Belkin just released all kinds of magnetic iPhone gear – Are these accessories worth it?
Nearly a year ago, Apple released the iPhone 12 and resurrected a feature once exclusive to certain Mac computers: MagSafe. That opened the door to all kinds of magnetic chargers, mounts, wallets and just about any other kind of accessory you can think of.
Consumer electronics company Belkin was quick to release MagSafe charging stands (like this one) that were even available for sale on Apple’s official online store. No doubt Apple will keep MagSafe for the iPhone 13 when it’s released as early as this September, and Belkin is ready with a bunch of new compatible accessories.
From face-tracking mounts to wireless chargers, Belkin’s new products are designed for a wide range of situations. But there’s a difference between products that are Made for MagSafe and Compatible with MagSafe that you should know about first …
Differences between MagSafe and not-MagSafe
MagSafe isn’t just a ring of magnets built into iPhones. Sure, any accessory that’s roughly the same circumference of that ring can connect — but the key feature to be aware of is wireless charging.
Connect an iPhone 12 to an official MagSafe charging accessory and you’ll get up to a 50% battery charge in an hour. Even though that’s not as quick as using a fast-charging cable and adapter, it’s still double the speed of using a standard Qi (7.5W) wireless charger.
And while Belkin’s existing 2-in-1 Wireless Charger is made for MagSafe, its latest products will only allow for standard wireless charging speed. With that in mind, check out quick reviews for the latest MagSafe-compatible charging gear and mounts Belkin recently sent to me for testing.
Magnetic Face Tracking Mount
Let’s start with the most unique gadget in the bunch: Belkin’s Magnetic Face Tracking Mount. Download the companion iOS app, add three AA batteries (not included), connect your iPhone 12 via MagSafe and get to broadcasting. Highlights:
- Motorized mount follows your facial movements while you’re creating video content
- 360-degree rotation and adjustable angles
- Works in landscape and portrait mode
- Retails for 69.99
While other face-tracking products like the Portal and new Echo Show 10 are meant for video calls, this is not. This magnetic mount is for shooting content and broadcasting on compatible services including:
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Camera (native iPhone app)
Is it worth it?
This is a worthwhile accessory — for those who like to broadcast themselves on social media. That’s about it.
It can only track one face (no groups), has no option to use a power cord instead of batteries and has to be used in conjunction with the app. It’s also just a mount — it won’t charge your iPhone 12. The biggest limitation, though, is the inability to use the mount to make video calls.
Unless you’re a very specific content creator, skip this one.
Boost Charge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank
Next up, a portable power bank that connects via MagSafe to the back of an iPhone 12. No wires to worry about, just click it into place to give your phone’s battery a boost. Highlights:
- MagSafe compatible
- 2500 mAh of power up to 50%
- LED indicator for charge level
- Retails for 39.99
Is it worth it?
I took this with me on a recent trip out of town and really got to test it out when my battery was running low. When my iPhone 12 Pro Max hit about 50%, I connected this power bank and started the charging process.
Again — this is only MagSafe compatible, meaning it’s going to charge at the standard Qi speed. Yes, it takes a while.
When all was said and done, I only got about a 20% boost to the battery before the power bank died. Contributing factors no doubt include that I have the largest iPhone 12 available and that I was using the phone a bit while it was charging.
I have plenty of more powerful portable batteries that can charge my iPhone from 0 to 100%, but this is a nice power bank in the sense that it connects easily and doesn’t add too much bulk to your You also have the option to charge the power bank while it’s charging your iPhone if you’re near an outlet.
Yes, this one is worth the 39 as long as you don’t expect it to fully charge your iPhone. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, but you’ll have to provide your own wall adapter.
Magnetic Fitness Mount
As a bonus, there’s an internal ball joint so you can rotate the mount 360-degrees for any angle. Highlights:
- Dual magnets
- Secure and vibration-proof
- Attaches to handlebars up to 1.5-inches thick
- Retails for 34.99
Is it worth it?
Having attached this to my home treadmill, all I can say is that it works great. The mount never slipped and my iPhone stayed in exactly the same spot the entire time. I also stuck the mount onto the side of a metal filing cabinet and it held on well there, too.
This is great for home workout equipment, but the price is a little steep for a relatively simple magnetic mount.
Boost Charge Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand
Back to chargers, this stand is designed to line up perfectly with the MagSafe tech in your iPhone 12. Highlights:
Is it worth it?
For the price, this stand is … fine. From an aesthetic standpoint, I like that it’s not very noticeable and simply disappears into the background.
Like the power bank above, the base version (34.99) comes with a charging cable but no wall adapter. The one I tested did come with the adapter and that one retails for 44.99. Once again keep in mind that it’s only MagSafe compatible and charges at half the wattage of official MagSafe accessories.
Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger
Think of this wireless charger as the big brother to the power bank I went over earlier, packing 10,000 mAh of juice. It also serves two functions: as a wireless charging pad when plugged in or a portable battery backup.
Charging it via MagSafe is still the typical 7.5W Qi speed — but if you charge your smartphone (not just an iPhone 12) with this power bank using a USB-C cable, you’ll get 18W fast charging. Highlights:
- Dual use as a charging pad or portable power bank
- Can (supposedly) charge an iPhone 12 two times on a single charge
- Power bank can fully recharge in 3.5 hours
- LED indicator for charge level
- Retails for 59.99
Is it worth it?
By far, this is my favorite Belkin product on this list. This also tagged along on my recent trip and it charged my iPhone 12 Pro Max more than once. My wife was also able to charge her iPhone 11 Pro Max using a cable at the same time.
It’s a little bulky, but it’s a good-sized battery. Once again, you get the cable but not the wall adapter. Even so, this really is a handy accessory for you iPhone 12 owners out there.
Boost Charge Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad
This charging pad/cable clicks to the back of your iPhone 12 and charges at the standard 7.5W Qi speed. Other highlights:
Is it worth it?
This is a fine charging pad, although there’s something else to consider. If you don’t need the 6-foot cord, you can often get the official Apple MagSafe charger for the same price. It only has a 3-foot cord, but you get the full-speed MagSafe charging. Long cable or faster charging — the choice is yours.
A few final thoughts …
Without question, Belkin makes fine tech across the board. It’s not one of those sketchy brands you’ll come across on Amazon selling uncertified and otherwise questionable gear. On a side note, I’m particularly fond of Belkin’s line of surge protectors. I own a few of these.
Even so, not every product on this list is going to solve a problem for everyone, especially that face tracking mount. For everything else, there are pros and cons.
I mentioned the lack of wall adapters for many of the products. If you don’t already have a decent USB-C adapter, here’s a solid option from Anker that won’t break the bank.
By clicking our links, you’re supporting our research. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are not part of any business incentives.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Review
The latest in power bank technology for mobiles comes from Belkin with their BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand. Despite the unit’s small profile, it makes charging your iPhone while on-the-go a breeze. There are no cables to worry about and with its sturdy fold-out stand, allows you to charge the phone whilst watching a video or hands-free on a video call. The unit comes in white or black variants and this review utilised the white version.
With the latest in MagSafe technology, this magnetic wireless power bank simply attaches to the back of an iPhone with ease. Weighing in at 150g which is less than my iPhone 12 Pro, putting them together does feel a little weighty in my hands. This was fine when riding in the car or on the bus but at home or at the office, utilising the fold-out stand was my preferred option. It supports the iPhone in either portrait or landscape orientations and doesn’t feel like it’s going to topple over. The stand also angled the phone so I could easily read notifications at a glance and watch videos in either orientation.
The power bank has a 5,000 mAH charging potential, so it’s not the most powerful power bank on the market but its smaller profile was better suited for my mobile gaming activities. This provides up to an additional 19 hours of video playback on my iPhone which far surpasses my requirements. I don’t play too many mobile games aside from when needing to review one, but it gave me confidence that I didn’t have to worry about conserving battery power or remembering to plug it back into my usual USB power before going to bed.
Having the BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank connected to the phone doesn’t obstruct the camera thankfully and it’s easy to read how much power is remaining via the four LED indicators on the side of the power bank, next to the power button. My phone has a thin but firm case to protect the phone, and this power bank has no issue magnetically connecting through it. My wife’s phone case is slightly thicker and a softer material, so while the power bank doesn’t mag lock as strongly to her phone through the case, it still maintains connection enough to charge her phone.
We tried this power bank on our kid’s iPads which unfortunately didn’t connect, and it also didn’t connect to our Apple watches, so it is restricted only to iPhones. However, the device comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, so this was able to power up my Nintendo Switch and EPOS H3 Pro Hybrid headset. My PCs are showing their age as they don’t have USB-C connections, so I was reliant on my iPhone 13’s power adaptor to charge the power bank. However, this power bank allows pass-through charging so you can continue to wirelessly charge a connected device when charging the power bank itself.
The BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank can wirelessly charge the iPhone with up to 7.5W of power so it is not as fast as utilising a USB-C charging cable plugged into mains power. However, utilising the supplied USB-C cable can output 10W of charging power for other devices. This is a great benefit for keeping my Nintendo Switch charged and this will come in use when I next take my family on a camping trip.
Overall, I was impressed with the capabilities of the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, particularly with its small profile and handy fold-out stand. Being limited to connecting just to our iPhones though meant it’s not the all-in-one solution that would suit all of my device requirements. However, I could still charge my Nintendo Switch and EPOS headphones with the supplied USB-C cable. This has allowed me to get back to playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom while on the commute to work and not have to worry about battery power, so I am a happy gamer.
This review utilised a unit supplied by Closer Communications and the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand is available now for AUD69.95 from Belkin, Amazon, and other retailers.
#roundtablecoop
About the Author: Chris Inglis
Chris began gaming in the 80’s with Nintendo Gameboy and playing on his friend’s consoles such as NES/Famicom and Sega Master System. His first PC games were Dangerous Dave, Alley Cat and Secret of Monkey Island. An avid PC gamer through the 90’s and 00’s until finally joining the console crowd with the Xbox 360. A collector of all genres of games, his favourites are MMORPGs, space flight sims and good story-driven RPG’s.
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Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand Review: Stands Up Well
The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand is a simple power bank with a few neat features that elevate it above most phone power packs.
Pros Easy MagSafe connection Included stand works well Supports wired charging of other devices
Cons Wired charging isn’t particularly fast 5,000mAh isn’t a lot of power Stand can be tricky to pop out
Battery packs are a super common accessory, because smartphone battery life isn’t always that great. Sure, sometimes that’s our fault, because we’re all guilty of not charging our phones at some point when we could have, right?
That’s the problem that the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand aims to change. Yes, that is an insanely long name to say out loud.
But is it any good? To be honest, most battery packs pass by me as much of a muchness, but Belkin’s pitch for easy charging and an included stand intrigued me.
Design
The actual battery pack part of the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand is a solid little brick in either black or white finishes. It measures in at 95x63x16mm and weighs around 150g based on my own rough measurements.
What that means is that for some iPhone models you’ll nearly be adding the weight of the phone again with the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand in play. That’s a natural enough consequence of adding battery capacity, however.
Magsafe compatibility aside, the other eye catching design note for this battery is the included kickstand. It’s a small metal bar that pushes out from the back, primarily supporting the phone in a landscape orientation, so you could use it to watch something on a plane seat back table, or use it to make your iPhone an alarm clock overnight, for example.
The support itself is fine, though if you don’t have long fingernails you may find it a little tricky to get out of its socket. Even a small groove cut in the end might have made it easier to flip out – maybe something for the V2 model, Belkin?
Performance
As its name suggests, the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand comes with a 5K – or in this case, 5,000mAh – battery for charging MagSafe gadgets.
MagSafe is Apple’s own take on magnetically attaching Qi wireless gear, and you’ll find it across a range of mostly newer iPhones. However, Qi isn’t Apple’s own proprietary standard, which means you can charge pretty much any QI-compatible gadget with this battery pack; it just won’t magnetically connect.
You can also charge from the USB-C port at the base, albeit at a maximum of 10W, which isn’t quick for a modern charger. Some power beats none, but you can get faster for wired charging.
I’ve tested the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand over a few days now using it to keep an Apple iPhone 14 Pro charged mostly, though I did also ensure that it would happily charge other devices including a Pixel 7A and a set of Apple Airpods Pro 2nd Gen.
There’s not too much to say on its charging prowess; Qi is naturally a slower charging connection – 7.5W in this case — but you can offset that thanks to its portability. It’s small enough that I could pop it on the back of the iPhone, head out to a meeting and have it happily providing juice to the phone while I was busy.
It’s also pleasing to note that the USB-C port on the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand is bidirectional, so while you’ll need to use it to power the battery inside back up, you can also plug in low-power devices with USB-C plugs to charge them up. No, you can’t charge your MacBook with it; it’s not PD certified for that kind of charging.
How long will that 5,000mAh last? It very much depends. At a strict mathematical level, the iPhone 14 Pro I mostly tested with has (as per third party teardowns) a 3,200mAh battery. That means that the 5,000mAh battery should be good for just over 1.5 full charges before it goes flat.
It’s not quite that simple, however, because Qi is a slighty inefficient transfer mechanism, with typical loss rates of around 25%. You’ll see a full charge from it – and I have – but maybe not a lot more. Naturally the amount of extra use you’ll get out of it will also vary depending on the power draw of the apps you’re using as well.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand: Alex’s Verdict
The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand is a pretty simple device that basically has one job – and it mostly does it well.
The stand is a good addition that makes it just that little bit easier to use your phone in a hands-free way, and I do like the fact that it’s not just an iPhone charger battery, though I suspect most people who buy one will be iPhone owners.
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand: Pricing and availability
The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand sells in Australia for 69.95. You can buy one (and help support this independent journalist) by using the button below! Buy On Amazon
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K Stand: Alternatives
Belkin isn’t alone in this space by a long shot. A quick search finds this Anker model with a slightly different stand as well as numerous odd-brand-name products promising “Magnetic Compatibility”. I’d be wary of both magnetic and battery quality in those cases, so be careful out there.
Apple also has its own Magsafe battery pack that it sells, although that’s a considerably more pricey unit. I reviewed that one here.
Alternatively, there are thousands of regular battery charging packs on the market these days. I couldn’t possibly list them all.
The best MagSafe battery packs for backup power whenever your iPhone needs it
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- The best MagSafe battery packs make wireless, on-the-go charging secure and convenient.
- You’ll want to keep in mind charging speed, size and weight, and magnet strength when choosing a battery pack.
- Our picks include battery packs from Apple and trusted third-party brands like Anker and Belkin.
As we rely more and more on our smartphones, it’s become more of a necessity to ensure that you can charge your phone from anywhere. While portable power banks are a common accessory, the more recent introduction of wireless MagSafe battery packs presents a simpler solution for on-the-go charging.
If you use an iPhone 12, 13 or 14 model, your phone is equipped with Apple’s MagSafe technology that allows you to charge your device without the hassle of needing a cable and outlet. Though MagSafe charging is typically less efficient than charging via cable, the simplicity and added convenience makes the investment more than worth it.
Our list of MagSafe battery packs includes some of the best options available today, as well as other quality choices that are geared more toward style or budget.
Apple MagSafe battery pack
If you’re an Apple purist, the Apple MagSafe battery pack is an easy choice. With Smart features like reverse wireless charging (allowing you to charge your phone and the battery pack at the same time) and an iOS-integrated battery widget showing the pack’s charge status, this battery pack is definitely the most sophisticated on the market.
Importantly, as an official Apple product, this pack is able to take full advantage of MagSafe technology, providing 15W wireless charging with precise magnetic alignment. While it only is available in white and is on the more expensive side, its Smart features and ease of use make it a worthy investment.
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)
Anker’s 622 MagGo is one of a few options on this list that includes an integrated kickstand that you can use to prop your phone up while attached — a feature that certainly sets it apart in terms of functionality, beyond the fact that the battery pack itself is a reliable choice for regular, Pro, and Max iPhone 12-14 models (it’s not recommended for the mini due to its size).
The strong magnet provides perfect alignment every time both horizontally and vertically, and has LED lights on the base to indicate remaining battery life. In three pastel shades as well as classic black and white, this is an excellent option that won’t add too much bulk to your phone while charging.
Moft Snap Stand Power Set
This modular power bank set serves as a MagSafe battery, wallet, and stand, all within a sleek faux leather package. Compatible with all iPhone sizes in the 12-14 series (including Mini and Max models), this power bank provides a seamless experience overall. The wallet can hold up to three cards and can be magnetically detached from the battery pack base — meaning you can use the wallet and stand on its own if you don’t need the battery for charging.
An additional feature of note is that the stand allows for either vertical or horizontal magnetic orientation while in use, making it ideal for video streaming or standard vertical use. It also supports pass-through charging, so your phone will be charged primarily when charging via the breakaway magnetic USB-C cable.
Anker 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger (MagGo)
The Anker 633 MagGo, compatible with all iPhone 12 and 13 models, is a great dual investment for both a portable power bank and an at-home charging stand. The stand will charge the battery and your phone simultaneously (prioritizing your phone with pass-through charging), and you can orient your phone horizontally or vertically while in use. You can also adjust the stand’s viewing angle up to 40° to your preference, a small detail but one that certainly adds to the luxury experience this product provides.
The feature that sets the Anker 633 apart, however, is the stand’s Qi-enabled base that allows you to wirelessly charge your Airpods case. The battery pack comes in black and white as well as a pale blue, and the stand will match the color you choose for the pack.
OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe
The OtterBox wireless power bank includes much of the same appeal as the company’s high-quality cases, namely the protective-but-not-bulky design made of grippy textured plastic. The power bank has LED lights at the base to show its remaining power, and can be used as a standalone corded power bank if needed to charge Airpods or other small devices. You can even use it to charge your Airpods wirelessly, provided you have Apple’s Wireless Charging Case.
Casely Power Pod
Casely consistently provides the highest amount of aesthetic variability in their products, and their Power Pod is no different. The Power Pod is light and compact, making it an ideal choice for iPhone Mini models, and provides impressive 15W charging. You can even match your Power Pod to a Casely phone case for further personalization.
It also comes with a separate magnetic adhesive ring, which will allow you to use the Power Pod with phones that have wireless charging compatibility but aren’t equipped with MagSafe charging, so you can have the benefit of the signature MagSafe magnetic snap into place when charging.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic 10k MAh Power Bank
This Belkin power bank is about as large as the iPhone itself, so while it’s not a power bank like some of its competitors it provides a higher charging capacity. It supports pass-through charging and can be used as a standard wired power bank to charge another device (like your Airpods) while your phone charges via the MagSafe magnets. It’s a highly functional power bank, and is ideal if you’ll be unable to plug your phone in for a long period of time — think layovers or weekend trips.
Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
For a low-profile battery pack that’s.friendly, look no further than the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini. It’s thinner and smaller than some of its competitors, and has a nice fabric finish to add texture. It also conveniently comes with a magnet adapter to enable magnetic wireless charging on iPhones and Androids that are not MagSafe-enabled.
This battery pack is the smaller version of their larger power bank sold directly through Apple, and is a nice alternative to the larger model as a more portable option while still providing a full phone battery’s worth of charge. For true 15W wireless charging, however, you’ll want to opt for the larger Mophie Powerstation, which has the same pass-through charging capabilities as the Snap Juice Pack Mini but with the addition of an adjustable stand and tripod socket as supplemental accessories.
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 2.5K
With a strong magnetic connection and unfussy design, this portable MagSafe power bank from Belkin is ideal for a quick charge in a pinch. Due to its smaller size, its battery capacity and charging speed are lower than the Belkin BoostCharge listed above, but for iPhone Mini users (or those looking to spend a minimal amount of money on an easy-to-use charging bank) it does the trick.
Anker 521 Magnetic Battery
A wallet-friendly version of Anker’s 633 MagGo (included on this list above) is conveniently available in the Anker 521 magnetic battery. The Anker 521 is available in purple, green, and blue in addition to basic black and white, and is slightly smaller in size, making it ideal for iPhone Mini models. With short circuit protection, temperature control, and built-in foreign object detection, this is a high-quality choice at a reasonable price.
FAQs
Are MagSafe battery packs worth it?
Charging through a MagSafe battery pack doesn’t generally provide the same charging efficiency as using a cable, but the benefits of carrying fewer cords make them a Smart and simple choice. Especially if you are someone who relies on their phone for work, content creation, or streaming, a MagSafe battery pack will likely come in handy to ensure that your device maintains its battery throughout the day.
Can MagSafe battery packs be used to charge Airpods and Apple Watches?
Yes, you can use a MagSafe battery pack to charge Airpods and Apple Watches like any other Qi wireless charger, however your Airpods will need to be charged while in a wireless charging-enabled case. If you don’t have one, you can use most wireless battery packs as a standard wired power bank.
What should I look for in a MagSafe battery pack?
Depending on your expected use, you could select any number of options for a wireless battery pack. For example, if you just need a quick charge to keep in your bag for commuting, you may not need a larger battery capacity like the Anker 622 MagGo and may choose a smaller, lighter option like the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini.
If your primary use of the pack is for travel, a higher battery capacity (and thus a larger battery pack) will likely be your best choice. Beyond your basic usage habits, you might also consider the charging speed (does the pack provide 15W charging?) or compatibility (will the battery pack obscure my phone camera while in use?).
Do I need a MagSafe case to use a MagSafe battery pack?
It’s safe to assume that your phone case will need to be MagSafe compatible in order to use a MagSafe battery pack to its proper charging capacity. If your case is thin enough, however, it may not need to be officially MagSafe compatible in order to charge via Qi wireless charging with one of these packs — though, in order to achieve MagSafe’s signature 15W wireless charging, you’ll need to use a proper MagSafe case or remove your iPhone case for charging.
At Insider, Eve reviews consumer technology as a Tech Fellow with the Reviews team. She comes with background at a connected fitness tech startup, where she worked directly with consumers translating complex technological information into accessible, user-friendly material. She has also worked in public radio at WBUR Boston, where she produced segments on broadband internet access and Smart-home technology. Prior to working at Insider, Eve has also worked in documentary film production for episodes of PBS’ American Experience, museum operations in Prague, Czech Republic, and at a Persian/French bakery in Cambridge, MA. She double-majored in Art History and Peace and Justice Studies at Wellesley College, concentrating on visual media as it relates to representation and social activism. She was an editor for the Wellesley Review and is an Anchor Point Fellow. Reach out to her on @eve_montie.
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Which MagSafe battery pack is best? 6 Expert Picks
ZDNET tested the best MagSage battery packs on the market to see which can best power your iPhone. Compare leading models from Apple, Anker, and more.
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets as a freelance journalist for the past 13 years. His work can be found all across the Internet and in print.
Lena Muhtadi Borrelli has several years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, allconnect, Healthline, Reviews.com, HomeInsurance.com, My Slumber Yard and MYMOVE. She is a financial expert who previously worked for Morgan St.
Sean Jackson is a creative copywriter living in Florida. He’s had work published with CNET, Realtor.com, theScore, ESPN, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets as a freelance journalist for the past 13 years. His work can be found all across the Internet and in print.
Lena Muhtadi Borrelli has several years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, allconnect, Healthline, Reviews.com, HomeInsurance.com, My Slumber Yard and MYMOVE. She is a financial expert who previously worked for Morgan St.
Sean Jackson is a creative copywriter living in Florida. He’s had work published with CNET, Realtor.com, theScore, ESPN, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
No matter how much Apple touts the longevity of the latest iPhone’s battery, users know it never seems to last all day.
Wireless battery packs that employ Apple’s MagSage technology offer an even more compact solution to the ever-helpful portable power banks, so you can ditch the wires entirely to power your iPhone 12-14 generation model on the go.- including the mini and Pro Max.
ZDNET went hands-on with the best and latest MagSafe battery packs on the market, testing them for efficient charge rate, portability, and charging pass-through capabilities to help you confidently decide which is the most practical and powerful option for your phone. Our first pick, the myCharge MagLock Magnetic Powerbank is budget friendly, has a built-in speaker that signals charge level and connection, and has a unique design that keeps the pack from overheating. Read on to see how other models compare and which is right for you.
myCharge MagLock Magnetic Powerbank
Best MagSafe battery pack overall
- Comprehensive functionality
- USB-C port
- Built-in speaker signals charge level and connection
- Budget-friendly
Features: Capacity: 3,000mAh, 6,000mAh, 9,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
The latest company to offer a MagSafe compatible battery pack is myCharge with its MagLock lineup. The MagLock lineup has three different options, ranging in capacity and price. A 3,000mAh option is 50, 6,000mAh is 60 and the 9,000mAh pack is 70.
The MagLock has a unique raised design where the pack connects to the phone. According to myCharge, the gap between the phone and the battery pack allows both devices to remain cooler than the competition, which leads to better efficiency and faster charging rates. When you connect the pack to your phone, it plays a short sound to let you know the pack is in use. Another sound plays when you remove the pack from your iPhone.
There’s also a power button, but I haven’t had to use it. I just attach the pack to my phone, let it charge, and then remove it. The MagLock is charged via a USB-C connection, and functions as a wireless charging pad if you place your phone on the pack while it’s plugged in.
Apple MagSafe battery pack
Best MagSafe battery pack for native integration
- Deep integration with iOS takes full advantage of the battery pack
- Smart charging ensures proper iPhone and battery pack charging
- Your iPhone uses reverse wireless charging to charge the pack
- Compact size
Features: Capacity: 1,460mAh/ 11.13Wh | Charging Port: Lightning | Power button: No
Apple’s MagSafe battery pack is the second smallest battery pack I tested, even though pictures can make it look big. Inside are two battery cells with 11.13 Wh of capacity. Don’t expect the battery pack to charge your iPhone from 0 to 100. Wireless charging is highly inefficient due to several factors (heat being one of them). You’re more likely to get around a 60% charge on the iPhone 12 Pro, and for most, that’s more than good enough to get through a long day at work or when traveling.
At 100, the MagSafe battery pack is the most expensive pack of the lot. Its tight integration can arguably justify Apple tax with iOS 14.7 and above; when you place the pack on a compatible iPhone, you’ll see an animation on your screen letting you know how much of a charge the pack has. It will automatically begin charging your phone. The first time you attach one to your phone, you’ll also see an alert letting you know it will keep your phone at 90% to protect your battery. The battery widget built into iOS will show the pack’s current charge level, right alongside your iPhone and other accessories.
Charging the battery pack is done via a Lightning connector on the bottom of the pack. If you use a 20W adapter, you can charge both the pack and the iPhone at the same time by plugging the connector into your iPhone. Your iPhone will then use reverse wireless charging to top off the battery pack.- the first time we’ve seen such a feature in use from any iPhone model.