Introduction
MagSafe is one of the most useful innovations Apple has made in recent years for the iPhone. First introduced on the iPhone 12 series in 2020, MagSafe utilizes magnets and wireless charging technology to enable fast and effortless charging, as well as provide a host of possibilities for attaching accessories.
By simply placing a MagSafe charger or accessory onto the back of the iPhone, magnets provide a perfect alignment and secure connection every time. MagSafe opens up possibilities like battery packs that magnetically snap on for instant extra juice when needed, super fast wireless charging at up to 15W speeds, car mounts that hold your phone firmly in place, and slim wallets to keep your credit cards always at hand.
In this guide, we‘ll take a look at 7 of the best MagSafe accessories available in different categories.
The 7 Best MagSafe Accessories
- Best Overall: Anker 633 Magnetic Battery
The Anker 633 Magnetic Battery is the best overall MagSafe accessory thanks to its extremely versatile design. It acts as both an external battery pack for charging your iPhone on the go AND a handy stand for media viewing in portrait or landscape orientations.
With a high capacity 10,000 mAh battery, the Anker 633 provides enough juice to fully charge even an iPhone 14 Pro Max from 0 to 100% and still have some leftover capacity. The integrated stand is perfect for watching videos on planes or trains, and the upright angle makes it equally at home on a desk for video calls.
Despite the large battery, the 633 is surprisingly compact in size and easily slides into a bag or purse. It wirelessly charges your iPhone 12 or newer at 7.5W speeds, slightly slower than the 15W MagSafe standard due to the lower wattage, but still very quick. You can connect a USB-C cable directly into the side of the battery to take advantage of 20W wired charging with supported devices.
Anker built the 633 out of durable materials and incorporated numerous safeguards like temperature monitoring, foreign object detection, short circuit protection, and more to give peace of mind while charging rapidly.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 battery pack and stand
- 10,000 mAh capacity
- 7.5W wireless / 20W wired charging
- Durable and safe construction
Cons:
- Bulky on smaller iPhone 12/13 Mini
- Slower than maximum 15W MagSafe charging
- Best MagSafe Phone Case: Spigen Ultra Hybrid (MagFit) Case
Spigen makes some of the most popular and trusted phone cases, with an extensive catalog of options for all the latest iPhone models. The Ultra Hybrid MagFit case stands out for expertly balancing MagSafe compatibility and durability with a slim, transparent design.
Constructed out of flexible TPU and durable polycarbonate plastic, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid has enhanced shock absorption thanks to Air Cushion technology in the corners. The back of the case incorporates an embedded metal plate to activate and strengthen MagSafe connections, while still allowing wireless charging through the material when not using MagSafe.
The clear back shows off your iPhone‘s color while resisting discoloration over time. Buttons remain easy to press despite added coverage, and pronounced lips on the front, back, and camera help protect your iPhone from drops. At just 2mm thin, you can still comfortably pocket your phone while benefiting from Spigen‘s excellent defense.
Pros:
- Crystal clear MagSafe design
- Durable yet slim construction
- Built-in magnets strengthen connections
- Yellow-resistant material
Cons:
- Less protective than rugged cases
- Best MagSafe Wallet: Bullstrap Premium Leather Wallet with MagSafe
For keeping your credit cards or ID always within reach, the Bullstrap Premium Leather Wallet attaches securely to your iPhone‘s backside when a case is present. Handmade from luxurious full-grain calfskin leather, the wallet ages beautifully over time and develops a unique patina.
Despite the quality leather used, Bullstrap engineered the wallet with minimalist thin dimensions in mind to avoid bulk. It can hold up to 3 cards comfortably while staying slim, with an integrated tension peg and convenient thumb opening for quickly accessing them. The Bullstrap wallet incorporates magnets properly positioned and strong enough for a tight grip on phone cases.
You can choose from distinctive leather treatment processes in colors like Sienna, Ocean, and Black. While not an Apple-certified "Made for MagSafe" accessory, Bullstrap‘s excellent craftsmanship and attention to magnet strength make it work fantastically as a MagSafe wallet. Just keep in mind that very thick phone cases could slightly reduce the magnetic hold.
Pros:
- Handcrafted premium leather
- Aging develops custom patina over time
- Holds up to 3 cards securely
- Available in several colors
Cons:
- Not officially MagSafe certified
- Thick cases can affect magnet grip
- Best MagSafe Charging Station: Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe
Belkin delivers one of the most full-featured MagSafe charging stations available. This stylish stand can charge your iPhone 12 or newer at up to 15W MagSafe speeds, your Apple Watch via built-in wireless charger, and AirPods that rest on the included pad.
At 15W with MagSafe mode enabled, you get the fastest wireless charging possible to quickly top up your iPhone 14 Pro battery before heading out. Detach your phone, and the stand reverts to 7.5W wireless charging if desired. The Apple Watch pad tilts up slightly for better viewing angles while charging.
The Belkin 3-in-1 stand has a small footprint apropos its capability, with a simple design incorporating a black base and silver metal charging pads. An AC adapter is included, and the stand cleanly routes cables through the rear. With space black, white and pink color options, you can choose the one fitting your desk aesthetics.
Pros:
- 15W MagSafe iPhone charging
- Integrated Apple Watch & AirPods charging
- Tidy cable management
- Matches most decor
Cons:
- Substantial price tag
- Best MagSafe Car Mount: Belkin Car Vent Mount Pro with MagSafe
Belkin hits it out of the park again with their MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro. Securing your iPhone 12 or newer while driving has never been easier – just hover your phone near the mount and let the magnets take over, pulling your device firmly onto the ball joint. Adjust to your preferred angle and optimal viewing is set!
Built with safety at top of mind, the Car Vent Mount Pro has an exceptionally strong magnetic lock that keeps your iPhone fixed regardless of bumps or abrupt maneuvers. The sturdy construction withstands vibration and shock without issue. An adjustable twist lock on the vent clip portion assures rock solid stability.
Love listening to audiobooks or podcasts while commuting? The mount has an integrated cable management system to neatly run a charging cord down the back, keeping it secured and reducing clutter. While the mount only supports pass-through charging and not wireless, the ease of attaching and adjusting your phone remains excellent.
Pros:
- One-handed magnetic phone attachment
- Ultra stable vent clip & mount
- Integrated cable management
- Adjusts to any preferred angle
Cons:
- Does not support wireless charging
- Best MagSafe Ring: ESR HaloLock Universal Ring 360
What if you already have a favorite phone case but still want to access the power of MagSafe? Enter the brilliant ESR HaloLock Universal Ring. This MagSafe conversion kit sticks directly onto the back of almost any phone case, instantly adding strong magnetic capabilities.
The key is proper alignment, and ESR includes a foolproof application guide to make installation painless. The magnets easily hold accessories like MagSafe battery packs, car mounts, stands, and wireless chargers – anything that works with MagSafe iPhones normally.
Keep in mind that very thick cases, rugged cases with pronounced textures, or anything with a slippery finish could interfere with performance. As long as your case is relatively smooth and under 4mm thick, the ESR HaloLock Ring works wonderfully. It comes in packs of 2 and 4, letting you equip cases for multiple family members’ phones if desired.
Pros:
- Makes almost any phone case MagSafe compatible
- Strong reliable magnet hold
- Effortless application
- Pack of 2 or 4 available
Cons:
- Not reusable once applied
- Won’t work on very thick cases
- Best Fitness Mount: Belkin Fitness Mount
My final MagSafe accessory pick enables athletes to take their iPhone along for the workout by securely mounting onto equipment. Belkin’s Fitness Mount is compatible with MagSafe iPhones and uses sturdy magnets or adjustable straps to hold on.
Sticking your iPhone 12-14 onto the center MagFit area provides a strong magnetic lock onto any gym machine with a metallic surface. For non-magnetic machines, the outlying strap clamps devices up to 1.5 inch diameter such as treadmill handlebars or exercise bike bars. An adjustable ball joint allows 360 degrees rotation and perfect viewing angle.
By keeping your phone firmly in sight, the Fitness Mount makes it easy to monitor stats on training apps, follow along to YouTube classes, or keep entertained listening to music without disruptive drops or slips. Cradling horns on the sides prevent vibration rattle so your phone stays quiet while working out.
Pros:
- Magnetic and strap attachment
- Fits handlebars from 1 to 1.5 inch diameter
- Full 360 degree adjustable angle
- Lessens vibration and noise
Cons:
- Mounting requires a case
- Won‘t stick to non-magnetic machines
Choosing The Best MagSafe Accessories for You
There’s certainly no shortage of options when it comes to MagSafe accessories. So how do you determine which ones fit your needs and lifestyle?
First, think about convenience and any pain points in your daily iPhone usage. Do you constantly run low on battery when out and about? If so, a compact battery pack like the Anker 633 would be clutch for quick top ups. Hate fumbling through your purse or pocket for credit cards? A wallet case or MagSafe wallet ensures your cards stay handy.
Consider scenarios where having your iPhone viewable hands-free is paramount, like long video calls or posting on social from your kitchen. A stand like the Anker 633 makes it effortless to prop your phone up and see the screen clearly. For road trip cinematographers hoping to document travel adventures, a car vent mount to record smooth video out the window might be perfect.
Apple and Belkin are consistently releasing new MagSafe accessories as well, so there’s sure to be options that streamline all kinds of use cases. Don’t worry about protecting older cases either – the ESR HaloLock Ring brings MagSafe magic to practically any phone case after the fact.
Do product descriptions call out “Made for MagSafe” branding? Accessories touting official Magsafe certification have passed Apple’s stringent standards to work seamlessly with iPhone magnetic alignment and charging. Models without the badge still connect reliably in most situations, although maximum speeds or ideal placements aren‘t guaranteed. Either way, there’s fantastic MagSafe gear available from top accessory brands.
Using MagSafe Accessories
Once you’ve selected some tailored MagSafe accessories to make iPhone activities more streamlined, let’s walk through putting them to work!
Attaching accessories literally could not be any simpler – just bring the item near the back of your iPhone 12 or newer and let the embedded magnets pull it into proper alignment. MagSafe chargers, battery packs when extra juice is needed, slim card-holding wallets, and car mounts to film scenic drives all connect effortlessly in seconds.
Wireless charging speeds see a nice boost with MagSafe up to 15 watts on supported models, cutting charge times approximately in half over old 7.5 watt Qi pads. Less time plugged in means less wear and tear over time on your iPhone’s Lightning port too. The strong magnetic hold prevents chargers or battery packs from sliding around on smooth surfaces, eliminating one annoyance of normal wireless charging.
Popsockets have long been a popular iPhone accessory, and now they too take advantage of MagSafe for easier mounting, removing when not needed, and swapping to other colorful tops. Even protective cases embrace the magnetic ecosystem – just be careful not to store credit cards near the back without a wallet, or they could become fused to MagSafe cases!
Conclusion
MagSafe has spawned a complete ecosystem of clever add-ons for your iPhone that truly enhance the experience. Whether simplifying mounting in the car with an air vent grip or propping up your phone at the perfect angle with a battery pack stand, MagSafe accessories deliver on their promise of easy attachment. Super fast wireless charging, dedicated wallets to keep cards within reach, workout mounts to take your tunes to the gym equipment – with the accessories above you‘re sure to take your iPhone to the next level using MagSafe magic!
