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Best Google Pixel Accessories
Although the Pixel and Pixel XL have been out on the market for a little while now, Google’s flagship family remains one of the best smartphones you can buy. Unlike the Nexus family before it, the Pixel line not only appeals to techies but also to more casual users as well, as evidenced by the early struggle to keep up with demand seen over at Verizon.
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel and Pixel XL, including beautiful (though clearly iPhone-inspired) designs, fast internals, and stock Android with a few extras, including the super-powerful Google Assistant. If you are the proud owner of the Pixel or Pixel XL, congratulations! Now it’s time to make a great thing even better by pairing it with the right accessories.
Some of these Pixel and Pixel XL accessory add-ons are no brainers, like the new Daydream View VR headset and a quality case. What other accessories do we recommend? Keep reading to find out what we consider the very best Pixel and Pixel XL accessories.
Official cases
One of the most obvious Pixel and Pixel XL accessories would be an official case, and Google has quite a few options here. First up is the clear case. As the name suggests, the transparent case lets you show off the design of your phone, and the ultra thin case barely adds any bulk or thickness to the device. There are precise cutouts for power button, volume rocker, speaker, charging port, camera, and fingerprint scanner. The clear case is priced at $30.
The next case offers a little more protection, and is built with three protective materials, including a silicon exterior that offers grip and shock absorption, a polycarbonate core that adds support, and a premium microfiber interior. The buttons are covered, and the case is available in a slew of colors, including pink, blue, green, and black. This case is priced at $35.
Finally, you have the Live case, that lets you create your own case design, from a slew of choices ranging from artwork, your own photos, or even maps of places of your choice. Every case will get a downloadable live wallpaper that complements it. This case offers roughly the same protection as the clear case above. The Live cases are priced at $40.
Daydream View
Daydream represents a big leap forward for Google’s VR vision, which first began humbly with Google Cardboard. The Google Daydream View is an official Google-made VR headset that is built with the Pixel and Pixel XL in mind. The headset is made of a fabric material that is super comfortable to wear. Once connected, you are immersed in a special UI that includes its own versions of Google Play, YouTube, and more. The Daydream View also includes a special motion controller allowing you to become more deeply immersed in your VR world.
This is a must have item in our Pixel and Pixel XL accessories guide. After all, it doesn’t cost much more, but it opens the door to a whole new (virtual) world. For more details on the Daydream View, be sure to check out our full review.
Google Pixel Desktop Charging Dock
Looking for an attractive and easy to use cradle for your Pixel or Pixel XL? The Encased Google Pixel desktop charging dock could be exactly what you’re looking for. With a built-in Type-C compatible port for charging, this nice dock keeps your phone charging while you are at your desk or at your beside table while you’re asleep. The design also makes it easy to still use your phone for things like video chatting, using Google Assistant, navigating through your music apps, and more. The dock not only charges your phone but includes a cable that works with syncing to your computer as well, which is a nice little extra.
At a hair over $26, this member of the Pixel XL accessories family is a bit more than the cost of a charger, but it could be perfect for those that are looking for a better way to prop up and display their phone instead of laying it on its back or display.
Chromecast
If you’re looking for a simple streaming device that works flawlessly with your Pixel or Pixel XL, there are no better options than the Chromecast. With support for all of your favorite apps from Spotify to Netflix and even a growing selection of games, the Chromecast is a great buy that starts at only $35. With the Chromecast, your phone acts as the remote, with Google’s casting technology quickly passing things over from your phone to your TV.
If you are looking for full 4K support there’s also the new Chromecast Ultra. At $70, the Ultra is a fair bit more expensive, but the added benefit of 4K could make it worth it for some buyers.
Dual Port USB Type-C Rapid Wall Charger
While your Pixel or Pixel XL obviously came with a charger in the box, the reality is that many of us have multiple mobile devices these days, so having extra ports comes in handy. Google’s official Type-C rapid charger might not be the cheapest option on the market, but it’s designed to quick charge the Pixel (as well as earlier Nexus devices) with support for up to 15W on a single port. There’s also a 1.8-meter long cable that gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes to ensuring you can reach the cable to plug in your phone.
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 mAh
While the Pixel and Pixel XL have pretty solid battery life, a power bank can always come in handy, making it an obvious entry to our Pixel and Pixel XL accessories guide. Anker is one of the best bets when it comes to power bank brands.
The Anker PowerCore+ packs 20100 mAh and is comes in at $50.99 on Amazon. Along with the 10 LED capacity indicator, the PowerCore+ has 2 USB ports outputting power at 2.4A each, and a USB Type-C port. Included in the box is the power bank, a USB to USB Type-C cable which is used to quickly charge the power bank, a travel pouch, and a micro USB cable. Keep in mind that you don’t just charge the power bank using type-C, there’s also Type-C output, meaning you can charge your Nexus 6P (or whatever have you) from the battery charger as well.
The Anker PowerCore+ also uses a number of special technologies to help ensure the best experience possible, such as PowerIQ, a proprietary technology used to replicate the charging protocol of each device to ensure safe and efficient charging. VoltageBoost is another proprietary technology that detects cable resistance in order to provide a steady charge.
CHARGED Quick Charge 3.0/2.0 & USB C
If fast charging is what you want in your Pixel or Pixel XL accessories, then the CHARGED 3.0 has you covered with 4 ports, including a Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 port which is the latest tech and also a USB Type C along with 2 smart USB ports that will give your devices the proper power they need to charge as quickly as possible. The QC 3.0 port also quick charges Quick Charge 2.0 devices. This charger has all the latest technology and will serve you for some time. While the Pixel doesn’t use these standards officially, it should still charge at faster speeds through this charger, and any existing mobile devices you have will also play nicely here.
The CHARGED Quick Charge 3.0 is currently priced at $14.99.
10 percent OFF Coupon Code: QC3CAR10 (Enter this code at checkout to receive your discount)
iOttie Universal car mount
While car docks aren’t an absolute must, I think you’ll find that pairing your Pixel or Pixel XL with a solid car dock will make life in your car that extra bit sweeter. The iOttie Universal car holder features a one touch mount system that lets you lock the device in place and release with just a press of a single button. Sticky gel pads allows for the holder to be stuck to most surfaces, and comes with a telescopic arm to allow for closer viewing of the screen. The holder can accommodate almost every smartphone, with the allowed width going up to 3.5-inches. The iOttie car holder is priced at $24.95.
Any other Pixel or Pixel XL accessories you feel are worth picking up that we didn’t list? Let us know about them down in the comments.
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