The market for power banks is a ferocious one. Overwhelming it may be but let’s ignore that more a moment and focus on one. Specifically, this one from ESR. This wireless power bank is a MagSafe compatible power bank that is intended for iPhones.
Modern cars come with USB plugs as standard these days, but demand often outstrips supply and you can be left with no plug available. This is where a power bank comes in handy. Then what happens when you leave the car and a socket isn’t readily available when you’re out and about? This is also where a power bank comes in handy.
We’ve been testing ESR’s HaloLock mini power bank over several weeks to see how it performs in the real world. We found it was a very handy and reliable device. Sure, corded power banks are cheaper but the wireless charging is super convenient.
Verdict: Ideal for everyday use and its wireless charging is so convenient
Score: 4/5
ESR HaloLock mini Kickstand Power Bank
Price: £46.99 | VIEW OFFER
Pros:
Wireless
Strong magnetic grip
Kickstand
Cons:
Corded options are much cheaper
Specs:
Capacity: 5,000mAh (tested), 10,000mAh
Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.4 x 1.7cm
Wireless charging: Yes
Input/output: USB-C
What’s good?
Plugging your phone into a power bank with a USB cable is far from arduous task, but magnetic, wireless charging is even easier. Just stick the ESR power bank to the back of your iPhone and away you go.
Having a magnetic grip also adds another dimension of versatility with the ESR power bank. It means that the power bank can work as a phone holder yet maintain a clean shape. It’s great for watching Netflix or whatever you’re doing while travelling in the car or on the train, for example.
The ESR HaloLock power bank doesn’t have any ingress protection (an IP rating), but provided you don’t treat it like a stress ball, it should last for a long time. It feels solid, dependable, and its kickstand is metal with a firm hinge.
What’s okay?
Wireless power banks that attach via magnetism aren’t as compact as some corded power banks. That being said, it’s not a purely negative thing. If this ESR power bank was tiny, it wouldn’t be any good as stand. There is merit in it being a little bit bigger. The ESR HaloLock Mini power bank is hardly bulky, and easily fits in your jean pocket.
Wireless charging power is 7.5W and isn’t a fast charger. If you’ve got the ESR power bank plugged in, charging power jumps up to 12W. It’s easy to get carried away in wanting the fastest possible charger, but we found that in most cases, where you want a top up, 7.5W is fine. If you’ve got a power socket close by and need a fast charge, you’ll use that instead.
The 5,000mAh version has enough capacity for almost a full recharge to an iPhone 13. For typical use, that’s plenty. If, however, that isn’t enough for you, there is the 10,000mAh version too.
Any negatives?
Wireless charging has its convenience, but it doesn’t compare well against corded models in terms of value. The ESR power bank isn’t alone, all wireless power banks cost more than corded equivalents.
It depends how much wireless charging really means to you. If it’s worth the £20 or so difference, that’s fine. But you may want to save that money instead.
More items to consider
Anker PowerCore 5000, RRP £22.99
Goal Zero Venture 35, RRP £66.95
How the ESR HaloLock Mini Kickstand Wireless Power Bank was tested
Over the course of several weeks, the power bank was used in primarily everyday life. In addition, we also used it while travelling and hiking. Collectively, this range of scenarios tested how well the ESR power banks performed in the real world and how well it is made.
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