The best MagSafe battery packs for 2024 to keep your phone charged all day
Magnetic mobile chargers for the win! These piggybacking power banks are a must-have for travel
Everyone needs a power boost from time to time, and I'm not talking about that afternoon espresso shot. If your phone's battery can't last the day, the flight, the train ride, etc., it's a good idea to keep a spare close at hand. Most such mobile chargers, also known as power banks, require a cord, but anyone packing an iPhone 12 or later can take advantage of Apple's MagSafe technology and just snap one to the back. (Three cheers for magnets!) Of course, if you've shopped for these at all, you know there are zillions of options out there. Below I've highlighted what I consider the best MagSafe battery packs — and I'm partial to those that can do a little more than just charge your phone.
Eazpower Magsafe 5-in-1 Portable Charger
Best overall MagSafe battery pack
Aoguerbe Magnetic Power Bank
Best budget MagSafe battery pack
Anker MagGo A1654 Power Bank, Qi2 Certified 15W
Best fast-charging MagSafe battery pack
Torras Magnetic Power Bank with Stand
Best slim MagSafe battery pack
Let's talk more about magnets for a second. Do you keep your phone in a case? (You should, of course.) If so, it needs to be MagSafe-compatible so the charger will snap onto it and still be able to magically deliver the power to your phone. If you're not sure, look for the telltale "magnifying glass" design on the inside or outside of the case.
By the way, MagSafe can do more than just piggyback a power bank. Be sure to check out our roundup of the best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone. And while we're on the subject of "being prepared," here are the 8 best things to keep in your car for emergencies.
Best MagSafe battery pack overall
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 USB-C | Warranty: 12 months
This newcomer to the group — also my new favorite — makes the others look like slackers. In addition to supplying MagSafe charging to your iPhone, this Eazpower pack can magnetically charge your AirPods or Apple Watch as well — a capability I haven't seen in other battery packs. It also has built-in Lightning and USB-C cables for charging other stuff, and just to round things out, there's a folding kickstand.
- Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables
- Built-in kickstand
- Can also wirelessly charge Apple Watch and AirPods
- Printed instructions hard to read
Other top MagSafe battery packs we recommend for 2024
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 Lightning, 1 USB-C, 1 USB Type-A | Warranty: 12 months
Often on sale for as little as $27, Aoguerbe's battery pack is surprisingly versatile. In addition to the magnetic charging dock, it includes the "big three" ports, a digital LED battery-status display and a slim but sturdy foldout stand. iPhone users in particular will appreciate the option to recharge the pack by way of a Lightning cable; most others require USB-C. Ironically, the included USB Type-A-to-C cable was defective; at least one other buyer encountered the same issue. But Aoguerbe support responded quickly, so I'm comfortable keeping this as my budget pick.
- Digital status display
- Frequently on sale for under $30
- Sturdy folding kickstand
- Lightning and USB-C input ports
- Defective USB-C cord
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 USB-C | Warranty: 24 months
One downside to MagSafe charging is that it tends to be a little slow. That changes with MagSafe's Qi2-certified power bank, which promises twice-as-fast charging thanks to its 15-watt pad. Thankfully, it's no larger or heavier than similar models, though it's definitely on the pricey side. (If you're not in a rush, watch for sales; Anker products tend to get discounted regularly.) You do get a 2-year warranty, however, double that of most power banks.
- Qi2-certified 15-watt fast-charging
- Status window shows remaining charge time or battery life
- 2-year warranty
- Kickstand feels a little flimsy
Capacity: 5,000mAh | Ports: 1 USB-C | Warranty: 6 months
If you're hoping to keep pocket/purse bulk to a minimum, look to this skinny power bank from Torras. It's thinner and lighter than the other chargers in this roundup, though keep in mind it has half the capacity as well — meaning you're likely to get one full iPhone recharge at best. But you also get a rotating fold-out ring that can be used as a stand or grip, a feature I really like. Less appealing: Torras provides only a 180-day warranty.
- Slimmer and lighter than most battery packs
- Built-in ring grip/stand
- Short warranty
- Only 5,000mAh capacity
Factors to consider when choosing a MagSafe battery pack
Capacity: The capacity of a MagSafe battery pack — measured in millampere-hours (or mAh) — is perhaps the single most important consideration. The higher the number, the more juice the battery has, meaning more charges for your phones. But, that also means a thicker, heavier power bank. As you'll note above, the average capacity these days is 10,000 mAh.
Number of ports: Most battery packs will only have one port, though some of them have a second or even third. You’ll typically find at least a USB-C port, which is what’s used to charge the battery pack when not in use.
Warranty: Batteries don't last forever, so having a battery pack with a longer warranty can be beneficial. Some options offer up to 24 months of warranty coverage, while others are as short as 6 months. You’ll want to read through the warranty to understand what’s covered and what isn’t covered.
FAQs
How do MagSafe battery packs work?
These wireless charging pads are handy little gadgets that use magnets instead of cords or lightning cables to connect to your iPhone. Just how much power do these portable power banks pack compared to other wireless chargers? Three of the four products listed here have 10,000-mAh batteries, which should be good for at least two complete iPhone recharges. (For reference, the iPhone 14 Plus incorporates a 4,325-mAh battery.)
What do you need before buying a MagSafe battery pack?
The case that you keep your smartphone in must be MagSafe-compatible so the charger will snap onto it and still be able to magically deliver the wireless charging power. Look for the telltale "magnifying glass" design on the inside or outside of a MagSafe case to make sure it's compatible with the power bank.
Good news: If you love your existing case but it doesn't support MagSafe, there's an inexpensive upgrade kit you can buy.
One more thing to note: All four candidates for best MagSafe charging pack come with a USB-C cable, but to actually recharge any of them, you'll also need a USB-C AC adapter, which is not included. If you already have a fast charging power bank that can produce at least 5V/3A, go ahead and use it. Otherwise, here's a dual-port USB AC adapter 2-pack for just $7 (because you can always use a spare).
Can a MagSafe battery pack overcharge your iPhone?
No. Apple designed MagSafe chargers to prevent overcharging. Once it’s fully charged, the battery pack will adjust to a maintenance mode instead of a constant charge mode.
Do MagSafe battery packs work with devices other than iPhones?
In most cases, yes! At a minimum, any power bank that has a USB-C port can be used to charge just about any device (provided you have the right cable): Android phones, headphones, portable speakers and so on. What's more, MagSafe is primarily an Apple term, but the core technology behind it — Qi wireless charging — is compatible with some phones from Google, LG and Samsung, to name a few.
What's the difference between MagSafe for iPhone and MagSafe for MacBooks?
They're both based on magnets, but MagSafe for MacBooks is just for power: It's a magnetic connector that snaps onto the laptop for charging purposes. MagSafe for iPhone can be used for charging as well (natch, given this entire story), but also for things like grips, wallets, car mounts and more.
