C input for fast recharging the power bank itself. Expect to pay $25 to $60 for a reliable 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh power bank.

What about wireless charging pads?

Wireless charging pads offer convenience but are generally slower than wired fast charging. They are great for placing your phone on a desk or nightstand for a top-up without fumbling with cables. Most modern phones support the Qi wireless charging standard. Standard Qi pads typically deliver 5W, 7.5W (for iPhones), or 10W, 15W (for many Android phones). A 15W wireless charger is still slower than a 20W wired charger, often taking over two hours for a full charge. Some phones, like certain Samsung models, have proprietary fast wireless charging that can reach 25W or more, but these require specific charging pads. The main drawback is efficiency; energy is lost as heat during wireless transfer, meaning it uses more power than wired charging. A decent 15W Qi-compatible wireless charging pad costs between $20 and $40.

Are car chargers and mounts worth it?

Car chargers and mounts are definitely worth it if you regularly use your phone for navigation or music in your vehicle. A good car charger, ideally one with USB-PD for fast charging, ensures your phone's battery does not drain during long drives while running demanding apps. Look for models that plug into your car's 12V cigarette lighter socket and offer at least 20W output. Car mounts keep your phone securely visible and accessible without distracting you from the road. Magnetic mounts are popular for their ease of use, while cradle mounts offer a more secure grip. Ensure the mount you choose is stable and does not obstruct your view or airbags. A quality fast car charger costs around $15 to $25, and a reliable car mount is typically $10 to $30.

Should I get headphones or earbuds with my phone?

Headphones or earbuds are essential for private listening, calls, and media consumption, especially since many phones no longer include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Your choice depends on your usage. For casual listening and calls, true wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds offer maximum convenience and portability, typically lasting 4 to 6 hours on a single charge. Over-ear headphones often provide superior sound quality and battery life, sometimes exceeding 30 hours, making them ideal for travel or extended listening sessions. Consider features like active noise cancellation (ANC) for noisy environments. Good quality true wireless earbuds start around $50, while decent over-ear headphones begin at $70.

What about other niche accessories?

Other niche accessories like styluses, portable tripods, or external lenses can greatly enhance specific phone uses. A stylus, like the Apple Pencil for iPads or Samsung's S Pen, is excellent for note-taking, drawing, or precise navigation on compatible devices. Portable tripods or gimbals stabilize your phone for better photos and videos, especially in low light or for vlogging. External lenses can expand your phone's photographic capabilities, offering wide-angle, macro, or telephoto options that built-in lenses might lack. These are not universally essential but add significant value for specific activities. For example, a basic phone tripod can cost $15, while a high-quality smartphone gimbal might be $100 or more.