Smartphones are great, but a few simple accessories can make them even better. These cheap yet incredibly useful gadgets help solve everyday annoyances and have made a real difference in how I use my phone. You can find all the gadgets on this list for around $10.
1Matte Screen Protector
Tempered glass screen protectors boast toughness and scratch resistance. But their glossy surface reflects light and shows fingerprints all too easily, making your screen harder to read in bright environments.
A matte screen protector addresses these problems and more. I installed one on my phone about a year ago, and the difference was stark. Not only did its slightly coarse surface eliminate glare and hide fingerprints, but it also gave the screen a more fluid feel for swiping gestures.
2Right Angle Charging Cables
Right-angle charging cables might seem like a small upgrade, but once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. These cables are especially helpful when charging your phone while it’s in use, like when you’re watching videos or playing games.
The 90-degree angle prevents the cord from sticking out awkwardly, reducing wear on the cable and making charging more comfortable.
You can buy this right-angle charging cable on Amazon which comes with nylon braiding and supports up to 60W fast charging.
3Phone Lanyard
A lanyard is a lifesaver in situations when you need to have your hands free but also need your phone instantly accessible. It saves you the trouble of having to stow and pull your phone in and out of your pocket repeatedly.
Speaking of which, if you’re wearing an outfit that doesn’t have pockets, you can wear a lanyard over your shoulder like a sling bag too. Also, since a lanyard is tied to your body, there’s no risk of accidentally dropping your phone, being pickpocketed, or having your phone snatched out of your hands.
This phone lanyard by Cacoe comes in several color options, so you can choose which one will best complement your outfit.
4Magnetic Car Mount
A magnetic car mount makes navigation and hands-free calling in your car safer and easier. Rather than fumbling around with a regular phone holder, the magnetic mount securely snaps your phone in place with minimal effort.
The powerful magnets hold your phone steady even on bumpy roads, making it easy to check directions or take calls without taking your hands off the wheel. It’s a quick, hassle-free way to keep your phone accessible and safe while driving.
5Gooseneck Phone Holder
If you’ve ever tried to watch a movie or video chat while lying down, you know how frustrating it can be to prop up your phone just right. Enter the gooseneck phone holder. This flexible, adjustable stand can hold your phone at any angle, freeing up your hands for other tasks.
It lets you multitask effortlessly while cooking, working out, or binge-watching your favorite show without worrying about your phone tipping over or being out of sight.
6Phone Ring Holder
A ring holder is the perfect tool to secure a better grip on your phone, allowing you to reach more of the screen with one hand and reducing the chances of dropping your device while texting, snapping photos, or scrolling.
The ring also doubles as a kickstand, so you can prop your phone up to watch videos hands-free. It’s compact and affordable, and it might just save you from that heart-stopping moment when your phone slips from your hands.
7USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
While I wouldn’t call myself an audiophile just yet, I’m definitely an audio enthusiast, which is why I use wired in-ear monitors along with wireless earbuds.
The latter are convenient, but the former offers superior sound quality and zero latency. Of course, smartphones have long abandoned the headphone jack, but not many manufacturers make USB-C in-ear monitors yet.
So, I use a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. It’s something you don’t want to have to use because it occupies the charging port, but the only phones on the market today that come with a headphone jack are gaming phones, and I’m not the biggest fan of them.
8Dust Plugs
You probably don’t think much about your charging port and speaker grills until they stop working properly. Dust, dirt, lint, and moisture can clog up these openings, causing charging issues and muffled audio.
This is why it’s a good idea to seal your phone’s ports with silicone dust plugs, especially if you do a lot of outdoor activities. I recommend this USB-C Dust Plug by Limvory since it comes with fine mesh speaker covers and a cleaning brush.
9Gaming Finger Sleeves
At first, the idea of buying finger sleeves seemed absurd. You can just use a pair of touchscreen gloves if you want to reduce friction between your fingertips and the screen for faster movement during gaming.
What I didn’t consider was how hot and sweaty your hands can get when playing competitive mobile games with gloves on. They start feeling uncomfortable after only a few minutes of gameplay.
This isn’t the case with finger sleeves, as they don’t cover your entire hand, and their fabric is quite breathable. This means you can enjoy your gaming sessions uninterrupted and also avoid smudging your screen.
10Armband Phone Holder
Ever struggled to hold your phone while jogging or at the gym? An armband phone holder solves this problem. It securely straps your phone to your arm, letting you focus on your workout without worrying about dropping your device or having it wiggle in your pocket.
Most of these armband holders are water-resistant and have small pockets for keys, cash, or wireless earbuds, so you don’t have to worry about losing your belongings—or sweat or unexpected rain damaging your phone.
These accessories may be small and inexpensive, but their utility is undeniable. They’re convenient, add comfort to your everyday smartphone use, and help avoid minor frustrations. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re probably missing out too.
