Phone accessories occupy a strange space: some are essential daily-use items that most people are still overpaying for at phone stores, and some are clever solutions to annoyances you didn’t realize you had. These six picks all cost under $10 on Amazon and solve problems you deal with constantly.
Ailun Tempered Glass Screen Protector — ~$7 (3-pack)
A cracked screen is a $200–400 repair. A tempered glass screen protector is $7 for three. Ailun makes protectors for virtually every phone model and includes an installation frame that aligns the glass perfectly on first try. The oleophobic coating reduces fingerprints and the 9H hardness rating resists scratches from keys and coins. This is the highest-ROI purchase on this list — buy it the day you get a new phone, not after the first drop.
PopSockets PopGrip — ~$8
The PopSockets grip is still the best phone grip available. It collapses flat for pocketing, expands into a secure grip for one-handed use, and doubles as a stand for hands-free viewing. The swap-able top design lets you customize without replacing the base. At $8 for the standard version, it’s the most useful $8 phone accessory that exists.
ESR HaloLock Magnetic Car Mount — ~$9
For iPhone MagSafe users, the ESR HaloLock mount snaps onto any vent or dashboard at $9. For non-iPhone users, ESR makes a universal version with a magnetic ring. One-handed mount and dismount, 360-degree rotation, and solid magnetic hold. This beats a $40 Belkin magnetic mount for most everyday driving use.
OMOTON Stylus Pen for iPad/Touchscreen — ~$7
For iPad users or anyone who uses a touchscreen device for notes, the OMOTON stylus at $7 provides a fine-tipped alternative to finger input. Not a pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil replacement — but for note-taking, signing PDFs, and navigation, it dramatically improves precision. Works on all touchscreens, no Bluetooth required.
Cable Clips/Organizer — ~$5 (20-pack)
Cable management clips that stick to desks and nightstands solve the most universal tech annoyance: tangled, falling cables. A $5 pack of 20 clips routes your phone, laptop, and tablet cables exactly where you want them. They peel off without residue if you rearrange. Small but genuinely life-improving in any workspace.
Anker USB-C to USB-A Cable 2-Pack — ~$9
Anker’s charging cables are the standard against which all other budget cables are measured. The braided nylon exterior resists tangling and fraying, the connectors are tight-fitting, and the charging speed is as fast as the hardware supports. At $9 for two, it’s the lowest-risk way to replace a dying cable or add a spare for travel. Buy Anker cables and stop thinking about cables.