Introduction and iPhone 6

You've been a good boy or girl all year round, and the hard work has paid off with Father Christmas depositing a shiny new smartphone underneath the tree.

Unwrapping a brand new phone is exciting enough, but if you really want to get the most of your handset you'll want to deck it out with some of the best accessories around.

For the most popular phones there are a huge range of accessories, from cases that protect them from knocks and drops, to add-ons that can completely transform how they can be used. Finding the best ones for each phone can be daunting, so let us show you the best accessories you can buy for your new phone.

And even if you don't have the phones below, most will work with other phones too - so there's something for everyone!

iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 is Apple's latest flagship smartphone and as expected there's already a big range of accessories for the handset.

Twelve South HiRise Stand

£29.95 ($34.95, AUS $34.95)

Charging your iPhone 6 is an unavoidable inconvenience, but just because you're charging the handset doesn't mean you can't continue to use it.

The Twelve South HiRise Stand is a unique stand for the iPhone 6 (which also works for older iPhone models and the iPad mini) that charges the iPhone while holding it aloft, letting you continue to use the handset for browsing the web, making calls and FaceTime Chats.

It takes a leaf out of Apple's style design book for a compact and attractive way to charge your new iPhone 6.

Trianium Atomic S iPhone 6 Battery Case

$59.95 (around £38, AU$73)

The Trianium Atomic S iPhone 6 Battery Case not only protects your precious new iPhone 6 from drops and other clumsy mistakes with a hard-shell backplate and 360 degree bumper design, but it also includes a built-in 3100mAh rechargeable battery that can double the battery life of the iPhone 6.

An LED battery level indicator keeps you posted about how much juice you have left, all while preventing the svelte iPhone 6 from becoming too bulky.

The Concert Acoustic Docking Station In Cherry

$64.50 (around £41, AU$79)

This unique docking station sounds as good as it looks. The stunning wooden design perfectly compliments the acoustics, and is ideal for anyone who loves listening to music on their iPhone 6.

When we say unique, we're not kidding either, as each docking station is handmade out of single pieces of wood in Portland, Oregon. Not only will the docking station play music, it will also charge your new iPhone 6 as well.

[BRIC+]xtreme Aluminum Case for iPhone 6

$95 (around £60, AU$116)

It's everyone's worst nightmare. You've unwrapped your brand new iPhone 6, only to drop it a short while later, shattering the screen or denting the body. The [BRIC+]xtreme Aluminum Case for iPhone 6 can help you avoid this nightmare scenario.

This premium case is easily installed, giving you access to all of the iPhone 6's features. Offering next generation protection via its Aluminum bumper case you won't have to worry about whipping out your new iPhone 6 again, with creator BRIC promising no bending, crashing, shattering or signal loss.

Beats by Dr. Dre Pill XL

£269.95 ($269.95, AU$399.95)

It might be pricey, but if you want to keep the party going with your iPhone 6 as the DJ, the Beats by Dr. Dre Pill XL Bluetooth speakers are a worthy investment. They can wirelessly connect to the iPhone 6 and other Bluetooth devices and come with a 15 hour rechargeable battery.

A visible battery gauge lets you know how much power you have left. If you're feeling particularly flash you can buy a second Beats Pill XL and connect them together for some cheeky stereo sound.

HTC One M8

HTC One M8

If you woke up on Christmas morning to find the HTC One M8 sitting underneath the Christmas tree, then you're very lucky indeed.

HTC's latest flagship handset is a brilliant bit of kit that we recently crowned the best flagship phone of 2014. Not only is it a great smartphone, but there are plenty of accessories that make it even better.

HTC One (M8) Dot View Cover

£14.25 ($8.93, around AU$27)

The HTC One (M8) Dot View Cover is one of the most innovative cases ever made for a smartphone. Not only does it work well for protecting the phone if you accidentally drop it, but you can also receive email notifications, set up reminders, get weather updates, make phone calls and more without ever needing to open the case.

This is thanks to the retro dot matrix design that is both cool and functional, displaying everything you need to know directly on the case.

HTC Fetch

£35 ($50, around AU$67)

The HTC Fetch is an awesome accessory that makes your life easier in a number of ways. It hooks on to your keys, so if you're ever in a rush and can't find them you can use the HTC One M8 to help locate them.

It also works the other way around, so if you can't find your phone you can use the HTC Fetch to ring it. It will also warn you if you walk off without your phone. That's not all though, as you can even use the HTC Fetch to remotely work the shutter button for the HTC One M8's camera.

HTC Media Link HD

£79.99 ($99, around AU$153)

The HTC One M8's large and vibrant screen is great for watching movies and TV shows on, but sometimes you just want to watch them on the big screen.

The HTC Media Link HD is a handy little device the plugs in to your high-definition TV and lets you quickly and easily stream the photos and videos wirelessly from your brand new HTC One M8 to your TV. You can even use it to stream games, turning the HTC One M8 into a home games console.

Shocksock - HTC One M8 Reflective Sports Armband Case

£7.99 ($9.95, around AU$12)

Christmas is over, but all that good food and even better alcohol has begun to take its toll. Burn off the festive flab by taking your new HTC One M8 out jogging with you with this helpful arm band that gives you easy control of the HTC One M8's health features while you're being active, turning the HTC One M8 into the ultimate personal trainer.

Supcase HTC One M8 Case

£12.94 ($14.99, around AU$18)

The HTC One M8 comes with a stunning large screen so it would be a real shame if it smashed due to a moment of clumsiness. The SUPCASE All New HTC One M8 Case is tough, rugged and specially made for the HTC One M8. This case protects the HTC One M8 from drops while giving you easy access to all of its ports and buttons.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy S5

If you've just unwrapped a Samsung Galaxy S5 this Christmas then you're in for a treat with Samsung's decent flagship phone. Here are some of the best accessories you can buy to make it even better.

Samsung Galaxy S5 S-View Premium Cover Case

£24.99 ($16.99, around AU$59.95)

Samsung's official S-View case for the Galaxy S5 is an incredibly versatile accessory. Not only does it keep the S5 from being damaged by knocks and scratches, but the 'S-View' window allows you to view and answer incoming calls, check the weather, control music and lots more, all without having to open the case.

It can also automatically customise the background of the S5's screen to match the colour of the case you've attached.

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2

£284.85 ($369.97, around AU$450)

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is perhaps the ultimate accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S5 that lets you access the power of the Galaxy S5 from your wrist.

Just connect the Galaxy Gear 2 to the S5 via Bluetooth and you'll be able to make and receive calls, read messages and track your health through the smartwatch. It's also waterproof, like the Galaxy S5, so you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit

£159.95 ($159.95, around AU$195)

If you're more interested in getting fit than some of the other features of smartwatches, then the Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit is an excellent compliment to your brand new Samsung Galaxy S5. It concentrates on helping you keep healthy, is gorgeously designed and easy to use.

This doesn't mean that it's only interested in your health, as you can still read texts and emails that have been sent to your S5, all by conveniently glancing at your wrist.

Incipio Feather Shine Case

£21.95 ($13.19, around AU$16)

There's a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S5 but one of our complaints about Samsung's latest flagship handset is that its plastic body doesn't feel as premium – or as robust – as some of its competitors.

The incredibly thin Incipio Feather Shine Case solves this problem by giving the S5 a classy brushed aluminium outer shell that not only looks great but protects the handset as well.

Joby TightGrip Tripod Adapter

£9.99 (around $16, AU$19)

The Samsung Galaxy S5 includes an incredible camera that blows a lot of its competition out of the water, and it can even film video in 4K.

To make the most of the brilliant snapper make sure you pick up the Joby TightGrip Tripod Adapter that will let you attach the S5 to any tripod you like for amazing quality shots.

LG G3

LG G3

The LG G3 is a fantastic smartphone with a phenomenal screen. LG has also created a fantastic accessories ecosystem that means if you've got a brand new LG G3, you've got a wide range of brilliant and innovative accessories to choose from.

LG Quick Circle Case

£20.11 ($38.72, around AU$48)

The LG Quick Circle Case lets you operate your phone without opening the protective case thanks to the circular window that displays texts, takes photos and answers phone calls.

It's stylish and protective without adding additional bulk to the handset when in use. It also comes in a range of colours to suit your style.

LuguLake Qi Wireless Charger Pad With 6000mAh Portable Power Bank Pack

£22.99 (around $36, AU$44)

The LG G3 can be wirelessly charged, which on its own makes it pretty convenient to keep the battery topped up. But what happens if you're caught out and about with a rapidly depleting battery?

The LuguLake Qi Wireless Charger Pad is here to rescue you – not only can it be plugged in to wireless charge your LG G3, but it can also be taken out with you to give the LG G3 a much needed top up quickly and easily.

Spigen LG G3 protective case

£15.99 ($19.99, around AU$30)

You'll want to keep your shiny new LG G3 well protected, but all too often protective cases force you to clad your once svelte smartphone in bulky and ungainly clobber.

That's why the Spigen LG G3 protective case is such a great accessory for the LG G3; it uses a combination of TPU and polycarbonate material for dual protection while remaining slim and lightweight.

The Spigen LG G3 case is closely moulded around the LG G3, offering access to all the ports and buttons you need and proving that you don't have to sacrifice ergonomics for protection.

LG Foldable Charging Wireless Cradle for G3 Smartphones

£24.95 ($38.98, around AU$48)

Charge your LG G3 quickly and easily with the official wireless charging cradle. You can continue to use the LG G3 while it's charging thanks the design that can hold the LG G3 both vertically and horizontally. The charging cradle can also be folded up for conveniently carrying with you wherever you go.

Ultimate Ears BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

£99 ($179.99, AU$199.95)

The LG G3 gets a lot right, but if you want to use it to play music at a party, you'll want to get a decent set of speakers.

The Ultimate Ears BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect choice, not only does it sound fantastic with room-filling 360-degree speakers, but it can comes in a variety of colours and is stain and water proof – perfect for particularly messy parties.

You don't need any wires at it connects to the LG G3 via Bluetooth, and thanks to both the LG G3 and the Ultimate Ears BOOM being NFC (Near Field Communication) compatible, all you need to do connect them to each other is tap the LG G3 on the top of the speaker and away you go!

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony Xperia Z3

If you've got a brand new Xperia Z3 then you'll have a host of exciting accessories that can help you get the most out of Sony's excellent flagship handset. The Z3 is incredibly versatile and these accessories can help you use the smartphone in ways you've never imagined.

Game Control Mount GCM10

£24.99 (around $39, AU$48)

One of the coolest features of the Xperia Z3 is the Remote Play function that lets you stream PS4 games to the smartphone.

The Game Control Mount GCM10 lets you securely attach the Z3 to the PlayStation 4's DualShock controller for excellent comfort and control as you play.

Sony Wireless Charging Cover

£51.31 ($99.99, around AU$95)

Protect your brand new Xperia Z3 and make charging it easier than ever with Sony's official Wireless Charging Cover.

With the cover installed, all you need to do to keep your Z3 charged is place it on the wireless charger. The cover can also be used as a desk stand to make viewing and using the Z3 easy and convenient.

Sony QX10 Lens Style Camera

£109 ($168, around AU$208)

The Xperia Z3 has a pretty great camera already built in, but you can turn the Z3 into a high performance compact camera with the Sony QX10 Lens Style Camera.

Just connect it to the Z3 quickly and easily via NFC and the supplied mount and you'll get a 18MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and 10x optical zoom for absolutely amazing photos.

Jabra Tour Hand-Free Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone Car Kit

£48 ($49.15, AU$92)

Go hands free in the car with the excellent Jabra Tour Hand-Free Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone. Simply pair it up to the Xperia Z3 via Bluetooth and clip it to the sun visor of you car and you're ready to go.

A high definition mic offers enhanced noise cancellation, while voice control lets you make and receive phone calls with just your voice. You can also connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Sony MDRNC13 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

£26.45 ($48, around AU$50)

The Sony Xperia Z3 has a number of advanced noise cancelling and sound quality features that dramatically boost how good your phone calls sound. These features work even better when used with Sony's own MDRNC13 Noise-Cancelling Headphones.

The Z3 will know when these headphones are on, and will tailor the sound experience for them. Both voice calls and music will sound better than ever.