If you haven’t already, check out our Apple iPhone 5C review and our Apple iPhone 5S review, along with our picks for the best iPhone 5C cases and the best iPhone 5S cases for all the Apple you can handle.
Despite what you might think, the iPhone 5C is more than just a cheapskate’s alternative to the iPhone 5S. Sure, it boasts many of the same specs as its successor, loaded with the same processing chip and 4-inch display, but the diverse assortment of colors add a level of personalization only rivaled by that of the Motorola Moto X and few other smartphones. Apple’s latest offering is also incredibly appealing considering the price, and while it performs great alongside the newly-launched iOS 7, it simply cannot do it all without a little extra help.
Thankfully, the accessory landscape is already saturated with a healthy dose of products likely to leave you smitten (and broke). Whether you’re looking for a top-notch headset, a way to stream all your favorite apps on the big screen, or a method for injecting your iPhone with a little more battery life, our roundup has a little bit of everything for everyone. And rest assured, there’s only more on the way. You didn’t think the Bone Horn Stand was going to give up that easy, did you?
Jawbone Era ($130)
Talking to yourself on the street may not win you awards in your social circle — or any circle for that matter — but a decent Bluetooth headset is crucial for those moments when hands-free is the only option. The Jawbone Era, one of several of the company’s stellar offerings, is one of the most impressive headsets out there. Aside from normal call functions and pairing, the lightweight device features a built-in accelerator for motion controls and comprehensive app support. Sound quality is excellent given the 10mm wideband speaker and coupled noise-cancellation technology, producing high-quality audio whether streaming music, mono podcasts or chatting with your boss. Plus, all three colors are moderately discreet.
Griffin Technology PowerJolt Dual Universal Macro ($20)
There isn’t much to say about Griffin’s PowerJolt standard macro. The compact and capable device plugs directly into your vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet, allowing you to power two USB-enabled devices simultaneously, while sporting SmartFuse technology for circuit-breaker protection. Although the macro works for the iPhone 5C, you can use it with a myriad of electronic devices, whether you’re looking to juice your iPhone, or another gadget. Why not snag an extra USB-to-Lightning cable while you’re at it?
Phiaton PS 210 BTNC ($130)
Companies talk of their revolutionary products and services like no other, but few of them back up their claims. Bolstered by highly-effective canceling technology and Bluetooth 3.0, the Phiaton PS 20 BTNC earphones produce some of the most remarkably dynamic and warm audio of any product in its class, while simultaneously ditching the wires and equipping an intuitive control module. The earphones are comfortable, though not the most attractive, and provide marathon battery life whether listening to tunes, making calls or merely standing by. Check out our full Phiaton PS 210 BTNC review for a closer look.
Mujjo Touchscreen Gloves ($35)
Everyone loves a nice pair of touch-capacitive, Ethiopian lambskin gloves, but few people want to spend $170 to obtain them. Fortunately, Mujjo also boasts a budget-based pair, available in four colors (sandstone, gray, lavender, pink) and intertwined with a similar set of high-quality silver-coated nylon fibers. The high-density texture, stretchy and imbued with anti-pilling properties, offers an admirable amount of insulation and warmth while allowing you to pleasantly tap out text messages or frantically tackle Angry Birds without hinderance. Talk about convenient.
Phonesuit Flex Pocket Charger ($70)
The market for iPhone 5C battery cases is currently slim, at best. While it won’t provide any substantial protection or durability, the Phonesuit Flex Pocket Charger can extend your smartphone’s battery life by an additional 125 percent. The thumb-size device boats a built-in lightning connector and a 2600mAh iPhone battery within its compact aluminum shell, while sporting a four-point LED status meter that informs you of the charger’s remaining power supply at a moment’s glance. It’s fairly speedy, charging your phone at a rate of roughly 1 percent a minute, but you can always utilize your phone from the get-go.
Sonos Play:3: Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker ($300)
Sound of this magnitude should not come from a device the size of the Sonos Play:3. Sonos’ latest foray into the realm of whole-home, audio network streaming is small, yet robust, delivering crisp and detailed audio quality regardless if the speaker stands alone or is wirelessly paired with another device in the Sonos lineup. Adorned with a inert plastic casing, rubber trim, and a meal mesh grille — along with twin 3-inch midrange drivers and single tweeter — it’s built-to-last and aesthetically pleasing, but is complimented by an app and suite of services. Still not convinced? Check out our in-depth Sonos Play:3 review for all the details.
iOttie Easy Flex Holder ($25)
Fumbling with your iPhone in the car is just as dangerous as it is illegal, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t workarounds for the tethered type. Capable of fitting mobile devices from 2.2 to 3-inches wide and laden with non-slip foam grips, the iOttie Easy Flex is one of the first devices on the market to offer mounted, 360-degree viewing of your iPhone 5C. The one-touch mount system locks your smartphone in place with a press of a finger, whether equipped to your dash or desk, and features a rinsable gel pad capable of adhering nearly all smooth and non-curved surfaces. It’s adjustable and affordable, even if it may look tacky.
Fitbit One ($100)
The Fitbit Ultra was a knockout given its price point, wearability, and lack of subscription fees when the device initially debuted in 2008. The Fitbit One, available in two designs, capitalizes on the same hallmarks and aesthetics, while further building upon the company’s flagship product line. This lightweight and streamlined device is designed to discreetly clip onto your clothing and track your daily activities, whether that be the amount of times you woke up while sleeping or the amount of calories burned on your jog through Forest Park, and wireless syncs your progress in real-time. However, being that we’re not a late-night at network, we can’t guarantee results.
Sennheiser Momentum On-ear ($230)
We don’t often recommend stretching your budget when it comes to headphones, but we’ll make an exception for Sennheiser Momentum On-ear. The retro-modern construction of the ergonomic headphones is both comfortable and sturdy, consisting of polished stainless steel and plush artificial suede, and coupled with small dynamic drivers offering a frequency range of 16-22,000Hz. The produced sound signature is crystal-clear and accurate, presenting velvety bass and vivid high-end, all within in a pricey package that screams radio-operator chic circa ’47. Still, our Sennheiser Momentum On-ear review is scant on complaints.
Apple TV ($100)
Confidently choosing a set-top box streaming device became tougher with the arrival of the Google Chromecast, but Apple’s offering still boasts the most iPhone integration available. The sleek, jet-black device grants you access to a wealth of 1080p HD content, from MLB and NHL games to Netflix to Hulu Plus, and allows you to stream content directly from your iOS device via AirPlay. The bundled physical remote is slim and simple to use, but the app provides a far more intuitive browsing experience that goes hand-in-hand with the Apple TV’s mirroring capabilities. Playing Badlands on the big screen has never been easier.
What do you think of our recommended selection of the best iPhone 5C accessories? There’s obviously more than just the ones that made our list, so don’t hesitate to let us know some of your favorites in the comments below.
