I’ve traveled to over 20 countries, and I’ve never once packed a dedicated camera. My iPhone goes everywhere with me – and honestly? With the right accessories, it’s all I need.
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Best Phone Photography Accessories for Travel in 2026
I love to take photos and it’s always the most perfect moment that your phone runs out of battery. Like the time I was in Malaga at my favorite evening food tour. I’d been taking photos all day and filming cool sites around the city, then my phone battery ran out just as my evening food tour started. Luckily I had the best power bank to quickly charge my phone. This phone bank saved the day.
Whether you’re a solo traveler trying to get better photos of yourself, a content creator filming on the go, or just someone who wants sharper, more professional-looking travel photos without lugging around extra gear – the right phone photography accessories can transform your travel content. I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best ones.
If you’re short on time and would rather jump ahead to find the best phone photography accessories for travel, click on the links below to see more details on my favorites:
- Best Phone Tripod: UBeesize 70″ Phone Tripod
- Best Waterproof Phone Case: Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Best Portable Power Bank: Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)
- Best Bluetooth Remote: Joby Impulse Bluetooth Remote
- Best Clip-On Light: Joby Beamo Mini LED
- Best Phone Grip: ShiftCam SnapGrip
- Best Clip-On Lens: Moment Wide 18mm Lens
Why Phone Photography Accessories Are Worth Packing
Why can’t I just use my phone as-is?
You absolutely can! Modern iPhones and Android phones take incredible photos straight out of the box. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of traveling and trying to capture memories: a few small, lightweight accessories can solve the biggest frustrations of phone photography and take your travel photos from good to great.
- A tripod means no more blurry group shots or awkward selfie angles – and you can finally get in the photo yourself
- A portable power bank keeps your phone alive all day when you’re using it as your camera, GPS, and travel guide
- A waterproof case lets you capture once-in-a-lifetime moments in the water – like swimming with whale sharks
- A Bluetooth remote lets you snap photos from a distance without racing to beat the self-timer
- A clip-on light makes a dramatic difference for dinner photos, evening content, and indoor shots
- The best part: all of these fit in a small pouch in your carry-on and weigh almost nothing
Who This Post is For
When I talk to fellow travelers about their phone photography struggles, these are the things I hear most often:
- “I travel solo and can never get a good photo of myself without asking a stranger.”
- “My phone dies by lunchtime when I’m using it to take photos all day.”
- “I don’t want to lug around a heavy camera, but I want better photos than what I’m getting.”
- “My night/dinner/indoor photos always look terrible.”
- “I want to film underwater but I’m afraid I’ll ruin my phone.”
- “I want to create better travel content for social media but I don’t know where to start with accessories.”
The good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune or carry a lot of extra gear. Even just one or two of the accessories on this list can make a noticeable difference. Let me walk you through what to look for.
What to Look for in Phone Photography Accessories
The market for smartphone photography accessories has exploded in recent years. Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing accessories to pack for your next trip:
Size and Portability
This is the number one consideration for travel. If it’s too bulky or heavy, you won’t bring it. Look for accessories that fold down small, weigh under a pound, and can fit in a carry-on bag or even a jacket pocket. The whole point of phone photography is traveling light.
Compatibility
Not all accessories work with every phone. Check whether a product is compatible with your specific phone model – especially for clip-on lenses, MagSafe accessories, and cases. Universal phone mounts (spring-loaded clip style) tend to be the most flexible option.
Battery and Power
When you’re using your phone as your primary camera, GPS, translator, and travel guide all day, battery drain is real. A good portable power bank is arguably the most important accessory on this list. Look for at least 10,000mAh capacity with fast charging.
Water and Weather Protection
If your travels involve any water activities – snorkeling, kayaking, pool days, or even just rain – a waterproof phone pouch is essential. Modern phones have some water resistance, but they’re not designed for submersion. A good waterproof case lets you take photos and video underwater without risking your phone.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Travel accessories take a beating. They get tossed in bags, rained on, and exposed to sand and dust. Look for aluminum construction over plastic, and check for any water or weather resistance ratings.
Ease of Setup
When you spot the perfect sunset or a fleeting travel moment, you need to act fast. The best accessories are ones you can deploy in seconds – not ones that require a multi-step assembly process.
Price and Value
Phone photography accessories range from under $10 to over $100. The good news is that most of the essentials are surprisingly affordable. You can put together a solid travel photography kit for under $100 that covers a tripod, power bank, waterproof case, and more.
A List of the Best Phone Photography Accessories for Travel in 2026
I’ve done my own research to find the best phone photography accessories overall. I’ve tried some of these accessories and have my own preferred picks to recommend, but wanted to point out some of the other options people are talking about, too.
The Abundant Traveler’s Best Phone Photography Accessories 2026
These are the accessories I personally use and recommend for travel:
- Best Phone Tripod: UBeesize 70″ Phone Tripod
- Best Waterproof Phone Case: Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Best Portable Power Bank: Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)
- Best Bluetooth Remote: Joby Impulse Bluetooth Remote
- Best Clip-On Light: Joby Beamo Mini LED
- Best Phone Grip: ShiftCam SnapGrip
- Best Clip-On Lens: Moment Wide 18mm Lens
DPReview’s Recommended Phone Accessories for Travel Photography
DPReview (Digital Photography Review) is one of the most well-known photography publications. Their guide on mobile accessories for travel photography covers the key accessory categories that make the biggest difference without adding bulk to your bag.
- Grips: They recommend smartphone grips from brands like ShiftCam, Ulanzi, and Leica for a more camera-like shooting experience. Many include a built-in shutter button and battery – similar to my ShiftCam SnapGrip recommendation.
- Tripods & Mounts: They highlight flexible tripods and suction cup mounts as key accessories for hands-free shooting and creative angles.
- Bluetooth Remotes: Called out as essential for group photos and selfies – no more rushing to beat the self-timer.
- Compact LED Lights: Recommended for low-light filming, with mentions of brands like Lume Cube, Joby, and Sandmarc – similar to my Joby Beamo Mini recommendation.
Imaging Resource’s Smartphone Photography Accessories Buyer’s Guide
Imaging Resource published a comprehensive hands-on buyer’s guide to smartphone photography accessories in early 2026, covering everything from tripods and lenses to filters and lighting with detailed testing.
- Highlighted Travel Tripod: Freewell Real Travel Tripod – They called it the most sophisticated and easiest to use travel tripod they’ve tested, with built-in smartphone mounting and magnetic leg locks. A premium alternative to my budget-friendly UBeesize pick.
- Flexible Tripod Option: Joby GorillaPod series – Multiple sizes covered, from pocket-sized to their larger professional version supporting up to 6.6 pounds. The classic flexible tripod for wrapping around objects.
- Recommended Filter System: Freewell Magnetic Filter System – Professional-grade CPL and ND filters designed for smartphones, with quick-change magnetic mounting. For photographers who want more creative control over light.
Jefferson Graham’s (PhotowalksTV) Mobile Photography Accessories
Jefferson Graham is a well-known travel photographer and tech journalist who produces the PhotowalksTV show using only a smartphone. His accessory guides are written from real-world experience producing professional content on the road.
- #1 Priority – Power Banks: Anker MagSafe battery pack with built-in cable – His top-ranked accessory for phone photography, since phones die fast when shooting all day. Echoes my own power bank recommendation.
- Microphone for Video: RØDE Wireless Micro – For travelers who also shoot video/reels. Connects directly to your phone via USB-C with no cables or receivers needed.
- LED Light: Aputure and LumeCube LED lights – Small LED lights that fit into a cage or tripod mount’s cold shoe for shooting after dark. Similar use case to my Joby Beamo Mini pick.
- Phone Cage: SmallRig Universal Cage (~$35) – For serious content creators who want to mount multiple accessories (light, mic, power bank) to their phone at once.
- Selfie Stick/Tripod: Insta360 Selfie Stick (~$25) – Doubles as a four-foot tripod, and he found it nearly as effective as gimbal stabilizers in back-to-back tests.
Amateur Photographer’s Best Camera Phone Accessories
Amateur Photographer is one of the UK’s longest-running photography publications. Their roundup focuses on practical, well-tested gear for phone photography and video.
- Best Power Bank: Anker Power Bank Compact (10,000mAh) – Same brand I recommend, confirming Anker’s reputation as the go-to for travel charging.
- Best Grip: ShiftCam SnapGrip + Peak Design Case – Their top pick for a camera-like phone experience. Validates my ShiftCam recommendation.
- Best Multi-Purpose Tripod: Joby RangePod Smart Tripod – A versatile option for travelers who want one tripod that handles multiple situations.
- Best LED Light: Joby Beamo Mini – Pocket-sized LED light with magnetic back. Same as my top lighting pick!
The Best Phone Photography Accessories for Travel
Now that we’ve seen what the experts recommend, let’s look at the best phone photography accessories and why.
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Best Phone Tripod: UBeesize 70″ Phone Tripod
The UBeesize 70″ Phone Tripod is the one accessory I never travel without. At 70 inches tall, it’s taller than most phone tripods on the market – and that’s exactly why I love it. No more crouching down or propping your phone on a stack of books to get an eye-level shot.
It’s made from aluminum alloy, so it’s lightweight but still feels solid and stable. It comes with a universal phone mount that fits most smartphones (with or without a case), plus a Bluetooth remote so you can snap photos from up to 30 feet away. The auto-open legs deploy with a single tap – no fumbling around with leg locks when you’re trying to catch a sunset.
I’m almost 6′ tall and my extended tripod saves the day on almost every shot when traveling solo. I don’t have to slump over to have all of me in the photo. Also, traveling solo can be so challenging when trying to get a scenery shot and yourself. This easy to pack light weight tripod has saved me countless time.
The whole thing folds down compact enough to slide into a suitcase or strap to a daypack. It’s honestly one of the best investments I’ve made for my travel photography.
Price: ~$25-35 on Amazon
Best Waterproof Phone Case: Waterproof Phone Pouch
If your travels involve any water activities – snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, or even just beach days – a waterproof phone pouch is an absolute must. I wouldn’t have been able to do all the incredible filming with the whale sharks if I hadn’t had a waterproof cover on my phone.
This waterproof pouch features a touch-friendly screen window so you can still take photos and videos without removing your phone. It fits most smartphones (even with a case on) and uses a secure double-lock seal to keep water, sand, and dust out. The included lanyard means you can wear it around your neck while swimming or snorkeling – no worrying about dropping your phone in the ocean.
My whale shark experience was in Isla Mujeres, and we went out early in the morning before the other boats headed out. We were the first to arrive at the pod of whale sharks. We saw them bottling and feeding and it was such an incredible experience to be so close to the gigantic creatures. You can read more about it in my post on swimming with whale sharks.
At under $15 for a two-pack, this is probably the highest-value accessory on this entire list. One pouch for your phone, one for a friend or as a backup. You’ll use it on every beach vacation, cruise, and water excursion from here on out.
Price: ~$10-15 for a 2-pack on Amazon
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Best Portable Power Bank: Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)
If you’re using your phone as your primary camera all day, your battery is going to drain fast. The Anker Nano Power Bank is my go-to because it’s compact enough to fit in a pocket, charges your phone incredibly fast (full charge in about 30 minutes with the built-in cable), and has enough capacity for at least one full recharge.
What I love about this specific model is the built-in USB-C cable – no digging around for a separate cord. It’s one less thing to remember to pack. Anker is also the go-to power bank brand recommended by both Amateur Photographer and Jefferson Graham from PhotowalksTV.
It’s horrible to run out of battery on a trip, and it’s always at the most inopportune moment. Like in the middle of a once in a lifetime excursion or experience.
Price: ~$30-40 on Amazon
Best Bluetooth Remote: Joby Impulse Bluetooth Remote
A Bluetooth remote is a game-changer for solo travelers. Instead of setting a 10-second timer and sprinting into position, you just press the button from up to 30 feet away. It pairs with both iPhone and Android and is small enough to clip onto a keychain.
This pairs perfectly with the UBeesize tripod for solo travel photos, group shots, and even steady video recording. DPReview calls Bluetooth remotes one of the key accessories for phone travel photography.
Price: ~$15-20 on Amazon
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Best Clip-On Light: Joby Beamo Mini LED
Here’s the thing about phone cameras: they’re amazing in good light, but they struggle in dim restaurants, evening markets, and indoor spaces. A small portable LED light makes a dramatic difference. The Joby Beamo Mini packs 1,000 lumens into a pocket-sized package, has a magnetic back so you can mount it on metal surfaces, and charges via USB.
It’s also great for food photography at dinner – that soft fill light makes your plate look restaurant-Instagram-worthy instead of yellow and grainy. Amateur Photographer named it their top pick for phone lighting, and it pairs well with any of the tripod or grip options on this list.
Price: ~$40-50 on Amazon
Best Phone Grip: ShiftCam SnapGrip
If you’ve ever felt like your phone is going to slip out of your hand while leaning over a railing for the perfect shot, a dedicated phone grip solves that instantly. The ShiftCam SnapGrip attaches via MagSafe (or with a universal adapter) and gives your phone a real camera-like grip with a built-in shutter button.
DPReview mentions ShiftCam as one of the top grip brands for travel photography, and Amateur Photographer named the SnapGrip their best grip pick. It’s great for one-handed shooting, and it also has a built-in battery that can give your phone a small charge boost – handy in a pinch.
Price: ~$60-70 on Amazon
Best Clip-On Lens: Moment Wide 18mm Lens
Clip-on lenses are optional for most travelers, but if you’re serious about your phone photography, a wide-angle lens can be a real upgrade. The Moment Wide 18mm gives you roughly 2x wider field of view than your phone’s standard lens, which is incredible for landscapes, architecture, and fitting everyone into a group shot.
Moment lenses are made with cinema-quality glass and have been recommended by Wirecutter, Gear Patrol, and multiple photography publications. They’re the gold standard for phone lenses. That said, they require a Moment case or mount, so they’re a bigger commitment than the other accessories on this list.
Price: ~$70-90 at shopmoment.com
What Are the Best Phone Photography Accessories for You?
Now that you’ve seen all the options, here’s my quick cheat sheet for choosing:
- For solo travelers who want better photos of themselves: Start with a tripod + Bluetooth remote. My UBeesize tripod comes with both.
- For water lovers and adventure travelers: A waterproof phone pouch is non-negotiable. Under $15 and it could save your phone – and capture the shot of a lifetime.
- For all-day shooters worried about battery: A portable power bank is your #1 priority. The Anker Nano pays for itself on the first trip.
- For food and nightlife photographers: A portable LED light will transform your low-light photos.
- For content creators and social media travelers: Consider the full kit – tripod, grip, light, and power bank.
- For the minimalist traveler: Just a tripod, a power bank, and a waterproof pouch. That’s honestly all you need to dramatically improve your travel photos.
What phone photography accessories do you travel with? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!
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