Image: Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
It’s Black Friday and that means you can get just about every tech product you need, including a new tablet, for a whole lot less money than you otherwise would. But beyond just securing a new tablet, you’re going to want accessories — items to keep it safe and make it a breeze to use.
On top of your shopping list should be a stand to prop your tablet up so you can watch videos or play games hands-free. A case or folio cover and a screen protector will ensure that your tablet won’t easily be scratched or broken. A charging cable or portable charger will allow you to keep your tablet powered up for whenever you need it. There are others useful things you’ll need too — so be sure to browse our list of must-have accessories below.
Must-have tablet accessories
- Screen protector: Buy this from day one so that you don’t scratch or smash your tablet’s screen. A tempered glass screen protector provides a layer of defense against scratches. Amazon has tempered glass protectors for tablets of different sizes and types. Browse the selection.
- Tablet case or folio cover: Keeps your tablet in a foldable case so it’s safe against drops or spills. This HGWALP Universal Case fits all 9- to 10-inch tablets and comes with a stand to prop it up for hands-free use. It’s just $10 on Amazon.
- Bluetooth keyboard: A tablet can be used just like a PC when you connect a Bluetooth keyboard. This Arteck wireless Bluetooth keyboard comes with a built-in cradle. You can connect three devices at the same time and switch between them with a click. It’s just $38 on Amazon.
- Stylus: A stylus lets you draw or point to items on your tablet with better accuracy than your finger can achieve. This Universal Stylus on Amazon is compatible with Apple and Android touchscreen devices and claims to have a high sensitivity and accuracy. Read customer reviews on Amazon.
- Stand: Want to read a recipe in the kitchen or watch a movie without holding your tablet? Then a tablet stand is just the thing! Lamicall’s tablet stand holds 4- to 13-inch tablets as well as Kindle e-readers and supports both vertical and horizontal viewing. Get it on Amazon for just $10 (29% off for Black Friday).
- Portable charger: Carry it with you for quick charging when you need it. WGHWQ’s adaptive fast charger is compatible with most Android tablets. See it on Amazon for $13.
- Charging cable: For charging your tablet via a USB socket or your laptop. Etguud’s cables support fast charging up to 3A speeds via a USB-C connection as well as data transfer up to 480 Mbps. Etguud’s cables are just $9 on Amazon.
- External thumb drive SSD: Is a portable way to speedily transfer files between your tablet and other devices or just store them for when you need them. SSK’s thumb drive features USB-C and USB-A connectors and claims to be 10x quicker than traditional USB 3.0 flash drives. 1TB drive is reduced to $65 on Amazon.
- VPN app subscription: A VPN app will enhance your privacy and security by masking your web activity on your tablet. ProtonVPN is quick, has a privacy-supporting no-log policy, and is refreshingly free from annoying ads. ProtonVPN has deals available at its website.
Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize! That’s what thousands of people will be doing this Black Friday sales to save themselves a ton of cash. If you need more tech accessories, be sure to check out our other handy accessory guides for laptops, desktop PCs, monitors, smartphones, and TVs this Black Friday.
Author: Dominic Bayley, Australian Editor, PCWorld
Based in Australia, Dominic Bayley is a hardcore tech enthusiast. His PCWorld focus is on PC gaming hardware: laptops, mice, headsets and keyboards.