The iPhone isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cut costs on the extras. In fact, spending a small amount on the right accessories can greatly enhance your daily experience.

Sure, investing in a solid case is smart for protecting your device, but there are plenty of affordable add-ons that deliver real value without draining your wallet. Here are some of our top picks.

9 NFC Tags

Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology you’ve likely already used—think unlocking your front door with your phone or tapping in at the gym. But NFC’s potential goes well beyond that.

NFC tags are tiny, inexpensive stickers or cards that can be programmed to perform actions. You can store data like text, URLs, Wi-Fi passwords, or contact info. Using a free app such as NFC Tools, simply write the desired information to a blank tag. Keep in mind, most tags can only be written to once.

Tired of Forgetting to Water Your Plants? Try NFC Tags Use NFC tags to automate logging when you water your indoor plants.

PostsNFC tags are among the most affordable iPhone accessories available. For around $15 on Amazon, you can get a pack of 50 and place them anywhere—from your desk to your car keys.

8 A 3D-Printed Stand

Apple introduced StandBy mode to turn your iPhone into a smart display when charging. When combined with the always-on screen of the iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, or 16 Pro, it shows the time, calendar events, photos, and widgets—making it a handy bedside or desk companion.

But to use it effectively, you need a way to prop up your phone. Enter the 3D-printed stand. If you own a 3D printer—or have access to one at a library or through a friend—you can make a custom stand for just a few cents in materials. Many designs even include space for a MagSafe charging puck, letting you charge wirelessly while your phone is displayed.

Related ##### Upgrade Your iPhone's MagSafe Charger With These 3D-Printable Stands

A small piece of plastic and a MagSafe charger are all you need to build a functional iPhone stand.

Posts 7 A MagSafe Ring Stand or PopSocket -------------------------------------

If you’re using a larger iPhone—like the Plus or Pro Max models—or just want a better grip, a MagSafe-compatible ring stand or PopSocket can help. These accessories attach magnetically, so they’re easy to use and remove.

I personally prefer ring stands because they double as kickstands, letting you prop up your phone at an angle for watching videos or taking portrait-mode video calls. They fold flat when not in use and stay securely attached. You can find quality ring stands on Amazon for about $15.

PopSockets, while a bit pricier at around $20, offer excellent grip and come in many fun designs. They don’t function as stands, but they’re just as easy to attach and remove. And if you shop around, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly alternatives.

6 A Fast Charger

Still using an old 5W charger? It’s time for an upgrade. Fast chargers used to be expensive, but prices have dropped dramatically as the tech has become standard. Today, you can pick up a compact 30W foldable charger from brands like Anker for under $20.

If you own an iPhone 16 or newer, you can take advantage of up to 45W wired charging. For older models, a 30W charger is more than sufficient. You can go for a basic single-port model to save money, or invest a little more in a multi-port charger that powers all your devices at once. While pricier upfront, it can replace multiple chargers and save money in the long run.

I use a UGREEN Nexode 100W four-port charger by my bed—it mainly charges my Steam Deck but also handles my iPhone and Apple Watch when I travel.

• 

  Ugreen Nexode 100W 4-Port Charger

  With three USB-C ports and a compact design, the Ugreen Nexode 100W charger offers great performance and value.

  See at Amazon Expand Collapse

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  Anker 30W PIQ 3.0 USB-C Fast Charger

  This Anker 30W USB-C PD charger delivers fast charging for compatible devices. Grab one and ditch the slow charging.

  See at Amazon Expand Collapse

5 A Super-Long Charging Cable

The cable that comes with your iPhone is fine for charging on a desk or nightstand, but it won’t reach from your bed to the sofa. Want to scroll through social media while charging? You’ll likely come up short.

The fix? A long charging cable. With the iPhone now fully on USB-C, you can find high-quality, durable 10-foot (3-meter) cables for under $10. Anker’s nylon-braided version supports up to 100W, so it’s perfect for fast charging your iPhone even at full length.

Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable

Anker’s durable, nylon-wrapped USB-C cable supports Power Delivery and is ideal for users who want a reliable, tangle-resistant charging solution.

See at AnkerSee at Amazon Expand Collapse 4 A Wireless Charger

Every iPhone since the iPhone 8 supports wireless charging. While it might not seem like a game-changer, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Apple has embraced Qi2, and the iPhone 16 can charge wirelessly at up to 25W when paired with a Qi2-certified charger and a 30W power adapter. If you have an iPhone 13, 14, or 15 (including Pro models), you can still get 15W wireless charging with Qi2 and a 20W adapter.

For 25W charging, Apple’s updated $40 MagSafe charger is your best bet. If you’re okay with 15W, the Anker Zolo 15W magnetic puck is a more affordable option. The magnetic alignment makes these ideal for use on a nightstand, desk, or in your car.

Apple MagSafe Charger (2024)

Brand

Apple

Output

25W

Apple’s refreshed MagSafe charger delivers 25W wireless charging to iPhone 16 models when used with a compatible 30W adapter. It’s Qi and Qi2 certified, so it can also charge other Qi-enabled devices and AirPods with wireless charging cases.

$39 at Apple$39 at Amazon Expand Collapse 3 Wireless CarPlay Adapter

CarPlay is fantastic—I use it every time I drive. The catch? My car only supports

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