The latest generations of iPhones use Apple's proprietary MagSafe technology to attach accessories for wireless charging. MagSafeuses a combination of magnets and near-field communication (NFC) to both hold an accessory in place and recognize it. For example, a MagSafe wireless charger uses magnets to align perfectly with the charging coil inside the phone, ensuring you never again wake up to a dead battery because you didn't precisely line up your phone on a Qi charging pad. 

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NFC functionality comes into play by enabling your iPhone to identify what you just attached to it, and then showing a fun animation on your screen that matches your case's color, for example. You can also opt for aMagSafe walletthat attaches to the back of the phone. The MagSafe wallet even integrates with Apple's Find My network to remember the last location where it was removed from your phone. 

Since MagSafe launched at the end of 2020, I've seen many accessories released from companies big and small. I've rounded up some of my favorites below.

Also: The best wireless charging pads

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack

Best MagSafe accessory overall

Apple/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Convenient charging on the go, cord-free
• Compact design

Cons

• Only one color option

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Apple MagSafe Battery Packfeatures:Up to 15W of wireless charging Up to 70% additional charge White 

Apple's MagSafe battery pack is one of the smallest packs available, even though pictures can make it look large. Inside are two battery cells with 11.13 Wh of capacity. It's not capable of charging an iPhone from zero to 100%, but you should get a 50% boost, depending on the phone you own. 

As of iOS 14.7, MagSafe is fully integrated with your iPhone's operating system. For example, when you place the pack on a compatible iPhone, you'll see an animation on your screen letting you know how much of a charge the pack has. Your phone will then automatically begin charging.

Read the review: Apple MagSafe Battery Packreview: Power on the go

There's a Lightning port on the bottom of the pack for charging it. If you use a 20W adapter, you can charge both the pack and the iPhone at the same time by plugging the connector into your iPhone. Your iPhone will use reverse wireless charging to top off the battery pack -- the only time we've seen such a feature from any iPhone model. 

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Apple MagSafe Charger

Best MagSafe wireless charger

Apple/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Can wirelessly charge iPhone 8 models or later and AirPods models with compatible case
• Fast wireless charging up to 15W

Cons

• Magnetic alignment only applies to iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 models

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Apple MagSafe Chargerfeatures:Up to 15W Compatible with Qi charging  USB-C integrated cable

This seemingly simple disk was the first Apple MagSafe accessory designed for charging any iPhone model with MagSafe built-in. There is a new MagSafe connector on one end and a USB-C connector on the other. The disk connects to the back of your phone, holding itself in place to ensure proper alignment. 

There's a lot of technology packed into the MagSafe Charger, but you wouldn't know by looking at the sleek design. And that's a good thing. 

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Belkin MagSafe Car Mount

Best MagSafe accessory for charging on the road

Apple/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Car mount that doubles as a phone charger
• Rotates your phone for landscape or portrait mode

Cons

• Plastic body feels a little cheap

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BelkinMagSafe Car Mount features:Sturdy vent clip Able to rotate Magnetic mount

Belkin's MagSafe Car Mount does not charge your phone, but it does showcase how strong the magnets are and the promising potential of what can be done. I tested it for over a month and liked it -- I have yet to see my phone fall off the mount when going over bumpy roads. 

My only complaint? When my iPhone 12 Pro was attached to the mount, the combination of the two devices was heavy enough that it pointed the air vents down, no matter how I tried to stop it.

If you're looking for a car mount that holds your phone in place without any clamps, and you have a MagSafe-compatible case, you can't go wrong with Belkin's offering. 

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Apple MagSafe Wallet

Best MagSafe wallet option

Jason Cipriani/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Supports Apple's Find My app
• Stylish and colorful wallet that also charges your phone

Cons

• Find My can't track in real time

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Apple MagSafe Walletfeatures: 9 color options Made of European leather Holds up to 3 cards

This updated version of the MagSafe Wallet can be used with your iPhone's Find My app, which is great for when you realize it detached itself somewhere between your desk and car. It's made of real leather and comes in 8 different colors so you can match your iPhone or show off your personal style. You can even use it with a MagSafe case to mix and match visuals. 

At around$60, the leather MagSafe Wallet is a bit of an investment for an accessory, but I can almost guarantee that once you use it, you won't know how you lived without it.

Also: iPhone's Find My-enabled MagSafe Wallet: 4 things you need to know before you buy

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Twelve South HiRise Pro for MacBook

Best MagSafe accessory for a tidy desk

Twelve South/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Adjustable height
• Sturdy base
• Good use of the platform with the addition of MagSafe

Cons

• MagSafe connector is$40extra

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Twelve South HiRise Pro for MacBook features:Leather-covered base with MagSafe Puts your MacBook at eye level, or up to 6 inches off your desk Holds your laptop in place

I'd been using the non-pro version of Twelve South's HiRise for MacBook for about a year with no complaints. It did exactly what it's designed to do: get my laptop off of my desk and at eye level, while freeing up some desk space. Underneath my laptop, I placed a wireless charging station, making use of the free space. 

However, with the HiRise Pro, Twelve South built a MagSafe charging pad directly into the leather-covered base. That means I don't need a separate charging station under my laptop. Instead, I only have to attach a MagSafe charger -- which isn't included with the HiRise Pro -- to the bottom of the base and route the power cable to a nearby outlet. 

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What is the best MagSafe accessory?

The best MagSafe accessory is the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack since it quickly charges your phone while on the go. However, I have some other favorite MagSafe accessories for my car, laptop, and wallet. 

MagSafe Accessory	Price	Type
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack	$99	Magnetic battery pack for back of iPhone
Apple MagSafe Charger	$39	Wireless charger
Twelve South HiRise Pro	$99	Laptop stand with MagSafe wireless charging
Belkin MagSafe Car Mount	$40	Clip-on car mount
Apple MagSafe Wallet	$59	Magnetic battery pack that's also a wallet

Which MagSafe accessory is right for you?

Any of the MagSafe accessories on this list are great picks -- it just depends on what you are looking for, the price you are willing to spend, and what device(s) you need to charge. 

Choose this MagSafe accessory...	If you want...
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack	The best overall option
Apple MagSafe Charger	A wireless charging option that is compatible with a lot of devices
Twelve South HiRise Pro	To tidy up your desk while adding a wireless charging station
Belkin MagSafe Car Mount	To charge your iPhone in the car
Apple MagSafe Wallet	To carry your ID and cards with you

How did we choose these MagSafe accessories?

I chose these MagSafe accessories through research and by using the products myself. I compared factors like pricing, reviews (both good and bad), different features that make each pool stand out, and the compatibility each product has with different Apple devices. 

What is MagSafe?

MagSafe was originally developed as a safety feature for MacBook charging cords, but it's now built into iPhone 12, 13, and 14 models for use with a range of accessories like what I've talked about above and for faster, wireless charging. 

The system uses a series of magnets around the iPhone's internal charging coil which sense other compatible devices and hold them securely in place. The magnets are specifically designed for the MagSafe system to protect your iPhone from damage.

Which iPhone models have MagSafe?

All iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 models have MagSafe charging. Some of charging cases for Apple's AirPods, such as the latest AirPods Pro, also have MagSafe built in. 

What else should I know about MagSafe?

MagSafe is simple, and that's what's so great about it. Compatible iPhones have magnets built-in to take advantage of the technology and ensure a proper lineup every time you place your phone on the pad. 

If you plan to use a MagSafe charger or attachment along with a case, make sure you buy a MagSafe-compatible case. That means the case has magnets of its own, and it will allow you to charge your phone or keep a MagSafe wallet attached. 

Is MagSafe the same as Qi?

The two systems work on the same wireless charging principles, but the key difference is that Qi chargers don't use magnets for alignment. Qi chargers need a near-perfect alignment for optimal speeds. The MagSafe system eliminates the hassle of positioning and repositioning your devices on the charger by using magnets to properly align the charging puck and iPhone's internal charging coils, giving you consistent, fast charging every time.

Is MagSafe better than Lightning charging?

It's really up to you. 

Both USB-C Lightning and the MagSafe system have similar charging times, but with the Lightning cable, you have to make sure you're near a suitable wall outlet when it comes time to recharge your iPhone. 

With the MagSafe system, you can purchase a battery pack for power on the go. So if you're a mobile professional, we recommend the MagSafe battery pack to keep your iPhone charged while you travel or meet with clients off-site. Folks who work from home may want to stick with a traditional cable charger.

Are there alternative MagSafe accessories to consider?

Yes, here are a few other options to look into:

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Belkin BoostUp Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe

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Apple MagSafe Clear Case

This lightweight case shows off your iPhone's design, and built-in magnets enable easy MagSafe charging.

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Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

This slim MagSafe kickstand features a strong magnet for efficient charging. 

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