Our smartphones are an increasingly essential part of our day-to-day. These devices fit in our pockets, but have taken the place of so many other gadgets and products. From calculators to cameras and everything in between, we can almost do it all on our phones. Nothing’s perfect though, but luckily, the ever-growing phone accessories industry makes up for any shortcomings.
Your new phone doesn’t have a headphone jack? There are a lot of excellent wireless options to choose from. Want to make sure that the beautifully designed device doesn’t get damaged? A case or screen protector is useful. Worried about the phone battery dying in the middle of your day? A power bank is a must-have. In this buyer’s guide, we take a look at the many phone accessories, from the necessary to the niche, that you can get!
The essential accessories Android Authority recommends
As you go further down this page, you’ll see that there are many types of phone accessories available. While all of them help enhance your smartphone experience, not every add-on is necessary. There are a few accessories that we think are essential though.
One accessory that is a must-have for most users is a protective case or cover. Phones nowadays come with beautiful designs, glass builds, and large displays, and it sucks to have to cover it up. But the only way to make sure that the device stays in good condition is with a case. Unfortunate accidents can happen even if you are careful, and a shattered screen or glass back can be expensive to repair.
Next on the list is a power bank. Most phones give you at least a day of battery life with average use, but “average� is the keyword there. Your phone battery will drain really quickly if you use the camera a lot, play a lot of games, use the phone for GPS navigation all day, or any other battery-intensive activities. A good portable power bank will ensure that you never have to worry about a dying phone battery ever again.
Another accessory that will be essential for many people is a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Only a handful of phones come with good built-in speakers, and the future of the headphone jack is still in limbo. Luckily, Bluetooth headphones and earphones are getting better and better with every generation, and there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from now.
Just looking for a quick recommendation? Here’s what we suggest:
- Get a Spigen case (more details here)
- Get a RavPower 15000mAh PD power bank
- Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds or Apple Airpods
For more product categories and recommendations, as well as explanations on first-party vs 3rd-party accessories and more, keeping reading!
First-party vs third-party accessories
Before diving into the many accessories you can get for your phone, let’s first talk about who makes them. Some OEMs make their own accessories to support a particular smartphone or a range of devices. A lot of OEMs release cases for their phones, but some, like Samsung, have a much wider range of accessories on offer.
As the name suggests, the OEM behind your phone does not make third-party accessories. These products are intended to either plug some holes in the accessories market, or offer an alternative to first-party options that are often significantly cheaper. Both varieties of accessories have their fair share of pros and cons though.
Pros and cons of first-party phone accessories
The biggest advantage with a first-party accessory is the fact that these are made with a particular phone or range of phones in mind. So, while the Google wireless charger works with other devices, it is the only option if you want to enjoy fast charging speeds with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.Â
On the other hand, a distinct lack of variety is the major issue with first-party accessories. Only a handful of OEMs release accessories, and it’s mostly cases and covers. Samsung is one of the few companies that has a decent portfolio of accessories on offer. OEM accessories are also notoriously expensive, and you’ll often find as good, or even better, alternatives from third-party companies.
The good news is that things are slowly changing. More and more companies are releasing accessories like wireless chargers, Bluetooth earphones, and more. Granted, the inevitable locking up of available functionality based on what phone you’re using is an unfortunate consequence.
Pros and cons of third-party accessories
Third-party accessories have the leg up in a lot of aspects, since they often fill existing gaps in the accessories market. Third-party companies dominate categories like phone holders, screen protectors, microSD cards, and a slew of Bluetooth accessories. Even in areas where OEMs attempt to compete, like cases, third-party case makers boast a much larger range of options. These options are generally more affordable as well.
The cons with these accessories are two-fold. The generic nature of these products may not always provide the best results. Standard wireless chargers work well enough, but with some devices you’ll see slower charging times then you’d receive with a first party charger.
The much bigger issue though is sorting through the hundreds of options available, with many coming from companies that aren’t well known, or even unheard of. Buying a bad charger, cable, or power bank could have severe consequences incuding potentially damaging your device. Device compatibility is an overlooked issue. Some accessories may not work with your phone at all, so it’s definitely important to do your research first.
Things to look for when buying third-party accessories
Before you buy an accessory from a brand you’re not familiar with, just be sure to check for the following:
- Look through owner-submitted reviews on sites like Amazon. What are people saying? Do these short reviews look legit? For example, it’s possible they are paid or sponsored submissions if they are super vague and poorly written.
- Look for oddities like if the product reviews aren’t actually for the product! This surprisingly happens a lot with 3rd party accessories from obscure brands. An excellent review of a rice cooker is not what I want to see when trying to buy a case.
- Familiarize yourself with the return policy of the product. While a lot of products have return periods, some might only have a replacement window, in which case a refund won’t be possible.
- We’re here to help! Android Authority has literally hundreds of guides to help you navigate through the convoluted world of phone and other device accessories. From cases and screen protectors to phone holders and camera accessories, we have it all.
Read more: How to spot fake reviews on Amazon
The best cases
Most smartphones nowadays feature metal or glass builds, and so, keeping them safe and free from damage can be quite difficult. A good case or cover goes a long way, even if you don’t want to hide the phone’s beautiful design. However, some cases can add some style points to it as well. From the ultra-slim to the extremely rugged, there’s a cover for everybody.
What kind of case do I need?
We can broadly divide phone cases into four different categories — thin, hybrid, wallet, and rugged. These categories are mostly self-explanatory, but let’s take a quick look at what you get.
- Thin cases: These cases are usually ultra thin and don’t add any weight to the phone. The single-layer covers are made with either TPU or polycarbonate. These are perfect for anyone that wants as minimalistic a case as possible, but keep in mind that they may not always be the most protective.
- Hybrid cases: A lot of hybrid cases are thin and light, but offer a lot more protection than typical thin cases. These include anything that uses a combination of materials, like a polycarbonate back and a TPU bumper, or a relatively thin dual-layer case. These cases might be feather-light ultra thin, but some come with the same MIL-STD 810G-516.6 that you get with rugged cases.
- Rugged cases: Rugged cases are big and bulky but will ensure that your phone can survive almost anything. Heavy-duty cases are usually for those that work in harsh environments or are clumsy. These types of cases are also usually coupled with belt clips and holsters and make the phone secure.
- Wallet cases: Wallet cases let you keep cards, ID, and some cash while keeping your phone protected. Those with folio covers also help keep the display safe without a screen protector. A wallet case is great for anyone that wants the convenience of it. Genuine leather wallet cases are a touch expensive, but look fantastic as well.
Our recommendation: Spigen for the win
At Android Authority we highly recommend Spigen cases. Why? They are a perfect blend of affordability and reliability. There are rarely issues with Spigen cases with fit and they are very good at protecting our phones. The brand also makes a variety of cases in pretty much every style and type you could dream of.
Of course, Spigen isn’t the only worthwhile brand out there. There are a lot of great options worth checking out in our roundup of the best phone case brands.
Device-specific case recommendations
Looking to get a case for a specific device? Below is a link to just some of our device-specific case recommendations:
OnePlus
Samsung
Of course, we have hundreds of device-specific case lists, though above are some of the most popular ones. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, be sure to hit Google.
The best screen protectors
It’s all in the name of this one. A screen protector is intended to keep the phone’s display safe from damage. Replacing a display can be quite an expensive affair, so making sure it stays protected is a good idea.
Types of screen protectors
There are a few distinct types of screen protectors that offer varying degrees of protection. Some just help keep the screen free from scratches and other blemishes, while others will keep the display safe even if the phone falls on its face.
- TPU: TPU screen protectors have been around forever and used to be the most popular option a while ago. These are flexible and work well with curved display edges and some options even come with “self-healing� capabilities to fix very minor blemishes. They don’t affect the viewing experience or touch response much, but do nothing more than keep the screen scratch-free. These also rely on a wet installation process that is sometimes difficult.
- PET: PET is an even thinner and more minimalistic plastic film. It’ll help keep the display free from scratches, but expect nothing beyond that. PET screen protectors are easier to install too, but you might run into issues with air bubbles that take a while to fix.
- Tempered glass: Tempered glass screen protectors are the best option if you want to make sure that the phone display survives a fall. You’ll also find a variety of features here, with options like privacy screen guards also available. These are thicker than the alternatives, and badly made options will severely affect the touch response and might even skewer the viewing experience.
Do I need a screen protector?
Screen protectors were once an essential accessory, but most current smartphones have a screen-protection built-in because of the materials used, particularly with the introduction of Corning Gorilla Glass and other options. Some cases come with a raised lip around the display and other protective features to help keep the screen safe.
However, if you’d much rather have the peace of mind, a screen protector is a good idea. If you’re only worried about scratches, a TPU or PET film option will work, but a tempered glass screen guard is much better for complete protection.
Something to keep in mind though is that tempered glass screen protectors might not suit your phone. It’s difficult to find good options for phones with curved displays. The advent of under-display fingerprint scanners is also an issue. Many scanners don’t work at all with tempered glass guards. Like anything else, proper research is key here. Or you could always check out our recommendations!
Device-specific screen protector recommendations
Looking to get a screen protector for a particular smartphone? Below is a link to a few of our device-specific case recommendations:
Samsung
Looking for other phones? We have hundreds of device-specific screen protector lists but you’ll need to hit up Google and type in your exact device to find it.Â
The best phone holders
With maps and built-in GPS navigation, your smartphone is more than enough to get you headed in the right direction. What isn’t a good idea though is to hold on to the phone while driving or riding a bike, that puts yourself and others at risk.
A phone holder does exactly what it’s supposed to do and “holds� the phone for you at a convenient and easy to access location, without your eyes having to stray too far from the road. Then you can safely navigate through your GPS, make emergency calls, and more by taking advantage of the phone’s car-friendly features like voice input.
What phone holder should I get?
Picking the proper car mount is the hard part. There are plenty of options to choose from, with many features. Most car mounts come with one of five points of attachment — the dashboard or windshield mount, the air vent, a CD player, or the auxiliary power port (cigarette lighter port).
The CD player mount is for cars that still have CD player (and you no longer use it.) The same holds true for the auxiliary power port. This port has gone by the wayside and USB ports have replaced it in some cars.
Picking an air vent mount entirely depends on the car model. Some cars have curved air vents and you won’t be able to attach a car mount to it. Even if it fits, this will at least partially block an air vent.
The best option for most is a dashboard or windshield mount. You can place it at your convenience and compatibility issues are less of a concern. However, these aren’t the easiest to move around and adjust, and some leave a sticky residue once you remove them.
Finally, you’ll also have a slew of features to choose from. Some models are very basic, while others have special features like wireless charging built in.Â
Our recommendations
iOttie One Touch 4 Dash and Windshield Car Phone Mount
iOttie is one of the best car phone holder makers, and the One Touch 4 Dashboard and Windshield Phone Mount is its most popular product. It’s easy to see why: the design allows for one-handed mounting in the secure holder and a full range of movement. It has a sturdy suction cup that can be placed on the car’s inside windshield, or you can use the included sticky pad to place the mount on the dashboard.
Belkin Universal Vent Mount
The Belkin Universal Mount is a simple option that attaches to your air-conditioning vent. The side arms squeeze tightly to lock your phone in place and a cable clip allows you to charge your phone and lock the cable in place. With aluminum arms and a carefully engineered pinion spring, you shouldn’t have to worry about your phone slipping or falling. Soft pads on the back and sides of the mount should keep your phone free from scratches.
Aukey wireless car charger
Aukey’s wireless car charging solution looks futuristic and wouldn’t be out of place in most cars. Like the company’s regular wireless chargers, the car charger is Qi-compatible and supports 5W charger on regular devices. Meanwhile, iPhones and Samsung devices can enjoy 7.5W and 10W charging respectively.
The mount auto-detects the phone and gradually retracts the clamp, holding the phone securely in place. The mount is designed to be attached to the air-conditioning vent, so your phone will remain nice and cool even while charging on a hot summer day.
You’ll find a lot more options in our roundup of the best car phone holders. Of course, the car isn’t the only thing you can get one for. Looking for some great options for your bicycle? We also have a list of the best bike phone holders around!
The best phone charging accessories
A very real panic sets in every time you see your phone battery dying and know that you won’t be able to get to your charger on time. Luckily, there are a bunch of charging accessories available to make sure that this isn’t a problem. From multi-port wall chargers great for travel, to car chargers, and many power banks, here’s a roundup of all the best phone chargers and charging accessories you’ll need.
What should you look for when choosing a third-party charger?
On the surface, picking the best phone charging accessories sounds easy. There are thousands of products available and all you need to do is find the right fit. However, having so many options causes the problem.
It’s important to do your homework regardless of what you buy, but that’s even more so with a charger. A bad charger or cable can cause irreparable damage to the phone, and a faulty power bank in your pocket might hurt you as well. There are a lot of good choices, but it’s crucial to do the research properly.
There are also a few other factors to consider.
- How fast is it going to charge? You might have gotten a power bank with a 50,000Ah battery or a wall charger with 10 ports, but if it takes all day to charge up your device, that will be a problem. The best options should ideally support the fast charging standards in your phone or other portable devices.
- What capacity do you need? For power banks getting one with the largest capacity might not be enough. Portability is a concern, since you don’t want to carry what is essentially a brick in your backpack. But if you need something smaller, there are a lot of great options. 10,000mAh is what I’d consider the sweet spot, but entirely depends on what your needs are.
- Does it have the right ports for your needs? Older or budget chargers often have less than great port options. There might just be USB type-A instead of USB-C, or there might not be fast charging as mentioned above. Figure out which ports you have on your devices and whether the charger that catches your eye fully supports your device. Larger charging stations even let you know charge laptops.
- Is the brand trustworthy? A reputable brand is more likely to last through countless charging cycles. We highly recommend Anker and Aukey, but there are tons of other great brands. We ensure every option on this list balances price, quality, and reputation.
- What size do you need? You will also have to consider the size. Do you want something that can easily slip inside your pocket or backpack? Or do you want the most charging power encased in a big brick of a portable charger? How long should the charger cable be?
The best multi-port wall chargers
RAVPower two-port
This RAVPower option provides 18W speeds with the USB-C port while the iSmart USB-A option tops out at 12W. RAVPower’s two-port USB wall charger packs over-charge, over-heat, and short circuit protection to keep your devices safe and energized. At just 2.8 ounces, you can carry the RAVPower anywhere and you’ll barely notice the weight.
Anker Power Strip
If you want to max out your options, Anker has a full-blown power strip. It plugs into the wall with a single AC outlet, and a five-foot cable means that you can position the charging hub wherever you need it. Once you’re plugged in, you can choose from one USB-C port and two USB-A ports, as well as two more AC options.
The best wireless chargers
Samsung Wireless Charger DUO Pad
The Samsung Duo pad is as good as it gets with wireless charging pads. As the name suggests, the pad can charge two devices simultaneously. However, the Samsung wireless charger duo pad takes it a step forward by including fast charging support. This means that you can charge compatible Samsung phones at up to 15W, while charging an additional phone or perhaps your wireless earphones on the second pad.
Anker PowerWave wireless charger
The Anker PowerWave wireless charger is similar to other affordable wireless charging pad offerings other than one key difference. The pad sits at an angle and lets you view the phone’s display while charging it. With Samsung hardware, the pad even enables fast wireless charging to the tune of 10W. Meanwhile, it is as good as the best wireless chargers available for the iPhone and can top it off at 7.5W.
Further reading:Â Other wireless phone chargers worth checking out
The best car chargers
Anker Power iQ charger
The 36W dual-port Anker USB charger is a great option. This charger provides you with two USB-C slots for charging two devices rapidly at the same time. It is a very small and compact car charger, making it perfect for those that don’t want anything bulky in their car. It is compatible with most devices and has a bunch of safety features on board to keep you and your devices safe.
The best portable power banks
RAVPower 15000mAh PD Power Bank
The RAVPower 15000mAh PD Power Bank is a great compact option. It’s small enough to fit in most pockets and easy to store in your purse or backpack. Despite its small size, it has a great charging capacity. It has 30W total output and can charge two devices at the same time. Plus, the 18W charging input helps the device recharge up to twice as fast as standard portable chargers.
Samsung 2-in-1 Portable Fast Charge Wireless
Samsung’s 10,000mAh charger is unique in that it includes a wireless charging pad right on top. It’s capable of fast charging a compatible Samsung phone all the way up to 7.5W in wireless mode and 15W when connected via a USB cable. The phone is Qi-compatible which means that you should have no issue using this with other phones as well.
Other portable power banks worth considering:
- The best portable battery chargers
- Best USB C portable chargers
- The best power banks at 10,000mAh or lower
- Best power banks at 20,000mAh or above
- Best power banks at 50,000mAh or higher
The fastest charging cables
Anker cables
Look no further than the Anker PowerLine III Plus to see just what we mean. It’s a USB-IF-certified USB-C to USB-C cable that comes in a convenient six-foot length. If you’re talking speed, the PowerLine III Plus supports 60W Power Delivery charging. Even better, the cable is fiber-wrapped from one end to the other and can endure 35,000 bends and tugs.
Another high-speed cable offering from Anker is the Intel-certified Thunderbolt 3 cable. It tops out at speeds of 100W and rapid 40Gbps data transfer. If there’s a drawback it’s that the Thunderbolt 3 is just 1.6-feet long. The Thunderbolt 3 cable is also backward compatible with previous generations of USB-C chargers.
The best Bluetooth accessories
There’s a good chance that you already have a lot of Bluetooth accessories around the house. From earphones and speakers to keyboards and gaming controllers, Bluetooth is a versatile connectivity option that lets you go completely wireless. It’s far from perfect, of course. Range and connection problems are common, and audiophiles, in particular, are a long way from coming around to Bluetooth audio.
There’s no denying the convenience of going wireless though, and there are a bunch of Bluetooth accessories to enhance your phone experience. Let’s take a look!
The best Bluetooth earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
For most people, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are the best true wireless earbuds around: they’re not too expensive, afford a host of features, and boast a long battery life and pocketable charging case. Sure, these aren’t the most beautiful earbuds, but they meet the needs of most listeners. If battery life and functionality are your main concerns in particular, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is king.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless
One of the best true wireless options available is the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless.When an old industry leader comes in with a high-end product, we pay attention and so should you. Sennheiser’s debut into the true wireless field offers sound quality that is extremely good, but it comes as a fairly steep price. You get what you pay for, however, as the Momentum True Wireless sounds a lot better than their peers, and would be our pick if we had to pick the best.
Don’t forget to check out our roundups of other fantastic Bluetooth earphones and headphones:
- The best Bluetooth headphones
- The best wireless earphones
- The best true wireless earbuds
- Best true wireless earbuds for working out
The best Bluetooth speakers
JBL Charge 4
JBL is one of the top brands when it comes to Bluetooth speakers, and to no surprise, they are our top pick here as well. The Charge 4 is a perfect compromise between a speaker that sounds good but is still tough enough to bring to the beach. Like the Charge 3 before it, it’s still wrapped in an IPX7 waterproof fabric that protects it from any water damage. You can expect excellent battery life, and it charges via USB-C which is nice for anyone looking to future-proof their devices.
Marshall Stanmore II
The Marshall Stanmore II continues the sonic legacy defined by its predecessor with upgraded amplifiers, improved Bluetooth capabilities, and additional tuning controls for a bespoke listening experience. This speaker features Marshall’s signature guitar-amp design which screams “audiophile�. However, the Stanmore II isn’t just for show, producing a sound signature that caters to virtually any genre. If you need the best of the best in terms of sound quality, and are willing to pay a premium, the Stanmore II may be the speaker for you.
There are a lot of Bluetooth accessories!
Bluetooth earphones and speakers are mainstream, but there are a bunch of Bluetooth accessories that are niche but extremely useful for those that need them. Don’t forget to check them out!
- The best Bluetooth gaming controllers
- The best Bluetooth keyboards for mobile and PCs
- These are the best Bluetooth headsets for when you’re on the go
MicroSD cards and external storage
If you’ve bought a new camera, laptop, phone, or game console recently, it’s always good to have extra storage. As we continue to do more and more on our phones, expandable storage is quickly becoming one of the essential phone accessories to get.
As far as additional storage for phones is concerned, the good news is that microSD card support is once again available on a lot of new smartphones, after going away entirely a few years ago. If your phone doesn’t have a microSD card slot, you can still get an external USB flash drive to address your storage needs.
What to look for when buying additional storage for your phone
It’s easy to want to buy as much storage as possible to make sure that you never have to worry about it again. Not only can get this get extremely expensive, but compatibility may be an issue, particularly with microSD cards.
Storage capacity and compatibility
Pay attention to storage specs of your phone. Some phones, especially those that are ultra-affordable, may support microSD cards with a capacity of up to only 32GB. You shouldn’t run into the problem with mid-rangers and flagships, but it’s information worth knowing before making a purchase.
If you plan to use an external flash drive, make sure that the phone supports USB OTG.
The numbers and symbols on a microSD card
- Speed class: MicroSD cards are measured in speed classes: 2, 4, 6, 10, U1, and U3, although anything below class 10 is no longer worth considering. This shows the minimum write speeds, but it’s important to be aware of the theoretical maximum. The faster the better. A standard microSD card for your mobile phone should ideally be class 10 U1, but you must look at those with a video speed class if you plan to shoot a lot of high-quality videos.
- Video Speed Class: This is denoted with a V and followed by a number, which represents the speed in Mbps. So, a V30 card will support a minimum write speed of 30Mbps. Video Speed Class is rated as V6, V10, V30, V60, and V90. Cards labeled with a Video Speed Class are designed to support those high video resolutions like 4K, 8K, 3D, 360-degree, and virtual reality.
- App performance Class: The App Performance Class denotes which MicroSD cards are best for smartphones and tablets. The A1 and A2 rating means that the card can open apps and process apps quickly. The A2 rating more than doubles the minimum read and write speeds available with cards rated A1.
Our recommendations
SanDisk Extreme Pro
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is a great option from one of the most popular microSD card brands, and is one of the fastest on the market. In terms of data transfer, you can reach speeds of up to 170Mbps with the Extreme Pro. This microSD card is ideal for those who want to take 4K videos. You can choose anywhere from 64GB up to 1TB of storage with the SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD card.
Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive
This 2-in-1 flash drive comes with a reversible USB-C connector and a traditional USB-A option. With a compatible device, you can take advantage of the fast read and write speeds available with the USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive, and as long as your phone supports USB OTG, all you need to do is plug it in. Storage options start from 32GB and go all the up to 256GB.
The best fitness trackers and smartwatches
Fitness trackers and smartwatches have both come a long way in a very short amount of time. Fitness trackers are no longer glorified pedometers; most standard fitness trackers can track your steps taken, distance traveled, caloric burn, and even your sleeping patterns.
Smartwatches take functionality to a whole other level, and some are almost an ultra-mini smartphone on your wrist. They can provide you with an effortless way to get information, allow you to dismiss or reply to new messages without having to pull out your phone, and much more.
Fitness trackers vs smartwatches
Before we get into it, let’s talk about an important distinction — smartwatches vs fitness trackers. For the sake of this article, we are referring to devices with big displays that prioritize apps and notifications as smartwatches. For devices that have smaller displays and look more like a traditional fitness band, we’ll refer to those as fitness trackers.
The best fitness trackers
Fitbit Charge 4
The Fitbit Charge 4 is the best fitness tracker you can buy, period. Fitbit didn’t need to do much to achieve this title again, but it fixed all our gripes with the Charge 3 and kept it at the same price point. The built-in GPS is welcome, as is Fitbit Pay being standard across all models. The only reason you should consider buying another wearable at this price point is if you want a more smartwatch-y experience. Then, I’d recommend you go for the Fitbit Versa 2.
More fitness trackers to consider:
- The best fitness trackers you can get
- The best Samsung fitness trackers
- The best Fitbit fitness trackers
The best smartwatches
Fossil Gen 5
Wear OS is arguably in need of a revamp, but the Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch makes the best of a strange software situation with excellent hardware and performance. It’s one of a few smartwatches to feature 1GB of RAM instead of 512MB. Coupled with the Snapdragon 3100, the Gen 5 doesn’t lack in performance. Even the software is a positive. Google hasn’t prioritized Wear OS as it should, but it’s nice to have quick access to Google Assistant, Calendar, and other Google apps. The new Tiles feature also impresses and makes navigation a bit easier.
More smartwatches you should consider:
The best mobile camera accessories
Many of today’s smartphone users utilize their phone as their main camera. If you are to replace your traditional camera with a phone, adding some smartphone photography accessories to your bag is recommended. These mobile photography accessories can improve your experience, as well as image quality. While it helps, you may not even need one of the best smartphone cameras to shoot great images. Even a cheap device can produce amazing photos if given some help.
See also: The 10 best phone photography accessories to take your photos to the next level!
Smartphone tripods
The best octopus smartphone tripod
The smartphone tripod with flexible legs we would recommend is the JOBY GorillaPod 1K Kit. You can use it with both cameras and smartphones, and the stand and ballhead are both included (although you can purchase only the stand). It’s durable, but also portable with a weight of 0.43lbs. Its load capacity is 2.2lbs, which means you can use it with a variety of devices.
Other GorillaPod versions can carry more equipment, but we recommend this one because it costs much less and it will handle your smartphone with no issues.
Further reading: Everything you need to know about smartphone tripods
The best mobile lenses
Moment Photo Cases and Lenses
Moment is one of the most respected companies in smartphone photography. The company offers camera cases for iPhones, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google phones. Smartphone lenses can be attached to these cases to extend your smartphone’s camera capabilities.
Moment’s lenses include a wide-angle, a 58mm telephoto, a Superfish for taking super-wide 170 degrees fisheye images, and a Macro lens, among others. Add-on lenses for smartphones cost anywhere between $80 and $150, while all of the Moment photo cases cost $39.99 each. Some cases cost more, depending on materials and style. The company offers starter sets too, just in case you are looking for a bundle offer.
You’ll find even more options in our roundup of the best Android mobile camera lenses you can get!
The best selfie sticks
Mpow Selfie Stick Tripod
What makes this Mpow product one of the best selfie sticks is that it’s made with heavy-duty aluminum that it has both a great construction and functionality. It’s made of aluminum and can extend up to 29.5 inches. It also doubles as a tripod with legs that fold out and you can take shots from a distance using the included Bluetooth remote. There’s even a fill light you can use when in dark environments. This is an all-in-one selfie stick that should meet all your needs.