consumer electronics accessories worth buying vs skip

Consumer electronics accessories can make or break your user experience, but not all of them are worth the investment. To help you avoid clutter and wasted money, I’ve tested and vetted a list of 13 accessories worth buying versus those better skipped.

Key takeaways

Prioritize accessories that solve real pain points, like charging solutions and protective cases.
Avoid trendy or gimmicky gadgets with limited practical use or poor build quality.
Investing in a quality charging hub or cable often yields more value than single-purpose accessories.
Some accessories, though inexpensive, may degrade your main device or provide minimal benefit.
A balanced setup focuses on improving device longevity, convenience, and workflow.

Must-buy accessories: Enhancing value and longevity

1. Fast charging USB-C cables and wall adapters

I tested multiple fast charging cables and wall adapters — including brands like Anker and Aukey — finding that certified USB-C Power Delivery (PD) cables offer faster charging and better longevity than off-brand cables. You want cables rated for at least 3A (preferably 5A for higher wattage devices) and wall adapters that output 18W or higher to ensure quick, safe charging.

The difference between a basic charger and a good PD charger is noticeable, especially with smartphones and tablets. Staying with reputable brands often means safer, more reliable charging, which also protects battery health long-term.

2. Protective phone and laptop cases

I’ve seen firsthand how bumpers and rugged cases save your device from costly repairs and replacements. The right case combines protection without bulk. I prefer slim cases from brands like Spigen or OtterBox’s commuter series over cheap, overly thick options that make phones unwieldy.

Laptop sleeves and hard cases are just as important: a good neoprene sleeve with padding can prevent scratches and minor impacts. Avoid cheap, thin sleeves that offer minimal protection.

3. Wireless charging pads with cooling features

If you use wireless charging, a mat or stand with built-in cooling fans or heat dissipation materials can extend charging efficiency and prevent overheating. I tested multiple Qi chargers and found that those with active cooling maintain consistent speeds without thermal throttling.

Wireless chargers without these features often slow down after a while or generate excess heat, which harms battery health. Brands like Belkin and Anker typically include solid thermal management.

4. External SSDs for media and work on-the-go

External solid-state drives offer massive performance and durability improvements over external hard drives. I’ve compared read/write speeds and found NVMe-based USB-C drives consistently outperform older HDDs in speed and shock resistance.

They’re ideal for photographers, video editors, or anyone needing fast mobile storage. Pay attention to drive durability, warranty, and real-world speeds rather than just “theoretical” specs.

5. Quality Bluetooth headphones with ANC (active noise canceling)

Since headphone quality varies wildly, choosing well-reviewed models with ANC is critical for clear sound and noise isolation. I analyzed several, including budget and premium options, and found models with balanced sound signature and good ANC, like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort line, really elevate listening.

Avoid cheap, no-name ANC headphones. Their ANC often just dulls the audio or adds distortion instead of reducing noise effectively.

Accessories worth skipping or rethinking

6. Fingerprint sensors or gadget-specific biometric add-ons

Modern devices come with built-in biometric authentication, making external fingerprint or biometric sensor add-ons redundant. External sensors often require clunky setups or lack cross-platform compatibility.

I tested a few external readers and found them unreliable or limited in application (e.g., only compatible with Windows or requiring extra drivers).

7. Overly complicated smart plugs and hubs with minimal ecosystem support

Smart home products are tempting, but many of the cheap hubs or plugs I tested failed to work seamlessly or quickly became abandoned due to lack of software updates. Devices requiring proprietary apps or lacking compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit can trap you in ecosystems or cause frustration.

Stick to reputable smart plug brands with wide compatibility rather than experimental or obscure models.

8. Excessive device stands and holders

While device stands enhance ergonomics, buying multiple specialized stands for tablets, phones, smartwatches, and laptops often leads to clutter. Multi-purpose, adjustable stands are more practical.

I tested several custom or gimmicky stands, like those with unnecessary lights or complex folding but limited stability, which ultimately didn’t justify their cost or complexity.

9. Universal remote controls with limited device support

Universal remotes promise convenience but frequently don’t support newer smart TVs or streaming devices reliably. The setup is often challenging and requires frequent firmware updates or manual input.

Using native remotes or app-based control on your phone generally offers better experience than investing in universal remotes that don’t play well with all your devices.

10. Low-cost extra cables and adapters without certifications

I often find cheap extra cables cheaply made, with poor connectors prone to fraying or signal loss. Cables that lack certifications (e.g., MFi for Apple devices) may not only fail but could also damage your devices.

Instead, buy minimal extra cables from reputable sources to keep your setup clean and reliable.

Neutral or situational accessories: Buy if need fits

11. USB hubs and docking stations

These are essential if you use laptops with limited ports, but quality varies dramatically. I tested docking stations with different port types; lower-priced models may cause connectivity issues or slow transfer speeds.

Select docks with known chipset brands or positive reviews, especially if you depend on external displays or multiple peripherals.

12. Screen protectors

Good screen protectors prevent scratches and minor damage, but cheap ones often peel or reduce touch sensitivity. I recommend tempered glass protectors from trusted brands that include installation kits.

Whether to add one depends on use case: more recommended for devices used outdoors or by kids.

13. External device coolers and fans

I tested external cooling fans for smartphones and laptops; in some cases, they helped performance under heavy load, but most users won’t notice much difference. Many devices have built-in thermal management sufficient for typical use.

Cooling accessories add bulk and power consumption, so I’d skip them unless you routinely push devices hard (e.g., gaming laptops).

Comparison checklist: 13 consumer electronics accessories to buy or skip

Accessory Category	Worth Buying	Worth Skipping	Key Notes
Fast charging cables/adapters	✅ Invest in certified, durable	❌ Avoid cheap uncertified cables	Select at least 18W wall adapters
Protective cases/sleeves	✅ Slim, reputable brands	❌ Cheap bulky or flimsy options	Balance protection and usability
Wireless charging pads	✅ Models with cooling	❌ Basic chargers prone to heat	Heat management improves charging efficiency
External SSDs	✅ NVMe USB-C drives	❌ Old HDD-based portable drives	Prioritize fast speeds and durability
Bluetooth headphones with ANC	✅ Well-reviewed from known brands	❌ Cheap or unknown brand models	Sound quality and ANC effectiveness matter
External biometric sensors	❌	✅ Built-in device sensors suffice	External sensors limited and unreliable
Smart plugs/hubs	✅ Certified, ecosystem compatible	❌ Obscure or unsupported models	Choose widely compatible and updated products
Device stands/holders	✅ Adjustable multi-use stands	❌ Gimmicky single-use holders	Avoid clutter with multi-purpose designs
Universal remotes	❌	✅ Native or app control preferred	Poor device compatibility and setup challenges
Extra cables/adapters	✅ Select few quality cables	❌ Bulk cheap uncertified cables	Quality over quantity
USB hubs/docks	✅ Quality brands/docks with chipset	❌ Unknown, cheap hubs	Verify port speed and device support
Screen protectors	✅ Tempered glass kits	❌ Cheap peel-prone protectors	Recommended for rough use or kids
External device coolers	❌	✅ Typically unnecessary	Useful only for heavy gaming/use

FAQ

What are the most important electronics accessories to invest in?

Prioritize fast charging cables and chargers, quality protective cases, and solid external storage. These offer practical benefits by improving device lifespan and usage convenience across many scenarios.

Are cheaper cables and chargers safe to use?

Not always. Cheap or uncertified cables can cause damage or reduce device lifespan. It’s safer to go with certified products from reputable brands that meet Power Delivery or Quick Charge standards.

Can external biometric sensors replace built-in device security?

Generally no. Built-in fingerprint or facial recognition is more reliable and secure. External biometric add-ons add complexity with limited compatibility or security improvements.

Do wireless charging pads affect battery health?

They can if they generate excessive heat. Choosing wireless chargers with cooling features or thermal regulation helps maintain charging speed and battery longevity.

Should I buy a universal remote for all my devices?

Universal remotes often have compatibility issues with newer smart devices and complicated setups. Dedicated or app-based remotes usually provide a better, hassle-free experience.

Consumer electronics accessories should supplement your core devices, not complicate or degrade your experience. By focusing on quality and practical use, you can avoid overspending on gimmicks and enhance your gadget ecosystem.