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We’ve rounded up the best MagSafe and MagSafe-compatible magnetic chargers, from the plain to the multi-functional (up to six devices charged) and even the most colorful—from snap-on chargers and modular stands to foldable power bank and full desk mat. Magnetic Type C Cable
Apple’s MagSafe technology presents a more efficient way of wirelessly charging compatible iPhones. MagSafe is the ring of magnets around the iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15’s internal charging coil, which senses compatible accessories and magnetically snaps securely into place with the right accessories.
MagSafe is supported by all models of iPhone 12/13/14/15. It allows certified and compatible accessories to magnetically clamp to the back of the iPhone, creating a strong and less wasteful connection.
MagSafe charging can be twice as fast as standard Qi wireless charging for a number of reasons. First, it supports 15W iPhone charging, compared to the usual 7.5W from a Qi charger; note, though, that this is 12W for the iPhone 12/13 mini. Standard non-MagSafe magnetic chargers–also known as “MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers”–are limited to 7.5W.
In our tests, MagSafe speeds slowed to under 10W once the iPhone reached 50 percent charged. That’s still faster than the compatible chargers but the speed benefit of certified MagSafe isn’t quite as stark as the simple numbers suggest.
Second, a magnetic connection is much more precise than what you get from just placing your phone on top of a standard wireless charging pad. Wireless charging is inefficient, losing as much as 50% of its power through poor placement and a handful of environmental factors. With MagSafe’s optimum positioning, that wireless inefficiency is more like 30% wastage compared to cabled charging via Lightning.
And you’re less likely to wake up to find your phone wasn’t correctly placed so didn’t charge at all!
Apple certifies MagSafe accessories with its Made for iPhone (MFi) badge. This ensures that the output charging is 15W, compared to non-certified but MagSafe-compatible Qi chargers that are usually just 7.5W. Certified MagSafe chargers also have a single-wire NFC antenna that allows the iPhone to identify the device, a built-in magnetometer, and a compass to prevent interference while you are using your iPhone while it’s charging.
Don’t rule out mere MagSafe-compatible chargers as they are often high quality and nearly always noticeably cheaper. “MagSafe compatible” is used widely to mean any accessory that includes a bunch of magnets.
Outside of Apple’s own products and a couple from favored accessory maker Belkin, there aren’t a lot of MFI-certified MagSafe chargers to choose from anyway. These two companies have the certified market sewn up, although Zens makes some deluxe products available from the Apple Store.
We have avoided the many cheap models found online and focused on the premium brands, while also including those that offer something different.
While super-cheap charging cables should be avoided as they can be unsafe, compatible wireless charging is inherently safer due to the technology. But we’d still stay clear from something that looks too cheap.
And, of course, the iPhone 12/13/14/15 models work with non-magnetic chargers, too; check out our roundup of the best wireless chargers for iPhone. We also have a round up of the Best MagSafe portable battery packs and power banks. And for many MagSafe chargers reviewed here you’ll likely still need a wall charger to power the —here’s our recommendations of the best iPhone chargers.
The most basic form of MagSafe or magnetic charger is the simple pad that latches on to the compatible iPhone. Some pads feature a pop-out arm so the iPhone can be propped up while charging.
There are also products that can charge an iPhone and other Apple devices, such as an Apple Watch or wireless AirPods charging case, at the same time. Note that the AirPods case must be of the wireless variety, and the original AirPods case lacked this functionality. The base of a multi-charger could also be used to charge a second iPhone but mostly not magnetically and at 5W rather than 7.5W or 15W. Also see our round up of the Best Apple Watch chargers and stands.
The most obvious MagSafe Charger to buy for your Apple iPhone is, of course, the Apple MagSafe Charger. It’s the charger that Apple would have shipped with the iPhone if it did such things anymore.
It’s as minimalist a design as you’d expect from Apple–it looks a lot like the Apple Watch Charger.
You can also use it to charge your AirPods.
Its main advantage over the non-certified competition is its 15W charging power. It’s still half as fast as using a Lightning cable, however, and if you are going to the bother of connecting this to a USB-C charger, why not just use a Lightning (iPhone 12/13/14) or USB-C (iPhone 15) cable? You can fast-charge an iPhone to 50% battery in around 30 minutes using a cable, while it takes around 50 minutes to wirelessly charge iPhone from 0 to 50% using even 15W MagSafe.
And the Apple MagSafe Charger is not perfect. It is too small and light to stay on the desk when you pick up your iPhone, making it a poor wireless charging pad. The 1m cable is far too short to comfortably charge and use your iPhone at the same time.
Don’t forget that it still requires a USB-C wall charger (at least 20W recommended if you want the full 15W potential).
We think there are better MagSafe and MagSafe-compatible alternatives.
Available in two predictable colors, the Belkin MagSafe Charger Pad is as fast as Apple’s Charger and comes with a longer cable and handy pop-up stand.
The cable is twice as long as Apple’s, which makes using the phone much easier when charging. It’s also thicker nylon-braided cable with a handy integrated silicone cable tie.
It is pricier than Apple, which is a surprise, so you’re paying a premium for the longer premium cable and the kickstand but we think it’s worth the extra if you must have a certified 15W MagSafe charger. Again, a straight cable connection will be faster but we like the kickstand, which you don’t get with a standard cable connection.
You can buy direct from Belkin with a 27W power adapter included or just on its own if you already have a wall charger to use.
Another basic magnetic charger, Anker’s PowerWave Magnetic Pad works just like the Apple and Belkin chargers, but at the lower 7.5W as it’s not officially certified by Apple.
It works just fine, though, and is one of the cheaper premium magnetic chargers.
The cable is a decent length at 1.5m.
Colors: White, Black, Blue, Pink
This is a small, simple magnetic charging pad that has a kickstand that lets you prop your attached iPhone 12/13/14/15 up either in landscape or portrait mode for video viewing or hands-free FaceTime calls.
The cable length is reasonable at 1.5m.
It’s available in four colors, so is wildly more flamboyant than the other magnetic wireless chargers tested here.
Apple Watch fast charge: Yes
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
A 3-in-1 charger that can re-power iPhone, AirPods and Watch is a boon for Apple fans, but most of the products we’ve tested take up quite a lot of desk space. The stylish HiRise 3 Deluxe, as its name suggests, goes more vertical and so has a smaller footprint—handy for bedside tables and other places where a giant charging stand is less welcome.
It is fully Apple certified, so can fast-charge any MagSafe iPhone (iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15 models but not SE) at 15W as well as fast-charge an Apple Watch (Series 7, 8, 9, SE and Ultra) at 5W and Apple AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation AirPods, and all AirPods Pro) at 7.5W.
It’s 15.4cm (6in) high, 15.9cm (6.3in) deep and 8.5cm (3.4in) wide. In comparison, the Belkin 3-in-1 is 13.5cm wide.
The MagSafe iPhone charger can angle and tilt by 35-degrees, and hold the device in either landscape or portrait—so works well in iOS 17’s StandBy mode.
The base charges at 7.5W and can be used to power up AirPods or a second iPhone, and the Watch part fast charges at 5W.
Apple Watch fast charge: No
Coming in its own hard-shell travel case, the Zens 2-in-1 MagSafe and Watch travel charger is a portable delight for owners of iPhone (12/13/14/15 series) and Apple Watch.
It is officially certified as Made for MagSafe, so charges at the full wireless 15W. Sadly the Watch doesn’t fast charge, too, but its arm folds out to create a kickstand for the iPhone in either portrait or landscape orientation.
Apple Watch fast charge: Yes
Wall charger: 30W AC power adapter
This 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is certified by Apple, so offers full 15W wireless charging for iPhone 12/13/14/15 plus 5W for AirPods and 5W for Apple Watch.
Although on the heavy side, it’s super-compact and great for travel. The Watch charging part is hidden in the cube until you need it. It comes with a 30W USB-C wall charger with switchable UK and EU plug fittings that slide onto the US plug prongs.
Its tiny footprint means it takes up little space on your desk or bedside cable, too.
The stand works in landscape and portrait orientations but isn’t high. It does have adjustable viewing angles up to 60°.
A similar 3-in-1 charger from the same company is the A-frame Anker 737 MagGo, which can also simultaneously charge an iPhone (at 15W), AirPods and Watch. Aside from the shape, the only real difference from the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe is that the slightly cheaper 737 doesn’t support fast-charging for the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch fast charge: No
Wall charger: 20W AC power adapter
The ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Set is certified by Apple for Apple Watch but is just compatible with MagSafe for iPhone 12/13/14/15 charging, so offers 7.5W rather than 15W.
The Watch charging part is separate but plugs in once the stand is unfolded. The iPhone can be set in either landscape or portrait orientation.
It’s lightweight and foldable, which makes it a great travel solution if you own iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.
There’s a smart travel case included that fits in the 20W charger, cable, Watch attachment and folding charging stand.
This is an interesting charger, being able to charge both an iPhone 12//13/14/15 and an Apple Watch—as well as being a large-capacity power bank so you charge your devices while away from a power socket.
Fully certified by Apple, it can wirelessly charge an iPhone at 15W and can also fast-charge an Apple Watch at the same time. You need to attach at least a 20W USB-C charger.
The adjustable iPhone stand folds right down and the Watch charger folds back to keep the OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank flat and easily transportable.
It is, however, quite large at 6-x-3.2-x-1.3 inches (15.3-x-8-x-3.4cm), and hefty (12oz (340g). It’s a bit of a brick to slip in a pocket and walk around with, but for a home/office power bank with iPhone stand that can move around your space, it’s perfect.
You can use it as a standard iPhone charging stand (connected to a wall charger) and then just pick it up and use it’s power bank facility when you need to move around.
Belkin doesn’t just make MagSafe chargers; it has a range of compatible magnetic products, too.
Its low-end Magnetic Charger Pad is not as fast as Apple’s Charger as it’s one of the non-MagSafe-certified products, but it is cheaper and comes with a cable that is twice as long as Apple’s, which gives you more flexibility depending on the distance of your power socket to where is most convenient for you for charging. It also features a handy cord wrap.
An LED indicates if there’s any charging interruption from another object that maybe could harm your phone.
If you don’t mind the slower 7.5W charging, this is an affordable solution that beats the official Apple product with its longer cable.
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
As an officially MFi-certified MagSafe charger, the Belkin Charge Pro hits the 15W heights just like the Apple chargers.
Like Apple’s own Duo Charger it can simultaneously power up your AirPods at 5W on its Qi circular base, plus it has the bonus of being a stand that can hold the iPhone in either portrait or landscape mode with its stable weighted base.
It’s a bit plasticky but still looks suitably Apple-ish, and it beats the Apple 2-in-1 on price.
A small LED shows whether the placed AirPods case is wirelessly charging.
Built to charge both an iPhone 12/13/14/15 and wireless AirPod case charger, the Anker PowerWave isn’t MFi certified and therefore doesn’t reach the 15W phone charging heights of the Apple.
Its 7.5W charging is fine if you have the time; if you’re in a real hurry you’d be better off using a cable than using a 15W certified MagSafe charger anyway.
The AirPods are charged at 5W, which is standard for all such multi-device magnetic chargers.
You get angled landscape and portrait modes with this good-looking stand from one of our favorite premium accessory makers.
The magnetic link is super strong so you don’t need to worry about the iPhone falling off even during re-angling.
Colors: White, Black, Misty Blue
Anker’s MagGo 633 isn’t just another passive iPhone and wireless AirPod case charger stand with angled landscape and portrait modes. It is much cleverer than that.
You can remove the charging section from the stand and use it as a 5000mAh portable magnetic charger that clamps onto the back of an iPhone 12/13/14/15 and will charge your phone on-the-go up to a near full charge.
The power bank holster on the stand can be angled up to 40 degrees.
The detachable power bank is powered up while in the stand, via the connected 1.5m USB-C cable that requires a decent (at least 20W) wall charger. You can swap out the cable for a longer or shorter one if that’s what you require.
This is a great combination of desk-bound charger and portable power bank. For more options, read our roundup of the best MagSafe power banks.
Alogic has a similar modular charger stand that can take a MagSafe-compatible battery pack; reviewed with the 3-in-1 stands (with magnetic Apple Watch charger) but also available as a 2-in-1.
Apple Watch fast charge: No
Wall charger: 45W AC power adapter
Similar in looks to the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand, the aluminum Zens 4-in-1 MagSafe + Watch Charging Station beats it on two fronts: it has a much smaller footprint and can charge four devices simultaneously. It is certified Made for MagSafe so can fast-charge an iPhone 12/13/14/15 at 15W compared to just 7.5W for merely compatible magnetic chargers.
The base features a 5W Qi charging pad allows for charging wirelessly rechargeable AirPods or other Qi compatible device
The fourth device is charged using a side-mounted USB-C port, so is wired rather than wireless like the parts for iPhone, Watch and AirPods. Rated at 18W charging, this USB-C connection can fast-charge another iPhone or charge an iPad.
The supplied 45W wall charger comes with US, UK and EU adapter plugs so you can take the Zens 4-in-1 Charging Station on your travels.
Apple Watch fast charge: No
Wall charger: Not included, except in Australia: 20W AC power adapter
For a budget 3-in-1 magnetic stand that will charge your iPhone 12/13/14/15, AirPods wireless-charging case and Apple Watch, the Alogic MagSpeed 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is a simpler product than the Belkin 3-in-1 but works just fine – although at the lower charging speed as it isn’t MagSafe certified.
The iPhone can be angled in either portrait or landscape mode, but it can’t be angled up or down.
If you are buying in Australia (Alogic is an Australian company), you get a 20W charger, but elsewhere you’ll need to use your own wall charger.
Apple Watch fast charge: Yes
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Belkin has a 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger that is a stand where the phone and Watch are held high and the AirPods case sits underneath in a Qi-compatible hollow on the base.
This is more stylish that other wireless charging stands, having a Sixties space-age design with chrome arms, and a silicone-covered plastic base.
A stand is useful as it lifts the charging phone to a height that makes it easier to FaceTime or watch videos without having to hold the phone aloft. It can hold the phone in either portrait or landscape mode.
In order to support the weight of the phone, the circular base has to be quite wide, at 13.5cm.
An LED indicates if the AirPods are charging, and it ships with its own power supply unit.
Apple Watch fast charge: No
The Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, like the Twelve South HiRise 3, has a small footprint for such a multi-device charger. It’s only a tiny bit larger than the HiRise 3, at 16.9cm (6.7in) high, 13.3cm (5.3in) deep and 8.6cm (3.4in) wide.
It does have some tricks up its sleeve, though, as its detachable USB-C Apple Watch charger means you can take it with you on your travels and simply plug it into a USB-C port—say on your MacBook—to charge your Apple Watch away from the charging stand.
The phone charging part can also tilt, unlike the more static 3-in-1 chargers reviewed here, for more flexible viewing angles—it can be set in either portrait or landscape mode.
Being just MagSafe compatible, the phone charges at 7.5W; the base at 5W, and the Watch part at 3W.
Apple Watch fast charge: Yes
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Belkin has two models of 3-in-1 wireless charger, both MFi-certified, that can simultaneously charge your portable Apple goodies: iPhone, AirPods and Watch.
If you’ve bought into the whole Apple device ecosystem, this one will charge all you pocketable or wearable devices. of particular note is that it can fast-charge the Apple Watch.
This model is a flat pad that also includes the possibility to leave the Watch in Nightstand mode as a bedside or desk clock. We would have preferred if the phone charger could also be angled to prop up the phone for video viewing.
While minimalist in design, it does take up a fair section of desk–measuring about 23cm across and 8cm wide, and the iPhone sticks out at either side.
The pad format is better for travel portability than a charging stand, and it comes with its own wall power supply unit, so you don’t need to add your own USB-C charger.
An LED indicates if the AirPods are charging.
Apple Watch fast charge: Yes
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Alogic has created a modular system that transforms what is often a static charging station into something more dynamic and portable. It’s called Matrix and features several products, some of which can be used with each other depending on your charging needs.
The Matrix 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock with Apple Watch Charger features a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging stand to charge an iPhone at 7.5W, a Qi cradle neatly placed at the back for charging compatible AirPods, and a detachable charger for the Apple Watch. You can take the small Watch charger with you and plug it into a USB-C charger or device with output charging. Be patient, though, at just 2W it can’t fast-charge an Apple Watch—for that you need Apple’s USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable and at least a 5W USB-C charger—but it is more portable as it doesn’t require a long cable, having its USB-C connector built-in.
As with the Anker 633 Wireless Charger, reviewed above, you can also swap out the wireless phone-charging block and add the Matrix Wireless Power Bank (sold separately). This 5000mAh portable power bank can work in the static charging stand or come with you as a neat, portable magnetic battery pack—ready powered up for the stand. This can charge two phones or devices: one wirelessly and the other simultaneously via USB-C cable. In our tests, it charged a flagging iPhone 13 Pro from 10% to 94%.
There’s even a Matrix Magnetic Wireless Charger with Car Mount available, which the power bank can be slotted into. We’d have preferred this and the 3-in-1 Charger to be available without the non-portable charging block for those users who already own the power bank.
If you don’t own an Apple Watch, the Matrix 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock will save you some money, and the side-mounted USB-C Port means you could add the Watch module at a later date should you succumb to the full Apple device roster.
Wall charger: 65W AC power adapter
The Zens 4-in-1 Modular Charging Station for iPhone with MagSafe, AirPods, Apple Watch and iPad is a MagSafe-certified charging stand that can handle not just four Apple devices but more if you buy extra charging modules to connect.
Any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15) can be wirelessly charged at up to 15W, faster than non-certified MagSafe-compatible chargers. AirPods and Apple Watch will each charge wirelessly at 5W.
The iPhone can be placed in either portrait or landscape mode. At the back is a stand where you can place an iPad, which can be wired charged via a side-mounted USB-C port at up to 30W.
All devices can be charged simultaneously as the power supply has a 65W total output.
The Watch module that ships with the 4-in-1 charger can handily be situated on either the right- or left-hand side depending on your preference. Modules attach magnetically.
The Apple Watch extension can be disconnected from the main station and charged via a USB-C port to become a standalone wireless charger when travelling.
Up to three modules can be added, and different modules are available separately. Aside from extra Watch modules, the Single Wireless Charger Extension is a 10W wireless charging pad, and the Modular USB-hub Extension lets you recharge a USB-A powered device.
If you don’t own an Apple Watch, the cheaper 3-in-1 Modular Charging Station charges iPhone, AirPods and iPad. Also available from Apple.
As an environmental bonus, the Charging Station and all modules are made from recycled plastic.
Wall charger: 12V car charger included
Use your iPhone for satnav directions or to have easy access to your playlists in the car with this MagSafe-certified wireless charger and car vent mount, which works in both landscape and portrait modes.
It has an integrated USB-C cable, and a 12V car charger adapter for cars come with USB-A ports.
The magnetic link is strong, which should mean that it can cope with any big bumps in the road. It works best with straight, horizontal vent slats up to 3mm in thickness and 20mm in depth. It does work with vertical slats, but there might be slight movements if the mount is overloaded with weight, says Belkin.
As the only dedicated MagSafe-certified 15W car mount available, it is expensive. If you can handle a lower charger rate, the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger 10W does pretty much the same job for a lot less. Or you can buy Spigen’s Mag Fit Phone Holder Car Mount and add Apple’s MagSafe Charger (reviewed above) for pretty much the same 15W result. That product is also available in black, like most car vents.
At the moment, the only place to buy the MagSafe version is via Apple’s US Store.
This smart desk mat includes a detachable side strip that includes a magnetic wireless charging pad for phone and a non-magnetic section to charge your AirPods. Not only is the mat reversible, with smooth, wipeable vegan leather on one side and warmer-feel felt on the other, but you can pull back the mat to stow paper and notes to help reduce clutter.
It’s quite a large mat, measuring 780 x 70 x 4mm. The Light gray color is actually more of a warm stone tone.
The charging panel connects to the mat with a light magnetic snap, and can be positioned on either side simply by flipping the mat round 180 degrees, depending on whether you are left or right handed.
As it’s MagSafe compatible rather than certified, it charges the iPhone at 7.5W rather than 15W, but will charge other compatible phones at the higher power. Earbuds can be charged at up to 5W. The magnetic fit is strong so you can’t knock it off its charging position with a stray flick of an arm.
It comes with a USB-C cable but requires a charger; recommended 20W or higher.
Colors: Many cool and/or odd patterns
We picked the English Breakfast pattern for its sheer wanton oddness but there are plenty of other patterns (Acid, Checks, Cherry Blossom) and pictures (Yeti, Harry Potter, Snoopy) to choose from.
Indeed, there are 238 different wireless charger fronts to choose from.
This 100% recyclable slim charger has eco sustainability points, too, as it’s made with recycled aluminum and printed with eco-friendly ink.
The Moshi SnapTo Magnetic Wireless Charger can mount to a wall. Attach the included firm 3M fixture to a convenient wall, perhaps beside your bed or office desk, and then slide in the magnetic charger.
Then simply place your phone onto the charger.
It can also be used as a landscape charging phone stand.
It’s important to note that you will need a compatible case (Overture, iGlaze, Vesta or Altra) according to Moshi.
Wireless charging is convenient and fine for situations when you don’t need a super-fast recharge.
If you’re leaving your home in 20 minutes and need as much juice as possible, plug in the Lightning cable as even a 12W USB charger can power up an iPhone a third faster than wireless, and 50% faster if you use a 20W USB-C-to-Lightning PD charger.
It is less wearing than constantly inserting a cable into your phone, and more reliable as that vulnerable Lightning port can fill with fluff and dust after all the time spent in your trouser pocket or bag and it’s one of the most common reasons that an iPhone refuses to charge even when connected with a cable.
It’s easy to clean with a toothpick (but please do it softly!) but will affect most of us at some time.
Wireless charging isn’t affected by the build-up of dust and fluff in the phone port and is also less vulnerable to oxidation and corrosion.
With wireless, you don’t have to remember to run around trying to find who’s taken your Lightning cable, and it’s certainly a lot neater.
Of course, wireless charging is not really wireless, unless you are using a portable MagSafe battery pack. The MagSafe charger is still connected by a cable to your wall charger; it’s just the connection to the phone that is properly wireless.
Some MagSafe chargers come with their own wall charger, but most require you to add your own. Apple recommends at least a 20W USB-C power adapter (wall-socket charger) and we agree. You won’t get over 15W charging power from the MagSafe charger to the iPhone, but 20W all but guarantees you’ll get as much power as you can.
We have tested the best iPhone wall chargers to help you choose a recommended solution.
Simon was Editor of Macworld from the dark days of 1995 to the triumphant return of Steve Jobs and the launch of the iPhone. His desk is a test bench for tech accessories, from USB-C and Thunderbolt docks to chargers, batteries, Powerline adaptors and Fitbits.
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