March 17, 2024, 11:07 am | Read time: 10 minutes

Power banks, pop sockets, novelties–smartphones can be enhanced with a variety of gadgets. The introduction of MagSafe technology has significantly expanded the global gadget pool. It’s only logical that not all products are good or necessary–but there is also useful accessories. TECHBOOK has taken a look and presents nine recommended products.

What is MagSafe for the iPhone anyway?

With the iPhone 12, Apple began incorporating a ring of small magnets into the back of the smartphones. These magnets form a circle around the wireless charging coil, which is built behind the glass layer. This so-called MagSafe technology not only enables wireless charging with magnetic alignment but can also be used for practical accessories. At the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple had only released a handful of accessories, but soon third-party MagSafe accessories became widespread. The gadgets take advantage of the strong magnetic hold or use 2-in-1 chargers. The only requirement: For iPhone MagSafe accessories, you need an iPhone 12 or a newer model.

Important: If you use a case for your iPhone 12, 13, 14, or 15, it must also be MagSafe compatible. Otherwise, the magnetic alignment won’t work.

How MagSafe works

MagSafe was first used in Apple’s MacBooks in 2006. Back then, it was merely a charging port surrounded by magnets. This meant the cable was magnetically attached to the port–practical, as tripping over the cable wouldn’t pull the entire MacBook with it.

MagSafe for the iPhone shares the name but is fundamentally a different technology. Even before MagSafe, iPhones had circular charging coils behind the glass back, allowing for wireless charging. In the iPhone 12, Apple installed a ring of strong magnets around the charging coil. One of the biggest problems with wireless charging was its inefficiency due to inaccurate positioning. MagSafe solves this problem by allowing the iPhone to position itself through magnetic contact. Instead of the previous 7.5 watts, a charging power of up to 15 watts is now possible.

A practical side effect of MagSafe is that the magnets on the back can also be used for accessories like mounts, tripods, and more.

More on the topic

New Standard iPhones May Soon Charge Faster Wirelessly

MagSafe Battery Apple’s Best New Accessory Is Only Compatible With an iPhone

Recommended MagSafe accessories at a glance

Below, you’ll find out which MagSafe accessories are worthwhile and useful. Included in the list are chargers, car mounts, and useful wallets.

MagSafe Charger: The Puck

Simple, sleek, and effective: Apple’s MagSafe Charger is the ultimate design accessory for the desk. The minimalist round shape provides a surface where the smartphone can rest and, thanks to MagSafe technology, is perfectly aligned and charged. By the way, the charger can not only charge iPhone 12, 13, 14, and AirPods. It is also compatible with older iPhones and Android smartphones that support wireless charging. However, these smartphones are not magnetically held.

Whether for the nightstand or desk: With the wireless charger, you can quickly place the iPhone on the charging pad, and it will charge. MagSafe combines the advantages of various charging technologies: high charging speed with wireless convenience. As it is official iPhone 12 MagSafe accessory, the price is correspondingly high. However, you should consider that third-party MagSafe accessories may offer the same precision and magnetic ring but are limited to a maximum of 7.5 watts–they do not have the official technology but only follow industry standards. If you want a particularly powerful charger, you should stick with Apple’s MagSafe accessories.

Advantages:

• sleek design
• wireless charging
• faster charging

Disadvantages:

• delivered without power adapter
• very high price

MagSafe Duo Charger

With the MagSafe Duo Charger, you can charge two Apple devices simultaneously. This Apple accessory with MagSafe can, for example, find a place next to the bed and give both the iPhone and Apple Watch new juice overnight. It is also compatible with AirPods and all Apple Watches.

Particularly practical: You can fold the double charger. This makes the accessory an ideal travel companion. The only downside: The charger is delivered without a power adapter and still relies on Lightning instead of the expected USB-C.

Advantages:

• can charge two devices simultaneously
• foldable
• great for travel

Disadvantages:

• delivered without power adapter
• high price

ESR Halolock Power Bank

A small power package–if you don’t want to rely solely on your smartphone’s battery while on the go, you can turn to a power bank. Thanks to MagSafe technology, this is quite simple: The power bank is conveniently attached to the back of the phone and automatically charges it.

The ESR Halolock Power Bank has a battery capacity of 10,000 milliampere-hours and is thus stronger than many other models. With a holding force of 1,000 grams, the power bank and smartphone adhere securely to each other and can be easily transported. Wired charging is also possible with up to 20 watts–even while a second device charges wirelessly. If you don’t just want to charge on the go, you benefit as well: The so-called “pass-through charging” allows simultaneous charging of the power bank and the phone. Power bank and charging station–a MagSafe power bank is indeed a useful addition to the tech repertoire.

Lamicall Car Mount

A slightly different MagSafe gadget is from Lamicall. Although it is not a charger, it can still be very practical. Nowadays, a phone holder in the car is almost standard, as many drivers use their smartphones for navigation. However, some models come with problems, such as weak magnets that can detach during sudden movements. Other holders are cumbersome when trying to secure the smartphone in place.

The Lamicall Car Mount, for example, solves these problems and offers particularly strong hold thanks to magnetism–with two kilograms of suction power. The device itself is lightweight and compact and can be easily attached to the air vent using a metal hook. With the 360-degree rotatable ball joint, easy installation, and MagSafe technology, the holder is a good companion for any car ride.

Advantages:

• rotatable holder
• strong magnetism (2 kg)

Disadvantages:

• does not charge the iPhone

Anker Maggo

Rather unusual, yet very practical, is the Anker Maggo. This is a gadget that combines a power bank and charging puck in one. You can charge your smartphone up to iPhone 15 with ease thanks to Qi technology. The Maggo model does not need to be plugged into power, as it has an integrated battery. This way, you can also use the Anker device as a mobile power bank and take it anywhere.

The Anker Maggo has a power output of around 15 watts and a battery capacity of about 10,000 milliampere-hours. On the side of the power bank, there is also a small display where you can read the battery level.

Advantages:

• 2-in-1 function
• practical design
• usable up to iPhone 15
• stand function

Disadvantages:

• battery capacity could be better
• a bit expensive

Seiaol MagSafe: Car Mount and Charger

Who hasn’t experienced this? You turn on the GPS on your smartphone and try to navigate unfamiliar terrain. “Turn left,” “follow the road,” “please turn around”–the voice from the navigation system can sometimes be quite annoying, but it’s much worse when it suddenly goes silent due to a dead battery. To avoid this mishap during a drive, a smartphone holder with an integrated charger is worthwhile.

The Seiaol MagSafe Car Mount combines both functions in a 15-watt package. This mount is also clipped to the air vent, holds the phone with a magnetic force of around 1,680 grams, and charges it simultaneously. The USB/USB-C cable is included.

Advantages:

• car mount and charger in one
• suitable for many iPhone models
• strong magnetic force
• quite affordable

Disadvantages:

• no notable drawbacks

ESR MagSafe Wallet

Wallet, smartphone stand, tracking–the ESR MagSafe Wallet is a true all-rounder. With a magnetic strength of 3,000 grams, the product can be securely attached to the smartphone and combines various functions. It has slots for up to three cards, held by dynamic tension fields. To ensure the wallet and its valuable contents are not lost, it can be paired and secured with Apple’s “Find My.” Additionally, the product can be unfolded into a stand for both landscape and portrait modes and features a practical finger loop.

The ESR Wallet is honestly not a must-have, but definitely a great extra for those who like to keep important things compactly together.

Advantages:

• Apple “Find My”
• strong magnets
• many functions

Disadvantages:

• no charger

Anker 521 Magnetic Battery

Thanks to MagSafe technology, the iPhone is also powered on the go. A wireless power bank can be attached to the back of the iPhone with the magnet and charge without cable clutter. Like Apple’s own external MagSafe battery, Anker’s battery pack supports wireless charging for iPhone 12 and 13. The advantage, however, is that the Anker battery offers more charge for less money.

With 5,000 milliampere-hours (mAh), the power bank has enough juice to fully charge your iPhone once. Top: Thanks to the USB-C port, the power bank can also charge other devices that do not have MagSafe technology. Additionally, you can charge the power bank itself to have enough power for on the go.

Advantages:

• strong power bank with 5,000 mAh
• wireless charging on the go
• can also charge other devices via USB-C

Disadvantages:

• does not turn on automatically
• not displayed in the charging overview on the iPhone
• only usable up to iPhone 13

Belkin Boostcharge Pro

This is a practical 3-in-1 MagSafe device from Belkin. You can charge three Apple devices simultaneously with 15 watts. Supported are Apple Watch models from 7, iPhones from 12 to 15, and also AirPods.

You can charge the devices in different orientations and use them at the same time. There is also an LED indicator that shows whether the device is charging properly.

Advantages:

• 3-in-1 device
• practical cable management
• suitable for the latest Apple devices

Disadvantages:

• a bit expensive

Conclusion

The introduction of Apple’s MagSafe technology has opened many creative doors for third-party providers: The selection of accessories is huge. Some gadgets are affordable and a must for every iPhone, such as chargers and duo chargers or the wireless power bank. Others are more for iPhone enthusiasts, like the wallet from ESR.

The MagSafe charging pad is one of the most popular chargers without a charging cable–the iPhone is perfectly aligned and quickly charged. But car mounts can also be worthwhile, like the models from Seiaol or Lamicall. There is definitely no shortage of offers around the topic of MagSafe.