Cell phones are valuable tools for students to stay in touch between classes and on the way home. They can even be useful for educational purposes, when permitted. For college and university students, cell phones are daily planners, windows into online classes, and essential communication tools. The right cell phone accessories can help protect your investment and keep the phone functioning as it should, when it should. No student wants to discover their phone’s battery is in the red right before a Zoom study session with classmates, or deal with a cracked screen after getting bumped around by a sea of backpacks in a busy hallway.
In this guide, we highlight eight essential cell phone accessories for back to school that help with the most common student hassles. Plus, we provide buying tips to help you get the best deals.
Why the right phone accessories matter for students
Once you have decided on the right cell phone for a student, it’s time to consider accessories that address important concerns.
Battery drain: There are lots of ways to optimize smartphone battery life. But for students with early mornings and long days, there’s only so much you can push it. A school day with morning, afternoon, and evening classes can outlast a phone’s battery, especially with heavy use.
Big crowds: Heavy backpacks are often tossed to the ground in a cafeteria or student centre where they can be easily trampled on. If you often keep your phone in your backpack, there’s greater risk of damage to the device compared to in an everyday setting.
Tight dorm spaces: College and university students living on campus need to conserve as much space as possible. Having a dedicated safe spot for their phone when they get back to the room is ideal.
Back to school sales are a can’t miss: The back-to-school season is the best time to stock up before the semester starts with bundles, deals, and offers.
8 must-have cell phone accessories this 2025
Looking for some ideas? We have you covered with 8 accessory categories to consider along with great product suggestions for each.
Portable power bank
Portable power banks provide the extra juice needed to keep your phone going. Ideally, it has built-in cables, though these are less common and more expensive. Opt for at least 10,000mAh to provide one (or more) full charges of the device. It should be slim and lightweight to slide into your backpack or pocket.
The Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh dual USB power bank is a good option for students thanks to its slim design and affordable price. The Belkin BoostCharge line is popular, too, and the 20,000mAh power bank gives you plenty of power in a small package.
Protective case
Look for a case with drop protection and shock absorbance, ideally that meets MIL-STD-810 certification for drops and bumps. It should have raised bezels so if the phone falls flat, the screen is protected from cracks. It shouldn’t add too much bulk, and should be easy to put on and take off, especially so you can switch to something flashier for nights out.
My go-to brand whenever I get a new phone is Spigen and the Spigen Liquid Air checks all the right boxes. For even more robust protection, Otterbox is one of the most reputable brands. The Otterbox Symmetry fitted hard shell case comes in a clear option so the original colour of your phone shines through.
Tempered glass screen protector
Forget flimsy plastic screen protectors that cause a headache just to put on. Go with tempered glass, which is simple to align and affix. These offer a layer of protection for the screen against cracks and scratches without adding bulk nor worry of bubbles. They’re easy to install, and many even come in multi-packs so you have a spare or can split the cost with a roommate. Just make sure to get one specifically fitted to your device.
The InvisibleShield by ZAGG Glass Elite Screen Protector is a can’t-go-wrong option from a brand that excels in this department. There are variations for many different phones.
Fast charge cable
When plugged into a compatible adapter or even portable power bank, a fast charge cable will get you back up to full battery in a short coffee break window. Match the power with the power capability of the phone and bring an AC adapter. Look for cables that are durable, like with a braided sheath and sufficient bend rating. Extra-long cables can reach outlets from odd spots in the classroom, library, or cafeteria.
The Anker 322 Braided USB-C Cable comes in a six-foot length, supports 60W power output (with a compatible charger), and is rated to withstand 80kg of force without breaking.
True wireless earbuds
True wireless earbuds are handy for those who commute to and from school. But they’re also a clever way to keep your phone protected in your bag while you pick up calls, listen to audio lectures, or get calendar reminders. With multipoint connection, you can seamlessly switch audio from laptop to phone and vice versa. So, if you’re listening to a lecture on your laptop but have to pack up and head to the next class, audio will switch to the earbuds while you walk.
Offering a good balance of decent sound with price are the JLabs JBuds Mini that feature multipoint connectivity and app control. For Samsung Galaxy phone owners, check out the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, an entry option with seamless pairing.
Bluetooth tracker
Let’s face it, it’s easy to lose stuff. A Bluetooth tracker is useful for keeping tabs on valuables, like a school bag, wallet, bicycle, and keys. With crowdsourcing and a locate feature, they can find where the item is, in some cases, right down to the exact location. So, if you left your keys in the student centre or their wallet in the dorm room, you’ll know.
Tile by Life360 is one of the most popular brands, and the Tile Mate has an SOS safety feature and pairs seamlessly with the Life360 app for families that use it. A good alternative is the Chipolo One Spot that works with the Apple Find My network and has the advantage of using a replaceable CR2032 watch battery.
Fold flat stand/grip
A perfect accessory for the desk, a fold flat stand can keep your phone in a hands-free viewing position while collaborating on video calls or taking notes. It also doubles as a tray table or stand while working on a laptop so they can keep tabs on messages, incoming calls, or even use the phone as a secondary screen.
Handy as a phone grip as well are options like the MOFT Snap-On Phone Stand + Wallet MagSafe that has a slot for storing a card, like student ID, on the back of the phone for easy access. Of course every young person loves Popsockets universal phone grips and stands that help when taking selfies as well.
Universal stylus
Digital notetaking can be so much easier, not to mention more environmentally friendly, than paper. Some cell phones come with a built-in stylus but most do not. However, many support universal styli. Take notes, sketch or brainstorm ideas during a group study session, or mark-up PDFs on the go.
With styli compatible with an iPhone and iPad, the Adonit Prime Dash stylus has a native palm rejection feature that allows you to rest your palm on the display while using it. At a lower price point, the Logitech Crayon USB-C also has the same palm rejection technology and is ultra-durable to withstand the rigours of busy school days.
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Smart buying tips before semester starts
Ready to stock up before the start of the new school semester? There are great ways to save during the back-to-school season.
1. Bundle and save
Buy kits that include both a protective case and tempered glass screen protector. Or find portable power banks that come with cables or can be bundled with ones at a discount.
2. Student discount portal
Leverage relevant codes and cards to save, like UNiDAYS and SPC codes. These can save up to 10% (or more) off the purchase.
3. Refurb and open box items
Often, an open box item was simply the wrong fit or incompatible and the customer returned it. With the right finds, you can save big.
4. Look for cross-device compatibility
USB-C is universal so a cable you buy now will work with your next phone, too. Pay a bit more for PD chargers so even if your next phone is more powerful, you can still charge at a quick rate. With wireless charging, go with Qi2. It will charge standard Qi devices at the slower rate, but once you upgrade, you can take advantage of the faster charging speeds.
FAQs
Got more questions? We have you covered.
What size power bank is best for college?
Go with at least 10,000mAh to deliver 2-3 charges of most smartphones or at least one full charge cycle of a tablet. With the right wattage, it could also charge a laptop. If you find a good deal, 20,000mAh will provide even greater peace of mind.
Should I get a MagSafe power bank?
MagSafe chargers are convenient since they don’t require cables, magnetizing to the back of the phone. But they charge more slowly than a wired connection. They’re useful, however, to get an extra hour or two per day.
Do MagSafe accessories work on Android?
Technically yes, but only if you have a MagSafe case on your Android phone, or a case with a magnetic ring. No Android phone yet supports MagSafe built in. MagSafe is an Apple technology that is built into all Apple iPhones from the iPhone 12 and up.
Are screen protectors worth it?
Tempered glass is designed to absorb impact, so any model you find should be sufficient. Some of the top brands might offer additional technology on top of that, like coatings to repel fingerprints and smudges, guides for better installation, and a more customized fit. But by and large, any tempered glass screen protector will do.
How do I avoid losing earbuds on campus?
Pair them with a Bluetooth tracker (some even have Bluetooth tracking built in) or only wear them when you plan to keep them in for a long period of time. Consider investing in a keyring case so they’re always at your fingertips and easy to store on the go.
Find your must-have cell phones accessories
The best cell phone accessories for back to school will keep a student’s phone sufficiently charged all day, protect the expensive device, and turn it into a useful tool for education, not just entertainment. With the right accessories, a student will find that their cell phone is invaluable for keeping on top of schedules, taking notes, listening to audio or video lectures, and communicating with classmates and study groups. Don’t forget to have some fun with them, too!
Shop all student-ready phone accessories and bundles at Best Buy Canada.
