The holidays may be around the corner, but we field "what should I buy?" questions year-round. Below is a practical, no-nonsense list of gear we like for Mac and iPhone users—whether you're upgrading your own setup or shopping for an Apple fan. It's not exhaustive, and there are plenty of other solid options; if you've had great luck with a particular accessory, we'd love to hear about it. Where helpful, we've included links to manufacturers and Amazon, which may offer better pricing.

External SSD

Internal Mac storage is fast—but pricey. Portable SSDs are ideal for extra space, silent Time Machine backups, and high-performance workflows. The Samsung and Crucial models are dependable all-rounders; if you're looking for maximum throughput on a Thunderbolt 5 Mac, consider OWC.

External Hard Disk Drive

For large, budget-friendly backups and archives, HDDs still win on cost per terabyte (20 TB models are standard). Prices fluctuate, so check diskprices.com for the latest deals. A few reputable brands:

  • Seagate:A broad consumer range; larger LaCie units target creative professionals.
  • Western Digital:Wide selection; reliability debates aside, they're widely used..
  • OWC:Strong pro focus (including RAID) and quality enclosures if you prefer to install/upgrade bare drives yourself.

27-inch External Displays

A 27-inch panel hits the sweet spot for most desks. Apple's Studio Display leads in clarity with its 5K panel (2560×1440 "retina" at pixel-doubled scaling). New 5K competitors from Asus, Alogic, BenQ, Samsung, and ViewSonic add options. On a tighter budget, 27-inch 4K models are excellent values. Note: Third-party displays often omit webcams and have modest speakers; plan on using a separate webcam (or an iPhone via Continuity Camera) and speakers.

Webcams

If upgrading from an older built-in camera, these models deliver sharp image quality and helpful features like auto-framing and desk mode.

Earbuds

Great for video calls, commuting, and workouts. AirPods are the easy choice for Apple users; AirPods Pro add best-in-class noise cancellation. AirPods 4 offer optional ANC, while EarFun brings substantial value, and Sony/Technics compete at the high end.

Laptop Chargers

Having a spare charger at home, in your office, and in your bag is sanity-saving—and many third-party GaN bricks are smaller and cheaper than Apple's. For fast charging: target ~70W (MacBook Air), 96W (14-inch Pro), 140W (16-inch Pro). Extra ports are a plus; OneAdaptr adds worldwide plug support.

USB Hubs

Need just a few extra ports? A compact USB-C hub is often all you need. Match the hub to your mix of HDMI, SD, USB-A, and USB-C.

Thunderbolt Docks

For multi-monitor and high-speed workflows, Thunderbolt docks provide ports, power delivery, Ethernet, and display outputs via a single cable. On Thunderbolt 5 Macs, OWC's dock offers top-tier performance, while Sonnet and CalDigit lead in port selection. OWC's mini Dock, on the other hand, favors portability.

Non-Apple Pointing Devices

Do you prefer a mouse or need an ergonomic alternative? These options pair well with macOS; some require companion software for button/scroll tuning. Trackballs and inline rollers can help with wrist or hand discomfort.

Non-Apple Mac Keyboards

If you want a different feel, layout, or size, there's a deep ecosystem beyond Apple's keyboards (note: Touch ID remains Apple-only). Pick your size (full, TKL, compact) and switch type (tactile, linear, clicky). Mac-specific layouts simplify key mapping.

iPad Keyboards

Apple's Magic Keyboards are excellent, but they are model-specific. If you want to spend less, consider skipping the trackpad or opting for a different case style.

Small-Device External Batteries

Even with better device batteries, travel days and events can drain you. These compact packs keep iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch topped up; MagSafe models add snap-on convenience.

MagSafe Chargers for the iPhone

Wired charging remains the fastest option, but MagSafe is incredibly convenient—especially on a desk or nightstand. Some stands also charge AirPods (wireless case) and Apple Watch.

A quick word on ultra-cheap gear

You'll see countless bargain brands with look-alike products. Some are fine, but we suggest sticking with reputable manufacturers—especially for chargers, batteries, and cables—where build quality, safety, and support tend to be more consistent.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Andrey Mitrofanov)

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