Smartphone accessories like cases, screen protectors, charging cables, chargers, and power banks are commonplace, but there are many lesser-known add-ons that can genuinely improve daily life with your phone. Below are five practical, sometimes overlooked accessories that are worth considering—each described clearly with what it does, why you might want one, and the typical price range you can expect.
These accessories may not be essential for everyone, but once you start using them you’ll likely find they solve small daily annoyances in meaningful ways. Read on to discover five smartphone accessories you should consider owning.
Magnetic Wallet Card Holder
A magnetic wallet card holder adheres to the back of your phone and replaces the need to carry a separate wallet for quick trips. Most models offer multiple card slots that can hold three to six cards, and they attach with strong magnets for a secure fit. To get the most reliable attachment you’ll want a phone that supports magnetic wireless charging or a compatible magnetic case.
When shopping, look for RFID blocking in the lining. That added layer helps protect your cards from unauthorized scans and gives extra peace of mind. Typical price range: around $10–$40, depending on materials and brand.
- ESR Magnetic Wallet — Price: $13.99 (typical)
- TopMade MagSafe Wallet — Price: $39.99 (typical)
PopSocket (Phone Grip and Stand)
PopSockets are simple, affordable accessories that improve comfort and control when using a phone one-handed. They provide a secure grip for scrolling, texting, and selfies, and many models fold out to act as a convenient tabletop stand for watching videos or joining video calls hands-free.
PopSockets come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and many sets let you swap the top to match your style. They’re lightweight, easy to apply, and easy to remove without damage to most cases. Typical price: around $5–$15.
- PopSockets Phone Holder — Price: $9.99 (typical)
Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch
For anyone who spends time near water—whether at the pool, on a boat, kayaking, or at the beach—a floating waterproof pouch can be invaluable. These pouches seal your device from water and dust, and many are rated to IP68 standards, meaning they can survive full submersion to a specified depth for short periods.
Good floating pouches include an anti-pop lock to prevent accidental openings and are designed with buoyancy so your phone won’t sink if accidentally dropped. They also allow for on-screen use and touch interactions while your phone stays protected. Typical price: around $10–$25.
- Lamicall Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch — Price: $19.96 (typical)
Octobuddy Silicone Phone Mount
The Octobuddy silicone mount is a versatile, low-cost solution for hands-free phone use. Featuring many small suction cups, it sticks to most smooth surfaces and gives you a stable mount for video calls, recipe reading, filming, or watching content while you work. It’s lightweight and flexible, making it easy to reposition or remove when you don’t need it.
Installation is as simple as peeling the backing and pressing the mount to the phone or case. It’s especially useful when you need temporary mounting on windows, tiles, mirrors, or car interiors. Typical price: around $10–$20.
- Octobuddy Silicone Phone Mount — Price: $14.99 (typical)
Mobile Game Controller
If you play action or cloud games on your phone, a dedicated mobile game controller can dramatically improve gameplay. These controllers secure around your smartphone and provide tactile buttons, triggers, and joysticks—allowing more precise input than touch controls and reducing screen occlusion.
There are compact plug-in controllers and larger models with advanced features such as low-latency wireless connections, programmable buttons, and rechargeable batteries. Whether you play casual titles or competitive games, a proper controller makes long sessions more comfortable and more responsive. Typical prices range from about $40 for simple models to $150–$170 for premium controllers.
- BACKBONE One Controller — Price: $79.99 (typical)
- BACKBONE Pro Controller — Price: $169.99 (typical)
These five accessories are practical, affordable ways to get more utility from your smartphone. Whether you want to streamline what you carry, improve single-handed handling, protect your phone in wet environments, create stable hands-free setups, or level up mobile gaming, there’s likely an accessory here that will make daily phone use easier and more enjoyable.