What Is MagSafe?

Is MagSafe Worth the Money?

MagSafe is Apple’s proprietary wireless charging protocol based on the Qi (pronounced chee) industry specification.

An iPhone above a wooden desk with MagSafe on the back.

Lucas Gouveia / Jerome Thomas / How-To Geek

Genuine MagSafe products are marked with a Made for MagSafe badge on the packaging.

This indicates that the accessory has undergone rigorous testing and meets Apples standards for compatibility and safety.

Avoid MagSafe compatible chargers.

Apple MagSafe for iPhone.

Apple

However, iOS limits Qi charging speed to 7.5 watts even if a charger is 15W.

No such restrictions exist with Qi2 products and genuine MagSafe chargers.

For the most efficient charging, stick to the wire.

Using a MagSafe Case with the ESR HaloLock 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with CryoBoost

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Apple agreed to allow the Worldwide Power Consortium to incorporate its Magnetic Power Profile intothe latest Qi2 specification.

Plus, the company waived the MagSafe certification fee as part of its MFi licensing program.

Thanks to these moves, Qi2-certified chargers support magnetic alignment and 15W charging on the iPhone.

An iPhone held in hand over a wooden desk with a Ugreen MagSafe power bank snapped onto the back.

Christian Zibreg / How-To Geek

Qi2 has become Androids MagSafe!

Multi-platform households are recommended to get Qi2 chargers for future-proofing and compatibility across the iPhone and future Android phones.

iOS automatically activates StandBy Mode when an iPhone charges on a MagSafe stand in landscape orientation.

An iPhone on a nightstand in StandBy Mode

Apple

Even better, you cancustomize the StandBy clock faces, widgets, and accent colors.

StandBy gave me the perfect excuse to get rid of the smart speaker on my nightstand.

I own multiple MagSafe charging stands for my work desk, bedside table, and kitchen counter.

Edit which widgets are displayed in StandBy mode

Im still in love with my Apple Thunderbolt Display, but its potato camera leaves much to be desired.

MagSafe solved my #FirstWorldProblem in one fell swoop.

I dont want to waste time when shooting photos, especially when switching tripods.

StandBy mode’s ambient red hue

Apple’s official charger costs twice this, so shop around and save some money.

Im a minimalist but I’m still not brave enough to rock a naked iPhone.

Confirm with the manufacturer if their case supports MagSafe charging.

An iPhone in StandBy Mode on a MagSafe charging stand sitting on a wooden desk with a keyboard and monitor

Christian Zibreg / How-To Geek

Having to take the case off whenever you put your iPhone on a MagSafe charger gets old fast.

Do you know whats better than a MagSafe charger?

A multi-machine MagSafe charging stand!

Using an iPhone as a webcam using Continuity Camera for macOS.

Apple

Anyone with an iPhone and an Apple Watch should get a 2-in-1 MagSafe charger.

If you also own AirPods, do get a 3-in-1 charging stand.

you might pick multi-rig MagSafe accessories from any brand mentioned above; they all work well.

An iPhone snapped onto Belkin’s MagSafe mount atop a computer display.

Christian Zibreg / How-To Geek

Be suspicious of cheaper alternatives and check the reviews before buying.

Ive had issues with lesser-known brands ranging from slower charging and overheating to poor reliability and durability.

I personally couldnt live with my MagSafe charging stands, battery packs, and bike and car dash mounts.

The Joby MagSafe Wallmount secures an iPhone 12 to a mirror, while a MagSafe Mount holds the iPhone 12 on a gimbal with a microphone.

Joby

A MagSafe phone mount in a car.

Belkin

Nomad Base One Max vs the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger

Justin Duino / How-To Geek

A transparent MagSafe iPhone case held in hand.

Christian Zibreg / How-To Geek

Photo of a charging stand on a desk, holding an iPhone and Apple Watch with an AirPods case on the bottom

Satechi

Razer MagSafe fan.

Razer