10 of the best Google Pixel accessories
Improve your Pixel with these smart add-ons
So, you’ve got yourself a shiny new Google Pixel. Lucky thing. But what will you pair it with?
See, you can’t simply stroll around with your shiny new flagship bare and naked. Nor can you just leave it on the desk, free from docks and wires. It’s smartphone law.
No, what you need to do – once you’ve finished caressing your Pixel – is peruse this list of the 10 best accessories money can buy, before picking which you’ll buy to begin what will soon become a burgeoning collection of Google Pixel gear.
Google Live Case (£35)
There are cases and there are cases. This is the latter. With a whole range to choose from – including unique artistic designs and customised map locations – for a truly individual Pixel you can plaster your own photo on the case.
You’ll get a live wallpaper to match whichever case you pick for a full theme experience, while a built-in button can be programmed to take you to your favourite app. Not bad for a slim shell.
Wrap it up › 8 of the best Google Pixel cases
Smart Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector (£5)
A 5in affair that offers 441 pixels per inch, the Pixel’s screen is – appropriately – one of the flagship’s standout features. The last thing you’ll want, then, is a massive great crack in it because of an inebriated incident involving a kebab and the pavement.
Nor, though, will you want to smother the display in any bit of sticky plastic. The answer? Pick up this tempered glass protector for smear-resistant shatterproofing. The edges are curved for a more seamless fit, while application should be bubble-free, too.
Google 18W USB-C Power Adapter (£29)
£29 might seem steep for a lowly power adapter, but this one’s got a smart trick in its plastic shell: it’s equipped with USB Power Delivery.
OK, that doesn’t sound exciting, but it means all sorts of charging benefits – from increased power levels to clever device management – that means your tech only taking the power that it needs. This plug should see your Pixel achieve the quickest charging rates possible, while the dual port version can efficiently share power between two USB-C machines.
Soundmagic E10C headphones (£40)
If you’ve stumped up the readies for a 128GB Pixel, then you’ll surely be filling it with a host of films and music. Thankfully, you’ll also have a headphone jack through which to enjoy them.
Why not celebrate by treating yourself to the best pound-for-pound pair of ‘phones out there? The SoundMagic E10C ‘buds sound far better than they should for £40, with great depth and texture – and just enough subtlety that you’ll need to spend a whole lot more to trump them. Get them in grey, though, or your Pixel might get jealous.
Top buds › 10 best headphones in the world
Google Daydream View Headset (£69)
What better way to make the most of the Pixel’s speedy internals than by dabbling in VR. Sure, you can buy a Cardboard headset – or even make your own – but do you really want to stick a £600 phone in a box made of glorified paper? Thought not.
Covered in soft fabric, the Daydream View is plush and comfortable on the inside – not to mention handsome. In fact, it’s one of the nicest VR headsets out there, and it’s a cinch to set up, too: once you’ve downloaded it from the Play Store, NFC tech inside the headset instantly activates the Daydream app on your phone.
Buy the Google Daydream View Headset here
Cardboard, made better › Google Daydream View review
Nomad PowerPack (£81)
Battery life on the Pixel isn’t woeful – but it’s not astounding, either. A day of WhatsApp, Snapchat and Super Cat Bros will see it needing a visit to the plug by the end of the evening – which is no good if you’re on a days-long adventure.
Give your Pixel the power of, well, power with this trackable pack from Nomad. Equipped with a 9000mAh capacity, a polycarbonate chassis wrapped in rubber means it can take a hefty knock. It’s got a 3.0A USB-C port, too, for the fastest possible charging – and, if you leave it on the bus, you’ll be able to find it again thanks to on-board Bluetooth Tile tech.
Free play › 40 best free Android games
Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C cable (£7)
Yes, it’s a cable – but it’s a cable you’ll need, now you’ve got a Pixel. See, the Pixel’s wall adapter has a USB-C output only so, if the bundled cable goes kaput, you’ll be needing another.
Thankfully, this lead from Anker won’t break the bank and it plays nice with that Power Delivery tech, so it supports maximum charging speeds – not to mention two-way power and data transfer. It’s reinforced, too, for extra durability – so you can keep using it when you upgrade.
Chromecast Ultra (£69)
You’ve got something on your Pixel that you want to show on your TV. What’s the easiest way to get it there? A Chromecast. Or, more specifically, a Chromecast Ultra.
Stick this little black puck in the back of your box and you’ll be able to fling films, photos and more across to the screen in a jiffy. Yes, you could go for the cheaper standard Chromecast – but the Ultra is 4K-compatible and, therefore, more future-proof.
Streaming machine › Google Chromecast Ultra review
Kidigi Universal USB-C Desktop Charging Dock (£25)
You could leave your Pixel just lying around on the desk. It’d probably help to hide that strange, two-panel back. But it also means cluttering up your desk with wires and losing your phablet under paper and food wrappers.
Grab this dock from Kidigi, instead, and you’ve got yourself a Pixel plinth. Equipped with a height-adjustable USB-C connector, it’ll prop up your Google phone for all to see, while speedily giving it the juice. Connect the USB-A cable to your laptop and you’ll be able to sync and charge simultaneously, too.
Moto 360 Sport (£140)
Granted, this isn’t a pocket money way to enhance your Pixel experience, but the Moto 360 is arguably the purest way to enjoy Android Wear (at least until Google unveils its new wearables this year) – and the Sport edition distils that into a tougher silicon shell.
Equipped with a heart rate monitor and built-in GPS, the Moto 360 Sport means you can leave your Pixel at home when you go pounding the pavement, while still playing nice the rest of the time, with notification alerts, smartphone controls and more. Better still, at £140 it’s the cheapest it’s ever been.
Hello sporty › Motorola Moto 360 Sport review
Chris Rowlands
Freelance contributor 
