Other MagSafe Power Banks to Consider
Photograph: Simon Hill
We like a few other MagSafe power banks that didn’t make it into our top picks.
Sharge Icemag for $34: I am usually a sucker for Sharge’s translucent cyberpunk aesthetic, and the Icemag has RGB lighting and a tiny fan inside! It charges iPhones at 7.5 watts and offers 20-watt wired charging with an ample 10,000-mAh capacity. But it is relatively bulky, and the fan emits a high-pitched whine. You will only hear it if you are somewhere quiet, and while it keeps the power bank cool, my iPhone 14 Pro still gets very warm. I love the look and think the cooling fan is a solid idea, but the design could be improved.
Vonmählen Evergreen Mag Magnetic Power Bank for £60: The real attraction of this magnetic wireless power bank is Vonmählen’s eco credentials. The German manufacturer uses recycled cobalt (27 percent), aluminum (90 percent), and plastics (100 percent) in its power banks. There are no compromises on design or functionality. This MagSafe battery pack is sleek and slim (8.6 mm), boasts Qi2 certification, and offers 15-watt wireless and 20-watt wired charging via USB-C. It’s only available in the UK and Europe now, but will hopefully land in the US soon.
Benks ArmorGo for $43: I love the aramid fiber finish on Benks’ line of MagSafe compatible power banks, and the 5,000-mAh model is svelte, providing enough power to top off your iPhone and get you through the day. There’s a bulkier 10,000-mAh model if you need more power. Wireless charging is slow at 7.5 watts, while wired charging via the USB-C port is 15 watts. It worked fine in my tests, but there are better options above.
Scosche PBQ5MS2 Portable MagSafe Phone Charger for $50: Slim, decent magnets, four LEDs to show remaining power, and a wee USB-C cable in the box—so far, so familiar. There’s nothing really wrong with this 5,000-mAh MagSafe power bank, but charging (wireless and wired) maxes out at 10 watts, and you can get better performers for the same money above.
Torras Magnetic Portable Charger With Stand for $50: Our previous ring grip and stand pick, this power bank was supplanted because it can only supply 7.5 watts wirelessly, though you can always plug into the USB-C port for faster charging (up to 18 watts). It is relatively slim and light, has strong magnets, and four LEDs to show the battery level.
Burga Magnetic Power Bank for $100: If you are appalled at the idea of attaching an ugly limpet to your iPhone, consider splashing out for one of Burga’s stylish MagSafe power banks. A mix of tempered glass and anodized steel, these pretty power banks come in a wide range of eye-catching designs. The camo model I tested had strong magnets and charged my iPhone 14 Pro wirelessly (7.5 watts) to around 70 percent from dead. The USB-C port can also supply 20 watts. The catch is the relatively high price for the relatively low 5,000-mAh capacity.
Photograph: Simon Hill
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