Even though a number of users only purchase Apple accessories, like the company’s cables, cases, and even MagSafe accessories, like wallets and chargers, third-party accessory makers have been tasked with expanding Apple’s offerings by releasing products with longer battery life, different finishes, and in more price ranges than Apple’s typically very expensive products.
BGR chose the companies below after covering them extensively over the years, with many products reviewed and some used daily by our own staff. Here’s what you need to know about these iPhone accessory brands that can rival Apple, as well as some of our favorite products these companies have to offer.
Satechi
Satechi was founded 22 years ago in San Diego, California. The company, which focuses on eco-premium tech accessories, is one of CNET’s favorite brands and has been regularly featured in our lists and stories. The company recently announced the release of the perfect hub for the M4 Mac mini, which not only pairs perfectly with Apple’s Mac but also expands its ports for heavy users.
However, Mac accessories aren’t Satechi’s only focus, as the company also creates products for iPhone, iPad, wearables, and PCs. Among my favorite picks is the all-new 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand with 25W Qi2. This charging station can power an iPhone from 0-50% in the same time as a wired connection, while also quickly charging the latest models of Apple Watch and AirPods. This is an update to one of my favorite 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging stands, and was recently released.
The company also offers other chargers in different sizes, shapes, and colors, depending on your needs and devices. Satechi also offers vegan leather wallet holders, USB-C cables built to last, and Find My-supported accessories. One of the most interesting products is a vegan leather passport case with Find My integration, making it one of the best iPhone accessories for travel. On top of that, whenever you need to charge the accessory, you can simply attach it wirelessly to a charging stand. Very practical.
Twelve South
Twelve South was established in 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina, and is one of the most well-known Apple accessories brands. The company offers accessories designed specifically for iMacs and Displays, MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods. One of its bestsellers is the AirFly Pro 2, a device that helps you quickly connect AirPods and other wireless headphones to wired outlets, such as those on airplane entertainment screens, old audio players, and more.
One of its most innovative devices is the PlugBug, which includes Find My capabilities. Available in two options, a 50W 2-Port Compact USB-C Charger or a 120W 4-Port Compact USB-C Charger, what makes this device unique is the compatibility with the Find My app, which is extremely useful if you’re always on the go, but usually leave your MacBook charger behind in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, or at a friend’s house.
Twelve South also offers its share of useful accessories, including its own collection of iPhone 17 cases, the Power Capsule, a slim MagSafe-compatible power bank, iPhone stands, 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 charger stands, and more. One of the accessories the company has recently been promoting is the PowerClip, a very compact power bank designed for those 1% moments. Offering up to 30% charge on your iPhone, this device is the perfect companion when you’re out longer than expected but don’t want to carry around a large external battery or lots of extra accessories.
MOFT
MOFT is one of the newer companies featured in this article, having been founded in 2016. The company focuses on flexible and innovative accessories not only for the iPhone, but also for tablets, laptops, and watches. While I love MOFT’s offerings for tablets and laptops, with folio cases that protect my devices but also add a nice angle whenever I need to work on the go, MOFT is also the creator of my favorite iPhone case.
For the longest time, I loved Apple’s leather cases. Even though they would eventually wear out, there was something unique about them, and I still remember receiving a gold iPhone XS with a brown leather case. For me, it was the pinnacle of design. After Apple discontinued its leather cases, I tried a little bit of everything, including going without a case. However, for the past couple of years, MOFT has been my go-to option along with the MOVAS snap case. It’s made from vegan leather and comes in a range of colors, although the misty color is my favorite. The case has a nice grip, it’s nice to press and feel the buttons, and it stays a good color for a long time.
MOFT also offers origami wallets, iPhone holders, lanyards, and more for users. The company has bet heavily on MagSafe- and Find My-compatible accessories, which also bring more peace of mind to its customers.
Belkin
Belkin has been around for over 40 years. Yet the business has never felt as fresh as it does today. While we like Belkin’s approach to gaming consoles with its Nintendo Switch 2 offerings, the company is also a great Apple partner. For example, with the release of the iPhone X, Apple touted Belkin and Mophie wireless chargers for charging this innovative iPhone. Since then, the company has also continued to expand its product offerings with several interesting iPhone accessories.
Belkin offers a wide range of magnetic chargers, including 25W models, as well as BoostCharge accessories, slim magnetic power banks with a 5,000mAh battery. The company also offers a few iPhone cases under the SheerForce brand, guaranteeing a minimalist design with solid protection, and some of the best screen protectors on the market, like the new Titan LiquidGuard, which adds a new oleophobic coating to your iPhone, higher protection against scratches, and even a repair guarantee in case your iPhone breaks inside the case.
Belkin also has a good range of chargers, USB cables, power banks, AirTag accessories, and anything else you might want to pair with your iPhone, making it one of the most interesting brands that not only competes with Apple but also often partners with it.
CASETiFY
CASETiFY was founded in 2011 and has always focused on smartphone cases. Although it recently expanded into luggage, this company’s mission is to protect iPhones and AirPods. CASETiFY offers over 20 different styles of cases, ranging from extra-protective cases to ones that are very useful for watching videos, serve as a pocket mirror, provide a soft, pillow-like feel, or even offer extra grip protection.
The company offers endless color and customization options, meaning each case can become truly unique. CASETiFY also consistently partners with various brands, which means there are new themes to try, like Star Wars, Snoopy, and many more.
Over the years, the company has expanded by offering more accessories, including straps and charms, chargers and cables, and the aforementioned luggage, bringing its proprietary Bounce technology to carry-on and checked baggage. CASETiFY is always on top of what’s new from Apple, and it’s one of the best brands if you want to give your iPhone real protection while keeping it stylish. The company also offers a bonus with every purchase on its website, so you can get a discount on your next accessory.
Methodology
Covering Apple news for over a decade, I have tested hundreds of different iPhone accessories from several different brands. Even after all these years, the companies listed above continue to make a great impression on me and users in general, as they always strive to offer exclusive technologies, faster charging capabilities or additional protection.
The accessories listed above have also been tested by our staff and/or are part of our daily use, which means we also use these products not only as reviewers, but also as customers. That said, several other companies are making a big impact on the third-party iPhone accessories market, including Nomad, Mophie, and Pitaka. Nonetheless, we selected these brands because they are constantly updating their lineup with the latest technologies that Apple users love, including MagSafe and Find My compatible accessories, slim power banks, and other smart solutions that improve customers’ lives.