25 useful Android accessories and compatible gadgets to use with your phone

A camera lens kit for enthusiastic phone photographers

Xenvo Camera Lens Kit Pro, $39.99, available at Amazon

Take breathtaking landscape photos and detailed close-ups with the 140-degree, wide-angle lens and the 10x macro lens in this kit. Simply clip it to the phone and align it with its camera to start snapping high-quality pictures.

Comfortable, high-quality wireless earbuds

Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $249.98, available at Best Buy

These true wireless earbuds topped even the Apple Airpods in our guide, a testament to their beautiful design and excellent sound quality. Since it's more expensive than most models, it makes sense to splurge for them during the holidays.

A flexible car mount

iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Fast Charge Car Mount, $49.95, available at Amazon

This accessory pulls double duty by charging their phone while holding it securely on their dash. The telescopic arm extends up to eight inches and pivots on a wide arc for easy readability and access.

A smart home assistant

Google Home Mini, $29, available at Best Buy and Walmart

Owners of Android devices like the Google Pixel will be happiest staying within the Google ecosystem and using the Google Home Mini smart home assistant, which helps them start their day, enjoy entertainment, and control other smart home devices.

A portable photo printer

HP Sprocket Plus Instant Photo Printer, $106.70, available at Amazon

It's quick and easy to print photos directly from their phone gallery and share them with your friends. The Sprocket Plus prints photos that are 30% larger than those from the original Sprocket.

Long, efficient charging cables

Anker Six-Foot PowerLine Charging Cable, $12.99, available at Amazon

Braided cables are more durable and don't tangle as easily as the regular ones, plus they're simply more aesthetically pleasing. Anker's are specially designed to charge phones with USB-C ports efficiently.

A pretty floral phone case

Geranium Case, $49, available at Casetify

Available for Samsung, Google, Sony, HTC, and LG devices

Phone cases often only satisfy two out of the following three criteria: durable, non-bulky, and beautiful. Casetify's are all three and I never feel like I'm settling while shopping its site.

A tough phone storage box

OtterBox DRYBOX 3250 Series, $49.99, available at Amazon

This rugged case is basically like a tiny storage box, protecting not only their phone but also their keys, wallet, and other small essentials. It's even waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.

A mini projector

Nebula Capsule Smart Mini Projector, $299.99, available at Amazon

After downloading the Nebula app, their phone becomes the TV remote for this high-quality mini projector. The projector itself runs on Android 7.1 and hosts streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix.

A crossbody to hold just the essentials

Long Crossbody Phone Pocket, $40, available at Leatherology

Travel light with a stylish, full-grain pebbled leather bag that holds their phone with a little room to spare. Choose from more than 10 different leather colors and add a monogram for just $10.

A running armband to hold your phone

Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case, $10.98, available at Amazon

Compatible with most phones, this best-selling case has a plush, elastic band for non-obtrusive comfort, reflective borders for safety, and a small pocket to hold their key as they run.

A VR headset

Google Daydream View, $89, available at Walmart Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset, $64.99, available at Amazon

Depending on which device they have, either one of these VR headsets are great choices that will immerse them in new worlds. The Daydream View works with the Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+/Note 8, Moto Z and Moto Z2, while the Samsung Gear VR works with the Galaxy series.

A gaming controller

GameSir G3s Bluetooth Wireless Controller, $35.98, available at Amazon

This controller lets them enjoy the classic gaming experience with their favorite Android games. It has a battery life of up to 18 hours, realistic vibration feedback, and a comfortable grip.

A portable speaker

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (Waterproof), $149.99, available at Amazon

The newest version of the popular UE Boom series is waterproof and can even float on top of water (a feature that we put to the test). This "virtually indestructible" Bluetooth speaker is a must-have at their next party.

A compact selfie stick

Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick, $15.99, available at Amazon

They can get the whole group in their photo with this selfie stick. It's light and durable, while featuring a 20-hour battery life and ergonomic handle.

A Wear OS smartwatch

Fossil Gen 4 Q Explorist HR Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smartwatch, $199, available at Fossil

While iPhone users have Apple Watches, Android users can choose from a number of Wear OS smartwatches. Fossil's sleek watch includes heart rate tracking, smartphone notifications, NFC payments, GPS, microphone and Google Assistant, music storage and controls, and customizable watch faces.

A wireless charging stand

Samsung Qi Certified Fast Charge Wireless Charger Stand, $38.55, available at Amazon

Get a wireless charger stand to reduce cord clutter and use their phone as it's charging. Three neutral colors (black, white, navy) maintain minimalist style.

A PopSockets phone grip and stand

PopSockets Grip, from $10, available at PopSockets and Amazon

iPhone and Android users can at least agree on one thing: PopSockets are great. Other than their smart and useful design, they're worthy gifts because there's a different style for every personality.

A powerful external battery pack

RAVPower USB-C Power Bank 20100 Portable Charger, $49.99, available at Amazon

This power bank has a USB-C port and can fully charge up their Samsung Galaxy S9 an impressive four times. It can also quickly and simultaneously charge multiple devices so they're never stuck with a dead phone or laptop.

A precise stylus pen

Bargains Depot 2-in-1 Universal Touch Screen Pen, $9.76, available at Amazon

They might want or need a stylus if they have a phone with an especially large screen. These affordable pens are precise and include 20 replacement tips. It also doesn't hurt that the colors are vibrant and eye-catching.

A phone case that holds their cards

Spigen Slim Armor Case with Card Slot Holder, $18.99, available at Amazon

They should feel safe using this phone case, which has a dual layered construction of a rigid outer shell and shock-absorbent interior. The secure storage slot slides open to fit two cards and some cash.

A car charger

Samsung Fast Charge Dual-Port Car Charger, $13.96, available at Amazon

Anyone who's spending a lot of time in their car, whether stuck in a daily commute or taking a cross-country road trip, might as well be productive during that time by keeping a car charger on hand. By the time they get to their destination, their phone will be up and ready again.

A portable Bluetooth keyboard

OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for Android, $14.99, available at Amazon

Typing up important emails or reports on a small phone is uncomfortable and invites mistakes. A light and portable Bluetooth keyboard is a convenient companion to their phone that will let them work more efficiently and accurately.

A phone sanitizer that kills 99.99% of germs on their phone

PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Dual Universal Cell Phone Charger, $79.95, available at Amazon

For better or for worse, we bring our phones with us everywhere. PhoneSoap uses UV light to kill the many bacteria they pick up along the way. It also charges their phone at the same time.

A headset to make it easy to take calls

Plantronics M95 Bluetooth Headset, $49.99, available at Best Buy

Calls come through this headset with impressive clarity. They can rely on it for uninterrupted calls as they juggle tasks like driving, grocery shopping, and dealing with kids.