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No matter how much Apple touts the longevity of the latest iPhone’s battery, real users know it will never last all day.
Portable power banks have become a necessity today, but they’re slowly being phased out by a more modern solution for iPhone users: Wireless battery packs that use Apple’s MagSafe technology.
MagSafe battery packs offer a simpler and smarter solution for iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 users. They don’t require a cable, and they attach magnetically to the back of your phone.
Also: Best iPhone accessories
MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, and 14 models, from the mini to the Pro Max. We have reviewed and compared the major MagSafe chargers to find which is the best for you and your iPhone.
- Multiple capacities to fit your use and budget
- Can be used to charge devices via a USB-C port
- Built-in speaker to let you know when it’s charging or disconnects
- The largest capacity is very bulky.
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 a power button, but I have yet 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.
- 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
- The most expensive battery pack of the bunch
- It only comes in white
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.
See our full review here: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack review: Power on the go
- Compact form factor
- Multiple Colors
- The small size comes at a price
- Hard to remember always to press the power button to turn it on
Features: Capacity: 4,225mAh/16.26Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
The Oisle Ultra Think MagSafe Power Bank lives up to the first part of its name by being the smallest battery pack I tested. Underneath the logo placed on the front of the pack is a light that makes it easy to see if the battery is on, its charge level and if it’s charging your iPhone. It has a total capacity of 4,225mAh (16.26 Wh), which, in theory, should be enough to charge an iPhone from 0 to 100% without any issues.
On the bottom of the pack is the power button that you need to press in order for the pack to start charging your phone — something I forgot to do multiple times during my testing. You can charge the battery pack at the same time as you’re charging your iPhone, as long as you connect to the USB-C port on the pack with a high-speed charger. There are multiple colors available for you to pick from.
More: Best iPhone deals available right now
- Supports pass-through charging
- It can be used to charge another device via USB-C
- Thicker than most other battery packs
Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh/18.5Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
Anker’s PowerCore Magnetic 5K boasts a 5,000mAh (18.5 Wh) capacity in a fairly thick footprint. The Hyper battery pack only outmatches its size. You’ll find LED indicator lights to reveal the charge level, a power button, and a USB-C port on the bottom of the pack.
You can charge the battery pack and your iPhone at the same time using pass-through charging, as I’ve personally tested and verified. One bonus feature Anker’s offering has over the competition is that it acts as an external battery pack in that you can use the USB-C port to connect the pack to another device, like your iPad, and charge it if needed.
- Built-in kickstand
- Not expensive compared to competition
- Not compatible with iPhone 12 or 13 mini
- Charge can be slow
Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
As someone who does a lot of work with their phone, having a battery pack that I can use just as good on the go as I can at my desk is incredibly important. This Anker 622 magnetic battery pack provides everything I need in a battery pack, in a single package.
With a single magnetic click, this battery pack can be stored in your pocket, or propped up using it’s sturdy magnet to create a stand. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about charging your phone and your battery pack separately as you can charge both simultaneously when the pack is connected to a power source.
See our full review here: This $59 Anker MagSafe charger offers something Apple’s doesn’t
- Supports pass-through charging
- It can be used to charge another device via USB-C
- It’s by far the biggest battery pack out of the group
Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh/18.5Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
Hyper’s Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack is just $40, but it packs a punch. With a total capacity of 5,000mAh (18Wh), it’s also the biggest pack out of the group, despite most of the packs I reviewed having a similar capacity. On the front of the pack are a power button and indicator lights. I prefer the button placement on the Hyper simply because it’s easier to find and press than on the edge of the pack.
You use a USB-C cable to charge the pack, which supports pass-through charging and can double as an external battery pack to charge via a wired connection. If the size isn’t a factor, the Hyper pack is an affordable option that’s sure to get the job done.
The best MagSafe battery pack is the myCharge MagLock Magnetic Power Bank. While the price of this battery pack is on the higher-end, the capacity options and ability to charge two devices at once makes this pack hard to beat.
MagSafe Battery Pack | Price | Capacity |
myCharge MagLock Magnetic Power Bank | $69 | 3,000mAh, 6,000mAh, 9,000mAh |
Apple MagSafe battery pack | $99 | 1,460mAh/ 11.13Wh |
Oisle Ultra Thin MagSafe Power Bank | $49 | 4,225mAh/16.26Wh |
Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K | $39 | 5,000mAh/18.5Wh |
Anker 622 MagSafe Charger | $49 | 5,000mAh |
Hyper Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack | $49 | 5,000mAh/18.5Wh |
There are a few factors worth considering when you look at this group of MagSafe compatible batteries. The first, and arguably most important, is how much you want to spend. If you don’t want to go over $50, then that narrows down your options. From there, you only need to take into account the various brands and the physical size of the battery pack.
My recommendations are if you want to stick with Apple products and use something that the iPhone can take full advantage of, then get Apple’s MagSafe battery pack. However, if you only care about charging your iPhone’s battery while on the go, either the Mophie or the Anker packs are worth looking into.
Choose this MagSafe battery pack… |
If you want… |
myCharge MagLock Magnetic Powerbank |
The best overall, complete with a unique raise design and power button. |
Apple MagSafe battery pack |
Apple’s own flagship MagSafe pack. |
Oisle Ultra Thin MagSafe Power Bank |
A compact MagSafe battery pack. |
Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K |
A MagSafe battery pack that doesn’t break the bank. |
Anker 622 MagSafe Charger |
A versatile battery pack that you can use anywhere. |
Hyper Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack |
The chonkiest MagSafe battery pack. |
I started by searching for magnetic or MagSafe battery packs built for the iPhone when Apple announced its own battery pack. I received several samples from companies and have spent some time testing all those listed here. All of the packs were tested on either an iPhone 12 Pro or an iPhone 13 Pro Max. I’ve monitored charge levels and tested all advertised features with the exception of charge rate. If a pack advertised pass-through charging, for example, I tested that feature. I also evaluated how big or small the packs are and how much of an impact the size had on the overall usability of the iPhone.
The MagSafe Battery Pack allows for on-the-go, wireless charging that is easy and reliable since it attaches to the back of your iPhone.
MagSafe charging is great for when you need your phone to charge while you are out and about, making it a better option for some. Just be careful to pay attention to your phone’s temperature, as the MagSafe pack can make your phone warm, which is not good for your device.
A removable battery pack makes it easy to charge when you need it and ditch the battery when you don’t. If you find yourself constantly looking for an outlet while carrying a wall adapter and cable, then a battery pack would be a good fit.
Apple claims its MagSafe Battery Pack offers the following capabilities:
- Up to 70% additional charge with iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini and MagSafe Battery Pack
- Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 and MagSafe Battery Pack
- Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro and MagSafe Battery Pack
- Up to 40% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max and MagSafe Battery Pack
My tests have shown the MagSafe battery pack charges a completely drained iPhone 12 from 0 to 60%. The rest of the battery packs I’ve tested go past that, but not by a lot.
Yes, but it won’t magnetically connect. According to Apple’s website, its MagSafe Battery Pack is best if paired with the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
Consider getting your iPhone a power bank!
The Zendure SuperMini 20W is the best power bank for phones, tablets, and more. It has USB-C PD and USB-A ports, it comes in several colors, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket.
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