The best iPhone accessories you can buy: Expert tested

Apple hasn't changed nearly anything about the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) from last year to this year, besides the new USB-C port. Apple replaced its signature Lightning port with a USB-C port for its latest lineup of iPhones, its AirPods Pro, and Apple Watches. Thanks to an improved H2 chip, these AirPods have better performance, more immersion via high-band connectivity, and a low-distortion audio driver with a custom amplifier. The technologies combine to ensure clearer audio across various sound frequencies, making them the best-sounding AirPods you can buy to date. 

Review: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

As far as noise cancellation goes, these AirPods have two times more noise cancellation than the previous version. An upgraded adaptive transparency mode also automatically lowers the volume of harmful noises above the 85dB threshold. Plus, you can personalize your spatial audio settings to create your ideal sound experience (using iOS 16). 

More: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Which should you get?

Current Best Buy reviewers love the USB-C connectivity, sound quality, and battery life of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). Users also enjoyed how flawlessly these earbuds work with their Apple product ecosystem and enjoyed the upgrades from the previous model. 

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) features: Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 6 hours | Frequency range: NA | Noise cancellation: Yes | Waterproof rating: IPX4

When you have a new phone, the last thing you want to do is ruin your screen. A screen protector can be a saving grace, preserving your screen's glass for longer. 

The Spigen EZ Fit is our pick for the best iPhone screen protector you can buy. Made of tempered glass, it boasts a 9H hardness to protect your phone from bumps and scrapes throughout the day. Even better, a special oleophobic coating is integrated into its design. This coating helps repel fingerprints, so you have a much easier time keeping your screen looking clean and clear. This protector kit includes two refills, cleaning wipes, and even an auto-alignment tray for quick and easy installation.

Also: How to keep your iPhone looking like you just bought it

Every time ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes gets a new iPhone, this Spigen screen protector is set up ASAP. 

"At the top of my list of features I love about these screen protectors is that they are easy to fit, thanks to the frame system that holds the protector in place and makes applications a snap," Kingsley-Hughes said of the EZ Fit protector. 

Redditors like the extra protection the EZ Fit adds to their iPhone screens and the easy installation offered by the application kit. Many current Redditors said the EZ Fit protector was worth the money and is of excellent value. 

Spigen EZ Fit Screen Protector features: Material: Tempered Glass | Item Hardness: 9H | Oleophobic coating | Product Dimensions: 5.66 x 2.67 x 0.02 inches | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: 2

If you love keeping your wallet and phone together (or you forget one or the other), consider a MagSafe wallet. The Satechi Magnetic Wallet stand combines an affordable yet premium luxury build and design with everyday functionality. With four card slots and a designated space for your ID, there's a spot for your essential cards to keep you on the go. 

ZDNET expert reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes calls Satechi's model the perfect balance of style and functionality. "The main thing I like about this wallet is the build quality," Kingsley-Hughes wrote in his review. "The materials look and feel premium, and the construction is such that it's not going to fall apart without a real fight." 

Review: Satechi Magnetic Wallet Stand

The Satechi wallet can also double as a phone stand that can be oriented horizontally or vertically. It is made of scratch-resistant vegan leather that is easy to wipe clean. Equipped with strong magnets, the Satechi wallet is MagSafe, and it won't fall off the back of your device. 

Amazon customers like the Satechi wallet's secure magnet strength and sturdiness and mention that it feels top-quality. If you're looking for a clean, premium phone wallet, the Satechi delivers with a tough yet elegant design and build. 

Satechi Magnetic Wallet Stand features: Compatible with: iPhone 12 -15 models, including Pro and Max | Multi-functional | Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches | Card capacity: 4 cards 

If you're a frequent traveler or are away from an outlet too often, a MagSafe battery pack is a staple iPhone accessory. This Baseus 10,000mAh magnetic power bank is ZDNET's pick for the best overall MagSafe battery pack, and for good reason. While most battery power packs can only supplement a little battery boost, this power bank can get up to two recharges on an iPhone and charge two different devices simultaneously. 

This power bank is for iPhones with MagSafe, but Android users can also reap the benefits of this bank with a couple of added accessories. When ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes tried out the battery pack, he said the magnetic connection was "one of the best I've seen" and said the power bank is "more than enough" to get you through a day of hard work. 

Review: Baseus 10,000mAh magnetic portable charger

How much juice you can get from the power bank depends on your iPhone version. If you have an iPhone 13, you can recharge it about 1.8 times with Baseus's charging capacity and 2.1 times with an iPhone 12. For around $46, it's also a pretty affordable bank for the battery it replenishes. 

Amazon reviewers also noted that they liked the Baseus power bank's quality, appearance, and charging performance. Many said they appreciated the dual charging feature and the strong magnetic attachment to ensure the security of their iPhones. 

Baseus 10,000mAh magnetic portable charger specs: Capacity: 10,000mAh/18.5Wh | Charging Port: Wireless Charging (7.5W and 15W) + USB-C (20W PD) | Power button:  Yes

Authors note: The Baseus battery pack is currently sold out on the Baseus website as of June 11, 2024. You can sign up for restock notifications on the company's site. The Anker 633 MagSafe battery is a comparable 10,000 mAh bank currently that retails for $80. 

Your iPhone isn't complete without an on-the-go charging accessory. And if a traditional MagSafe battery pack is too much for you, the extra-compact Anker Nano Power Bank may be perfect. According to Anker, this power bank packs 5,000mAh capacity, which is enough to charge an iPhone 15 Pro to 68%. When ZDNET's Sabrina Ortiz tested the mini charger in 2023, she found that it charged her Samsung Z Flip 4 from zero to 30% in half an hour, and she loved the lipstick-sized battery for its easy portability. 

Review: Anker Nano Power Bank

"Although it might not seem like a tremendous boost, remember that this portable charger is meant to get you out of a pinch," Ortiz said. The power bank's small form factor, USB-C connector, and 5,000mAh capacity make it a solid travel charger for all your on-the-go needs, but if you own a non-USB-C iPhone (anything before the iPhone 15), the charging port won't be compatible.

Amazon reviewers loved the Nano power bank for its easy-to-use capabilities, foldable USB-C port, extreme portability, and ample extra power-up. Just as Ortiz noted, current users said to keep in mind that this charger won't provide a total power boost for your iPhone but rather just enough to get by. 

Anker Nano Power Bank features: Foldable USB-C connector | 5,000 mAh capacity | Extremely portable 

If you have an iPhone, your best bet for a smartwatch or fitness tracker is an Apple Watch. Thanks to its supreme package of features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is ZDNET's pick for the best Apple Watch wearable for most people. The Series 9 seamlessly connects with your iPhone, offering the easiest way to enjoy everything about a smartwatch. 

The Apple Watch Series 9 can track activity, steps, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen (lung function), wrist temperature, sleep, and environmental sound levels (to protect your hearing), all of which customers who have reviewed the watch say "make day to day living so much easier." It also uses algorithms and machine learning to spot dangerous patterns and alert you to seek medical attention. There are many stories of people who've had life-saving experiences with health alerts from an Apple Watch.  

Review: Apple Watch Series 9

ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner went hands-on with the Series 9 in 2023, and his testing highlighted two significant upgrades: A 2000 nit display that is double the brightness of last year's S8, and a new S9 SiP processor, which has a 30% faster GPU and processes machine learning twice as fast. 

Also: The best Apple Watches of 2024

Hiner says that if you're looking for an iPhone-compatible smartwatch, the Series 9 is it. "If you want the latest health sensors and safety features, great battery life (especially if you want to do sleep tracking), and you don't need the extreme features in the Ultra 2; then you can save a lot of money by going with the aluminum model of the Apple Watch Series 9 starting at $399." 

Redditors liked the double-tap feature available on the Series 9 but said the latest wearable lacked significant changes from prior iterations. So, we suggest closely evaluating your needs for a smartwatch before making a purchase. 

Apple Watch Series 9 tech specs: Display size: 41 or 45mm | Battery life: Up to 36 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Features: New features include a 2x brighter display, double-tap gesture, new pink color, robust S9 processor, all the best health sensors Apple has to offer

Nomad's Sport Case for iPhone is approved by ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner. Hiner says this Nomad case is a "great mix of protective, easy-to-grip, lightweight, and distinctive look." 

Also: The best iPhone 15 cases: Expert tested

Hiner added that attention to detail is prominent in the ever-so-slight indent down the sides of the case, which makes it easier to hold, and the notched lines in the metal power button have a pleasant tactile feel. The sport case also features 8ft of drop protection, so you don't have to worry about everyday bumps, drops, and scrapes. 

This case is available for the various iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models. With MagSafe and wireless charging capabilities, you'll be able to power up easily. 

According to recent site reviews, Current Nomad case users love the style, low profile, drop protection, and metal buttons. One customer noted that Nomad cases are "the only gear [they] truly like and feel comfortable with." 

Nomad Sport case for iPhone features: High-gloss, grippy backplate | Grippy TPU protective bumper | Anodized aluminum buttons | MagSafe and wireless charging compatible | 8ft drop protection | Luxury feel

Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner noted that the Ugreen 3-Port charger is ZDNET's top pick for the best iPhone wireless accessory and charger. Since new iPhones no longer come with a wall charger, you'll need to invest in one almost immediately if you don't already have a solid option on hand. 

Also: The best USB-C chargers and accessories for your iPhone

Since the USB-C is a universal charger that can charge many of your devices, the top charger for current iPhones will be one that can charge multiple devices simultaneously. And Hiner recommends this one from Ugreen. 

It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port (for your older devices), a display on the front that confirms your devices are actually charging, is fairly compact, and comes in a fun and stylish form factor that makes it look like a tiny (and adorable) robot. With it, you can not only fast-charge an iPhone 15 Pro but also charge a MacBook Air, an iPad, AirPods, a Kindle, a Nintendo Switch, headphones, and almost any other device. 

Amazon customers enjoyed the compact design, quality, quick charging, and fun robot design. 

Ugreen Robot GaN 65W 3-port charger features: Compact GaN charger | Compatible with iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and more | 3 USB ports (1 USB-A port and 2 USB-C ports)