Review: Apple MagSafe Duo Charger
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
It’s not surprising that people who own an iPhone tend to also own other Apple gadgets including an Apple Watch and Airpods. That can make for a lot of cable clutter when it comes to charging. It can also take up a lot of physical space, especially now that so many products charge wirelessly — those charge pads may be more convenient but they have a far larger footprint than a cable. Combination chargers that feature both a Qi wireless charge pad and an Apple Watch charger have become popular as a way to minimize the mess. In 2018, I reviewed one of these in the Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition, a luxurious slab of aluminum and leather. Just over a year ago, Apple finally released its own combo charger in the 129 Apple MagSafe Duo.
How does the Apple MagSafe Duo stand up? Is it worth paying the 129?
Unboxing the MagSafe Duo: You May Have to Spend Some
Opening the MagSafe Duo box reveals the wireless dual charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. However, there’s no power adapter included. If you already own an Apple USB-C charger — and there’s a good chance you do if you’re buying this charger — you can probably just use that. If you don’t have the charger available, you’ll need to buy one, adding to the MagSafe Duo’s 129 cost.
If you plug into a 20W Apple USB-C charger, the Qi wireless pad will charge devices at up to 11W. If you go with an Apple USB-C charger rated at 27W or higher, the Qi pad will charge at up to 14W. The actual charge rate also depends on the capabilities of the device being charged.
Either way, the MagSafe Duo can charge devices more quickly than many Q1 wireless charge pads, which tend to standardize on 7.5W charge output.
A Very Compact and Flexible Charger
One of the selling points of the MagSafe Duo is its compact form factor. Deployed on your desktop, it measures just 3.0-inches by 6.5-inches. That is a very small footprint for a dual-charger.
One side of the white plastic device is an Apple MagSafe charge ring. That means iPhone 12 models and up will snap right to the charger, but it also works with any device that uses Qi wireless charging. You may have to move the device around slightly to align with the charge coil, though — be aware that unlike many Qi charge pads, this one lacks an LED charge indicator so you’ll need to rely on your device’s onboard charge indicator.
The other half of the MagSafe Duo is an Apple Watch charger that pivots from a flat position to 90-degrees. It will work with any Apple Watch, but it does not support the Apple Watch 7’s fast-charge capability.
Fold it up for carrying, and the MagSafe Duo is just about 3-inches square and only 1/2 an inch thick. Plus your power adapter and cable, of course. This makes it very easy to fold up and toss in a bag or luggage if you’re travelling.
The one thing I missed with the Apple MagSafe Duo was a USB charge port. Other wireless chargers in my collection include this feature, which is really handy if you want to plug in something that doesn’t support wireless charging — my headphones and eReader, for example. A charge port is not a must have (and skipping one helps to keep the MagSafe Duo slimmed down), but it does mean I still have to rely on another external charger for my bedside table.
Apple MagSafe Duo Charger Recommendation
Apple’s MagSafe Duo charger does the job of charging an iPhone (or Airpods) and an Apple Watch simultaneously. It does so with a typical minimalist Apple style, saves some space, and adds convenient portability to the mix. Making the actual power adapter an extra-cost add-on and lacking any wired power output options are slightly annoying.
However, if you’re looking for a charger for your Apple devices that includes an Apple Watch charger, this one is a pretty solid pick.
My primary mission is to help readers enjoy the best experience from their gadgets, consumer electronics, and accessories — through hands-on reviews, commentary and guides. Expect to see lots about Apple gear from the latest iPhone to the newest Apple Watch, and a steady stream of content for all things music, including wireless speakers, headphones, and turntables. I began my career at the Richard Ivey Business School in Canada, transitioned to running the product management team at one of Canada’s largest fintech companies and finished out office life as a senior research analyst. Along the way I got my Apple certification and began amassing cool gear. For the past decade and a half I have been writing about technology-related subjects, contributing to outlets that include: Wired, InvestorPlace Media, MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, Shaw Media, About.com, and Kiplinger. In addition I am the computing solution editor for Best Buy Canada’s Plug-in blog and one of the original writers for the award-winning GeekDad blog.
The Best MagSafe Chargers for Your iPhone
Charge your iPhone wirelessly with speeds of up to 15W using a MagSafe charger; it magnetically aligns for ease of use.
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Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 series, and it has quickly become one of the most exciting features on the latest iPhones.
A MagSafe charger supports fast wireless charging up to 15W, but what makes it special is that it magnetically snaps onto the back of your iPhone, eliminating the need for manual alignment.
True MagSafe chargers support a maximum output of 15W on the iPhone 14/13/12 series, but some affordable, non-official MagSafe options only support 7.5W, which is still great if you want the convenience of MagSafe charging without the premium price.
Here are the best MagSafe chargers available right now.
Apple MagSafe Charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger With MagSafe (2nd Gen)
ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger
mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand 7.5W
ESR HaloLock All-in-1 Car Wireless Charging Set
Belkin BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe
Anker PowerWave 2-in-1 Magnetic Stand Lite
Belkin BOOSTCHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe
Native Union Snap Magnetic Wireless Charger
Our Favorite MagSafe Chargers of 2023
Apple MagSafe Charger
Designed by the same minds behind the iPhone, the Apple MagSafe Charger is guaranteed to work with your MagSafe-enabled iPhone. over, it supports fast charging up to 15W, the maximum output allowed by MagSafe.
- Fast 15W charging speed
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Original Apple product
- Convenient and easy to use
When it comes to iPhone accessories, no brand does it better than Apple itself. The Apple MagSafe Charger delivers the best MagSafe charging experience in a simple and compact package that you can take with you anywhere. It’s easy to use and snaps securely onto the back of your iPhone, allowing you to use your phone while it charges.
This official MagSafe charger supports fast charging up to 15W on the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 models. You can also use it to charge your Airpods and older iPhones that support Qi wireless charging.
The charger comes with an integrated 3.3-foot USB-C charging cable, but you’ll need a separate power adapter to charge your devices. Apple recommends a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter for the fastest charging speeds.
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger With MagSafe (2nd Gen)
Charge your iPhone, Airpods, and Apple Watch at once
Quickly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods at the same time while keeping everything neatly organized. The Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe (2nd Gen) provides full 15W MagSafe charging and supports fast charging for the latest Apple Watch models.
- Quick 15W MagSafe charging
- Supports Apple Watch fast charging
- Charges multiple devices
- Premium build quality
The Belkin BoostUp Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe is a solid option for hardcore Apple fans. It can simultaneously charge an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and Airpods, eliminating the need to use different chargers for multiple devices.
It stands out from other 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers by delivering the full 15W output supported by MagSafe. It can also charge the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 7 33% faster than other charging stations. In addition, the design of the stand makes it easy to see incoming notifications from your desk or bed.
The build quality is amazing and matches the Apple devices pretty well. And unlike other MagSafe chargers, you get all the accessories needed to charge your devices. Overall, if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, this 3-in-1 Magsafe charging stand is a great way to clear the clutter on your desk or nightstand and quickly juice all of your Apple devices.
ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger
Don’t overspend on a MagSafe charger
The ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable MagSafe charger. It offers a secure charging experience thanks to its strong magnets while doubling as a kickstand when you want to use your phone hands-free.
- Sleek and compact design
- Built-in kickstand adds more functionality
- Strong magnets
- Colors to match your iPhone
The ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger is a simple and affordable MagSafe charger with a few tricks up its sleeve. It comes with a slide-out kickstand you can use to hold your iPhone in an upright or horizontal position when you want to watch something while charging. You can even remove the included charging cable to use it as a standard phone stand.
The charger comes with a sleek and stylish aluminum body that makes it feel both solid and premium. It has a strong magnetic attachment and an extra-long USB-C charging cable that gives you lots of freedom to move around or use your phone while you charge. While it charges slower than the official MagSafe charger, it can fully charge a dead iPhone in about 2.5 hours for a lot less money.
mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe
Folds down to take up less space
Going somewhere? This mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe will keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods powered up on your trip or vacation with a single cable and outlet. It folds down to take up less space in your bag and even comes with a carrying case.
Choosing the Best MagSafe Charger for Your iPhone
While most MagSafe chargers will work fine with any MagSafe-enabled iPhone, to fully experience MagSafe as intended, you’ll need a charger with a strong magnetic connection and a full 15W output. Some chargers support 7.5W charging, which is slower than the maximum 15W output that MagSafe supports, but they still provide the convenience and reliability of MagSafe, making them ideal if you’re on a budget.
It’s hard to go wrong with the official Apple MagSafe Charger if you want a no-frills MagSafe charger guaranteed to work with any MagSafe iPhone. It supports the fastest MagSafe charging speeds and has a slim, compact design that fits on any desk or nightstand. Dropping the output slightly to 7.5W, ESR’s HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger is an excellent alternative if you want something affordable. It has excellent magnetic strength and even includes a kickstand for hands-free use and Standby mode.
Apple MagSafe Charger
Designed by the same minds behind the iPhone, the Apple MagSafe Charger is guaranteed to work with your MagSafe-enabled iPhone. over, it supports fast charging up to 15W, the maximum output allowed by MagSafe.
- Fast 15W charging speed
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Original Apple product
- Convenient and easy to use
FAQ
Q: What Is the Fastest MagSafe Charger?
All official MagSafe chargers support fast charging up to 15W, which is the fastest wireless charging speed on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series. That also means MagSafe is faster than Qi wireless charging, which supports 7.5W, but not as fast as wired charging.
Q: What Is the Difference Between MagSafe and Wireless Charging?
MagSafe works like any wireless charger, but the main difference is that MagSafe uses magnets to automatically attach to the back of the iPhone. That means you don’t have to fuss over getting the perfect alignment every time you want to charge your phone; simply snap and charge.
Q: Is It Worth Getting a MagSafe Charger?
A MagSafe charger offers more than just faster charging speeds. Being able to put your phone on a wireless charger without having to worry about getting the perfect alignment each time is something that cannot be understated.
Plus, you can easily use your phone while it’s charging, something not possible with non-MagSafe wireless chargers. While more expensive than Qi chargers, MagSafe charging is worth the money and is one of the best things to happen to the iPhone.
Pinouts [ ]
The MagSafe connector pins allow for the adapter to be inserted in either orientation. The first and second pins on each side of the tiny central pin have continuity with their mirror pins.
- The inner large pins are V (14.5 / 16.5 / 18.5 / 20 V DC). Measuring with no load will give 6.86 V DC for MagSafe and about 3 V DC for MagSafe 2; the full voltage is provided after a ~40 kOhm load is applied for one second. [21]
- The outer large pins are ground.
- The tiny center pin is a data pin using the 1-Wire protocol. The computer uses this pin to change the LED’s color and retrieve the serial number and wattage of the power supply. [21]
- Only two wires – power and ground – go to the charger unit. There is no data communication via the adapter sense pin with the charger unit itself. [21]
- The maximum voltage supplied is as follows:
- 14.5 V DC for the 45 W units supplied with MacBook Air
- 16.5 V DC for the 60 W units supplied with MacBook and 13 MacBook Pro
- 18.5 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15 and 17 MacBook Pro
- 20 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15 MacBook Pro Retina
The rectangular metal shroud surrounding the pins acts as shielding for the electrical pins and a ferrous attractor for the magnet in the laptop.
Third-party products [ ]
Although Apple does not license the MagSafe connector for use in third-party products, manufacturers have devised a workaround: their MagSafe items use the actual connector from Apple’s AC adapter, grafted onto their own product. Since this uses an actual Apple product, purchased legally, manufacturers believe that no licensing agreements are needed (a principle referred to as the first sale doctrine) and the patents are not violated. [22] However, in 2010 Apple still sued one such manufacturer, Sanho Corporation for selling its very popular HyperMac battery extension products which Apple claimed violated their patents. [23] Sanho has since ceased to sell their connector cable for the HyperMac series of external batteries. [24]
Some fake MagSafe 2 chargers have appeared on sites such as Defects [ ]
As of October 2011, many users had reported problems with the quality of the construction of the MagSafe cords, giving the product low marks on the Apple Store’s website. [25] Common complaints included plug separating from the cord, transformer shorting, and pin springs losing elasticity. [25]
Several methods have been devised to protect the MagSafe from failure, including wrapping the cable with tape or sliding protective plastic around the cable. [26]
In 2008, Apple posted an official response acknowledging problems with MagSafe adapters, which include incomplete circuit connection and adapter’s white insulation separating from the magnetic end of the MagSafe connector. [27] Following the release of a Knowledge Base article, a class-action lawsuit was filed on May 1, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California|US District Court for the Northern District of California’s San Jose office, alleging that the MagSafe power adapter is prone to frayed wires and overheating, and as such represents a fire hazard. [28]
Apple released a firmware update in October 2010 that it claims resolves this issue. [29] However, the installer for the firmware update will not run on certain older MacBooks, which means that the firmware can not be updated. This, in turn, means that it is not possible to use the new MagSafe power adapter with these MacBooks. However, as of 2017, Apple still sells the older MagSafe power adapter. [30]
In 2011, Apple posted a support document about the strain-relief problems with the MPM-1 (T)-style MagSafe power cables, and issued settlement offer for buyers of Apple 60 W or 85 W MagSafe MPM-1 adapter within the first three years of purchase. [31]
Earlier power systems [ ]
Before MagSafe, Apple laptop computers used a shell and socket/pin arrangement, or coaxial power connector. The iBook series introduced a charger that resembled a mini-stereo plug with an additional metal ring. The first puck-shaped iBook chargers simply had a silver plug body, but the square white chargers introduced a color-changing illuminated ring that indicated charging status.
Tripping on an iBook cord or yanking the cord out at an angle could bend the spring contacts inside the connector or break the solder pads under the connector, resulting in a laptop that would fail to charge when connected to the cord, or would only charge if the inserted plug were propped up or pushed down at an angle. An especially forceful yank could flare the outer flange or even break the tip of the power plug.
Replacing a damaged DC-In Board in an early 12 inch G3 iBook typically involved an expensive 50-step disassembly of the laptop. [32]
Charging iPhone 13 Pro With MagSafe
Apple introduced MagSafe with iPhone 12 series, and the technology has undoubtedly transformed wireless charging. iPhone 13 Pro and others in the series equally come with this technology, and people buy many MagSafe wireless chargers for this purpose.
It typically takes 50 minutes to charge iPhone 13 Pro from 0 to 50%, as MagSafe delivers its peak power (about 15W) to the phone’s battery at this stage. However, as charging reaches 80%, the power delivery reduces, which elongates the charging time. Apple made it like that to preserve the iPhone’s battery life. With Rapid charging comes immense heat, which can quickly destroy the battery within a few months.
While iPhone 13 Pro comes built with MagSafe, users will have to buy the charger themselves, as it is not included in the box. Even for wired charging, Apple has also made it the buyers’ responsibility to get a PD adapter to use the USB-C to a lightning cord. And with the broad market, this non-inclusion of charging accessories has created, many people may be confused about where to buy the best product.
We have two recommendations for you if you are considering buying iPhone 13 wireless charger.
Recommended iPhone 13 Pro Charger
HaloLock 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with CryoBoost– 44.99(25% off with code: ESRBLOG)
- Fast charging due to CryoBoost
- Strong magnetic components
- Extra-long wire
- Adjustable view
- Stable stand
This ESR MagSafe charger is one product with several benefits. The stand helps to keep your iPhone 13 pro in the proper viewing position, while its CryoBoost cools your phone down using its cooling system. This cooling significantly affects your charging speed because it keeps the phone’s temperature in check.
The magnetic components are powerful to keep your iPhone firmly. One advantage of this ESR wireless charger is that it beats even Apple’s official charger in charging time because of its CryoBoost. It’s extra-long (1.5m) adapter cable also means you can stretch the setup to your most preferred location.
HaloLock Wireless Car Charger with CryoBoost– 34.49(25% off with code: ESRBLOG)
- 2 hours faster than other MagSafe chargers
- Heat dissipation
- The stable and adjustable vent clip
- Compatible with iPhone 12 and 13 models
Charging and navigating a rough road can be challenging but not so with this wireless car charger. The magnets are so powerful that once you connect your phone and fix the setup to your car’s dashboard, it remains firm without falling off. The vent mount is secure, and you can adjust the view to your best position.
The heat-dissipating technology in this MagSafe car charger indeed boosts its charging speed. It is at least 70 minutes ahead of most other MagSafe chargers, even the official one from Apple. With this product, using Google Map while on the move has just got easier because the magnets in the charger keep everything in place.
Conclusion
This article shows at least four factors determining how fast your mobile device charges. All of them are manageable, and you can enjoy your iPhone 13 Pro longer by taking precautions. Indeed, MagSafe charges iPhone 13 very fast, especially if you purchase chargers built with heat-dissipating technology.
ESR ensured that it dusts other competitors by including CryoBoost technology that helps dissipate heat and keeps the charging speed uninterrupted. Similarly, the two MagSafe wireless chargers recommended in this piece are among the best you can find on the market. Added to that are the.friendly that each carries.
Get yourself one of these and experience the fastest hands-free charging ever.