MagSafe car mount technology was developed by Apple and launched in the iPhone 12 series and then in all of the subsequent generations of iPhones that followed. It’s a form of induction charging that can deliver fast 15-watt charging (about twice that of phones with traditional Qi wireless charging). Essentially, MagSafe-compatible accessories and MagSafe-enabled technology allow users to charge wirelessly, attach protective cases, and more to their iPhones, which means you can keep your phone fully charged while using it on the move. Whether you’re using your phone for in-car entertainment to play music or using a maps app (which can be a drain on the battery), the MagSafe tech will keep you charged.
MagSafe-compatible car mounts differ from ordinary phone holders in that they help you keep your MagSafe phone charged while on the road and firmly and safely hold your phone in place. You simply place your phone on the charger pad, and the MagSafe battery pack positions and holds your phone in place while allowing the device to be charged inductively.
The best MagSafe car mount at a glance
MagSafe technology isn’t exclusive to iPhones; many other manufacturers like Google and Samsung are now equipping their devices with it. So, let’s take a look at some of the best MagSafe car mounts available.
Best MagSafe car mounts
The best MagSafe car mount
Rrp: $29.99
Rrp: $29.99
Pros
- Fast charging
- Strong magnetic mount
Cons
- Supplied cable may be too short for some installations
Best for cable management
Rrp: $29.99
Rrp: $29.99
Pros
- Secure fit
- Elegant design
Cons
- No charger included
Best for compatibility with Apple chargers
Pros
- Designed for Apple charger
- 360° rotation
Cons
- Mount only
Best versatile
Pros
- Charger included
- Sleek design
Cons
- Charging is slower than USB-C
Best for flexible compatibility
Pros
- Suits many models
- Flexible installation
Cons
- Charging speed could be faster
Pros
- Easy to install
- Will work with MagSafe phone cases
Cons
- Air vent grip could be better
Pros
- Doesn't restrict air vents
- Extendable and adjustable arm
Cons
- Larger than some other holders
How does a MagSafe charger work?
Thanks to the magnets around the charging coil in the back of your iPhone, MagSafe accessories like chargers automatically engage in perfect alignment, so the system works automatically. Apple designed the MagSafe charger standard so that only certified MagSafe chargers and accessories will magnetically attach to it so that other magnetic devices won’t get attracted to or stuck to your phone.
While the MagSafe charger can charge recent iPhones, starting with the iPhone 8, it is only optimized for models that feature the magnetic charging coil on the back of the phone, which include the iPhone 12 and later models.
For best results, it is recommended that you plug your MagSafe charger into its power source before attaching the iPhone. This allows the two devices to engage and set the charging wattage properly. This means your phone will charge at top speed.
What’s the difference between wireless charging and MagSafe?
Wireless charging using the Qi standard built into iPhones, Android, and other devices has existed for years. Although convenient, it’s not that efficient. There’s no way to know how well you’ve aligned the phone and charger, but you only get the maximum charging speed when perfectly aligned — even slightly off, and the charging speed reduces dramatically. MagSafe solves that problem by ensuring the phone and charger perfectly align with the magnets surrounding the charging coil.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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