'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
5 reasons why I always use a MagSafe phone case (and you should too)
If you are an iPhone user who keeps hearing the term MagSafe, but you don't know exactly how it would benefit you, don't worry; not too long ago, I was in the same position. However, since converting to a MagSafe case, my entire phone experience has been optimized, and I am here to let you know how yours can be, too.
Also: The best MagSafe accessories to try
The only thing that differentiates a regular phone case from a MagSafe case is that it has magnets, often identified by a ring on the back of cases, that securely snap your MagSafe-compatible iPhone (iPhone12 or later) to MagSafe accessories, such as chargers, battery packs, wallets, stands, tripods, and more.
Using a MagSafe case might seem like a small difference, but it unlocks a world of potential, elevating how you charge and interact with your phone. Don't believe me? Read below for some of the reasons you should give a MagSafe case a try.
1. Enjoy faster, wireless charging
With MagSafe charging, you take advantage of more secure, faster charging, compared to traditional wireless charging. This setup is facilitated by the magnets found on the back of the phone case and the wireless charger that helps position the device for maximum power transfer, resulting in a quicker, more efficient charge.
Also: This MagSafe charging station is my favorite Apple device charger
To quantify this faster charging, MagSafe can deliver a power output of 15W compared to the standard Qi wireless output of 7.5W. This difference means that by using a MagSafe case, you can double the speed of your charge -- and who doesn't want their phone to charge as quickly as possible? I recently tested Anker's new Qi2 MagGo Charging Station (pictured above) and found it to be a great fit for my needs.
2. Hassle-free portable charging
Because of the magnets found in MagSafe cases and accessories, the phone and the accessory have a firm grasp on each other, allowing for a secure hold. This hold means you can securely latch a MagSafe power bank or portable charger to the back of your phone and get a fast, and efficient charge on the go without the need for pesky wires.
Also: The best MagSafe battery packs you can buy
There are many MagSafe portable chargers on the market, and many of them sport slim, lightweight form factors that rest on your palm as a natural extension of your phone when you are holding it, meaning you can forget it's even there.
3. Mount your phone wherever you need
Whether you want a holder for your phone to stay propped up on your desk or in the car, a MagSafe accessory is your best bet for a hassle-free, secure hold.
Also: Is this the ultimate wireless car charger? My iPhone tells me yes
Instead of relying on phone holders that are meant to claw onto your phone (and fail to do so every time), you can simply place the back of your phone onto the stand, where it will magnetically attach and stay for extended periods of time. Many portable chargers and phone grips include a stand as a bonus.
4. Take advantage of fun, unique, and useful accessories
Whatever phone accessory you are searching for, a MagSafe solution likely exists. For example, ZDNET experts regularly test and recommend their favorite MagSafe accessories, like this MagSafe wallet, charging station, portable charger, and car mount. On Amazon you'll also find PopSockets, finger straps, tripods, and more.
Also: The best MagSafe wallets: Expert tested
In addition to these basic but helpful accessories, some MagSafe products solve out-of-the-box problems. For example, at CES, we saw an iPhone call recorder, a tripod that auto-tracks your face and moves with you, and a self-defense accessory, which all clasp onto the back of your phone using MagSafe technology.
5. Switch out accessories with ease
As seen above, there are so many innovative and helpful MagSafe accessories you can use, and the best part is that you don't just have to choose one. Instead, you can simply quickly interchange your accessories, snapping them on and off as you need.
One second, your phone can be snapped onto a portable charger. Next, your phone can be snapped onto a wallet without any adhesive. Some accessories, such as the Snap Luxe 4 (pictured above), will even let you layer different MagSafe accessories on top of each other.
If you are an Android user, there's a solution for you, too...
Even though MagSafe technology is exclusive to Apple, there is a simple way you can make your Android phone MagSafe compatible. All you have to do is purchase a magnetic ring plate and place it on the back of your phone or phone case. Several different accessory brands make these magnetic ring plates, and they are typically pretty affordable, ranging from $5 to $17.
Also: How to add MagSafe to your Android phone (and why you'll love it)
The ring plate lets you place your phone on any MagSafe accessory the same way you would if you had an iPhone with a MagSafe case. However, there are some caveats. If your phone doesn't support wireless charging, the magnetic ring won't give it that ability either.
There is also a chance that the adhesive can loosen on your phone, for example, with heat from a car vent, causing your phone to dislodge itself from the accessory. Check out ZDNET's how-to guide for more information about how to add MagSafe to your Android phone.