ZDNET's key takeaways ESR's Aura Halo-Lock MagSafe wallet and stand combine style and function at a fair price point.
The $40 MagSafe wallet stores up to five cards, doubles as a phone stand, includes an ID window, and comes in five colorways.
If you're after smaller capacity wallets or more premium materials, you're better off with other MagSafe cardholders. $23.99 at Amazon
The ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand is on sale in select colors for $19 at Amazon now.
When I'm not doubled down covering the biggest sales events of the year at ZDNET, I get to spend my days testing out some of the handiest tech gadgets, primarily MagSafe batteries, MagSafe wallets, and other MagSafe accessories.
My favorite form of testing is using these wallets to store my own essential cards when I'm on-the-go. That's why you'll always catch me testing tech while I travel and even on my daily commute. As a New Jersey native who often travels into the office in NYC, I depend on a MagSafe wallet for quick access to my NJ Transit card during my commute, and as a Gen-Z who is glued to my phone, I love a nifty accessory.
Also: 7 MagSafe accessories that I recommend every iPhone user should have
That's why I couldn't say no when I got the chance to test ESR's newest Aura MagSafe wallet. The Aura wallet launched in November, and I was immediately struck by how much it reminded me of two other wallets already ZDNET-tested and loved. ESR, in my opinion, has just leveled up on Satechi's flagship wallet, and shares similarities with Journey's Ezmo wallet.
Like the Satechi wallet, ESR features an ID window, seamless design, and a $40 price point -- but has upped the ante. You can store one more card than Satechi's recommended 4, and ESR's color options are a little trendier and more varied. To compare the two even further, the ESR wallet has a slightly grainy texture, where Satechi's wallet is smooth and slick.
Like Journey's Ezmo wallet, the ESR Aura has a larger card capacity than most and a strong magnetic hold. Once again, ESR's color options appeal more to me than Journey's quiet luxury-esque neutrals. It's more lightweight and compact than the Journey wallet, and similar in stature to the Satechi wallet, too.
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