4 Must Have Accessories for Your Smart Phone

Protect your phone from damage, listen to music, and more with these accessories.

Smartphones have become such essential devices that it's hard to imagine our lives without them. They're more than just phones; they're our cameras, music players, calendars, and even our workout trackers.

Some of us use mobile apps to pay for goods or to guide us on wilderness adventures, while almost all of us use them to navigate cities and suburbs on foot and by car. These days, when we lose or break a phone, it can feel just as devasting as losing a wallet.

With so much value in such a small package, it makes sense to put in a little extra effort to choose the right tools for protecting and extending the life of your smartphone.

That's why we’ve brought you our recommendations for choosing each of these must-have accessories for your smartphone. Because you use your phone in unique ways, your accessory choices should support that. No matter what you do, having each of these accessories will help you get the most out of your smartphone.

1. A protective case

The first accessory you should buy is a protective phone case. Honestly, you should order this accessory at the same time you order your phone. A durable case will protect your phone from scratches, dings, dust, drops, and water damage, some of which can permanently ruin the device you just spent so much money buying!

You can find cases made of leather, hard plastic and silicone. Many models combine expressive design elements – like colors, pictures, and patterns – with functionality. Whatever you choose, we recommend a case with a raised bezel edge around the screen for added protection if you drop your phone face down.

If you are particularly clumsy or spend time in more rugged or wet environments, you will want a dust- and waterproof case that fully encloses your phone. If not, you can choose a slimmer case. In any case – pun intended – you’ll definitely want a screen protector to ensure that your screen remains functional after that seemingly inevitable fall onto the hard floor or concrete driveway.

2. The right headphones for you

Most phones come with a basic set of earbuds, but they may not be the right ones for you. Although you can get by with the earbuds that come with your phone, you will want to consider investing in a pair of headphones that best suit your lifestyle and listening habits.

If you are very active and love listening to music while working out or talking on the phone while walking, you will benefit from a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds. If you are an audiophile that regularly listens to music or podcasts, it makes sense to seek high-quality headphones that have more cushioning around your ears.

If you frequently travel by air or work in a noisy environment, your ears will thank you for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds. Too often, we turn up the volume on our headphones to compensate for outside noise and distractions. Preserve your hearing by cancelling out other noise so you can turn down the volume a little.

3. Portable battery pack

Smartphone battery life can decrease over time, especially if you leave your phone charging overnight. It’s recommended that you only charge your phone’s battery for as long as it takes to reach 100%. This usually means you should be charging your phone during the day when you can check on it. However, if you’re always on the go, this can be difficult.

That’s where a portable battery pack comes in handy. Instead of charging your phone overnight, you can instead charge the battery pack while you sleep. Then, you can bring the battery with you and only charge your phone as needed. Doing this will help you extend the battery life of your phone, which is much more expensive to replace than a battery pack.

4. A phone mount for your car

Numerous studies have shown it is unsafe to use your phone while driving. Furthermore, many states and municipalities have laws that prohibit texting while driving, or even having your hands on your phone at all. This is because having a phone in your hand can distract you and take your eyes away from the road. Except most of us now rely on our phones to get where we need to go. When was the last time you pulled out a physical road map or Atlas?

Ultimately, you want to practice safe driving while still being able to navigate to destinations. The best way to do this is by installing a phone mount in your car. You’ll be able to see your smartphone’s GPS navigation easily, and you can use the touch screen while parked if you must alter your destination or answer an incoming call on speakerphone. The mount also makes it easy to charge your phone while you’re driving.

You can find mounts that adhere to your dashboard, suction onto the bottom of your windshield, slide into your CD player, or attach to an air vent. With a wide range of choices, you’re bound to find something that works for the layout of your car.

Cell phone accessory basics

The list of smartphone accessories could go on and on. For photographers, videographers, and influencers, there are smartphone photography accessories, such as selfie sticks, fancy lenses, and tripods. Plus, there are hotspots and signal boosters, external microphones, and Bluetooth trackers (which can help you locate lost items — like car keys — by using your phone’s Bluetooth signal).

In short, you can trick out your phone to fit your lifestyle like a glove. No matter what your primary uses are for your phone, the four accessories detailed above will certainly improve your overall experience.