The original MagSafe technology (a converted deep fryer mechanism that Apple brought to the MacBook Pro in 2006) made a much-needed improvement to how we charge our devices, drastically lowering the chances of launching a laptop across the room upon tripping over the charging cable. Apple later dumped MagSafe technology for a while in favor of USB-C charging, but it has recently made a more widespread return, popping up not just in MacBook chargers, but all sorts of iPhone accessories. Here are a few of my favorites.
Upgrade your chargers
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Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe: Charging with a tangle of cords is overdue for a phase out. Between twisted, shredded ends and the constant staining of Apple’s white cables, it just feels inefficient to carry multiple items for one purpose. This efficient charger has space to magnetically juice all of your small electronics at once, which is great for travel, decluttering your bedside, or safely powering three devices in a standard outlet by only taking up one port.
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Anker Magnetic Power Bank 10,000mAh: You don’t have to settle for one of Apple’s overpriced MagSafe batteries, and you also don’t have to settle for a cheap knockoff that roasts your phone. Anker is known for quality electronic chargers and batteries (they even make one for your entire household) that get the job done, and this one comes in a few fun colors.
Mount Up
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Case-Mate Magnetic Phone Grip: This is a nice accessory that makes it easier to hold your phone with one hand, while still giving you the option to take it off and put your phone in your pants or purse pocket. One con: The little slot only fits one finger, which is a little inconvenient, but this is one of the few truly minimalist phone grips.
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Hula+ MagSafe Portable Mount: Dare to scroll in the shower? Hula+ has a tile- and glass-compatible MagSafe mount that uses suction on one side and magnets on the other, which can help your phone stay put in some dicey places. If you like to film, game, or watch content while doing other activities, this is a versatile option.
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Magnetic Gooseneck Phone Holder Mount: Clamping phone and tablet stands are really not it. They slip, they slide, they squish, and devices can flop right out. A magnet is more secure for these flexible mounts that require a bit more anti-gravity action. Hands-free phone use is crucial for work and for fun, so get more options for chip dipping, controller smashing, or even a little Netflix and knit.
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Anker Magnetic Phone Grip: Working out with your phone can be a huge pain. Armbands like to slip down, and stuffed pockets can stretch or feel bulky against the leg. This is a multi-functional mount with dual-sided magnets, a closure to make a loop that both doubles as a stand and allows for rotation. You can stick it on anything, loop it around your stroller for safekeeping, or hook your fingers through it to make it easier to text with one hand.
Wallet upgrades
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ESR Magnetic Wallet: Magnetic wallets have proved to be quite useful, but this is one that does more than hold your cards. An improvement on the much-loved original, this wallet also kicks out to be a phone stand.
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Pelican Magnetic Wallet: Because it’s waterproof, you can use this wallet even without your phone to keep your cards and cash safe from the elements. While this is a bit more pricey than your average phone wallet, it’s a hard case design with a bit more room than others.
Convert a non-MagSafe case
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ESR HaloLock Magnetic Ring Universal Conversion Kit: A lot of phone cases work with MagSafe right out of the box, but not all of them. If you like your non-magnetic phone case, use a stick-on thingy to convert it and make it MagSafe-compatible.
