Why should you consider using third-party accessories for your tech devices?

When it comes to buying tech accessories, the general consensus is that buying first-party options is the better option because you'll get a quality product. However, that's not entirely true. The third-party accessory market is growing stronger than ever, and you can find some of your best accessories and gadgets there.

1. You can find accessories for every budget

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One of the biggest complaints you'll hear about first-party accessories from OEMs like Apple, Google, Samsung, and others is that they're often more expensive than third-party options. For example, while Apple charges you $49 for a clear case with MagSafe, Spigen charges just $18.99 for a similar case.

This is true for almost every accessory you'll buy. Chargers, cables, cases, headphones, controllers, keyboards, etc. — you'll find options that range in price from a few dollars to the price of comparable first-party accessories. This makes tech accessible to people who might otherwise consider first-party accessories too expensive.

2. Choose the features you like

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Compared to similarly priced third-party options, first-party accessories tend to be quite limited in functionality. This is most evident when you look at chargers and cables, a staple item in this day and age.

Google charges $29.99 for its 45W USB-C charger, while you can find options for as little as $7 on Amazon that come with the right cable, and some even offer multiple charging ports. The same goes for cables, where there's a good chance a cheaper third-party alternative could offer a higher-wattage cable or faster data transfer speeds.

When purchasing accessories, be cautious and read the fine print. Not all accessories are created equal, so it is important to verify compatibility with your device, especially in terms of charging capacity and video output capabilities.

3. They're safer than you think

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You may be hesitant to buy third-party accessories like chargers, cables, or batteries, among others, for fear that they might harm your device. In my experience, this is rarely the case as long as you are careful when purchasing.

Pay attention to the output power rating (and input in the case of batteries) and the charger technology, as options like Gallium Nitrite (GaN) work better. With cables, you should also consider data transfer speeds and power ratings. If you're shopping for a charger for your laptop, here are some things to keep in mind.

Of course, you will occasionally come across a poor quality accessory. Paying attention to ratings and reviews from other users can help prevent this, as specifications don't always tell the full story.

4. You have more choices

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As you might guess, all these variations, features, and prices mean you have plenty of options, no matter what your budget is. Whether you want more ports on the charger, a different cable color, or any other variation from an OEM or first-party accessory, chances are you'll find a third-party option that meets your needs.

This extends beyond basic functionality to design and features, offering significantly more choice than first-party products. Third-party manufacturers often introduce innovative designs, unique color schemes, and additional features not found in original accessories. This expanded choice allows you to personalize your tech experience, finding accessories that work well and look good while doing so.

5. Third-party accessories may be better than first-party accessories

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If you're looking to buy a controller for PC, PS5, Xbox, or Switch, the first-party options from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo will be disappointing. On the other hand, the third-party market is full of options with Hall Effect joysticks and additional buttons, often at a much lower price than the official controllers.

The third-party accessory market is highly competitive, driving brands to offer competitively priced products and superior user experiences. As a result, consumers can often find third-party accessories that offer superior quality and value compared to first-party accessories.

You'll get a much better price, features, and overall value from a good third-party accessory. If first-party options seem limited or out of reach, consider purchasing a third-party accessory for your tech device.

Samuel Daniel

Update 14 January 2025