I don’t think I need to convince you why, generally speaking, PopSockets are one of the most convenient tech accessories out there. They save you from dropping your phone, work as a kickstand for watching videos, and double as a fantastic fidget toy — definitely a good thing all around, especially for uncoordinated folks like myself.
However, I always hesitated to get a PopSocket for two major reasons. One, it would prevent me from charging my phone wirelessly, and two, choosing a singular design or image to live on the back of my phone for the foreseeable future felt like a very significant commitment (even though it probably wasn’t). Then, this spring, PopSockets literally solved all of my problems by introducing a new product: swappable PopSockets. It’s a simple concept, but (in my opinion) a brilliant one. As the name implies, you can remove the top, round portion of the PopSocket and replace it with other ones. The base unit left behind on your phone is thin enough to accommodate wireless charging, while the swappable aspect means you’re no longer stuck with just one design — that you can’t reuse — on your phone.
These new PopSockets have been around for a few months now, but the catalogue of pop culture-themed Swappable designs has grown and grown. At this point, there are more than 100 to choose from — inspired by Star Wars, Harry Potter, Rick and Morty, Disney, Pixar, Stranger Things, Hello Kitty, Marvel, DC, and more — and they are a true gift to the geeky. You can swap out a different PopSocket each day depending on your mood. Perhaps you want to rep Captain America with his shield on Monday, the rose from Beauty and the Beast on Tuesday, Pickle Rick on Wednesday, Luna Lovegood’s glasses on Thursday, BB-8 on Friday, and so on.
Despite being swappable, the PopSockets won’t detach easily or unintentionally. They are also sturdy and pretty scratch-resistant.
It may be a simple thing, but these are a really fun, subtle way to rep the fandoms you love day to day. They also make an awesome gift for the die-hard fans in your life. The only slight downside to the licensed PopSockets is the price — $15 compared to $10 for the non-licensed ones. But seeing the watercolor Infinity Gauntlet (my current fave) on my phone a few times each day totally makes that $5 worth it.
Photos: PopSockets
