Apple’s latest iPhone 12 models – and presumably all iPhones going forward – have a new feature called MagSafe. It allows snap-on magnetic accessories to clamp to the back of the phone – everything from magnetic wireless charging packs to wallets to store credit cards and cash. MagSafe cases extend the magnetism of the phone to the case, allowing you to use the MagSafe feature while protecting your iPhone at the same time.
Several MagSafe-enabled businesses – not just Apple – are on our list of best iphone 12 cases. But this best list is about MagSafe wireless chargers that enable fast Qi wireless charging. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- A true MagSafe wireless charger offers the potential for the fastest wireless charging speed (up to 15 watts instead of 7.5 watts or 10 watts that some chargers provide) on iPhones.
- Official MagSafe products – those blessed by Apple – will have a “Made for MagSafe” badge on the box. However, many other manufacturers have created magnetic wireless chargers that look like MagSafe accessories. They are also much cheaper than the official MagSafe deals, but here’s the catch: they offer less powerful charging (limited to 7.5 watts). We have included these unofficial products in this list, but know that it will only charge half as fast (for iPhones), even if it is capable of wirelessly charging certain Android smartphones up to 15 watts (those that are 15 watts support -which fast wireless charging).
- For maximum power, you need a 20-watt USB-C PD charger – ideally one certified as Power Delivery 3.0. (The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or iPhone 12 Mini include a USB-C post-lightning cable in the holder, but not the charger.) Some companies offer packages that have a MagSafe wireless charging point with a USB-C power adapter while others, such as Apple, sell the puck and the power adapter separately.
- Most MagSafe chargers (aftermarket and MagSafe certified) will charge other Qi-compatible devices, such as some older iPhones and Android phones. You just will not get the magnetic adhesion.
- If you also need to get a charger, our list of best USB-C chargers has many options. Of course, this will also work for wired charging – which will always be faster than MagSafe or other wireless charging options.
Please note that I have personally used all of the products below, if they are anecdotal. Again, the unofficial MagSafe deals are good if you are not busy with loading speed (such as when charging overnight).
Read more: Best iPhone 12 Chargers from $ 10
Best Magnetic Wireless Charger
It will be magnetically attached to MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 models, but they are not MagSafe-certified. As such, they charge iPhones only at a maximum of 7.5 watts.
Amazon
Aukey combines its Aircore Magnetic Wireless Charger with its Minima 20-watt iPhone Charger for $ 30. In contrast, Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger (see below) sells for $ 34 to $ 40 and includes no power adapter. You can also use the Aircore Magnetic Wireless Charger to charge Android phones wirelessly.
Amazon
Like the Aukey, this RAVPower combination features a magnetic wireless charging pack with a 20-watt mini-PD power adapter. It contains a list of $ 40, but is regularly sold for closer to $ 30 and is currently $ 24 for a limited time.
Aukey’s Magnetic Wireless Charger is about as cheap a “MagSafe” wireless charging point as you would get. It’s about $ 17 with an immediate discount of 15% on Amazon. However, no power adapter is included.
Best Official MagSafe Chargers
This is the case and will charge the iPhone 12 models at a full 15 watts (if connected to a 20-watt or better USB-C charger that enables Power Delivery 3.0).
David Carnoy / CNET
As its name suggests, the Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro does 3-in-1 wireless charger with MagSafe triple service, and charges your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time (your iPhone will charge 15 watts, even with your watch) and AirPods load). It’s not cheap at $ 140, but it’s one of the few MagSafe three-in-one chargers currently available.
Belkin is also making a two-in-one wireless charger with MagSafe for $ 100 designed to charge your iPhone and AirPods at the same time.
appeal
Apple’s official MagSafe charger lists for $ 40, but sells for $ 34 on Amazon. It’s unclear if it’s better than cheaper options from Aukey, RAVPower and others, but does look nice in silver and white. No power adapter is included.
Patrick Holland / CNET
Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger is designed to charge your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. What’s nice about it is that it folds up and reduces its footprint by half, making it a nice travel charger for your iPhone and Apple Watch. It does not have a charging adapter – which is quite ridiculous at this price – although a USB-C post-lightning cable is included. You need to pair it with a 20-watt USB-C power adapter for the fastest charging speed.
David Carnoy / CNET
Belkin’s Car Vent Mount Pro with MagSafe is technically not a charger. This is just a certified MagSafe car exhaust. Finally, Belkin should have a wireless charging version of this (it costs more), but you will need to connect a cable to it to charge anyway. The advantage of a wireless version is that, unlike with this ventilation bracket, you do not have to plug a cable into your phone every time you want to charge it (I have a USB-C-to-LIGghtning cable in it the car to charge fast, but I do not like the extra step of plugging the cable in every time I want to charge the phone).
All that is said, what sets this Belkin apart from other generic, non-MagSafe certified containers that look similar (and some even offer wireless charging), is that the Belkin has a very strong magnet, while many of these other air outlets do not ‘ t. If you have a MagSafe cover on your phone (or just a naked iPhone 12 series model), the phone really holds up. The clamp also holds the container securely in your outlet and you can rotate the container from portrait to landscape mode if needed.