Which MagSafe battery pack is best? 6 Expert Picks

Features: Capacity: 3,000mAh, 6,000mAh, 9,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes 

The latest company to offer a MagSafe compatible battery pack is myCharge with its MagLock lineup. The MagLock lineup has three different options, ranging in capacity and price. A 3,000mAh option is $50, 6,000mAh is $60 and the 9,000mAh pack is $70. 

The MagLock has a unique raised design where the pack connects to the phone. According to myCharge, the gap between the phone and the battery pack allows both devices to remain cooler than the competition, which leads to better efficiency and faster charging rates. When you connect the pack to your phone, it plays a short sound to let you know the pack is in use. Another sound plays when you remove the pack from your iPhone. 

There's also a power button, but I haven't had to use it. I just attach the pack to my phone, let it charge, and then remove it. The MagLock is charged via a USB-C connection, and functions as a wireless charging pad if you place your phone on the pack while it's plugged in. 

Features: Capacity: 1,460mAh/ 11.13Wh | Charging Port: Lightning | Power button: No

Apple's MagSafe battery pack is the second smallest battery pack I tested, even though pictures can make it look big. Inside are two battery cells with 11.13 Wh of capacity. Don't expect the battery pack to charge your iPhone from 0 to 100. Wireless charging is highly inefficient due to several factors (heat being one of them). You're more likely to get around a 60% charge on the iPhone 12 Pro, and for most, that's more than good enough to get through a long day at work or when traveling. 

At $100, the MagSafe battery pack is the most expensive pack of the lot. Its tight integration can arguably justify Apple tax with iOS 14.7 and above; 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. It will automatically begin charging your phone. The first time you attach one to your phone, you'll also see an alert letting you know it will keep your phone at 90% to protect your battery. The battery widget built into iOS will show the pack's current charge level, right alongside your iPhone and other accessories. 

Charging the battery pack is done via a Lightning connector on the bottom of the pack. 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 then use reverse wireless charging to top off the battery pack -- the first time we've seen such a feature in use from any iPhone model. 

Review: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack: Power on the go

Features: Capacity: 8,000mAh/40Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes 

The Oisle Ultra Think MagSafe Power Bank lives up to the first part of its name by being the smallest battery pack I tested. Underneath the logo placed on the front of the pack is a light that makes it easy to see if the battery is on, its charge level and if it's charging your iPhone. It has a total capacity of 8,000mAh, which, in theory, should be enough to charge an iPhone from 0 to 100% without any issues. 

On the bottom of the pack is the power button that you need to press in order for the pack to start charging your phone -- something I forgot to do multiple times during my testing. You can charge the battery pack at the same time as you're charging your iPhone, as long as you connect to the USB-C port on the pack with a high-speed charger. There are multiple colors available for you to pick from. 

Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh/18.5Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes 

Anker's PowerCore Magnetic 5K boasts a 5,000mAh (18.5 Wh) capacity in a fairly thick footprint. The Hyper battery pack only outmatches its size. You'll find LED indicator lights to reveal the charge level, a power button, and a USB-C port on the bottom of the pack. 

You can charge the battery pack and your iPhone at the same time using pass-through charging, as I've personally tested and verified. One bonus feature Anker offers over the competition is that it acts as an external battery pack,too. You can use the USB-C port to connect the pack to another device, like your iPad, and charge it if needed. 

Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes 

As someone who does a lot of work with their phone, having a battery pack that I can use both on the go and at my desk is incredibly important. This Anker 622 magnetic battery pack provides everything I need in a single package.

With a single magnetic click, this battery pack can be stored in your pocket, or propped up using its sturdy magnet to create a stand. Additionally, you don't have to worry about charging your phone and your battery pack separately, as you can charge both simultaneously when the pack is connected to a power source. 

Read the review: This $59 Anker MagSafe charger offers something Apple's doesn't

Features: Capacity: 5,000mAh/18.5Wh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes 

Hyper's Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack is just $51, but it packs a punch. With a total capacity of 5,000mAh (18Wh), it's also the biggest pack out of the group, despite most of the packs I reviewed having a similar capacity. On the front of the pack are indicator lights and a power button. I prefer the button placement on the Hyper simply because it's easier to find and press than on the edge of the pack. 

You use a USB-C cable to charge the pack, which supports pass-through charging and can double as an external battery pack to charge via a wired connection. If size isn't a factor for you, the Hyper pack is an affordable option that's sure to get the job done.