Top 5 Best iPhone Accessories

Whether you’re on your first iPhone, or rocking the latest in a long line of Apple’s smartphones, having the right accessories can really improve your experience. If you want to get the most out of your iPhone, these are your must-have accessories.

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1. Best iPhone Accessory for Car & Travel: Automatic Smart Driving Assistant

Automatic is the best iPhone accessory you’ve never heard of. This little box syncs with both your iPhone and your car’s onboard computer system, allowing you unprecedented access to your car’s driving information. Automatic can help you save money on gas by analyzing your driving habits. Additionally, Automatic can diagnose what you “check engine” light means.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Easy to install

Remembers where you parked

Provides accident reporting in the event of a crash

Minimizes battery consumption in your iPhone

Detects fill-ups and even tracks local gas prices

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Cons:

Requires iPhone 4s, 5, 5c, 5s or Android 4.0+ (older phones not compatible)

Does not work with diesel, natural gas, or electric cars (also does not work with cars older than 1996)

Some features will not work with certain car models

Crash Alert only works in the US

Crash Alert only works if unit is undamaged in the crash

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2. Best iPhone Accessory for Runners & Fitness Fiends: Wahoo Fitness Blue HR Heart Rate Monitor

The Wahoo Fitness heart rate monitor fits snugly around your chest, proving you with the most accurate heart rate and calorie burn information. While wearing something around your chest may take some getting used to, this iPhone accessory is a must-have for runners and athletes, as well as people who just want to shed a little extra weight.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Works with popular apps like RunKeeper, Cyclemeter, Strava, MapMyRun, Endomondo, Runtastic, Wahoo Fitness

Replaceable battery lasts a whole year before needing to be swapped out

Also works with iPod Touch (5th generation), iPad (3rd and 4th generations)

Access to customized Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Burn and Burst training plans

Waterproof up to 5 feet

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Cons:

Not compatible with iPhone models prior to the 4s

Does not transmit data while swimming

Device may feel uncomfortable to some

Pairing device with app could be faster

iPhone must be within 10 feet of device to record data

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3. Best iPhone Accessory for Business: Anker Portable Charger External Battery Pack

One of the most common complaints that iPhone owners have about their devices is the sub-par battery life. This external battery pack is ideal for business professionals who are on the go, and can’t afford to have their battery die on them.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Also supports Android phones, making this great to share with a colleague

Attractive, ergonomic design

Study construction designed to prevent damage if dropped

6000 mAh capacity (enough to charge an iPhone 3 times)

Available in multiple colors

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Cons:

Some adaptors not included

Larger capacity units are available

“Shake” display hard to read/interpret for some

User reviews indicate pack doesn’t hold the charge for long enough

Some users have experienced defective models that fail after a few months in service

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4. Best iPhone Accessory for the Beach: FRIEQ Universal Waterproof Case

The FRIEQ Universal Waterproof Case is ideal for iPhone owners who don’t want to risk their phones at the beach. While some waterproof iPhone cases can cost $100 or more, this is a far more reasonably priced option. Now you can use your iPhone near the pool or beach without fear. You can also store cash, cards, or keys in the pocket with your device.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Far less expensive that other waterproof cases

Waterproof to 100 feet

Universal design means you can use it for cameras, iPods, or Android phones, too

Easy to use/install

You can still take pictures when the phone is in the case

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Cons:

Warranty is only for one year, not a lifetime warranty

Case could theoretically get punctured

Must be tested prior to use, as some defective products have entered the marketplace

Case does not float well

Case may stick to screen, impede video recording

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5. Best iPhone Accessory for Music Lovers: iSound 12-in-1 Accessory Kit

This iSound 12-in-1 accessory kit has nearly everything a music fan needs to get access to their playlists while on the go. This set includes a case, car charger, stereo earbuds, screen protectors, a screen cleaning cloth, and three different audio cables.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

12 useful items in one simple package

Includes audio splitter, an audio RCA cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable

Double USB charger means no more fighting over who gets to charge their device first

Earbuds designed to stay put during vigorous exercise

Reasonably priced, great value

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Cons:

You have to buy a kit that will work with your specific iPhone model

Limited availability outside of the US

Few color options for accessories

May contain more accessories than truly needed for some consumers

Does not include FM transmitter

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Considering getting someone an electronics gift? Check out our Gifts section for tons of great gift recommendations, or visit our ultimate guides to the best gifts for women and best gifts for men.

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