Your Phone Deserves Better
You probably spent close to a thousand dollars on your phone. So why are people still protecting them with gas station cases and charging with sketchy cables that fall apart in three months?
I have an embarrassing drawer full of accessories I’ve tried over the years. Most of them are junk. Here’s what actually held up.
Top Picks by Category
Best iPhone Case: Spigen Tough Armor
Protection that doesn’t make your phone look like you’re terrified of it.
Spigen has been making cases forever, and the Tough Armor hits a nice middle ground. Military-grade protection, a built-in kickstand for watching videos, and it doesn’t add ridiculous bulk. Plus it works fine with wireless charging.
What works:
- Serious drop protection (MIL-STD 810G rated)
- Kickstand is actually useful
- Raised edges protect the screen and camera
- Available for basically every iPhone model
What doesn’t:
- Not the thinnest option out there
- Kickstand only works in landscape
- Color selection is pretty limited
Good for people who’ve cracked a screen before and don’t want to do it again.
Best Android Case: OtterBox Defender
This is the tank of phone cases. Maximum protection, period.
Yes, it’s bulky. Yes, it adds weight. But if you work construction, have toddlers running around, or just drop your phone constantly, OtterBox has probably saved more phones than any other brand.
What works:
- About as much protection as you can get
- Port covers keep out dust and debris
- Lifetime warranty that they actually honor
- Belt holster works as a stand too
What doesn’t:
- Makes your phone feel huge
- Accessing ports is annoying
- Won’t win any beauty contests
Good for construction workers, parents of small kids, and anyone who’s replaced multiple screens.
Best Wireless Charger: Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe Cube
Charges your phone, watch, and earbuds all at once. Folds up for travel.
I was skeptical of multi-device chargers because most of them look like a tangled mess of cables. This one actually looks clean on a nightstand. The folding design is clever for travel too.
What works:
- Three devices charging simultaneously
- Folds flat when you need to pack it
- MagSafe compatible with 15W fast charging
- Holds your phone securely
What doesn’t:
- Pricey for a charger
- Really only makes sense if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem
- Power brick sold separately (annoying)
Good for people with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods who are tired of cables everywhere.
Best Portable Charger: Anker Prime 20,000mAh
This is overkill for most people, and I mean that as a compliment.
200W total output means you can charge a laptop and a phone at the same time. The display actually tells you what’s happening instead of making you guess. I brought this on a two-week trip and never worried about power.
What works:
- 200W output is genuinely impressive
- Smart display shows charging status in real time
- Works with laptops, not just phones
- Build quality feels premium
What doesn’t:
- Heavy, but that’s physics
- Expensive
- Probably more than you need for just a phone
- Might hit TSA battery limits if you’re flying
Good for digital nomads and anyone who travels with multiple devices.
Best Screen Protector: Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit
The easiest screen protector install I’ve ever done.
I used to dread applying screen protectors. Bubbles, crooked alignment, fingerprints under the glass. This one comes with an alignment frame that makes it almost impossible to mess up. I got it perfect on the first try.
What works:
- Alignment frame means perfect placement
- 9H hardness actually protects
- Comes in a two-pack
- Feels good under your finger
What doesn’t:
- Doesn’t go edge-to-edge on curved screens
- Some thicker cases can interfere with the edges
- Still picks up fingerprints (they all do)
Good for everyone, but especially people who’ve botched screen protector installs before.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Category | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spigen Tough Armor | iPhone Case | Kickstand + protection | Daily use |
| OtterBox Defender | Android Case | Maximum protection | Tough jobs |
| Anker 3-in-1 Cube | Wireless Charger | Multi-device | Apple users |
| Anker Prime 20K | Power Bank | 200W output | Heavy travelers |
| Spigen GlasTR | Screen Protector | Easy install | Everyone |
Solid Budget Options
Not everyone needs premium gear. Here’s what I’d buy if I was watching my wallet:
Budget Case: Ringke Fusion
Clear design, decent protection, shows off your phone color. About half the price of the fancy stuff.
Budget Charger: Anker Nano 20W
Tiny, fast, reliable. Just works.
Budget Power Bank: Anker PowerCore Slim 10K
Thin enough for a pocket, enough juice for a couple full charges.
Budget Screen Protector: amFilm 2-Pack
Basic but functional. Glass quality is decent and the guide helps with installation.
Accessories I’d Skip
Based on what’s ended up in my junk drawer:
MagSafe wallets - Hold maybe two cards, fall off at inconvenient times, just use a real wallet.
Phone rings and PopSockets - Block wireless charging and feel dated.
Cheap Amazon cables - Die within months and might damage your phone.
Lens protector bumps - Can actually affect photo quality on newer phones.
Magnetic car mounts - Mess with wireless charging and MagSafe.
Battery cases - Heavy, awkward, just get a power bank instead.
What You Actually Need
The essentials:
- A good case - Protection is worth it
- Screen protector - One concrete drop without it and you’ll regret it
- Fast charger - Your phone supports it, use it
- One quality cable - Braided, from a real brand, long enough to be useful
- Power bank - For travel and emergencies
Optional but nice:
- Wireless charging pad (convenient)
- Car mount (if you drive regularly)
- AirTag or Tile (if you lose things)
Charging Speed Quick Reference
- 5W - What phones came with years ago
- 10W - Standard wireless charging
- 15W - Fast wireless (MagSafe max)
- 20W - Decent wired speed
- 30W - Fast wired (what most phones max out at)
- 65W+ - Laptop territory
Your phone probably came with a slow charger or no charger at all. A 20W+ charger is a worthwhile upgrade.
My Recommendations
Phone protection: Spigen or OtterBox depending on how rough you are on things
Home charging: Anker 3-in-1 if you’re all Apple, a basic 20W pad otherwise
Portable power: Anker Prime for power users, Anker Slim for everyone else
Screen protector: Just get the Spigen EZ Fit. The installation frame is worth it.
Prices change frequently. Check current deals before buying.