Best iPhone accessories: Apple AirTag, power banks, personalised cases and more

If you want to boost your iPhone setup or are looking for a gift that phone users will actually use, our curated list of add-ons will offer some inspiration.

To build a list of must-have iPhone accessories, along with some fun but non-essential gadgets, we asked Which? staff to share the products they've loved giving or receiving. Our final list includes power-boosting battery packs and personalised cases to suit your style and personality.

Keep scrolling for access to our first-hand recommendations, plus links to our expert product reviews that reveal the latest Which? Best Buys.

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Smart tech and tracking

Apple AirTag

What is it? A Bluetooth tracker that locates items by using Apple's Find My network.

We like: Built-in speaker, can share AirTag details with up to five people

Watch out for: When outside Bluetooth range, AirTags depend on nearby Apple devices via the Find My network

The Apple AirTag is designed to help you track down lost belongings and has a built-in speaker that plays a sound when you're nearby. Simply tuck the AirTag into the pocket of a backpack or your luggage, for example, and you won’t have to waste time hunting it down.

Apple uses a community-driven system to locate AirTags that have become separated from their owners. Every iPhone, iPad and Mac connected to the Find My network around the world becomes a beacon that an AirTag in Lost Mode can communicate with.

Our product experts have tried out the Apple AirTag to see how effective it is at helping you track down your belongings – see our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers.

Why we chose it:

'I recently gifted my mum an AirTag because she's always misplacing her car keys. She's not especially tech-savvy (she won't mind me saying that), but she finds it really easy to use and loves how quickly she can track down her keys with her phone. She bought her own AirTag case online, as there are loads of different colours and patterns to choose from.'

Tom Morgan

Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 45mm

What is it? A smartwatch with built-in GPS.

We like: Comfortable, packed with features

Watch out for: Not compatible with Apple iPads, no blood-pressure monitoring

This Apple Watch is one of the more budget-friendly models. It has built-in GPS, plus wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Apple Watch Series 9 can track lots of fitness activities, including running, cycling and rowing. Runners can monitor duration, distance, cadence, current pace, plus heart rate, calories burned and elevation. It's also equipped with a fall-detection system that automatically makes an emergency call if it thinks you’ve had a hard fall and can’t get back up. 

To see which Apple Watch models have aced our tests, check our guide to the best Apple Watch to buy.

Why we chose it:

'This Apple Watch is worth a closer look if you don’t feel the need to splash out on a top-of-the-range model – especially with Ultra versions pushing past £800.

'It’s a sensible gift for fitness fanatics who haven’t yet made the jump to a smartwatch, offering access to third-party apps like Strava and seamless integration with music services such as Apple Music and Spotify.'

Adam Speight

Looking for a bargain? Check out the best Apple deals

For music lovers

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

What is it? Truly wireless headphones bundled with interchangeable silicone eartips.

We like: Noise-cancelling technology

Watch out for: There are plenty of alternative iPhone-compatible headphones that are cheaper

These wireless headphones are compatible with most Apple devices, such as iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac. They’re broadly similar in design to the first-generation Airpods Pro.

There are touch controls on the stem – these let you control noise cancellation, among other functions. These headphones are also rated IPX4 water and sweat-resistant for both the earbuds and case.

To see how our experts got on with these headphones in the test lab, see our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) review.

Why we chose it:

'These AirPods come with a MagSafe charging case that supports Qi and MagSafe wireless charging, as well as USB-C cable charging, offering flexible and convenient ways to power up.

'They feature active noise cancellation, which is designed to block out background sounds so you can focus on your music or podcast. The touch controls let you pause or play audio, or take a call with a quick tap. We tested the battery life in our lab as part of our full review, giving you a clear picture of how they perform in everyday use.'

Andrew Laughlin

Charging accessories

Anker Nano Powerbank

What is it? A 5,000mAh portable charger.

We like: Small and lightweight

Watch out for: You might prefer a higher-capacity power bank

This mini iPhone accessory plugs into the charging port to give you some extra screen time. It weighs around 100g and is small enough to slip into your pocket while you're travelling.

The Anker Nano Powerbank has two USB-C ports that function as both inputs and outputs, along with a foldable built-in USB-C connector for added convenience on the go. It's available in a range of colours.

Anker promises 'all-day power' from this gadget, so we've put that to the test as part of our full review. See our guide to the best power banks and portable chargers.

Why we chose it:

'I got one of these power banks for each of my sons last Christmas. It's super light, so it slips easily into a small bag for long journeys or camping trips.

'The Belkin 5K could also be worth a look if you have a MagSafe iPhone, but it's bulkier and slightly more expensive.'

Lisa Barber

Belkin BoostCharge Pro charging station

What is it? A charging stand that powers up multiple Apple devices at once.

Available from: Belkin

We like: Convenient, space-saving design

Watch out for: Check the compatibility tab on Belkin's website

If you're shopping for an iPhone user who has a MagSafe-compatible phone, an Apple Watch and AirPods, this all-in-one docking station will help them charge all their devices at once.

The charging stand, which comes in black or white, offers 'up to 15W fast wireless charging for iPhone 15 through iPhone 12 models'. An LED light on the device indicates that it's charging your devices.

Why we chose it:

'I really like how this station cuts down on clutter. Instead of juggling different cables for my devices, I just drop them onto the stand and they all charge in one place.

'It looks neat on a bedside table or desk, and I’ve found it charges everything reliably overnight. A simple upgrade that makes a big difference to my daily routine.'

Steph Kipling

Cases and attachments

Custom Pet Phone Case

What is it? An iPhone case with a cartoon-style picture of your pet.

Available from: Etsy

We like: Affordable, lots of different colour options

Watch out for: Make sure you select the correct iPhone model when ordering

A new phone case can make a great, affordable gift for any iPhone user.

This case from Etsy comes in a wide range of colours. You simply enter your pet's name, choose a font style, attach an image and you're all set. When ordering, make sure the photo you submit is well lit and provides a close-up view of your pet.

Why we chose it:

'Etsy is a treasure trove for custom cases and, if you're shopping for a pet owner, a cartoon-style pet phone case is a lovely way to add personality to their iPhone.

'If you'd prefer to have a case starring humans, this Casewear alternative is popular.'

Tom Morgan

PopSocket

What is it? Clips to the back of your iPhone to provide a secure grip.

We like: A massive selection of colours and themes

Watch out for: Adds bulk to the back of your iPhone, check phone compatibility before buying

A PopSocket sticks on the back of your iPhone, making it easier to hold, text and scroll. The expanding design collapses flat when not in use, and the adhesive base means it stays put without damaging your phone.

Note that you can also buy MagSafe-compatible PopSockets – they're arguably more convenient, but slightly more expensive.

Why we chose it:

'My youngest son loves plants, so I got him a Monstera PopSocket for Christmas. He uses it on his phone while video calling his cousins during gaming sessions.

'They're funky and come in a wide range of themes, from plantcore to the Death Star.'

Lisa Barber

Fashion

Dune Cross Body Micro Bag

What is it? A small phone purse with an adjustable strap

Available from: Dune London

We like: Multiple colours, stylish design

Watch out for: Limited space for anything beyond the basics

This compact bag from Dune will keep your phone close and your hands free, with just enough space for the essentials. It has a popper front, secure zip fastening and is finished with gold-tone branding.

The bag comes in a brown shade for a sophisticated look, or a multicoloured alternative to suit a more playful personality. It also has a built-in sunglasses holder if you're taking it on holiday.

Why we chose it:

'I bought this bag for my mum and she absolutely loves it. It's really well made and comfortable to wear. It keeps her phone safe, makes it easy to grab when answering a call, and it no longer gets lost at the bottom of her handbag. It's stylish, too.'

Alison Potter

Phone mounts

Amazon Basics Mini Tripod

What is it? A sub-£10 tripod for filming while travelling

We like: Affordable, small enough to tuck into a bag

Watch out for: Mobile holder attachment not included

If you're shopping for a keen photographer or video maker, this affordable iPhone tripod could be a great fit. 

The adjustable legs and rubber feet are designed to keep the tripod stable while you're getting your shot, and it has a mini ball head that allows for 360-degree rotation and 90-degree tilt.

Why we chose it:

'Tripods for mobile phones are a dime a dozen, but this miniature tripod is solid enough. More for stability than height, it's great for those moments when you want to keep a phone super steady.'

Paul Lester

Peak Design Mobile Car Mount

What is it? Uses MagSafe-compatible magnets to hold your phone in place.

We like: Sleek design, strong magnets

Watch out for: Expensive (but you might be able to buy one used)

This car mount combines a sophisticated design with some serious holding power. It attaches to your car’s dashboard or air vent and, once in place, keeps your phone securely in position.

For more alternatives, explore our guide to the best car phone holders and mounts.

Why we chose it:

'This super-strong magnetic case and car mount has never fallen off in the two years I’ve owned it and driven around with it. It's particularly handy if you use your phone as a sat nav.

'They're rather expensive, though, so I bought both the case and the mount second-hand on eBay.'

Michael Passingham

Screen protectors

JETech Screen Protector (iPhone 15 series)

What is it? A screen cover made from tempered glass.

We like: Bundled with an installation tool

Watch out for: Only compatible with iPhone 15 models (more on that below)

No smartphone owner will complain about being gifted a few extra screen protectors, especially if their display is looking a little worse for wear.

These protectors from JETech help to guard against fingerprints, oil residue and sweat. You get an alignment tool in the box, which makes it easier to attach the protector without it overlapping the edge of your phone display.

Of course, not everybody has an iPhone 15. If you visit the brand's Amazon storefront and select For iPhone, you can see protectors for other models.

Why we chose it:

'The newer iPhone models leave the camera lenses a little vulnerable in my opinion, especially if (like me) you have a habit of dropping your phone. This tempered glass screen protector has saved my phone more than once.'

Emily Seymour