The Best MagSafe Battery Pack for Your iPhone (2022)
Apple recently unveiled the MagSafe Battery Pack, an elegant, add-on battery designed to work with the full iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineup. With its rather hefty price tag, the MagSafe Battery Pack certainly isn’t the only – or the fastest! – option to top off your iPhone 12 or 13.
Depending on your needs, you may want to consider some of the other MagSafe-compatible portable batteries on the market, all of which can magnetically attach to any one of the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 phones.
Before we reveal some of our top third party MagSafe-compatible battery packs, let’s review the main features of the new Apple MagSafe Battery Pack.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack (89.95 on Amazon )
MagSafe is Apple’s new magnetic technology built into the internal engineering of iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. The MagSafe Battery Pack features perfectly aligned magnets that keep the external battery attached to any iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro phones (and it fits the iPhone 12 Mini like a glove!).
The MagSafe Battery Pack provides a safe and reliable wireless charge that is automatic (no on or off buttons!) once it’s attached to your iPhone. And no need to worry about interference with your credit cards or key fobs.
If you are sitting at your desk and want to top off your iPhone 12 or 13, all you need to do is plug in a Lightning cable into the MagSafe Battery Pack for up to 15W of wireless charging. If you’re looking for a faster charge, you can connect it to a 20W or higher power adapter. The MagSafe Battery Pack also supports reverse wireless charging so you can charge the MagSafe Battery Pack and your iPhone simultaneously!
That being said, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack has a rather subpar 1,460mAh capacity which yields a rather mediocre charging performance. Starting from 0% battery, a dead iPhone, and charging all the way up until the MagSafe Battery Pack was exhausted, 9to5Mac observed that with 2 hours of charging time, the iPhone 12 Mini can go up to an 83% charge, the iPhone 12 a 63% charge, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max would only go up to 53%.
Apple’s own website claims the MagSafe Battery Pack can provide a 40-70% additional charge depending on the iPhone 12 or 13 model being used.
(To learn more about the importance of mAh – or milliamp hours – check out our blog post What Is mAh? )
Being an official Apple product, the MagSafe Battery Pack comes with the classic, sleek white Apple aesthetic with rounded corners and features iOS integration so you can add widgets to your home screen which can display the status of your charge. There’s also an LED indicator which turns green when the battery is full.
While the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is certainly a thing of beauty and provides the best, most stable connection to your iPhone, it isn’t the only magnetic wireless charging option in town. As with every other iPhone accessory, there’s a host of third party brands who have released compatible battery packs that charge better or faster than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack!
Here are a few of the best – and faster charging – MagSafe Battery Pack alternatives:
Anker 521 Magnetic Battery PowerCore 5K (54.99 on Amazon )
The Anker 521 is a 5,000mAh portable power bank, which is more than 3x the battery capacity of the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack. The Anker 521 PowerCore 5K is compatible with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineup and can output 5W of power and charge via USB-C (not wireless!). It also comes in an array of nice colors beyond the standard black and white, including purple, green and blue.
When it comes to battery performance, 9toMac observed that the Anker 521 power bank charged an iPhone 12 to full capacity (100%), compared to the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack which could only charge an iPhone 12 to 63%.
9to5Mac also claims the Anker battery pack can also charge faster than the MagSafe, reaching a 63% charge in an iPhone 12 in just 99 minutes as opposed to 124 minutes.
Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini (49.99 on Amazon )
Like the Anker 521, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini is a USB-C magnetic power bank with a 5,000mAh capacity that can stick to the back of any iPhone 12 and some iPhone 13 phones. The Mophie, however, has a higher output than the Anker (7.5W of power versus 5W) and is compatible with a wider variety of phones, including the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.
And, unlike the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Anker 521 which feature a plastic shell, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini has a more fabric-feel exterior which some may prefer to slippery smooth plastic.
In terms of performance, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini performed about as well as the Anker 521, according to 9to5Mac’s internal testing. The Mophie could charge an iPhone 12 to 98% capacity, and it took the Mophie 103 minutes to reach the 63% mark, which is 20% faster than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. Anker 521 vs Mophie Snap: Which to Choose?
All in all, the Anker 521 and Mophie Snap battery packs performed significantly better than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack:
However, in the end, the best MagSafe-compatible portable charger is going to be the one that best suits your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for the best attachment/fit and iOS integration then there’s really only one choice: the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack.
If you want a colorful battery pack, go for the Anker 521 model because it’s one of the best performing MagSafe-compatible chargers that comes in a wide variety of colors.
If you’re looking for a high-performing magnetic charger that is compatible with other phones besides an iPhone, then you should probably lean towards the Mophie Snap.
In addition to the Anker 521 and the Mophie Snap, there are many other alternatives – cheaper, higher battery capacity, etc – available on Amazon and elsewhere. Do your research and pick a power bank that meets your expectations. Happy charging!
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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This Is the Best iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery
Apple added MagSafe charging to the iPhone 12 lineup last fall, and though the original MagSafe Apple used in its laptops was far more innovative, the iPhone version of magnetic charging has least one excellent use: letting you power up your smartphone on the go with a cord-free portable charger. But which one is right for your needs? Here are our picks.
We tested four MagSafe-compatible wireless batteries — also often referred to as portable chargers, or power banks — from four companies known for delivering reliable and safe iPhone accessories. Yes, you can probably find cheaper alternatives if you dig deep on Amazon, but is it really worth risking your 1,000 smartphone to save 15 on a MagSafe battery? Here are the four models we tested:
What Is MagSafe?
For those unfamiliar, MagSafe debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup in late 2020. Apple baked a ring of internal magnets encircling a Qi wireless charging coil on the back of each iPhone 12 model. The new feature is designed to serve two purposes: make it easier to properly align the charging coils between the phone and a compatible wireless charging pad so that the transfer of energy is as efficient as possible, and to make it easier to attach accessories to the back of the iPhone, or the iPhone to accessories like car mounts and desk chargers.
For 80, Apple will sell you a leather wallet that piggy-backs on your iPhone, but a portable charger that does the same is far more useful. We’ve already seen portable chargers upgraded with wireless Qi pads so you can charge your smartphone while away from your desk without a cord, but using those solutions while walking or riding the subway can be a challenge as you struggle to keep the charging coils aligned. With MagSafe, the alignment happens automatically, and the battery hangs off your iPhone so you can forget it’s there.
The MagSafe Battery With the Best Design
Whether or not you choose to put a case on your iPhone, you’re making a decision that reflects your tastes and aesthetics as much as it does your desire to protect your investment. So there’s no shame in picking a MagSafe battery based purely on how it looks.
Of the four batteries we tested, there are two options to consider, and choosing one will come down to your own personal tastes. All four offer pretty bland designs, but the size, shape, and finish of the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini make those two stand out.
If you’re all in on Apple (and are dismayed at the Apple logo on the back of your iPhone getting hidden while it charges) Apple’s very minimalist battery will probably appeal most to you, but its bright white finish will also stand out if you didn’t opt for the gold or silver iPhone 12 Pro colour options, or the brighter shades of the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. The fabric-like finish of the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini looks quite nice, and will certainly blend in better if you opted for a blue or grey iPhone 12 Pro or the darker 12 and 12 Mini shades.
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack was also the smallest of the four batteries we tested (Apple designed it to fit the smallest iPhone 12 model) with the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini having a slightly larger footprint but the same thickness. Both will fit all of the standard and supersized models of the iPhone 12, but while Mophie’s solution will function just fine with the iPhone 12 Mini, the battery will overhang off the bottom of the device by almost five millimetres, and it will need to be completely removed in order to use the Mini’s camera. So iPhone 12 Mini users may want to stick with Apple’s option.
Winner: Tie between the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The Fastest-Charging MagSafe Battery
On the scale of fastest to slowest charging solutions for your iPhone 12, topping it up wirelessly with a MagSafe battery falls somewhere near the bottom of the list, besting only those emergency hand-cranked chargers and connecting your device to the tiny solar cell you’ll find on a cheap calculator. You’re trading speed for convenience as a result of the inefficiency of wireless charging and battery makers not wanting to over-stress the life cycle of these accessories.
Using an Apple-certified MagSafe wireless charger plugged into a wall, you can recharge your iPhone 12 at speeds of up to 15W, but those speeds are cut down to just 7.5W with the Zens Magnetic Dual Powerbank and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini, and just 5W with the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K. None of these options are speed demons, but given its price and capacity, Mophie’s solution comes out on top here.
Note: The wireless charging speeds of some of these batteries can be increased when plugged into a wall adaptor, even hitting as fast as 15W with Apple’s power bank, but that negates the portability benefits of using these types of accessories, so for this head-to-head we’re not taking that functionality into consideration.
Winner: Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The MagSafe Battery With the Most Capacity
The Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini both have enough capacity to recharge a completely dead iPhone 12 Mini back to full capacity, while Mophie’s solution claims to do the same with an iPhone 12 as well. (Anker promises only a 95% recharge with the iPhone 12.) The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack actually offers the least capacity of all four options, despite being the most expensive option, because Apple designed it to fit the smallest of the iPhone 12 models. As a result, when paired with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it will only recharge its battery back to a capacity of around 55%.
But there are a lot of factors at play that affect the efficiency of wireless charging (including the environment and how you use your iPhone). As a general rule you should use these portable chargers more as a way to top off your iPhone so it lasts through the day rather than as a way to completely recharge a dead phone. If that’s what you’re after, companies like Zens also sell gigantic, 10,000 mAh MagSafe batteries that will completely recharge any of the iPhone 12 models, at the cost of adding considerable size and weight to your smartphone.
Winner: Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The MagSafe Battery With the Best Functionality
All four of these MagSafe batteries are essentially just nondescript bricks, but there is some variation in how they work, including additional functionality. The Mophie, the Anker, and the Zens batteries all feature buttons that activate a multi-LED power metre so you know how much charge the battery has left, as well as activating or turning off the flow of power through the wireless coil. This can help save battery life when the charger isn’t actually attached to an iPhone, but it can also result in situations where you attach the battery, forget to turn it on, and then wonder why your phone suddenly dies.
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack works differently. There’s no power button because the accessory automatically starts charging an iPhone 12 (or other Qi-compatible device) as soon as it’s attached. A single LED on the battery pack indicates its charge status, but on devices running iOS 14.7, a charging status report will also appear on the iPhone lock screen when the pack is attached (indicating both the phone and battery’s charge level). The iOS battery widget in the Today View or on the home screen will also report how much charge the accessory has left.
The integration between the iPhone 12 lineup and Apple’s MagSafe battery is completely seamless, which it makes it the easiest to use of the four options we tested, but it’s also the most expensive of the lot.
It’s a similar situation when it comes to recharging the battery packs themselves, with Apple doing its own thing. The Mophie, the Anker, and the Zens all feature a USB-C port on the bottom edge for recharging the power bank from an adaptor, while Apple’s battery pack charges uses a Lightning cable. It’s not ideal, but is something Apple users will already have on hand.
All of the MagSafe batteries we tested can be used to wirelessly charge other devices, too, like wireless earbud cases, and even other non-Apple smartphones. But while the Mophie, Anker, and Zens can also be used to charge other devices non-wirelessly using a USB-C cable connection, Apple’s solution can’t. It can, however, wirelessly draw power from an iPhone 12 and charge itself when the phone is connected to and charging from a Lightning cable, which is a faster solution for charging both together.
All four batteries secure themselves well to the back of an iPhone 12, but the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack definitely held on the strongest, with the Anker offering almost just as secure a magnetic connection.
Apple’s solution offers the best interoperability with the iPhone 12 lineup, which is not a surprise, but the Zens Magnetic Dual Powerbank offers additional functionality the other three do not. It actually offers wireless charging on both sides of the battery (only one is MagSafe-compatible). This means while it’s charging your iPhone, you can also plop your wireless earbuds on it and have them charge at the same time. The caveat is that it means your iPhone will have to be placed face down for the dual charging to work, the battery’s capacity will be split between two devices, and the feature makes the Zens the thickest of the four batteries we tested as a result of the dual Qi coils.
Zens has also added a kickstand to its Magnetic Dual Powerbank so you can prop your iPhone 12 up at an angle for better hands-free viewing while it’s charging. However when paired with an iPhone 12 Pro, we found the device would always end up slightly skewed because the MagSafe magnets didn’t hold quite strong enough to keep it level.
Although it was the most expensive of the four options, and we’re still looking forward to the day when Apple ditches the Lightning cable and port altogether, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack offers the best features and functionality when used with any of the iPhone 12 models. The premium pricing is also further justified when you consider the MagSafe Battery Pack can also charge the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max at up to 15W speeds when connected to a 20W power source, matching the functionality of Apple’s US39 (53) MagSafe Charger.
Winner: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
The Best iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery
Although it’s the most expensive option we tested, with the least capacity, and a finish that doesn’t match a single colorway in the current iPhone lineup, we still feel the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is worth the premium pricing. The only users who should consider a MagSafe portable charger are those with an iPhone 12 model that actually includes the MagSafe feature, and it probably comes as no surprise that of the four batteries we tested, Apple’s offering offers the best interoperability with Apple’s smartphones.
Being able to check the exact charge level of the MagSafe battery alongside the iPhone’s remaining charge within iOS is far more informative than a set of four LEDs that light up, but the fact that the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack starts charging your device automatically when it’s attached, instead of requiring you to remember to power up the battery first, is actually a big plus for its usability. Apple has also included some clever battery preservation features in the accessory, limiting charging to 90% capacity unless a user specifically asks it go past that. If you have a 20W power source, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack offers even more value for the price because it will charge the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models at speeds of up to 15W, so it can serve double-duty as a replacement for Apple’s MagSafe Charger. We just hope Apple offers it in other colours soon.
If you’d rather not spend another 140 on a device you’ve already spent well north of 1,000 on, that’s completely understandable. Of the three non-Apple offerings we tested, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini is an excellent value at 70 with 7.5W charging speeds, a 5,000 mAh capacity, and an inoffensive design.
It offers the added flexibility of charging other non-wireless devices through a USB-C cable (Apple’s cannot). iPhone 12 Mini users may still want to stick with Apple as the Mophie’s larger footprint means it will actually partially cover the device’s camera while it’s magnetically attached.
It’s also important to keep in mind that these recommendations are specifically for iPhone 12 users looking for a portable charger that will stick to back of their smartphones. If you’re ok with a cord, you can get batteries that will charge an iPhone multiple times over for a lot less money than these options.
This Is the Best iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery
Apple added MagSafe charging to the iPhone 12 lineup last fall, and though the original MagSafe Apple used in its laptops was far more innovative, the iPhone version of magnetic charging has least one excellent use: letting you power up your smartphone on the go with a cord-free portable charger. But which one is right for your needs? Here are our picks.
We tested four MagSafe-compatible wireless batteries — also often referred to as portable chargers, or power banks — from four companies known for delivering reliable and safe iPhone accessories. Yes, you can probably find cheaper alternatives if you dig deep on Amazon, but is it really worth risking your 1,000 smartphone to save 15 on a MagSafe battery? Here are the four models we tested:
What Is MagSafe?
For those unfamiliar, MagSafe debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup in late 2020. Apple baked a ring of internal magnets encircling a Qi wireless charging coil on the back of each iPhone 12 model. The new feature is designed to serve two purposes: make it easier to properly align the charging coils between the phone and a compatible wireless charging pad so that the transfer of energy is as efficient as possible, and to make it easier to attach accessories to the back of the iPhone, or the iPhone to accessories like car mounts and desk chargers.
For 80, Apple will sell you a leather wallet that piggy-backs on your iPhone, but a portable charger that does the same is far more useful. We’ve already seen portable chargers upgraded with wireless Qi pads so you can charge your smartphone while away from your desk without a cord, but using those solutions while walking or riding the subway can be a challenge as you struggle to keep the charging coils aligned. With MagSafe, the alignment happens automatically, and the battery hangs off your iPhone so you can forget it’s there.
The MagSafe Battery With the Best Design
Whether or not you choose to put a case on your iPhone, you’re making a decision that reflects your tastes and aesthetics as much as it does your desire to protect your investment. So there’s no shame in picking a MagSafe battery based purely on how it looks.
Of the four batteries we tested, there are two options to consider, and choosing one will come down to your own personal tastes. All four offer pretty bland designs, but the size, shape, and finish of the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini make those two stand out.
If you’re all in on Apple (and are dismayed at the Apple logo on the back of your iPhone getting hidden while it charges) Apple’s very minimalist battery will probably appeal most to you, but its bright white finish will also stand out if you didn’t opt for the gold or silver iPhone 12 Pro colour options, or the brighter shades of the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. The fabric-like finish of the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini looks quite nice, and will certainly blend in better if you opted for a blue or grey iPhone 12 Pro or the darker 12 and 12 Mini shades.
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack was also the smallest of the four batteries we tested (Apple designed it to fit the smallest iPhone 12 model) with the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini having a slightly larger footprint but the same thickness. Both will fit all of the standard and supersized models of the iPhone 12, but while Mophie’s solution will function just fine with the iPhone 12 Mini, the battery will overhang off the bottom of the device by almost five millimetres, and it will need to be completely removed in order to use the Mini’s camera. So iPhone 12 Mini users may want to stick with Apple’s option.
Winner: Tie between the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The Fastest-Charging MagSafe Battery
Using an Apple-certified MagSafe wireless charger plugged into a wall, you can recharge your iPhone 12 at speeds of up to 15W, but those speeds are cut down to just 7.5W with the Zens Magnetic Dual Powerbank and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini, and just 5W with the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack and the Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K. None of these options are speed demons, but given its price and capacity, Mophie’s solution comes out on top here.
Note: The wireless charging speeds of some of these batteries can be increased when plugged into a wall adaptor, even hitting as fast as 15W with Apple’s power bank, but that negates the portability benefits of using these types of accessories, so for this head-to-head we’re not taking that functionality into consideration.
Winner: Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The MagSafe Battery With the Most Capacity
The Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K and the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini both have enough capacity to recharge a completely dead iPhone 12 Mini back to full capacity, while Mophie’s solution claims to do the same with an iPhone 12 as well. (Anker promises only a 95% recharge with the iPhone 12.) The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack actually offers the least capacity of all four options, despite being the most expensive option, because Apple designed it to fit the smallest of the iPhone 12 models. As a result, when paired with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it will only recharge its battery back to a capacity of around 55%.
But there are a lot of factors at play that affect the efficiency of wireless charging (including the environment and how you use your iPhone). As a general rule you should use these portable chargers more as a way to top off your iPhone so it lasts through the day rather than as a way to completely recharge a dead phone. If that’s what you’re after, companies like Zens also sell gigantic, 10,000 mAh MagSafe batteries that will completely recharge any of the iPhone 12 models, at the cost of adding considerable size and weight to your smartphone.
Winner: Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini
The MagSafe Battery With the Best Functionality
All four of these MagSafe batteries are essentially just nondescript bricks, but there is some variation in how they work, including additional functionality. The Mophie, the Anker, and the Zens batteries all feature buttons that activate a multi-LED power metre so you know how much charge the battery has left, as well as activating or turning off the flow of power through the wireless coil. This can help save battery life when the charger isn’t actually attached to an iPhone, but it can also result in situations where you attach the battery, forget to turn it on, and then wonder why your phone suddenly dies.
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack works differently. There’s no power button because the accessory automatically starts charging an iPhone 12 (or other Qi-compatible device) as soon as it’s attached. A single LED on the battery pack indicates its charge status, but on devices running iOS 14.7, a charging status report will also appear on the iPhone lock screen when the pack is attached (indicating both the phone and battery’s charge level). The iOS battery widget in the Today View or on the home screen will also report how much charge the accessory has left.
The integration between the iPhone 12 lineup and Apple’s MagSafe battery is completely seamless, which it makes it the easiest to use of the four options we tested, but it’s also the most expensive of the lot.
It’s a similar situation when it comes to recharging the battery packs themselves, with Apple doing its own thing. The Mophie, the Anker, and the Zens all feature a USB-C port on the bottom edge for recharging the power bank from an adaptor, while Apple’s battery pack charges uses a Lightning cable. It’s not ideal, but is something Apple users will already have on hand.
All of the MagSafe batteries we tested can be used to wirelessly charge other devices, too, like wireless earbud cases, and even other non-Apple smartphones. But while the Mophie, Anker, and Zens can also be used to charge other devices non-wirelessly using a USB-C cable connection, Apple’s solution can’t. It can, however, wirelessly draw power from an iPhone 12 and charge itself when the phone is connected to and charging from a Lightning cable, which is a faster solution for charging both together.
All four batteries secure themselves well to the back of an iPhone 12, but the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack definitely held on the strongest, with the Anker offering almost just as secure a magnetic connection.
Apple’s solution offers the best interoperability with the iPhone 12 lineup, which is not a surprise, but the Zens Magnetic Dual Powerbank offers additional functionality the other three do not. It actually offers wireless charging on both sides of the battery (only one is MagSafe-compatible). This means while it’s charging your iPhone, you can also plop your wireless earbuds on it and have them charge at the same time. The caveat is that it means your iPhone will have to be placed face down for the dual charging to work, the battery’s capacity will be split between two devices, and the feature makes the Zens the thickest of the four batteries we tested as a result of the dual Qi coils.
Zens has also added a kickstand to its Magnetic Dual Powerbank so you can prop your iPhone 12 up at an angle for better hands-free viewing while it’s charging. However when paired with an iPhone 12 Pro, we found the device would always end up slightly skewed because the MagSafe magnets didn’t hold quite strong enough to keep it level.
Although it was the most expensive of the four options, and we’re still looking forward to the day when Apple ditches the Lightning cable and port altogether, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack offers the best features and functionality when used with any of the iPhone 12 models. The premium pricing is also further justified when you consider the MagSafe Battery Pack can also charge the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max at up to 15W speeds when connected to a 20W power source, matching the functionality of Apple’s US39 (53) MagSafe Charger.
Winner: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
The Best iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery
Although it’s the most expensive option we tested, with the least capacity, and a finish that doesn’t match a single colorway in the current iPhone lineup, we still feel the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is worth the premium pricing. The only users who should consider a MagSafe portable charger are those with an iPhone 12 model that actually includes the MagSafe feature, and it probably comes as no surprise that of the four batteries we tested, Apple’s offering offers the best interoperability with Apple’s smartphones.
Being able to check the exact charge level of the MagSafe battery alongside the iPhone’s remaining charge within iOS is far more informative than a set of four LEDs that light up, but the fact that the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack starts charging your device automatically when it’s attached, instead of requiring you to remember to power up the battery first, is actually a big plus for its usability. Apple has also included some clever battery preservation features in the accessory, limiting charging to 90% capacity unless a user specifically asks it go past that. If you have a 20W power source, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack offers even more value for the price because it will charge the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models at speeds of up to 15W, so it can serve double-duty as a replacement for Apple’s MagSafe Charger. We just hope Apple offers it in other colours soon.
If you’d rather not spend another 140 on a device you’ve already spent well north of 1,000 on, that’s completely understandable. Of the three non-Apple offerings we tested, the Mophie Snap Juice Pack Mini is an excellent value at 70 with 7.5W charging speeds, a 5,000 mAh capacity, and an inoffensive design.
It offers the added flexibility of charging other non-wireless devices through a USB-C cable (Apple’s cannot). iPhone 12 Mini users may still want to stick with Apple as the Mophie’s larger footprint means it will actually partially cover the device’s camera while it’s magnetically attached.
It’s also important to keep in mind that these recommendations are specifically for iPhone 12 users looking for a portable charger that will stick to back of their smartphones. If you’re ok with a cord, you can get batteries that will charge an iPhone multiple times over for a lot less money than these options.