Picking out a smartphone is a tremendously difficult chore considering all of the great choices out there, but picking the right accessories for your phone can be even more difficult. Why? Because instead of choosing from a dozen or so solid choices, there are hundreds or even thousands.
With the holidays fast approaching, we dug through the crates and selected 10 of the best mobile accessories money can buy. Looking for the perfect gift? Looking to treat yourself this holiday season? You can’t go wrong with any of the great devices on this list.
FROM EARLIER: 10 cases that will protect your iPhone 6 without ruining Apple’s gorgeous design
Motorola Moto Hint
Motorola spent the second half of 2014 showing us that not only is it still a player, it’s a leader. The company launched three of the best smartphones of the year in a span of just a few months, and each one balanced power and specs with unique and modern design.
The Moto Hint Bluetooth headset an equally impressive feat of design and technology.
Motorola’s Hint is among the smallest headsets in the world, with a customizable design and a companion charging case that will fit comfortably in any pocket or bag.
The device is controlled with a single capacitive button, and it works great with any Android phone or iPhone.
Motorola Moto Hint – $149.99
Adonit Jot Touch
Not all tablet styluses are created equal, and the Jot Touch is the cream of the crop.
With the Jot Touch, Apple’s iPad is instantly transformed into a canvas, a sketch pad, a design pad or anything else you need it to be. The device features a precise “Pixelpoint” tip and pressure sensitivity that recognizes 2,048 different levels of pressure.
With compatible apps, the Jot Touch also supports palm rejection for a more natural drawing and writing experience.
The device lasts for up to 11 hours of usage or a month of standby time per charge, and it’s a must-have tool for any creative iPad owner.
Adonit Jot Touch (Black) – $74.99
Adonit Jot Touch (White) – $99.99
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L
Integrated personal hotspot features on smartphones have eliminated the need for dedicated portable hotspots for many users, but people who are always on the go know that relying on a smartphone for connectivity is a mistake.
For them, Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi 6620L by Novatel Wireless is as good as it gets.
Verizon’s new Jetpack offers as many as 20 hours of usage time on a single charge, and it can support up to 15 connections. Add in the best 4G LTE coverage in the country and you’ve got the total package.
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L – $0.01-$199.99
Fuz EverDock
We were disappointed at first when Apple failed to release its own dock alongside the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it led us to several fantastic dock options, including the EverDock.
Fuz Designs’ sleek aluminum dock is compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus thanks to its smart design. The dock also uses your own OEM Lightning cable as the connector, so you don’t have to worry about lower-quality third-party cables.
Fuz EverDock – $49.99
PowerSkin Pop’n 2
PowerSkin’s Pop’n 2 has a weird name, but don’t let it deter you. This portable battery pack for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sports a smart design and good performance.
The device ships with a clear case for your phone and then attaches to the back of the case with 32 small suction cups. A separate piece then connects the battery to the Lightning port on your iPhone. The connector is a bit flexible as well, so you can use the battery pack with your own hard case instead.
PowerSkin’s Pop’n 2 features a 4,000 mAh battery that is good for a full charge on the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus with room to spare.
Also of note, the company is offering a Cyber Monday deal that lets customer buy any original Pop’n case for just $0.01 plus shipping. Just use the code PENNY at checkout.
PowerSkin Pop’n 2 – $64.95-$69.99
Just Mobile AluPen Digital
People looking for an iPad stylus who don’t need to pay a premium for the professional grade experience afforded by the Adonit Jot Touch should absolutely look into the AluPen Digital by Just Mobile.
We reviewed the AluPen Digital this past summer and we were big fans. The ultra-fine tip is precise, the design is great and the device is powered by a AAA battery.
Just Mobile AluPen Digital – $49.95
Kenu Airframe+
We called Kenu’s original Airframe mount the best in the world for travelers when we reviewed it this past summer [https://bgr.com/2014/06/11/best-iphone-car-mount-android-kenu-airframe/], but the device couldn’t quite handle the phablet craze. As a result, Kenu introduced the Airframe+.
Like its predecessor, the Airframe+ connects to any AC vent in your car to instantly transform it into a smartphone mount. It is as simple as it is reliable, and it can now accommodate even the most gigantic phones on the market.
Kenu Airframe+ – $29.99
August Smart Lock
Smart locks are great in theory, but most of them are also ugly and offputting. August’s Smart Lock, on the other hand, is anything but offputting.
This great little lock lets you access your home with nothing but a smartphone. You can also give anyone else with a smartphone temporary access to your home by lending them a virtual key, which is great for house cleaners and guests.
And of course, the Smart Lock touches on home security as well, with the ability to send you an alert anytime someone opens your door.
August Smart Lock – $249.99
Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast is an inexpensive little dongle that needs no introduction. For less than $40, you can stream just about anything you can think of from an Android smartphone or tablet to your TV.
It really is a must-have for Android users.
Chromecast – $32
Moov
When we reviewed the Moov last month, we called it the future of wearables. Step tracking and heart rate monitoring are great, but an intelligent device that helps you get the most out of your workouts is in a completely different league.
Moov isn’t a step-tracker, it’s a personal coach that guides you through workouts and helps you improve your form. Best of all, its capabilities are always expanding as new apps are released.
Moov – $79.95
The Moov has also been awarded a BGR Seal Of Approval, which we award to just a handful of products each year that have been thoroughly tested and found to be a cut above the rest. More information can be found here.
Be sure to check out the rest of the posts in our holiday buying guide series
