Best MagSafe battery packs for travel: top 2025 picks guide

Best MagSafe battery packs for travel: top 2025 picks guide

TL;DR:

  • Pick Qi2 15W packs for faster iPhone wireless charging.
  • Best overall: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K with stand and display.
  • Best slim: Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim, about 8.6 mm thin.
  • Best 5K with stand value: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 5K Qi2.
  • All picks are under 100 Wh, so flight friendly in carry on.

You want a snap on power bank that works on a plane, at a cafe, and in a rideshare. This guide focuses on magnetic wireless packs for iPhone, often called MagSafe or Qi2 battery packs. We picked models that are easy to hold, safe for air travel, and fast enough to top you up during long days.

Apple now supports Qi2 magnetic charging at up to 15 W on recent iPhones. Apple’s support pages confirm that MagSafe and Qi2 are the fastest wireless options on iPhone, with MagSafe peaking higher on certain models and Qi2 delivering 15 W on iPhone 15 and newer. Apple also notes wired charging is still faster for big top ups. (Apple Support, updated 16 September 2024.)

Our top travel picks in 2025

Best overall: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K (Qi2, 15 W)

If you want one pack for trips, this is it. Engadget calls Anker’s 10,000 mAh MagGo their top pick, and the same unit is highlighted in Engadget’s broader power bank guide. Wired also lists the MagGo as a favorite accessory for iPhone, citing the 10,000 mAh capacity, 15 W Qi2, a clear battery display, and the handy kickstand. In testing roundups, reviewers praise its stable magnets, reliable 15 W wireless speed, and useful 27 to 45 W wired output on some variants for quick cable top ups. This mix makes it ideal for flights and conference days. (Engadget coverage from 6–29 August 2025, Wired guides updated August–July 2025.)

Why travelers will like it: 10K capacity still fits in a pocket, 15 W wireless is quick at the gate, and the stand is perfect for StandBy on a tray table.

Best ultra slim: Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim (Qi2, 15 W)

9to5Mac reviewed Anker’s ultra thin 5,000 mAh model on 8 September 2025 and measured a thickness of about 8.6 mm. It still supports 15 W Qi2 and 20 W wired. Macworld’s 5K tests found the Nano Slim topped up an iPhone 16 Pro from 0 to 77 percent, which is strong for a 5K. This is the easiest pack to keep on your phone while you walk through an airport. (9to5Mac review on 8 September 2025, Macworld roundup on 12 August 2025.)

Why travelers will like it: It barely changes pocket feel. Great for city days when you only need one full top up.

Best 5K with stand value: Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 5K Qi2

Macworld’s tests from 12 August 2025 show Belkin’s 5K Qi2 with stand delivered the biggest refill among the 5K group, about 79 percent on an iPhone 16 Pro. The stand is sturdy, magnets are decent, and it comes in many colors. This is a smart pick if you prefer the smallest size with the best 5K performance. (Macworld testing, 12 August 2025.)

Why travelers will like it: The kickstand is great for watching downloads or for FaceTime in a hotel room.

Best 10K with stronger wired output: Baseus Nomos Magnetic 10K Qi2

Macworld recommends the 10K Nomos for its 15 W Qi2 plus 45 W USB C output and 30 W input. It even includes a built in USB C cable. In their tests it refilled an iPhone by 166 percent. If you often cable charge other gear, this gives you headroom without breaking airline limits. (Macworld, 12 August 2025.)

Why travelers will like it: One pack can wirelessly top your iPhone and quickly cable charge earbuds or a camera.

Also good

  • ESR MagSlim Qi2 5K/10K with kickstand. Macworld’s testing showed the 5K version matched the best 5K units at 77 percent refill and offers a sturdy stand. Good alternative if Anker or Belkin are sold out. (Macworld, 12 August 2025.)
  • Wall charger combo to reduce cables: Baseus EnerGeek GT01 is a 2 in 1 AC charger with a detachable 10K Qi2 magnetic bank. The Verge covered it on 5 September 2025. It is pricier, but it cuts one brick from your bag.

[Related: iPhone 17 vs 17 Air buyer’s guide → /guides/iphone-17-vs-17-air]

Buyer’s checklist

Use this quick list to filter options.

  • Qi2 or MagSafe certification. Qi2 delivers 15 W on recent iPhones. Avoid older “MagSafe compatible” packs stuck at 7.5 W. Apple says MagSafe or Qi2 are fastest for wireless on iPhone.
  • Capacity. 5K is best for small pockets. 10K is best for long days and long hauls.
  • Stand. A kickstand is great for StandBy on a tray table or bedside clock mode.
  • Ports. A USB C port with 20 W or more is useful for quick cable top ups.
  • Heat and efficiency. Wireless is less efficient than wired. iFixit explains wired charging wastes less energy. Use wired if you need a fast, cool refill.
  • Display. An LED percentage readout helps you plan on travel days.
  • Airline rules. Keep packs in carry on. Stay under 100 Wh to avoid approvals.

Flight rules you should know

The FAA’s current guidance says lithium ion batteries are allowed in carry on bags based on watt hours.

  • 0 to 100 Wh: allowed in carry on.
  • 101 to 160 Wh: carry on only, and you need airline approval, maximum two spares.
  • Over 160 Wh: forbidden on passenger aircraft.
    Spare batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked bags. The FAA page also explains how to convert milliamp hours to watt hours. (FAA PackSafe, updated 22 May 2025.)

Quick mAh to Wh table for common sizes

Labeled capacityTypical cell voltageApprox WhFAA status
5,000 mAh3.7 V18.5 WhUnder 100 Wh, carry on OK
10,000 mAh3.7 V37 WhUnder 100 Wh, carry on OK
20,000 mAh3.7 V74 WhUnder 100 Wh, carry on OK

Tip: Most magnetic packs are 5K or 10K, so you are well below airline limits. If a pack lists only mAh, use Wh = mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000.

How we picked and tested

We favored products recommended by large reviewers with hands on data. Engadget’s guides and deal callouts named the Anker MagGo 10K as their pick. Wired’s accessory guides favor the same 10K and explain why Qi2 helps cross device users. Macworld’s August 2025 testing ranks many Qi2 packs and lists measured refill percentages, input and output wattage, weights, and sizes. We cross checked these with a fresh 9to5Mac review of Anker’s ultra slim 5K, published on 8 September 2025.

We then applied travel filters. Packs needed a reliable magnet, a clean back to avoid hot spots, and a thickness that does not ruin pocket feel. We excluded very large bricks and any pack that lacks a USB C port.

Common questions

Is Qi2 really faster than old “MagSafe compatible” packs?
Yes. Qi2 supports 15 W on iPhone 15 series and newer and aligns magnets for better efficiency. Apple’s support pages say to use MagSafe or Qi2 for faster wireless charge. Older “compatible” packs often cap at 7.5 W.

Will these work with Android?
Many new Android phones will add Qi2. Wired’s Qi2 explainer notes broader adoption through 2025. If you travel with both platforms, a Qi2 pack is a safe bet.

Is wireless safe for my battery on long trips?
Yes, but wireless wastes more energy as heat than a cable. iFixit and brand guides explain this trade off. Use the USB C port when you need the quickest, coolest top up.

Can I bring more than one power bank on a plane?
Yes. The FAA allows multiple spares under 100 Wh in carry on. Do not check them. For 101 to 160 Wh, you can carry up to two with airline approval.

Why it matters

You do not need a huge brick for travel. A smart 10K Qi2 pack covers a flight plus a long day, and a slim 5K keeps pockets light for city trips. Picking Qi2 or MagSafe certified models gives you 15 W wireless on recent iPhones, which saves time at the gate and during layovers. Knowing FAA rules avoids last minute issues at security.


Sources:

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