The holidays have arrived and it’s the perfect time to get the iPhone lovers in the family what they deserve. For our iPhone holiday gift guide, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best iPhone models, cases, docks and other accessories to take some work out of your shopping this year. Best of all, there is something on this list for practically any budget.
Recommended iPhone: iPhone 7 Plus ($749)
The iPhone 7 Plus is not only the best iPhone you can buy, it’s the best phone you can buy. It’s understandable that some folks do prefer a smaller device, but this year the striking difference between the cameras on both iPhone 7 models warrants a full endorsement of the larger size. The optical zoom plus gorgeous Portrait mode photography complete with bokeh takes the cake. Spend the extra $100 if you can and go all out. Other new features of the iPhone 7 include improved performance, better battery life, water resistance, stereo speakers and two stunning new color options. The base storage has doubled to 32GB this year too.
➤ Buy Now
Recommended iPhone Case: Apple Leather Case ($45-$49)
Apple’s Leather Case is still a fantastic pick that offers both style and security. The smooth, premium leather and assortment of colors look stellar paired with your iPhone, plus it’s just protective enough for regular every day use.
➤ Buy Now
Image credit: Otterbox
Recommended Rugged iPhone Case: Otterbox Defender ($27-$34)
Otterbox has made a name for its Defender case and for good reason: it’s still the best rugged case you can find. Complete with layered drop, dust, screen and scratch protection, it’s the gold standard. People have been buying Defender cases for years now and the new one for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus does the brand justice. Plus, it’s really quite affordable compared to the competition at under $60.
➤ Buy Now for iPhone 7
➤ Buy Now for iPhone 7 Plus
Recommended Minimalistic iPhone Case: Totallee Scarf ($19)
The Totallee Scarf is for people who find themselves in polar opposition with the Otterbox Defender. Back in November we named it the best ultra-thin case for the iPhone. It’s so thin that it doesn’t even look like your phone has a case on it. The Scarf is perfect for people who want scratch protection and little else. It also shields the camera bump. For under $20 on Amazon and in five different colors, this case is a minimalist’s dream.
➤ Buy Now for iPhone 7
➤ Buy Now for iPhone 7 Plus
Recommended iPhone Dock: Twelve South HiRise 2 ($40)
Twelve South HiRise once again makes our list from last year as our recommended iPhone dock, except this year it’s the HiRise 2. The dock not only fits the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but pretty much any Lightning device from the Magic Mouse to Apple TV Remote and even the Magic Keyboard. The adjustable stand allows for virtually any case on your iPhone too.
➤ Buy Now
Image credit: iOttie
Recommended iPhone Car Mount: iOttie Easy One Touch 3 ($25)
The iOttie Easy One Touch 3 is still the best car dock for any size iPhone all the way up to the iPhone 7 Plus. The easy mechanism allows you to just squeeze the side tabs to open the clasp, then pop your iPhone in and push it back to lock it in. The dock adjusts to any angle imaginable, plus extends forward, and stays firm on your dashboard thanks to micro-suction. The bottom support also leaves space to run your Lightning cable through to charge the phone while it’s docked.
➤ Buy Now
Recommended External Battery Pack: Fibonic 20,800 mAh Cell Phone Charger (20% off for iPhoneHacks Readers)
There are many great portable power banks out there, but Fibonic gets the edge for its LED display and price. The 20,800 mAh battery can charge an iPhone 7 six times before needing a recharge. It features three USB ports to charge up to three devices at once and a clever LED display that tells you the exact battery percentage remaining instead of using indicator lights. Best of all, while it retails for $35, Fibonic is offering iPhoneHacks readers a 20% discount.
➤ Buy Now
Recommended Portable Bluetooth Speaker: UE Boom 2 ($179)
The UE Boom 2 is widely regarded as the best portable Bluetooth speaker and it’s easy to see why. The speaker produces excellent sound, pairs with up to eight Bluetooth devices at once, is IPX7 waterproof (the same rating as the iPhone 7) and gets a remarkable 15 hours of battery life. The Boom 2 also comes in six fun colors.
➤ Buy Now
Image credit: Beats
Recommended Wireless Headphones: Beats Solo3 ($250)
Alongside your new iPhone 7, you probably want a good pair of wireless headphones if you aren’t about that dongle life. The best pair for iPhone users is the Beats Solo3. They use Apple’s W1 chip to connect seamlessly with your iPhone and any other Apple devices, plus get a whopping 40 hours of battery life. To top it off, sound has improved quite a bit from the Solo2. Apple is getting serious about the Beats line and so should you.
➤ Buy Now
Recommended Wireless Sport Earbuds: Jaybird X3 ($130)
The Jaybird X3 wireless headphones are an all-around good pick for working out. They come with both foam ear tips and silicone each in their own sizes, plus ear fins to ensure a snug fit. Sound quality is great, but even if you aren’t pleased, you can adjust the EQ in the MySound app. X3s are also sweat resistant and get a cool eight hours of battery life. They’re priced affordably too, even less than the X2s when they debuted.
➤ Buy Now
That’s it for our iPhone holiday gift guide! Hopefully now your shopping list looks a little less intimidating. Happy Holidays!
