The latest models of Apple’s iPhone 12 – and presumably all iPhones going forward – have a new feature called MagSafe. It allows magnetized docking accessories to be attached to the back of the phone – everything from wireless charging magnetic disks to wallets to store credit cards and cash. MagSafe cases extend the phone’s magnetism to the case, so you can use the MagSafe feature while protecting your iPhone at the same time.
Several MagSafe-enabled cases – not just from Apple – are on our list of best cases for iPhone 12. But this best list is about MagSafe wireless chargers that allow fast Qi wireless charging. To that end, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- A true MagSafe wireless charger will give you the potential for the fastest wireless charging rate (up to 15 watts instead of the 7.5 watts or 10 watts that some chargers provide) on iPhones.
- Official MagSafe products – those blessed by Apple – will include a “Made for MagSafe” emblem on the box. However, many other manufacturers have created wireless magnetic chargers that look like MagSafe accessories. They are also much more affordable than the official MagSafe offerings, 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 be aware that they will charge only half the speed (for iPhones), even if they are capable of wirelessly charging certain Android smartphones up to 15 watts (those that support 15-watt fast wireless charging ).
- To achieve this maximum power, you will need a 20-watt USB-C PD charger – preferably one that is certified as Power Delivery 3.0. (IPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or iPhone 12 Mini include a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, but not the charger.) Some companies offer packages that include a MagSafe wireless charging disc with a USB – Power adapter C, while others, like Apple, sell the disc and 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 simply will not obtain magnetic adhesion.
- If you also need a charger, our list of best USB-C chargers has many options. This, of course, will also work for wired charging – which will always be faster than MagSafe or other wireless charging options.
Note that I personally, if anecdotally, used all the products listed below. Again, MagSafe’s unofficial offers are adequate if you are not concerned with the speed of loading (for example, if you are charging overnight).
Read More: The best iPhone 12 chargers from $ 10
Best wireless magnetic chargers
They will be magnetically coupled to MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 models, but are not MagSafe certified. As such, they only charge iPhones with a maximum of 7.5 watts.
Amazon
Aukey combines its Aircore magnetic wireless charger with its 20 watt iPhone Minima charger for $ 30. In contrast, Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger (see below) sells for $ 34 to $ 40 and does not include an adapter power. You can also use the Aircore wireless magnetic charger to charge Android phones wirelessly.
Amazon
Like the Aukey, this RAVPower combo includes a wireless magnetic charging disc with a 20 watt mini PD power adapter. It is listed for $ 40, but it usually sells for about $ 30 and currently costs $ 24 in a limited time deal.
The Aukey wireless magnetic charger is almost as cheap as a “MagSafe” wireless charging disc you’ll find. It’s about $ 17 with an instant coupon for a 15% discount on Amazon. However, no power adapter is included.
Best official MagSafe chargers
These are the real deal and will charge iPhone 12 models at full 15 watts (when paired with a 20-watt USB-C charger or better enabled for Power Delivery 3.0).
David Carnoy / CNET
As its name implies, the Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 3-in-1 wireless charger with MagSafe has a triple function, wirelessly charging your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time (your iPhone will start charging at 15 watts even with your watch and charging AirPods). It is not cheap for $ 140, but it is one of the few MagSafe three-in-one chargers available at the moment.
Belkin also manufactures a two-in-one wireless charger with MagSafe for $ 100, designed to simultaneously charge your iPhone and AirPods.
Apple
Apple’s official MagSafe charger is listed for $ 40, but sells for $ 34 on Amazon. It is not clear if it is better than cheaper options from Aukey, RAVPower and others, but it looks good in silver and white. No power adapter is included.
Patrick Holland / CNET
The Apple MagSafe Duo charger is designed to charge your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. What’s good about it is that it folds, reducing your floor area in half, making it a great travel charger for your iPhone and Apple Watch. It doesn’t come with a charging adapter – which is pretty ridiculous for that price – although a USB-C-to-Lightning cable is included. You must pair this with a 20-watt USB-C power adapter for faster charging speeds.
David Carnoy / CNET
Belkin’s Car Vent Mount Pro with MagSafe is technically not a charger. It is only a certified MagSafe car ventilation support. Eventually, Belkin should have a wireless charging version of this (it will cost more), but you would have to connect a cable to it anyway to charge. The advantage of a wireless version would be that, unlike this ventilation bracket, you wouldn’t have to connect a cable to the phone every time you want to charge it (I have a USB-C-to-light cable installed on it for charging but I don’t love the extra step of having to connect the cable every time I want to charge the phone).
That said, what sets this Belkin apart from other generic MagSafe-certified media that look similar (and some even offer wireless charging), is that the Belkin has a very strong magnet, while many of those other ventilation media don’t. If you have a MagSafe case on your phone (or just a nude model from the iPhone 12 series), the phone really sticks to the mount. The clip also keeps the mount securely in its ventilation and you can rotate the mount from portrait to landscape as needed.