(Not so) fun fact: Charging your battery all the time, and all the way up to 100%, can actually be bad for your phone's longevity. (Getty)(Priscila Zambotto via Getty Images)
I love my phone and I'm not ashamed to say it. It is my most used writing device, reading device, music and audiobook player and camera all in one. But the days of pining for the newest version are over; the phone I have is good enough, with one glaring exception — my battery. Back in the day it would last one and a half, maybe even two full days before needing a charge; now it's dying before my head hits the pillow at night.
The culprit? Poor battery health. That's right; just like you need to take care of you body, it pays to get smart about practicing battery health. Does that sound daunting? It's not. With a few pro tips and clever gadgets, you can prolong the life of your phone battery and avoid those "low power mode" panics, extending the time between those costly phone upgrades.
During the day I sit at my desk in my home office working, with a wireless charging pad right beside me. Might as well keep my phone charging, right? No use letting it use the battery when I have a charger right there. Wrong. Frequent and unnecessary charging can wear out the battery faster than you’d expect, so I would actually be doing my phone harm by keeping it charging all day long.
I aim to keep my battery between 20% and 80% at all times. Letting it drain completely before charging? Big no-no. And don’t even think about overnight charging unless you’re using Optimized Battery Charging (a nifty feature in your settings that learns your routine to avoid overcharging).
Avoid leaving your phone baking on your car's dashboard or in direct sunlight. Even charging while using heavy apps (think gaming or video editing) can make it overheat. If you’re all-day phone user, consider a cooling pad to keep things chill while you work or play.
Not all chargers are created equal. Sure, that $5 cable from the gas station looks tempting, but it’s probably doing your battery more harm than good. Stick with MFi-certified cables (that’s Apple’s stamp of approval) and a trusted wall adapter. Need a recommendation? Brands like Anker and Belkin have your back. They offer fast, reliable charging without frying your battery in the process. Bonus points for snagging a MagSafe charger if you’ve got one of the newer iPhones.
If you want to save a little on an Apple wearable, the Series 10 is still worth the investment. It boasts an always-on Retina display and comes with useful features like ECG apps, a fitness tracker and more. And while the Series 11 has just been released, it sports the same processor, same design and nearly all of the same features. In other words, you're getting the bulk of the 2025 Apple Watch here, but at the 2024 discount.
"I upgraded from a Series 5," said this watch wearer. "The battery life is phenomenal, I can literally go two days without charging. When I do have to charge it, it's full in about 30 minutes. The price is on par for the quality. The health sensors are nice. I know I have sleep apnea and never got around to taking care of it. The watch notified me after about a month of use and provides data to bring in to the doctor's office."
Never lose your luggage, purse, car, keys — anything, really — again. Just attach one of these smart tags to the item you want to track, and you'll be alerted to its whereabouts via your phone. The deal on this four-pack brings each tag down to about $16 (they typically retail for $25 to $30 a pop). Grab a few for your, er, forgetful family members...
Make fighting with your family members over power outlets a thing of the past, courtesy of this electrifying gadget. It's equipped with five AC outlets and four USB ports, enough for everyone to charge their iPads, iPhones, MacBooks (you get the picture) all at once. Oh, and it's so much sleeker than having a power strip on your floor — and you won't have to worry about tripping over it.
No, it's not a massive discount, but this bestseller is within a dollar of its all-time low (and it's retailed for as much as $20 in the past).
These stylish Beats Solo headphones are now 50% off, so you can snag all the signature Beats features for just $100. Expect rich, balanced audio with clear highs and punchy bass that’ll make your playlists pop. They pair seamlessly with Apple devices, offer up to 40 hours of battery life, and are as portable as they are comfortable, making them perfect for life on the go.
Listen up: Our senior tech writer, Rick Broida, has spent the past two decades testing (and testing, and re-testing) hundreds of earbuds. So, when he's surprised by just how good a $40 pair performs, you need to check them out ASAP. When he tested some of the best earbuds on the market, he named this pair the best budget option, praising their sound quality and noise-canceling abilities. And this wallet-friendly option just got even more budget-friendly, currently down to $20 — the lowest we've ever seen them.
Whether you'd like to drown out the sound of your neighbor's bagpipe lessons or the roar of the garbage truck as it comes down your block, these noise-cancelling earbuds have you covered. Boasting up to 24 hours of listening time, they offer a top-tier listening experience and even offer an IPX4 waterproof rating, in case your workouts get extra sweaty.
This model, powered by Apple's ultra-fast M3 chip, was released this year, so we're surprised to find it on sale — especially at a $255 discount (its lowest price ever).
It's also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you'll find, so can you really go wrong?
Here's proof that MFi-certified cables don't have to cost a ton. This six-pack is only $9. MFi-certified charging cables are tested and approved by Apple, ensuring seamless compatibility, reliable charging and fast data transfer for your devices. Unlike uncertified alternatives, MFi cables regulate power delivery to protect your device’s battery and prevent overheating or overcharging.
If you don't want to splurge on Apple-brand USB-C cables, these MFi certified ones are a solid alternative. They’re durable and stay functional after iOS updates, avoiding frustrating “Accessory not supported” errors. Plus, they meet strict safety standards, reducing the risk of damage or fire hazards. Using MFi-certified cables can also help maintain your Apple warranty, making them a safe, reliable and cost-effective choice for long-term use.
When it comes to chargers, I don't mess around. With multiple Apple devices at home using USB-C, this dual-outlet option is a must-have for me.
These chargers come in one-meter and two-meter lengths. The MagSafe offers fast, efficient 15W charging with perfect magnetic alignment for iPhones (12 and newer). It’s easy to use, versatile with Qi devices and helps preserve your phone’s charging port, as well as the battery.
The PowerCore 10000 regulates the voltage to your phone, preventing overheating and battery damage, without hurting your wallet.
Your battery isn’t just drained by how you charge; it’s also about how you use your phone. Background app activity and push notifications can slowly eat away at your juice. Head to Settings > Battery to see which apps are the biggest offenders. While you’re there, enable Low Power Mode when your battery's running down. And if you don’t need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, turn them off — your battery will thank you.
If your phone’s battery health dips below 80% (iPhone users can check this under Settings > Battery > Battery Health), don't fret. You don't need to buy an entirely new phone. But it might be time for a battery replacement. A lot of places, the Apple Store included, offer affordable battery replacement that is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new phone.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
