Best gifts: Top iPhone X/iPhone 8 accessories from $6 to $200
Anker SoundCore 2
The Anker SoundCore 2 is hands-down the best portable speaker I've tested.
- Dynamic Stereo: Enjoy crisp, energetic sound with impressive volume, powered by 2 x 8W stereo drivers with remarkable frequency response. Sublime bass is delivered by dual passive subwoofers.
- Tough Tech: Tough Bluetooth speakers. IP67 waterproof (1m depth) and dust-tight. Shock resistant.
- Bluetooth 4.1: Advanced Bluetooth tech offers an extended 66ft range (outside) so you can take your phone further without losing connection and make hands-free calls with the built-in noise-canceling mic.
- Breakthrough Battery Performance: 15-hour playtime from the built-in, high-capacity lithium-ion battery (with Anker's industry-leading power management) keeps your music playing all day, non-stop. You can even charge your phone or tablet with the charging port. Playtime varies according to volume level and audio content.
Price: $46 | More info
Anker SoundBuds Life
Because the weight of the electronics is supported by your neck rather than your ears, the Anker SoundBuds Life are comfortable to wear for hours, even in the gym.
- Better Beats: Smooth, high-fidelity audio is delivered via dual-layer, composite driver technology.
- Leading Playtime: Listen for an astonishing 20 hours, or talk for up to 24 on a single charge. Fully recharge in just 90 minutes.
- Ergonomic Engineering: A slimline, silicon neckband ensures a premium and lightweight feel. Compact, comfortable earbuds magnetically clip together for tangle-free storage.
- Water Resistant: IPX5 rating means you can listen in practically any environment - grab superior audio, come rain or shine.
- What's In The Box: SoundBuds Life, S/M/L/XL EarTips, Micro USB Cable, Travel Pouch, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Price: $49 | More info
iPhone micro SD card reader
A handy micro SD card reader built into an iPhone charging cable. A cheap and simple way to add more storage to your iPhone or iPad.
Price: $20 | More info
Vinpok Beam-L
Dual Lightning Adapter for iPhone 7 allowing you to charge your iPhone and have headphones/microphone connected simultaneously.
Price: $20 | More info
Syncwire UNBREAKcable Lightning to USB Cable
If it's a super-tough cable you want, the one of the best that I've come across is the Syncwire UNBREAKcable series.
This cable has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd:
- The outer is a high molecular weight polythene that is 40 percent stronger than kevlar
- Tested to 30,000 bend cycles to 90 degrees
- Reinforced stress points at connectors
Price: $16 | More info
SIMore adapter
If you need to switch between multiple SIM cards, then you can, a) Keep fiddling with that tiny SIM tray until one day it springs out and is lost down the air vent in your car, b) carry multiple handsets, or c) fit a SIMore adapter.
Price: around $50 | More info
RAM Mount X-Grip
If your smartphones spend a lot of time in the car, it's vital that you have a decent in-car mount for it. I've tested a lot of different mounts and the one I keep coming back to is the RAM Mount X-Grip.
Not only does this fit a wide variety of smartphones - it's big enough to accommodate my iPhone 6S Plus in a protective case - but it can be coupled to a wide variety of different mounting devices (such as suction cups and yoke clamps), so you can use it in the car, bike, motorcycle or even a boat.
Price: $60 | More info
Anker 2-Port 24W USB wall charger
Since very few of us have only one device that needs charging, it saves a lot of space to have a wall charger that will charge multiple devices. And the Anker 2-port 24 watt wall charger ticks all the boxes - it's compact, yet delivers enough power to charge a smartphone and a tablet, and comes with an 18-month warranty.
Price: $14 | More info
Anker 24W dual USB car charger
If you're on the road a lot then a car charger is an invaluable tool. This Anker dual-port USC car charger outputs 24 watts, which means that it delivers enough power to charge a smartphone and a tablet.
It also comes with an 18-month warranty.
Price: $10 | More info
Apie Premium in-ear noise cancelling earbuds with microphone
Block out the world with these noise-cancelling earbuds that also feature a microphone and a one-button remote for answering calls. They even come in a handy carry case to stop them getting into a hellish tangle when you are carrying them.
Price: $20 | More info
SanDisk iXpand flash drive
This one is for iPhone and iPad users. I just use the SanDisk iXpand flash drive which offers me an extra 128GB for photos and media. As an added bonus I can use this as a regular high-speed flash drive on my Mac or PCs.
Price: from $45 to $200, depending on capacity | More info
BeatsX Earphones
If the AirPods are a little bit too minimalist for you, how about the BeatsX earphones. With up to 8 hours of battery life and a Fast Fuel system means that a 5-minute charge gives you 2 hours of playback.
Price: $150 | More info
Anker PowerCore+ Mini
I use to suffer from battery life anxiety whenever I needed to use my iPhone heavily, but I've overcome that by carrying a small external battery pack with me when I'm out and about. Yes, I know that I could go through all my settings disabling everything, but why carry an iPhone around with me in the first place if it can't do anything?
If you want a small battery pack that you can pop into your pocket, then the Anker PowerCore+ mini is a great choice at only $15.
Price: $15 | More info
Anker iPhone screen protector
Since the screen takes up half the iPhone, and the screen is made of glass, and glass breaks, a screen protector can mean the difference between a broken iPhone and an iPhone that lives to fight another day.
At only 0.3mm thin, the Anker screen protector doesn't add any bulk to the iPhone, but it does offer some extra protection against scratches, chips, and breakages.
Combine this with a heavy-duty case - such as the OtterBox Commuter (also listed here) - and you have all-round protection for your fragile iPhone.
Price: $6 | More info
Anker PowerCore 10000 battery pack
Enough power to recharge your iPhone up to three and a half times, yet small enough to slip into a pocket or handbag.
If you need a power pack that has more oomph, take a look at the Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD.
Price: $24 | More info
Tribe AB37 water resistant sports armband
If you like to go running with your iPhone then the Tribe AB37 armband is the perfect case for your device. It's water and sweatproof, offers protection against bumps and knocks, and features a reflective strip for when you're running in low-light conditions. It also has a little pouch for your house key.
Price: $10 | More info
Apple AirPods
The AirPods are Apple's new wireless headphones for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. They look like Apple EarPods, but with the cable cut off!
The built-in battery offers 5 hours of listening time, and the storage case doubles as a portable charging case, offering multiple recharges before it too needs recharging. And just 15 minutes in the case gives you 3 hours of listening time.
Price: $160 | More info
Aukey Ora camera lens kit
The Aukey Ora 2-in-1 lens kit includes a 140-degree wide angle lens and a 10X macro lens that simply clips onto the iPhone.
The detachable soft rubber clip is easy to adjust and won't leave any scratches or marks on your iPhone, and doesn't require a special case.
Price: $24.99 | More info
Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker
If you're the sort of person who loses their keys or misplaces their luggage, then the Tile Mate is perfect for you. And if you have the Tile mate but have misplaced your iPhone, you can press the button to make your handset ring!
Price: $24.99 | More info
Lamicall adjustable iPhone stand
Give your iPhone a place to live on your desk with this handy Lamicall iPhone stand. Made of sturdy aluminum, this stand is ideal not only for charging your iPhone, but for those extended FaceTime calls, or for when you want to watch a movie or play a game but don't want to have to hold your the entire time.
Price: $14 | More info
OtterBox Commuter Series case
A touch yet thin case that adds not only side and rear protection for your iPhone in case you drop it, but also handy port covers to prevent dirt and dust from clogging up the device.
Comes in a range of colors.
Price: $21 | More info
Anker SoundCore nano Bluetooth speaker
A tiny Bluetooth speaker that you can carry around in your pocket or handbag that delivers 3 watts of crystal clear audio for up to four hours on a single charge.
The SoundCore nano also features a microphone to allow you to make and receive calls while the speaker is connected to you iPhone.
Price: $25 | More info
GripTight GorillaPod tripod
The perfect little tripod that you can pop into your pocket. Great because it works on all sorts of uneven surfaces, and holds your iPhone tight while in use.
Price: $20 | More info
Anker KARAPAX Shield case
Finding that your new iPhone is slippier than a wet bar of soap? You need a case both to add some texture and much-needed protection, and cases don't come much better than the Anker KARAPAX Shield (this is the case that I use on my personal iPhone).
The case features anti-Fingerprint, anti-Scratch and anti-Slip technology, combined with a carbon fiber texture for shock absorption all protect your phone against the wear and tear of daily life. Soft TPU polymer provides powerful grip and in-hand feeling, while also allowing for simple application and removal. Phone retains total functionality thanks to highly responsive button covers and precise cutouts.
The case has been certified to military specification MIL-STD-810G for drop tests.
Price: $8 | More info
Zolo Liberty+ Earphones
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign that netted 2.8 million USD in funding, Zolo Liberty+ Truly Wireless Earbuds are a great alternative to the Apple AirPods.
- Bluetooth 5 and LDS Antennae for more secure connections and fewer drops
- Audio Transparency: hear the world around you with the touch of a button
- Graphene audio driver for improved clarity
- 48 hour total charge with battery case; 3.5 hours earbud life
- Easiest pairing process: earbuds connect to each other and device automatically upon removal from case
Price: $149 | More info (release date Dec 4, 2017)
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Qi Wireless Fast Charging Mount
The iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Qi Wireless Fast Charging Mount combines the power of Qi wireless fast charging with the agility of the Easy One Touch mounting system.
Once a Qi compatible smartphone is mounted, it will begin to automatically charge wirelessly. The Easy One Touch 4 Qi Wireless Fast Charging Mount is universally compatible with all smartphones sizes to hold your device securely so you can drive safely.
- Qi Wireless Certified
- Universally holds all phone and case combinations from 2.3-inch - 3.72-inch
- Compatible devices include Samsung Galaxy: Note 8, S8, S8 Plus, S7, S7 Edge, Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, iPhone: X, 8, 8 Plus, LG: G6, LG G6+ and any other Qi enabled devices
- U.S. Patented Easy One Touch Mounting System
- Qi Wireless Fast Charging is up to 40 percent faster charge than standard wireless charging
- Air vents on the back of the mount allow cool air to circulate within, diffusing heat
- The newly re-designed Telescopic Arm extends from 4.9-inch - 8.3-inch and pivots 225°
- Strong suction force combined with a layer of sticky gel for a secure hold
- Adjustable Foot can move vertically or laterally to give extra support for smartphone
- For additional smartphone compatibility, the Foot can now be removed
- iOttie guarantees a hassle free 1 year warranty on all products
Price: $54.95 | More info
Apple USB-C to Lightning cable
For owners of the iPhone 8 or iPhone X who want to experience fast charging, this cable is a must. While there are no shortage of power adapters that support the necessary Power Delivery feature, the only USB-C to Lightning cable that so far works is Apple's own ultra-expensive cable.
Note that the 2-meter version costs an eye-watering $35.
Yes, it's $25, but it will revolutionise how you charge your iPhone.
Price: $25 | More info
Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Stand
Fast charging and wireless charging mean that my new iphone is never short of battery -- and that's a real weight off my mind. One of my new charging strategies involves popping my iPhone into the Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 stand when I'm at my desk. Not only does it keep my iPhone charged up, but its a great stand for Facetime calls and watching videos.
- Charge Fast, Live More: Give iPhone a 10% faster charge than other 5W wireless chargers.
- Versatile Viewing: Charge vertically or horizontally for ideal use with Face ID or for watching videos.
- Certified Safe: Totally eliminate the radiation and overheating risks associated with wireless charging. With overvoltage protection, temperature control, foreign object detection, and more, you and your iPhone are fully protected.
- What You Get: PowerPort Wireless 5 stand, 3ft microUSB cable
Price: $26.99 | More info