Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 Case for Nintendo Switch 2: review
The Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 makes a good first impression. It’s quite sleek for a large Switch 2 carrying case, and also rather stylish. This is thanks to the dark grey color and the surprisingly elegant suede strip that runs around it, offset to the right. It features subtle blue and orange stitching, a nice detail and a nod to the color coding of the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
(Image credit: Future)
The material of the entire unit also impressed me with its ruggedness. The shell of the main compartment feels solid, too, with only a slight amount of flex. As for the detachable travel case on top, I appreciated the small rubber strip that runs along its back edge, as it provides a little more durability and protection when opening it up. What’s more, the entire case is pleasingly light and slender, which is all the more impressive considering what it’s designed to carry.
The zips are similarly well-made, with a reasonably long string and a thin plastic topper that’s easy to grip. However, I did find them a little awkward to open at times, as the lids of both the travel case and main compartment have a tendency to sag inwards, slightly obscuring the teeth. This is a minor issue, though, and not one that’s likely to frustrate.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s quite versatile in terms of storage. As mentioned, and as the name suggests, there are two elements to the PlayTrek 2-in-1. The first is the travel case, which is attached via hook-and-loop fastening. This feels quite strong, so I wasn’t worried about it detaching unintentionally. The case houses the console and up to 14 game cards, courtesy of the elastic slots attached to the screen protector flap. The inner part of the lid features zipped netting for storing other accessories, such as cables and the like. There’s no carrying handle, though, which is an oversight.
The fit for the console is very snug, and the case itself is thin all over with next to no extraneous bulk. This makes it great for tucking into a backpack, like the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories. However, it isn’t a hard shell; it flexes quite readily, so I wouldn’t be confident stacking anything heavy on top of it.
By contrast, the main compartment feels sturdy. The sides can bend inwards quite easily, but the same isn’t true of its corners, so I wouldn’t be concerned if it were subjected to outward forces.
(Image credit: Future)
Inside there are inserts for the console, the dock, the Joy-Cons, the charger, and a large gamepad, such as the Switch 2 Pro Controller. I managed to fit the GameSir G7 Pro here instead, which is one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers you can buy, with ease. The fit was snug and secure, as it was for all the other parts. Nothing moved out of place when I threw the loaded case up and down and spun it upside down several times.
The mold material is also just about soft enough to prevent scratching or marking the items within. However, during the course of my test, the glue adhering one side of the mold base to the bottom of the case failed, coming loose.
(Image credit: Future)
Obviously this was disappointing, although it’s possible I got unlucky with my particular unit. Regardless, it at least suggests some quality control issues. Despite the failure, I wasn’t too concerned that this would compromise the security of my contents: the other side of the base remained affixed, and since it sits tightly within the compartment, I wouldn’t be worried if all the glue came unstuck.
There are two straps adorning the main compartment. There’s a small carrying handle with a soft neoprene cover that’s very soft and comfortable in the hand. It provides just enough slack, although it's quite tight, which makes it awkward to move out of the way when accessing the main compartment and detaching the travel case; the handle slid out of one of its buckles accidentally on numerous occasions. On the other hand, this tightness does help to pin down the travel case on top, adding an extra layer of security to the hook-and-loop fastening.
(Image credit: Future)
The shoulder strap is a typical affair, with its nylon design and plastic karabiners. It's a small shame these and the buckles aren’t made of metal, but I guess this helps to keep the weight down. Fortunately, the karabiners are very solid, which can make them a little tough to remove, but this is a price I’m willing to pay for the security they offer in return.
The length of the strap is adjustable to a reasonable degree, although it could perhaps offer more slack to more easily accommodate taller users. The padded cover over the adjustment buckle is a little thin and lacks the cushioning of the neoprene carrying handle, but I still found it sufficient to prevent the strap digging into my skin.
At $50, the PlayTrek 2-in-1 is a reasonable price for such a feature-filled carrying case. It also has the quality to match, aside from the aforementioned issue with the inner mold. And since it’s cheaper than Nintendo’s own counterpart, it’s a compelling alternative.
Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 Case for Nintendo Switch 2 review: Price & specs
Price
$49.99 / £39.99 (about AU$70)
Dimensions
5.83 x 12.60 x 7.99in / 148 x 320 x 203mm
Weight
1.78lbs / 809g
Number of game card slots
14
Compartments
7
Handle
Yes
Color
Grey
Should I buy the Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 Case for Nintendo Switch 2?
Scorecard
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Light and bulk-free, while still providing enough protection. The travel case is a bit too soft, though.
4 / 5
Storage
There’s plenty of room for your entire gaming setup, which is all the more impressive given its slender form.
5 / 5
Value
It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s cheaper than Nintendo’s equivalent, yet has more features and storage space.
4.5 / 5
Buy it if…
You want versatility With its detachable travel case and space for your Switch 2 and its accessories, this really is the all-encompassing solution for transporting your setup.
You want to keep the bulk down It’s relatively slender and pleasingly light without being too flimsy.
Don't buy it if…
You want a tough travel case The detachable travel case isn’t as solid as many others, which is a shame.
You want an unfussy handle The strap handle is awkward to move out of the way when opening the main compartment.
Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 Case for Nintendo Switch 2 review: Also consider
Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case As Nintendo’s official carrying case, you’d imagine the quality would be high here. And indeed it is, but it’s more expensive than the PlayTrek, yet less solid and with fewer features. There aren’t as many game card slots, and there’s no detachable travel case. Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case review.
How I tested the Turtle Beach PlayTrek 2-in-1 Case for Nintendo Switch 2
(Image credit: Future)
I tested this case for a few days, storing the Switch 2 in the travel case compartment, as well as in the main compartment along with the dock, Joy-Cons, and a large controller.
I carried the case around, via both the handle and the shoulder strap, and regularly removed and replaced the handle to test how easy this was. I also tested the zips thoroughly by opening and closing them repeatedly.
I threw the case up and down and spun it upside down several times to test both the hold of the detachable travel case and the hold provided by the inner molds of the main compartment.
Sechs Anschlüsse für das Macbook Neo über seine zwei Ports
Perfekt farblich abgestimmtes Zubehör
Kompakt und leicht
4K/60 Hz HDMI
Kartenleser
USB-A (veraltet)
Stromdurchleitung
Kontra
Kartenleser sind langsam
Fazit
Der Satechi USB-C Snap Hub ist für die meisten Besitzer eines Macbook Neo der beste Hub, da er ein farblich perfekt abgestimmtes, bündig sitzendes Design mit den unverzichtbaren Anschlüssen kombiniert, die dem Neo fehlen – und das zu einem erschwinglichen Preis.
Er ist in den Farben Zitrus, Rosa, Indigo und Silber erhältlich und wirkt wie eine natürliche Erweiterung des Laptops, während er gleichzeitig Ladefunktion, USB-Erweiterung, HDMI sowie SD-Kartenunterstützung in einem kompakten, kabellosen Design bietet.
Preis zum Zeitpunkt der Bewertung
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Was ist das? Ein Hub mit sechs Anschlüssen, der über die seitlichen USB-C-Anschlüsse an ein Macbook angeschlossen wird.
Für wen ist es geeignet? Die Farben passen zu denen des Macbook Neo und bieten diesen Nutzern eine Vielzahl von Erweiterungsmöglichkeiten, darunter Stromversorgung, Geräteanschlüsse, Speicher und Bildschirmunterstützung. Kaufen Sie den Hub, wenn Sie eine elegante Erweiterung für den Alltag wünschen.
Für wen ist es nicht geeignet? Zwar funktioniert es mit allen Macbooks, die über zwei nebeneinander liegende USB-C- oder Thunderbolt-Anschlüsse verfügen, doch ist es langsamer als Thunderbolt mit 40 Gbit/s und sogar langsamer als USB-C mit 10 Gbit/s. Mit Desktop-Macs ist es inkompatibel. Wählen Sie für professionelle Arbeitsabläufe oder den Einsatz mehrerer Bildschirme einen schnelleren Thunderbolt– oder DisplayLink-Hub.
Der niedrige Preis des Apple Macbook Neo bedeutet, dass Sie gewisse Kompromisse in Kauf nehmen müssen. Wie wir jedoch in unserem Test des Macbook Neo hervorheben, handelt es sich hierbei um Abwägungen zwischen Ausstattung und Preis, die von der Zielgruppe oder sogar einigen professionellen Mac-Nutzern, die nach einem erschwinglichen Laptop suchen, kaum bemerkt werden.
Das offensichtlichste Zugeständnis an den Preis ist die begrenzte Anzahl an Anschlüssen des Neo. Es gibt nur zwei USB-C-Anschlüsse, und selbst diese sind nicht identisch. Der vordere bzw. rechte Anschluss ist mehr als 20-mal langsamer als der hintere/linke USB-C-Anschluss mit 10 Gbit/s, da er mit den USB-2.0-Geschwindigkeiten (480 Mbit/s) arbeitet. Er eignet sich zum Aufladen, und das war’s auch schon. Die Geschwindigkeit entspricht in etwa der eines USB-Sticks aus dem Jahr 2010.
Keiner der Anschlüsse unterstützt Thunderbolt, Apples Standard und den überlegenen Anschluss, der bei allen anderen Macs und sogar einigen iPads zum Einsatz kommt.
Die Lösung besteht darin, am hinteren/linken Anschluss einen Hub anzuschließen, der zusätzliche Ports bietet, die dann für den Neo verfügbar werden. Wir haben die besten USB-C-Hubs und -Adapter getestet, doch es gibt einen Aspekt, der Neo-Besitzer abschrecken dürfte: Sie sind alle entweder silberfarben oder in Space Grau gehalten, passend zu den teureren Macbooks. Während dies Besitzer des silbernen Neo vielleicht nicht stört, fühlen sich diejenigen, die sich bewusst für ein Neo in den Farben “Zitrus“, „Rosa“ oder „Indigo“ entschieden haben, ein wenig fehl am Platz.
Zur Macbook-Neo-Kollektion von Satechi gehören zwei zum Neo passende Hubs: der neue USB-C-Snap-Hub und farbige Varianten des Satechi OntheGo 5-in-1-Multiport-Adapters, den wir bereits in seiner ausschließlich schwarzen 7-Port-Ausführung getestet haben.
Simon Jary
Der USB-C Snap Hub (49,99 Euro) wurde speziell für das asymmetrische USB-C-Anschlussdesign des Macbook Neo entwickelt. Er funktioniert auch mit anderen Macbooks mit zwei nebeneinander liegenden Thunderbolt-Anschlüssen und misst 100 × 29 × 10 mm bei einem geringen Gewicht von 32 Gramm.
Satechi
Welche Anschlüsse stehen zur Verfügung?
Der farblich abgestimmte Aluminium-Hub verfügt über ein bündiges Design mit zwei Anschlüssen, das die beiden USB-C-Anschlüsse des Neo auf sechs praktische Anschlüsse erweitert:
Zwei USB-C-Anschlüsse für die Verbindung zum Macbook
Ein USB-C-Anschluss (5 Gbit/s)
Ein USB-C-Anschluss (45 W Power Delivery)
Ein USB-A-Anschluss (5 Gbit/s)
Ein HDMI-Anschluss (4K/60 Hz)
Ein SD-Kartenleser (UHS-I, 104 MB/s)
Ein MicroSD-Kartenleser (UHS-I, 104 MB/s)
Der Snap Hub belegt zwar beide Anschlüsse des Neo, stellt Ihnen jedoch sechs Ports zur Verfügung.
Anschlüsse von links: USB-C (45 W Passthrough Power Delivery); HDMI (4K/60 Hz); USB-A (5 Gbit/s); MicroSD- und SD-Kartenleser (104 MB/s); USB-C (5 Gbit/s).
Simon Jary
Der USB-C-Anschluss ganz links übernimmt die Ladefunktion und liefert dem Neo potenziell 45 Watt Leistung – was völlig ausreicht, da der Laptop im Lieferumfang lediglich ein 20-Watt-Ladegerät enthält (oder gar keines, wenn Sie ihn in Großbritannien oder der EU kaufen). Apple erwähnt in den technischen Daten des Neo zwar kein Schnellladen, doch der Ladevorgang verläuft schneller, wenn Sie ein Ladegerät mit 30 Watt oder mehr anschließen, da das Gerät 30 Watt aufnimmt, sofern diese Leistung bereitgestellt wird – mit 30 Watt sollten Sie das Neo in 90 Minuten von 0 auf 100 Prozent aufladen können, verglichen mit 140 Minuten bei 20 Watt.
Der andere USB-C-Anschluss des Snap Hubs bietet eine Datenübertragungsrate von 5 Gbit/s – das ist halb so schnell wie der eigene Datenanschluss des Neo, aber eine Geschwindigkeit, die für die meisten akzeptabel sein dürfte. Ich würde ihn zwar nicht in einem professionellen Videostudio verwenden, aber für die meisten alltäglichen Aufgaben sollte er ausreichen. Die verbleibende Bandbreite von 5 Gbit/s könnte vom herkömmlichen USB-A-Anschluss oder vom HDMI-Anschluss genutzt werden.
Satechi
Lässt sich ein externes Display anschließen?
Von Haus aus unterstützt das Macbook Neo nur einen externen Bildschirm. Dies liegt an den Anzeigeeinschränkungen von Apple, von denen auch die früheren Macbook-Modelle mit den Basis-Chips M1 und M2 betroffen sind. Sie benötigen ein DisplayLink-Dock oder einen Hub, wenn Sie mehr als einen Bildschirm an das Macbook Neo anschließen möchten.
Der Satechi Snap Hub ist zwar nicht DisplayLink-fähig, doch über seinen HDMI-Anschluss können Sie einen 4K-UHD-Monitor (3840 × 2160 Pixel) mit einer ordentlichen Bildwiederholfrequenz von 60 Hz anschließen – dem Standard für die meisten Hubs und Docks, sogar für einige der besten Thunderbolt-Dockingstationen. Der Monitor muss selbst über einen HDMI-Anschluss verfügen, doch es ist selten, dass ein Bildschirm keinen HDMI-Anschluss hat.
Satechi
Lässt sich der Speicher des Macbook Neo erweitern?
SD- und MicroSD-Kartenleser sind nützlich, um kostengünstigen und äußerst tragbaren Speicher hinzuzufügen. Der maximale interne Speicher des Neo beträgt beim Touch-ID-Modell 512 GB. Das Neo-Einstiegsmodell verfügt lediglich über 256 GB internen Speicher.
Obwohl die Preise für Speichermedien derzeit Schwankungen unterliegen, können Sie eine SD- oder MicroSD-Karte erwerben, um die Kapazität Ihres Neo zu erhöhen, ohne Ihr Budget zu sprengen. Sie können den 256-GB-Speicher des Basis-Neo um das 1,5-Fache auf 374 GB erweitern, indem Sie eine 128-GB-MicroSD-Karte für 38 Euro von Amazon hinzufügen, oder ihn mit einer 256-GB-MicroSD-Karte (38 Euro) auf 512 GB verdoppeln.
Die Kartenslots des Snap Hub gehören nicht zu den schnellsten – ihre Lesegeschwindigkeit von 104 MB/s ist spürbar langsamer als bei schnelleren Slots mit 312 MB/s –, doch für Backups und alltägliche Aufgaben sollten sie für Neo-Nutzer akzeptabel sein.
Satechi
Wie schneidet das Gerät im Vergleich zu den Alternativen ab?
Der Satechi Snap Hub ist in den Farben Zitrus, Rosa, Indigo und Silver erhältlich und kostet 49,99 Euro, entweder direkt bei Satechi oder bei Amazon.
Das ist etwas günstiger als der Anker 11-in-1 USB-C-Hub, der zwar über mehr Anschlüsse verfügt, aber nur bedingt zum silbernen Neo passt. Er wird über ein Kabel angeschlossen und ist daher nicht so kompakt wie der Snap Hub. Sie erhalten dieselben grundlegenden Anschlüsse, mit Ausnahme von drei USB-A-Anschlüssen, die Sie vermutlich nicht benötigen werden. Er bietet eine Passthrough-Ladefunktion mit 100 Watt, doch da der Neo nur 30 Watt aufnehmen kann, ist dies für Apples farbenfrohen Laptop überdimensioniert. Was ihn jedoch attraktiv machen könnte, ist ein Gigabit-Ethernet-Anschluss für den kabelgebundenen Netzwerkzugang.
Satechi hat zudem seinen magnetischen OntheGo 5-in-1-Multiport-Adapter in den Neo-Farben herausgebracht.
Satechi
Satechi hat zudem seinen OntheGo-Multiport-Adapter (44,99 $) farblich an die Neo-Reihe angepasst. Dieser Hub mit fünf Anschlüssen unterscheidet sich vom Standard-OntheGo-Multiport-Adapter für 59,99 Euro, der über sieben Anschlüsse verfügt. Beide werden über ein 10-Gbit/s-Host-Kabel an den Mac angeschlossen, doch die mögliche Durchleitungsleistung zum Laptop liegt beim 5-Port-Modell bei nur 60 Watt, verglichen mit 80 Watt beim 7-Port-Modell. Dies hat für Neo-Nutzer jedoch keine Auswirkungen, da das Macbook der Einstiegsklasse ohnehin maximal 30 Watt aufnehmen kann.
Beim 5-Port-Neo-Modell fehlen der Gigabit-Ethernet-Anschluss, der Micro-SD-Kartenleser und einer der USB-A-Anschlüsse. Dafür verfügt es über einen 5-Gbit/s-USB-C-Datenanschluss, der den vom Hub selbst belegten Anschluss ersetzt – was umso notwendiger ist, da das Neo nur über einen einzigen Datenanschluss verfügt.
Dank seiner runden Form und der magnetischen Soft-Touch-Basis lässt er sich mithilfe des mitgelieferten 3M-Kleberings bündig am Deckel des Neo befestigen. Sie können ihn auch an ein iPhone mit USB-C-Anschluss (ab Modell 15) andocken, falls Sie ihn sowohl an Ihrem Smartphone als auch an Ihrem Neo-Laptop benötigen.
Als Teil seiner Neo-Kollektion hat Satechi zudem eine farblich abgestimmte, flache und elegante „Slim EX Wireless Mouse“ (29,99 $) auf den Markt gebracht, die zwei Bluetooth-Kanäle sowie eine 2,4-GHz-Funkverbindung unterstützt und über leise Klick-Tasten sowie ein präzisionsgefertigtes Scrollrad verfügt.
Satechi
Sollten Sie den Satechi USB-C Snap Hub kaufen?
Das schlanke Gehäuse des Satechi Snap Hubs aus eloxiertem Aluminium schließt bündig am Macbook Neo an, ohne dass Kabel herunterhängen – bis Sie die Kabel anschließen, die Sie für die Stromversorgung, Erweiterungen, Speicher und die Bildschirmunterstützung benötigen. Es gibt zwar ähnliche USB-C-Hubs mit zahlreichen Anschlüssen, doch nur wenige passen so perfekt zu den Farben „Zitrus“, „Rosa“, „Indigo“ und „Silber“ des Neo.
Unable to turn off my iPad. Since it's frozen I can't state the version, but it's about 3-4 years old at least. Tried a number of different suggestions from the internet and Apple forum with no luck. Appears that all I can do is just swear at it and wait for the battery to die.
The GuliKit KK3 Max might look like a standard controller, but it has plenty of extras and features on board.
Adopting the familiar form of the Xbox’s gamepad, the KK3 Max doesn’t exactly push the boundaries in terms of design. But given how comfortable and convenient the shape and layout are, it’s hard to complain about its lack of originality.
There are also a few extra flourishes that add some interest. The matte white finish of my review unit was rather fetching, while the front panel is incredibly smooth, smoother than any other I’ve felt before. Its construction also feels quite solid, rivaling the builds of the best PC controllers.
This premium feel extends to the buttons, since there’s very little wobble to any of them. The same can be said of the various sets of levers for the four back buttons, although a fair amount of force is required to insert them.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite the lack of software, there are still plenty of input-related customizations and settings available via various button combinations. These range from basic adjustments, such as the vibration intensity and stick sensitivity, to more advanced features, such as motion control and macro recording.
The overall performance of the KK3 Max is pretty good. Most of the buttons are responsive and satisfying to press. The triggers offer a fair amount of control, although I found their travel distance a little too short for my preferences. The sticks also lack the precision of the best, although they move easily and quickly. Motion controls are also inconsistent: I found they performed well with Nintendo Switch games, but were less effective on PC and mobile titles.
I’m happy to report that I had no issues with connectivity on any system I tried the KK3 Max with. Whether it was to my PC via the USB dongle or to my Switch and Android tablet via Bluetooth, the KK3 Max connected quickly to them all and I didn’t experience any dropouts or lag. Hotswitching between devices is also easy thanks to the dedicated button for this purpose, although it can take several presses for the button to respond.
The current multiplatform controller market is certainly a competitive one, with an increasing number of entrants offering increasingly better value. At $79.99 / £65.99 / AU$113.95, the KK3 Max is dangerously close in price to some real standouts, such as the Steam Controller and the GameSir G7 Pro 8K, and more expensive than the 8BitDo Pro 3, another highly capable controller. It mightn’t quite match up to its cohort, but the KK3 Max is still a gamepad to consider if you prefer onboard adjustments and like to have plenty of back buttons.
(Image credit: Future)
Gulikit KK3 Max review: Price & availability
$79.99 / £65.99 / AU$113.95
Available now in various colorways
Premium pricing puts it against big hitters
The GuliKit KK3 Max costs $79.99 / £65.99 / AU$113.95 and is available now from Amazon. Three colorways are available: black, white, and grey.
This pricing places the KK3 Max at the premium end of the market. It comes close to some big names in this space, such as the new Steam Controller. This has the advantage of touchpads for controlling the mouse cursor, and we found its gyroscope controls performed very well, unlike the KK3 Max’s. It isn’t compatible with the Switch or Switch 2, though.
The KK3 Max is also more expensive than the 8BitDo Pro 3, which has class-leading performance. We particularly loved its smooth analog sticks and triggers, as well as its phenomenal D-pad. It’s very customizable, too, thanks to its accompanying software — something the KK3 Max lacks.
Gulikit KK3 Max review: Specs
Gulikit KK3 Max
Price
$79.99 / £65.99 / AU$113.95
Weight
9.7oz / 275g
Dimensions
6 x 4.3 x 1.3in / 154.7 x 108.1 x 32.4mm
Compatibility
PC, Switch, Switch 2, Android, iOS
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
15-28 hours
(Image credit: Future)
Gulikit KK3 Max review: Design and features
Super smooth surface
No extra D-pad hats or stick caps
No software
The KK3 Max has a simple and conventional design, replicating the form and layout of the best Xbox controllers. This is no bad thing, though, since such gamepads are among the most ergonomic and comfortable out there. Along with many others, I’m also particularly fond of the asymmetric analog sticks, since this moves the D-pad to a position that makes it easier to use with either thumb.
What may prove more divisive, however, is the relatively small size of the entire unit. I don’t have particularly large hands, but both my thumbs and forefingers tended to overhang the sticks and triggers respectively. I was able to adjust my grip to compensate without sacrificing comfort or security, but others might find this more of a problem.
There are some extra touches to the KK3 Max’s design that set it apart from the crowd. The brilliant white matte finish of my review unit is quite eye-catching, as is the subtle yet effective RGB lighting around the sticks, which also has a practical function that I’ll come to later.
(Image credit: Future)
The front plate is incredibly smooth to the touch, smoother than any other controller I’ve experienced. However, this plate isn’t magnetically attached as it is on other gamepads, allowing for easy removal for the sake of customization and reordering or replacing buttons.
You can still remove the KK3 Max’s face buttons — you’ll just need to use the included puller to do so, which is thankfully easy to use. You can’t directly swap the X with the Y button or the A with the B, though, since they have different depths and curvatures. Rather, duplicates of each button are included in the box with the appropriate depth and curvature for swapping their position. This seems like a rather inefficient solution to me, and just means you have more bits of plastic in your life than you otherwise would.
I can’t complain about their quality, though. They’re pleasantly smooth and stable, with only a marginal amount of play, while their transparent design is quite fetching. The D-pad also feels stable, although it’s a shame you can't replace the hat, as different designs can make a real difference to feel and performance, and would cater to more preferences. Fortunately, I found it quite ergonomic; even though it adopts the traditional four-point shape, its rounded edges make it better for rolling between directions.
(Image credit: Future)
The triggers are also comfortable. They have rounded outside edges, which makes them soft on the finger, as well as a dotted texture to provide grip. The analog stick caps are reasonably small but have an ergonomic shape and a soft finish. Their edges are slightly textured, although this is less prominent than other examples, so those with sweaty thumbs might slip off them. They are removable, but GuliKit doesn’t provide any extra sets in the box, which is a shame. The sticks themselves are quite tall and suitably planted, with a negligible amount of play.
More solid are the back button levers. Despite how they look, they’re not made from metal, but they are reassuringly sturdy. They actually require a fair amount of force to insert in their slots, but once in place, I felt pretty confident that they weren’t going to come loose. They come in different shapes, with two sets of paddle-like levers and a set that looks more like bumpers.
(Image credit: Future)
There’s no software for customizing the inputs of the KK3 Max, which is a shame. However, there are still plenty of adjustments you can make and features to enable using various button combinations. You can alter the sensitivity of the analog sticks, with three levels to choose from, as well as toggle Dead Zone mode for them. You can also enable the Motion Aim Assist mode, letting you assign gyroscopic controls when either the left stick or the left trigger is held. Again, there are three levels of sensitivity to choose from here.
Other settings include a toggle for the D-pad between four- and eight-direction modes, A and B and X and Y swaps, and a Rapid Trigger function with two modes to choose from: one where the chosen input triggers repeatedly when held, and the other when it’s merely pressed. An autopilot mode and a macro recorder are available, too.
All these adjustments are quite easy to make, and there are some useful indicators that let you know what settings have been selected. For instance, the sticks light different colors depending on which of the three sensitivity levels is set, and the pad rumbles once, twice, or thrice depending on which of the three sensitivities of the Motion Aim Assist is set. However, I still would’ve preferred software for convenience's sake; it’s always nice to see your settings represented graphically, and having to remember all the button combinations is a hassle I could do without.
(Image credit: Future)
Gulikit KK3 Max review: Performance
Solid button feel
Slightly imprecise sticks
Motion controls are mixed
In action, the KK3 Max acquits itself rather well. The face buttons are tactile and well-damped, and only require a light touch to press, which makes them feel snappy. However, they don’t provide the best feedback, and there are times when it can be difficult to feel them actually being pressed. Thankfully, however, this didn’t result in presses failing to register, in my experience.
The bumpers are more clicky, but still have enough dampening to make presses satisfying. However, I found their position a little too high, which can make reaching them a little difficult. I should say that I encounter this problem on quite a few gamepads, but here it’s particularly acute.
In fact, I found the back buttons more usable than the bumpers, which isn’t something I can say about a lot of other controllers with back buttons. Their travel might be shallow, no matter which lever you decide to attach, but there’s enough dampening and feedback to make them viable as replacements for other inputs. I didn’t accidentally trigger them when gripping the KK3 Max tightly, either. The shapes of the various levers are easy to use, although I did find that the lower paddles were best used with two fingers rather than one.
(Image credit: Future)
The triggers are resistant enough to provide adequate control when performing graduated presses, something I especially appreciate when playing racing games such as Assetto Corsa that require precise acceleration and braking inputs. Their relatively shallow travel does negate this aspect somewhat, but I still found them just about up to the task. They’re also light enough to perform rapid inputs when needed, and to prevent fatigue from setting in during prolonged holds.
The sticks move freely and quickly, with a fast rebound that makes them feel snappy. Aiming was quite accurate when I played 007 First Light, although they don’t offer the smoothest motion, with small but frequent jumps and unexpected accelerations affecting my accuracy. Thankfully, their aforementioned height didn’t pose a problem when moving them around, although it did cause some instability when pressing in the L3 and R3 buttons, with accidental directional movements often accompanying them.
The gyroscopic motion controls are mixed in terms of their performance. When I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on my Switch, they were smooth when aiming the bow, and on a par with the best Nintendo Switch controllers. However, with games on other platforms, such as First Light on PC and Hitman Blood Money — Reprisal on Android, they were jerky and restrictive in terms of movement. No matter how many times I recalibrated them using the onboard function to do this, they didn’t improve on these systems.
I had no issues connecting the KK3 Max to my Windows 11 PC, Switch, or Android tablet via Bluetooth or the USB dongle. The handy button for hot-switching between devices is also useful, and hot-switching itself proved quick in my experience. However, the button doesn’t operate that well, taking a few too many presses to actually respond.
Should I buy the Gulikit KK3 Max?
Buy it if…
You want a comfortable gamepad The ergonomic shape of the KK3 Max, combined with the super smooth front panel and rounded triggers, make it comfortable to use — although those with particularly large hands might struggle with it.
You want plenty of back buttons With four back buttons and three different kinds of lever attachments for them, the KK3 Max is great for those who like to trigger inputs with their fingers rather than their thumbs.
Don't buy it if…
You want software Even though you can customize the inputs of the KK3 Max, you’ll need to do this with button combinations, as there’s no companion app.
You want the best stick performance The sticks aren’t quite as smooth or precise as those in the best gamepads.
Gulikit KK3 Max review: Also consider
GuliKit KK3 Max
8BitDo Pro 3
Valve Steam Controller (2026)
Price
$79.99 / £65.99 / AU$113.95
$59.99 / £40 (around AU$84)
$99 / £85 / AU$149
Weight
9.7oz / 275g
8.5oz / 242g
10.3oz / 292g
Dimensions
6 x 4.3 x 1.3in / 154.7 x 108.1 x 32.4mm
6.1 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 154 x 101 x 65mm
4.4 x 6.3 x 2.2in / 111 x 159 x 57mm
Compatibility
PC, Switch, Switch 2, Android, iOS
Switch, Switch 2, PC, Android, iOS
PC, Mac, Android, iOS
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Steam Controller Puck, USB, Bluetooth
Battery life
15-28 hours
15-20 hours
35+ hours
Valve Steam Controller (2026) Valve’s latest iteration of the Steam Controller was highly anticipated, and in our view it didn’t disappoint. We found it offered great all-round performance, thanks to its TMR analog sticks and excellent gyro controls. Unlike other controllers, it also features touchpads for controlling cursor movement, making it a real boon for PC players. It doesn’t have the wide-ranging platform support of others, though.
8BitDo Pro 3 If you want to spend less on a controller but still want great performance, look no further than the 8BitDo Pro 3. We loved the performance of its sticks, triggers, and D-pad, and we found its shape supremely comfortable, while still staying faithful to the old SNES gamepad it’s keen to emulate. It also has great software with plenty of customizations.
I tested the Gulikit KK3 Max for a few days, during which time I played a number of games on most of the platforms the controller is compatible with. I used it on my Windows 11 PC via the 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, and on my Switch and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 tablet via Bluetooth.
I made sure to play a variety of games across these platforms to test every facet of the controller’s performance. I played 007 First Light on PC, which is a good test for the accuracy and precision of analog sticks, as well as Hitman: Blood Money — Reprisal on my tablet for the same purpose. I also played Assetto Corsa, which is not only a good test for the sticks but also for the control offered by the triggers. I also played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch, primarily to test the motion controls, as the game and console handle such controls very well.
I’ve been gaming for decades, and have used numerous gamepads with numerous systems in that time. I’ve also reviewed a number of other controllers, from budget offerings to high-performing premium models.
A USB-C port presents a lot of options for data transfer and connecting to accessories. Let's talk about some of the most useful ways to employ your USB-C port.
The Logitech Mobi Fold is, without question, the weirdest mouse I have ever used in my life.
This tiny, foldable travel mouse is focused on one thing above all: portability. Just like a clamshell phone from the noughties, it can fold in half, allowing you to easily slip it into your pocket if you’re working on the go. But even though the Logitech Mobi Fold’s exceptional portability is its clear USP, I have to ask… is it actually that necessary?
After all, a lot of mice are already highly compact, and if you’re working on the go, you’ve probably got a bag to hold your laptop or tablet, right? I’d bet that your bag can fit a laptop and a mouse, so arguably, the thing that makes this mouse so special isn’t actually that game-changing.
Still, the Mobi Fold has a few interesting features to run through, and you’re surely curious as to how such a strange model feels in use. So, after using the Logitech Mobi Fold as my main mouse for a few days, here’s how I’d rate it — and whether I think it can compete with the best mice around.
First things first, the Mobi Fold is incredibly easy to get set up. There’s a sync button on it that makes linking up to a windows laptop, Mac, or Android device incredibly seamless. There’s also an easy switch feature, making it incredibly speedy to flick between a range of devices.
But after I got set up with the Mobi Fold, and started using it to get some work done I have to say… it wasn’t amazing.
The Mobi Fold exhibits a few key issues that make it feel inferior to a standard compact or productivity mouse. First of all, it has a slightly bizarre build. Its V-shape form makes it feel awkward to grip, and when using it for extended periods, this caused me to feel some discomfort in my hand. It lacks the ergonomics of my everyday mouse, the Razer Viper V3 Pro, and even lacked its fluidity, meaning moving it across my desk felt clunky.
In addition, the touch-controlled scrolling is a bit inconsistent. It doesn’t provide the same tight control of a traditional mechanical scroll wheel, and again feels a bit lacking in terms of fluidity. Don’t get me wrong: it’s totally functional, but if you want the smooth, precise scrolling of a traditional mouse, the Mobi Fold may leave you wanting more.
My final critique is on the feel of the left and right buttons. While these are serviceable, they felt more stiff than I expected them to, especially towards the back and middle of the model. I did appreciate the muted sound of clicking the left and right buttons, but I wish they felt a bit more sensitive.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite all of this, there are some clear positives worth pointing out. First of all, the mouse offers great battery life. It supplies about 22 hours of continuous use, which easily got me through the work week, meaning I didn’t need to charge it at all during the testing period. Having said that, Logitech says that you can get an extra three hours of use from just one minute of charging, making it exceptionally practical for someone like me who often forgets to juice up their devices.
In addition, the Mobi Fold features customizable button controls through the Logi Options+ app. This enables you to adapt pointer speed, set the central touch panel to different functions (like paste, volume controls, or a keyboard shortcut), and more.
In terms of design, I’m also a fan of the rubbery texture of the mouse, which is very pleasant to the touch. It’s also worth noting that 36% of the plastics used in the Graphite colorway of the mouse I used are made from recycled materials. It’s 29% for the Lilac and Off-White variants, which look pretty stylish in my opinion.
Look, the Logitech Mobi Fold does well to stand out from the crowd. Its lightweight and foldable design undoubtedly makes it easy to travel with — even though I’d argue that standard mice are probably portable enough as they are. In addition, the customizable buttons, long battery life, and satisfying feel of the mouse are clear positives.
But for $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95, the Mobi Fold ends up feeling like a relatively poor value for money option. Really, that comes down to one thing: its lackluster performance. With underwhelming ergonomics, as well as slightly stiff scrolling and buttons, the Mobi Fold feels like an idea that’s far more impressive in concept than it is in practice.
(Image credit: Future)
Logitech Mobi Fold review: price & release date
$79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95
Released in June 2026
Available in four colors
The Logitech Mobi Fold released in June 2026, carrying a list price of $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95. That price means it’s competing in the same price bracket as great models we’ve tested, such as the Keychron M6 8K, but a lot more than our favorite ultra-compact mouse, the Logitech Pop Mouse. It's available in four colors, including Graphite, Off-White, Lilac, and Sand.
Logitech Mobi Fold review: specs
Interface
Bluetooth 5.1 LE
Battery life
22 hours (continuous use)
Buttons
4
DPI
4,000
Switches
Not stated
Weight
2.8oz / 79g
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Logitech Mobi Fold?
Attribute
Notes
Score
Design
Lightweight and foldable for travel, nice material and color options, but poor ergonomics.
3/5
Performance
Functional, though clicking feels a bit stiff, touch scroll panel isn’t most precise, and uncomfortable for longer usage sessions.
2.5/5
Value
Simply too expensive for the quality on offer.
2.5/5
Buy it if…
You want something ultra-portable Perhaps the main attraction of the Mobi Fold is its ultra-compact form factor. If you want something you can slide into your pocket for on-the-go use, it doesn’t get much more convenient than this.
You want a stylish mouse One thing I won’t deny about the Mobi Fold is that it's pretty stylish. Its foldable design, its enticing color options, and its appealing silicone exterior all work in its favor.
Don’t buy it if…
You want top-tier ergonomics The slightly odd shape of the Mobi Fold can make it a little awkward to grip and use for longer periods, meaning it's not the best option if you value great ergonomics and comfort.
You’re looking for precise performance The Mobi Fold uses a touch sensor for scrolling, and it just doesn’t feel as precise as a typical mechanical scroll wheel. Pair that with slightly stiff left and right buttons and its unorthodox feel, and it falls short of some major competitors in its price range.
Logitech Mobi Fold review: also consider
Logitech Pop Mouse Logitech knocked it out of the park with the Pop Mouse, which is one of our favorite compact models you can buy. With satisfying clicks, good customization options, and easy switching, it's a certified hit — especially when you consider its modest asking price.
Keychron M6 8K This one’s a little different, but if you have the budget to grab the Mobi Fold, then you may want to consider a model like the Keychron M6 8K instead. It boasts a lightweight feel, 8K polling, fantastic ergonomics, and a feature-rich companion app, making it a brilliant all-rounder.
How I tested the Logitech Mobi Fold
Spent days using it as my main mouse
Tried out its various features
Took on the go to test its travel credentials
I spent multiple days testing the Logitech Mobi Fold, using it as my main mouse in the office and when working from home.
During my time with the Mobi Fold, I used it for general productivity, exhausted its various features, and even took it on the go to assess its on-the-go credentials. I typically had the mouse connected to my Windows PC, but I also tried it out with an Android phone.
More generally, I’ve spent years testing gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as an in-house Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve tried out a wide array of computing accessories, such as the Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 keyboard, as well as gaming gear, premium wireless headphones, power banks, and more.
Go onto any forum or mechanical keyboard subreddit these days, and it can be a minefield as to what people recommend. It's an essential wall of noise with regards to size, shape, switch type and even more that can be daunting if you're a first-timer or you're someone getting back into the hobby after years of being out of it.
I was speaking to a fellow tech journalist at Computex 2026 a few months ago, and he raised this exact point with me. After being out of the hobby for several years, he'd come back to find it being more confusing than ever before, which completely switched him off.
Likewise, I've often thought we've reached a state of choice paralysis compared to where the hobby was, say, a decade ago. Back then, you had only a handful of switch choices, and while we've since seen the democratisation of hot-swappable sockets, machined aluminium chassis and open-source software, it can be horribly overwhelming when it comes to the decisions that actually matter — layout, switch feel, and budget.
Before I go any further, let me give you my credentials – I've been a tech journalist for the best part of a decade, reviewing keyboards from brands big and small, and I've been involved in the mechanical keyboard hobby since before it hit the mainstream. I've seen this market go from a small niche to something that can feel genuinely impenetrable if you're coming to it fresh.
To be truthful, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Underneath all of that noise, choosing your first mechanical keyboard still comes down to a few simple decisions, which I'll guide you through below.
(Image credit: Future)
1. Pick a size
It might seem a bit of a strange, but a good starting point is thinking about what size of keyboard you'd like. I don't mean the physical dimensions of the 'board, rather the layout and arrangement of the keys.
Keyboards can come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the typical full-size 100% down to ridiculously tiny 40% keyboards. So, let's divide them into categories.
Firstly, we've got between 60% and 65% layouts, which eschew a lot of features, such as a function row, nav cluster and number pad in the name of saving as much desk space as possible. These layouts have been popularised by gamers who need desk space for sweeping mouse movements and find the elements mentioned above quite redundant. Between the two, a 65% layout adds arrow keys and some navigation keys, which I think are non-negotiable for productivity work, but your mileage may vary.
Moving up a tad, we go to between 75% and TKL, or tenkeyless, keyboards. These bring back the function row and navigation cluster, giving you a lot more functionality than smaller layouts, while still chopping off the number pad. Personally, this is my favourite option, and I think a strong middle ground if you want to save space without sacrificing too much. I use this kind of layout a lot of the time, for what it's worth.
Then, you can go bigger, up to 96% and full-size 100% options that give you everything and the kitchen sink, number pad and all. It's what you're most likely used to, and if the number pad has become non-negotiable, then it's one of your only options. Opting for a 96%, also known as a '1800 layout', keyboard can give you the number pad while moving some keys around to save a little bit of desk space, if you want a slight compromise.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Blake)
2. Pick a switch
This is perhaps the most difficult section, as each switch feels different, and we've got so many options these days it can be hard to know what's best for you. Muddying the waters further, the old color categories aren't quite as clear cut as they used to be.
For instance, a Red switch would usually be light and linear, a Black switch a heavier linear switch, a Blue switch tactile and loud with an audible click and a Brown switch soft tactile, with a slight bump halfway down the keypress.
Now, however, we've got switches named after everything from all the colors of the rainbow to planets, birds and more besides, and it can be so difficult to understand the minutiae behind how each switch feels.
My genuine advice is to order a switch tester – there are lots of them floating about on the internet – which can give you a range of different types of switch in one convenient place, and help you decide what you like.
(Image credit: Thedavidpen / Shutterstock)
When you've selected a tester, pay attention to how each switch feels – the worst thing you can do is bash each of them in turn with as much force as you can. Pay close attention to how it feels under finger with regard to consistency of the operating force as you go down the travel, and whether you like something that's linear with a smooth keypress or tactile, be it with a click or a bump.
Once you've honed in on a switch you like, then you can do some digging into which keyboard features those switches. Or, if you're up for a little bit of work, then you can pick up a bare-bones chassis with a hot-swappable PCB – this means it comes with no switches or keycaps, which you'll need to supply yourself.
Going for something hot-swappable is a key piece of advice I think – it saves the hassle of soldering, and gives you more freedom and choice. It's also dead easy to assemble a keyboard this way, even if you haven't done it before. Each switch will have little pins on the underside – line these up with holes in the PCB and push straight down until you hear it click into place. I recommend picking up more than enough switches to give you some spares in case you bend pins when putting them into the hot-swap sockets on the PCB.
The point here is that everybody has a different preference for switches and how they feel. There are other considerations, such as lubrication, which can make a switch feel smoother, and the acoustics of a case and how this plays into the sound signature you'd like, but that's getting into the weeds a little. It's important to make sure your case doesn't have any rattle or ping and has some form of sound dampening, but that's as far as I'd go at this point.
(Image credit: tanit boonruen / Getty)
3. Set your budget
Pricing is arguably as integral as any other point of consideration for choosing a keyboard, as your budget can decide what kind you end up getting. It's worth going in with a list of features you'd like; good things to look for include PBT keycaps, good wireless connectivity and a sturdy chassis.
It's possible to get some excellent affordable choices (i.e. around £50–£70 / $60–$80) that seem to pack in everything when it comes to features: hot-swappable switches, versatile wireless connectivity, addressable RGB lighting and all the rest of it, but outside of a few options, some seem to sacrifice build quality by being mostly plastic, which can feel quite cheap and scratchy. At this tier, I'd do your research carefully and lean towards boards with a reputation for punching above their weight rather than just grabbing whatever looks good on paper.
Spending a little more and going into the very low triple figures is likely to net you a strong choice from the likes of Keychron with advanced software support and a machined aluminum chassis. That aluminum build makes a tangible difference in practice — it adds rigidity, dampens unwanted noise and gives the keyboard a solidity that plastic boards rarely match. I'm a great lover of the likes of the Q1 Pro and others from its range, which are an excellent starting point in the mid-range.
Beyond that, you can go further into the hundreds with something fully custom or a pre-built choice from the array of boutique manufacturers you'll find online. This isn't what I'd recommend to someone just starting out in the hobby — rather, it's something to consider if you're already knee-deep and have some spare cash to put towards making something truly personal. But it's worth knowing that world exists, because once you've caught the bug, it's a very natural place to end up.
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi)
Final thoughts
There are some elements here, such as even more niche layouts, that I haven't even touched on in this article, which proves how deep the mechanical keyboard hobby goes. However, that isn't the point of this article – it's just a (reasonably) quick explainer of key things to look for when you're picking up your first mechanical keyboard.
If you're ready to start shopping, I've looked at plenty of options at a range of prices I feel are worth your time over the years, while the wider TechRadar crew has reviewed hundreds of keyboards that are worth a mention. The Keychron Q1 Pro is a strong starting point (or there's the Q1 Ultra 8K if you want even more features at a premium price). Likewise, at a more affordable price point, the Gamakay TK75 V2 and Epomaker P65 are well-reviewed choices that tick the right boxes in my book. For a more comprehensive overview, our best keyboards guide is regularly updated and a good place to browse.
Ultimately, though, you can go in any direction you want to, and that's the beauty of this hobby. Just stick to some of the advice given here, and you should be in good stead to get a keyboard that's feature-rich, has the feel you're looking for, and at a price that isn't out of your budget.
Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s magnetic MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air users.
Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when you’re heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of today’s necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too. Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitation—the inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone.
MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air models, from the mini to the Pro Max, but strangely missing from the 16e model. It allows accessories to clamp magnetically to the back of the iPhone, making the charging connection more efficient.
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We put the best portable chargers through a series of rigorous iPhone recharging tests, and have listed the winners by power, portability and functionality:
You should consider size when it comes to a power bank: physical size and battery capacity. The higher the battery capacity, the more recharging power you’ll get from the power bank—but you’ll also be carrying around a larger, heavier item. Lighter, slimmer power banks are easier to pocket even when clamped to your phone. Larger power banks might not fit in your trouser pocket and can slide off easier when pocketed even if clamped magnetically.
10K power banks (with a 10000mAh battery capacity) can charge a phone close to two times over, while 5K (5000mAh) battery packs usually stretch between 60-75%, which is often enough to get you to the next wall-socket powering opportunity. If you are relying on the power bank for long-haul travel or a camping trip, a 10K battery or higher will suit you better. Belkin even offers a mid-range 8K power bank.
Milliamp hours (mAh) is quite a blunt measurement of battery capacity. It’s great for quickly differentiating between power bank sizes but we also list the capacity in the more accurate watt hours (Wh).
Wireless power bank charging speed
Wireless charging speeds vary from 7.5W (MagSafe Compatible) to 15W (certified MagSafe and Qi2), all the way to the very fastest wireless charging at 25W (Qi2.2). While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, magnetic wireless charging is a step closer to doing away with cables altogether. Qi2 25W brings wireless charging close to wired speed but only iPhones 16 and later support that speed, and some power banks include a built-in USB-C cable for even faster charging up to 45W. The iPhone Air can manage 20W max on even a 25W charger. See Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone?.
We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger). The higher the wattage, the faster the charging should be.
Best high-capacity 10K MagSafe power banks
A 10000mAh (10K) battery is the sweet spot for both power and portability. 5000mAh (5K) power banks reviewed further down are slimmer, lighter and easier to pocket, but generally offer a maximum of 70-80% recharge potential versus a 10K power bank that should be able to recharge an iPhone at least one and a half times over.
Kuxiu S3 25W 10K Solid-State Power Bank – Fast 25W wireless battery pack that has it all
Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches (107 x 71 x 22mm)
Colors: Black
The Kuxiu S3 was the first semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank to enter the Macworld Lab. A semi-solid state (SSS) power bank is more energy-dense than a traditional liquid electrolyte power bank because its semi-solid electrolyte is less prone to leakage and thermal runaway. SSS is therefore more durable, safer and offers more charge cycles so will last longer.
Indeed, not only does it tick those boxes but its also boasts three other top-end features: a built-in USB-C cable, integrated kickstand, and super-clear digital battery display.
Only the iPhones 16 and 17 support the very fastest wireless tech Qi2 25W, and only the iPhone 15 and later have a USB-C charging port. Older iPhones (from 12 on) can use a 25W charger such as the S3 but are pegged back at 15W—still faster than the 7.5W found on cheaper power banks.
Switch to wired charging via the integrated USB-C cable and you’ll achieve up to 35W so even faster.
The S3 has a 10000mAh (10K) battery capacity and managed to recharge that same iPhone to 177%—so up to 100% then another 77% when it came to a second recharging task. That’s not the top score we’ve had in our 10K power bank tests: the champ so far is the Ugreen MagFlow Air 10K, which scored an unmatched 208%, with the EcoFlow RAPID 10K and Anker MagGo Slim scoring 190% or close—both are reviewed here. But 177% is above average.
The same company offers two other 25W magnetic power banks: the similar S4 reviewed below, and the K1 Ultra (reviewed in our multi-device section below) that has a neat slide-out panel that can charge your Apple Watch or AirPods at the same time as the iPhone.
Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide
Product
Price
Price comparison from Backmarket
Capacity: 39.2Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (30W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (30W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 208%
Weight: 7.55oz (214g)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.53 inches (112 x 70 x 13.9mm)
Colors: Gray, Blue, White
It might lack the very fastest 25W wireless tech but the 10K Ugreen MagFlow Air packs a built-in USB-C cable that can connect to an iPhone 15 or later and charge at 30W.
What really wowed us, though, was its performance in our recharging tests. It scored 208%, so two full charges and a trickle on the third round. The previous champ, the EcoFlow RAPID 10K, scored 190%. There are a bunch of environmental factors that come into play each time you charge but there’s no doubting that the MagFlow Air is an ace.
It’s also nearly as thin as the Kuxiu S4, the slimmest 10K battery pack reviewed above.
There’s a 5K MagFlow Air model, reviewed with the other small power banks further down, and that too won its class on battery capacity.
Simon Jary
Somewhat confusingly, Ugreen also sells a non-Air 10K MagFlow Power Bank, shown above, that is faster at 25W wireless but scored a less impressive 144% in our recharging tests. The Kuxiu S3 is a better choice at that speed, or its S4 sibling, reviewed below, if you want something even slimmer than the MagFlow Air 10K.
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.53 inches (105 x 71 x 13.7mm)
Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Metallic Mocha, Lilac, Orange, Navy
The Iniu SnapGo Air matches the Kuxiu S4, reviewed below, as the slimmest 10K magnetic portable charger we’ve had in for testing. It’s a little lighter but a tiny bit wider, and it scored with a similar result in our iPhone recharging tests.
It beats the S4 with 45W wired charging (but matched it on 25W wireless) and by including a detachable (but not built-in) USB-C cable. It’s also available in a wider range of colors. Unlike the S4 it’s not semi solid state, which may mean it can perform fewer recharge cycles although it will take you a long time to find out. There are two USB-C ports but total output is pegged back to 15W when more than one id used at the same time.
Its neat base-mounted digital display is helpful and better than most LED indicators but the S4’s display shows a bit more information if you need it. The S4 also features a kickstand, missing from the SnapGo Air.
Kuxiu S4 Semi-Solid Safe 25W Wireless 10K Power Bank – Equal slimmest 10K MagSafe battery pack
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.53 inches (104 x 69 x 13.7mm)
Colors: Black, Cosmic Orange
Like its S3 sibling, the Kuxiu S4 is a semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank with all the safety and durability benefits gained from that technology.
While it lacks the S3’s super-useful and powerful built-in 30W USB-C cable, it measures up in terms of slim profile. At just 13.7mm thin, it’s the slimmest 10K power bank we’ve tested (equakl with the Iniu SnapGo Air 10K, reviewed above). The S3 and most 10K power banks look chunky in comparison. If you want thinner, you need to switch down to a 5K capacity power bank.
Its integrated kickstand is not quite as robust as that found on the S3 but it does the job well enough, and its digital battery display carries even more charging information.
You’ll need to bring your own cable to switch to wired charging for 30W output. The S4 recharged our test iPhone to 182%, so a little higher than the S3 but close enough for the difference to be down to environmental factors such as temperature.
The EcoFlow RAPID 10K has a large capacity, refilling a iPhone 16 Pro twice over in our tests—close to the best we’d seen, with only the Ugreen MagFLow Air 10K beating it. What makes this power bank special—although not unique—is its short built-in USB-C cable that can be used for fast-charging an iPhone 15, 16 or 17 or refilling the power bank itself. The cable fits neatly away when not in use at the bottom of the power bank. It’s the highest rated we’ve tested with 65W input and output.
Wirelessly it will work with any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15/16/17) at 15W. iPhone 15/16/17 users can connect via the integrated USB-C cable or a separate longer cable via the side USB-C port if required, for faster 30W charging. Owners of earlier iPhones can use a USB-C to Lightning cable instead for fast 20W wired charging from the power bank’s port. Note that the iPhone 16e does not work with magnetic wireless charging.
For faster wireless charging, consider the new generation of Qi2 25W power banks such as the Kuxiu S3, Baseus PicoGo and Iniu SnapGo Air reviewed here. That said, the 25W power banks we have tested didn’t match the EcoFlow or Ugreen MagFlow Air on battery capacity in our tests, although they are not too far behind.
No 10K magnetic wireless power bank can match the EcoFlow on input speed—that is the rate at which it is recharged itself. Its 65W is much faster than the average 30W input speed.
While winning on charging performance and capacity, the EcoFlow Rapid is reasonably chunky compared to the Ugreen MagFlow Air, Anker MagGo Slim and Benks ArmorGo, and notably bulkier than smaller-capacity 5K power banks. It’s still pocketable but the slightly larger size is the compromise for the other benefits. If you want a slimmer battery pack, look for a smaller 5000mAh option—we’ve tested the best slim power banks further on. It has a handy pull-out kickstand at the back.
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Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (30W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2), USB-C (30W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 188%
Weight: 7.05oz (200g)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches (104 x 71 x 14.7mm)
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal
At just 14.7mm thick, the 10000mAh Anker MagGo Slim power bank rivals even some of the 5000mAh battery packs in terms of slimness. Only the 13.7mm Kuxiu S4 is thinner. It’s also lighter than any other 10K magnetic wireless power bank that we have tested, and scores highly on recharging power. Built-in USB-C cables are nice but I admit that the svelte Anker Slim is the magnetic power bank in my backpack every day.
It uses fast Qi2 magnetic tech, so can wirelessly charge at an impressive 15W. If you have a spare cable with you, it can charge at twice that speed via its USB-C port. This makes it as fast a wireless charger as the EcoFlow RAPID reviewed above but slower than the bulkier Kuxiu S3 or S4. The EcoFlow charger is more convenient with its built-in USB-C cable, but owners of iPhones 12/13/14 might appreciate the ability to add a Lightning cable to the USB-C port and charge that way.
In our tests it performed among the best of the 10K magnetic power banks we have put through their paces: recharging an iPhone 15 Pro to 188% (over the course of two iPhone charges from one power bank charge).
It’s available in up to four colors depending on your country and where you buy it, including pink and teal versions.
There’s an even slimmer 5K Anker Nano model, reviewed below.
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.6 x 0.63 inches (102 x 67 x 16mm)
Colors: Black
This 25W wireless power bank lived up to its claims of wirelessly charging an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 50% in 36 minutes—12 to 15 minutes faster than a 15W power bank. That might not sound a lot but when you’re in a rush to charge your phone, every minute counts. 25W wireless charging is limited to the iPhone 16 and 17 families, running at least iOS 26; older iPhones will charge at 15W using this power bank.
Most 10K wireless power banks are around 22mm deep, so the 16mm-thin Baseus PicoGo Magnetic 10K Power Bank (AM52) is one of the slimmest we’ve tested. The Kuxiu S4 reviewed above is even slimmer at just under 14mm but the AM52 is certainly thinner than most.
The AM52 is an output blazer is more ways than one. It is certified Qi 2.2 so charges wirelessly at 25W, as fast as the Ugreen MagFlow reviewed below, and like the MagFlow also boasts an option with a built-in USB-C cable. And if you choose wired charging, you can access output at 45W—the fastest of any magnetic wireless power bank reviewed here, alongside the Iniu SnapGo Air reviewed above. If you use the wireless charging pad, the handy integrated USB-C cable and the spare USB-C port to simultaneously charge three devices—say your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods—total output is restricted to 15W.
When recharging an iPhone, it refilled our test 16 Pro more than one and a half times, scoring an impressive 182% in the Macworld Recharge Score. Other 10K power banks have performed a little better: we recorded scores of 208% with the 15W Ugreen MagFlow Air 10K and 190% with the 15W EcoFlow Rapid 10K and 7.5W Anker Zolo 10K, although both lag behind the Baseus in terms of charging speed.
The Baseus PicoGo AM52 costs $69.99 / £59.99 for the model with no integrated cable and $79.99 / £69.99 for the AM52 with cable built in. We think that extra ten bucks is worth it for the convenience of the built-in cable. The ‘cableless’ AM52 does in fact ship with a separate 300mm USB-C to USB-C cable but it’s not integrated into the power bank itself.
The same company also sells the25W Baseus PicoGo AM61 10K Power Bank that is very similar but not quite as slim, and the Baseus Nomos Magnetic 10K Power Bank that, like the PicoGo, has an integrated 45W USB-C cable but slower 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Its recharge score of 166% is close to that of the 25W PicoGo. As it is priced similarly to the 25W PicoGo, the newer model makes more sense.
Around the same size as the Ugreen MagFlow power bank, reviewed above, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) didn’t quite match that battery pack in terms of recharging but was still impressive—around the same as the Baseus Nomos.
It is certified for the Qi2 standard and so supports 15W wireless charging. This works with all MagSafe-supporting devices: from the iPhone 12 to 17. (Note that the iPhone 16e doesn’t officially support magnetic charging.)
The EcoFlow RAPID has a slightly more powerful cabled charging spec (30W vs Anker’s 27W) but the difference is negligible. We like the integrated USB-C cable included with those power banks, but any decent USB-C charging cable can be used with the MagGo to fast wire-charge an iPhone.
Aside from fast wireless charging, the Anker boasts an easy-to-read digital display that shows you exactly how much charge is left in the battery pack. Seeing the actual percentage is much more useful than the traditional four LED lights seen on most power banks. It also features a solid pull-out stand at the back.
Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.78 inches (110 x 71 x 20mm)
Colors: Black
The Sharge Icemag 3 has a cool name and is certainly one of the coolest-looking magnetic power banks we’ve seen. It even has a little RGB light show going on. They don’t mean much but they do look pretty.
At 25W it’s super fast for iPhone 16 and 17, and it maintains power output throughout by having built-in active cooling. Note. though. that this fan is quite noisy in oepration but it should mean more reliable faster charging. Older iPhones will charge at a more sedate 15W.
In our tests it performed well—not the very best but a respectable 177% score.
It has a built-in USB-C cable and a kickstand so ticks all the right boxes in terms of functionality.
This power bank stands out with its Aramid Fibre weave—a high strength material that is more resistant to heat, cuts and abrasion than other cases and is often used in protective clothing and aerospace parts.
The rose gold color also looks rather nice. Benks doesn’t call it that (or anything) but that’s how it looks with a pleasing weave pattern.
It’s Qi2 so capable of 15W charging—no longer the fastest but what was until recently the cutting edge of wireless power. It scored a decent 165% in the Macworld recharging tests so will give you over 1.5 charges before it, too, needs filling up—which, by the way, it takes its time doing as the 15W input power is less than on other power banks.
Benks also offers an equally tough and super-slim 5K Aramid Fiber model, although it is only MagSafe Compatible so a slower charging experience at 7.5W. The 10K model is Qi2 so faster 15W charging power.
While a wireless charging pad saves you the bother of carrying a cable around to charge your phone from a power bank, you still need a wall charger to hand to recharge the power bank itself… but not with the PhoneSuit Journey Mag, which features foldable North American plug prongs so you can plug the battery pack straight into a power socket. While plugged in, the power bank can charge the attached iPhone wirelessly at the same time as recharging the battery pack.
Two further USB ports are also handy. The USB-C port can charge at 20W, so much faster than the 7.5W MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad—but you will need a USB-C cable in this instance: USB-C to Lightning for iPhones older than the iPhone 15, and USB-C to USB-C for the 15, 16 and 17. The USB-A port can charge another device at up to 18W.
The 10000mAh battery capacity allowed us to charge a faded iPhone to 100% and then again another 50%, which is about average for this size battery.
Best small portable magnetic power banks
If you carry your power bank around with all day, in your bag or pocket, a slimmer, lighter magnetic/MagSafe power bank will suit you better than a larger, heavier 10K battery pack. They are also easier to pocket when clamped to your phone.
The Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank, reviewed above, is just 0.58 inches thick and weighs only 200g but these 5K magnetic power banks will take up even less space in your bag or desk drawer, and are easier to pocket with iPhone attached.
Simon Jary
EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 5K – Best overall 5K magnetic battery pack
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Capacity: 19.35Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (30W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (30W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 70%
Weight: 6.4oz (180g)
Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.6 inch (108 x 70 x 14mm)
Colors: Gray/silver
5K battery packs are slim enough to clamp to your iPhone and still slip into your pocket. While 10000mAh power banks boast larger re-charging capacity, if you want a slightly smaller and lighter battery pack with a stand, we recommend you choose between this EcoFlow RAPID 5K power bank—the smaller sibling of our recommended best 10K magnetic power bank—and one of the latest slim portable chargers reviewed below.
Where the 5K EcoFlow Rapid gets the overall nod—especially for owners of the iPhone 15, 16 and 17—is its built-in USB-C cable. No other 5000mAh wireless power bank we have tested has the handy integrated cable. Several of our favorite 10K battery packs have built-in cables but this is the first 5K power bank to boast one. Even if you have an earlier Lightning iPhone, the integrated cable can be used to top up the power bank itself.
It features 15W Qi2 wireless charging when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and can be charged with a cable at a top 30W speed. You can find faster 25W 5K power banks reviewed below, and also thinner models with higher recharge scores but the EcoFlow offers a greater mix of features with its integrated cable and kickstand.
BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 – Slimmest magnetic power bank
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.27 inch (103 x 70 x 6.8mm)
Colors: Titanium Gold, Titanium Black, and Titanium Silver
This semi-solid-state battery promises to be more sustainable and safe than conventional Lithium-ion rivals. At 6.8mm, it’s easily the slimmest magnetic power bank we’ve tested, and it performed the best of any 5K power bank too.
Solid-state electrolytes are replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with more stable, efficient materials that allow for smaller, more compact, and safer battery designs. Semi-solid-state cells reduce flammable liquid to a fraction of that found in standard lithium-ion batteries.
It’s not all about size—these batteries are safer and should last significantly longer with a greater number of cycles before the battery degrades.
In our battery recharge test the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K achieved an impressive score of 89%, among the highest of all the magnetic wireless power banks we have had in the Macworld Labs.
The SolidSafe Air features the usual four LED battery indicator lights. If you want a display with more detail, its plain (non-Air) BMX SolidSafe sibling (available in Black, Blue, Silver or Orange) boasts a great digital screen that is much more informative. That model also has a short USB-C cable attached: it’s not built in but is tied to the power bank on a tough thread.
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Capacity: 19.6Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (20W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (30W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 90%
Weight: 4.3oz (122g)
Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches (102 x 70 x 8mm)
Colors: Black
The Zens Semi Solid State 5K Powerbank matches the Ugreen 5K MagFlow Air with the best performance the best we’ve seen in our battery recharging tests, achieving a Macworld Recharge Test Score of 90%. While that’s only 1% more than the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K, reviewed above, and 2% higher than the Statik State 5K Power Bank, reviewed below, it beats the Ugreen by being a little slimmer (8mm vs 8.6mm) and faster at 25W (vs 15W).
Using a semi-solid electrolyte helps this portable charger hit such a high recharge score and remain thin and lightweight with a higher energy density in a compact design. This newer battery structure also enhances stability and durability with improved thermal control, greater resistance to shock and temperature changes, plus a longer lifecycle with sustained performance over more charge cycles.
The 10K Zens Semi Solid State 5K Powerbank (unsurprisngly thicker at 14mm but still thinner than most 10K portable chargers, and heavier at 199g) also performed well in our tests with a score of 181%.
Ugreen MagFlow Air Magnetic 5K Power Bank – Highest 5K recharge score
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Capacity: 19.6Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (20W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 90%
Weight: 4.48oz (127g)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.53 inches (105 x 70 x 8.6mm)
Colors: Gray, Blue, White
Like its 10K sibling, the 5K MagFlow Air performed the best we’ve seen in our tests, achieving a Macworld Recharge Test Score of 90%. That matches the same score as the Zens Semi Solid State Powerbank reviewed above and is impressive beating the two semi-solid-state battery packs despite not being solid state itself.
Its 15W wireless charging speed isn’t the very fastest on the market but it’s standard for 5K magnetic power banks, and no slouch with some reviewed here merely 7.5W.
This Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 5K + Stand impressed in our recharging tests, recharging a faded iPhone 16 Pro by 79% compared to 70% by the 5K EcoFlow RAPID 5K and 68% for the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank. Only the Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K (90%), BMX SolidSafe Air (89%), and Statik State 5K Power Bank (88%) beat it and Kuxiu S2 Solid-State Power Kank matched it.
The Belkin’s kickstand is easy to use and feels robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller than the Ugreen. The $49.99 Torras MagStall Power Bank is a little slimmer but wider and boasts a stand/finger-grip, although recharges to a slightly lesser extent.
It features 15W Qi2 wireless charging when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and can be charged with a cable at 12W, which is not as speedy as some power banks that have 20W or even 30W USB-C ports.
Check here first: While Belkin and Amazon offer a choice of Black or White, and the Apple Store now has an exclusive set of new colors, including a brighter Pink, Deep Purple with a red stand and a fetching Teal with a yellow stand.
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Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (20W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 88%
Weight: 5oz (131g)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.45 inches (104 x 70 x 11.5mm)
Colors: Black
This is a Semi Solid State (SSS) power bank so offers greater durability and capacity plus all-important safety on the more traditional liquid electrolyte batteries. It’s likely that SSS power banks represent the next stage in charging technology not just for travellers but all of us on the move.
The Statik State 5K Power Bank may not be the smallest power bank we’ve tested but it’s pretty tiny all the same, and it is the overall winner in our 5K magnetic power bank recharging tests, scoring 88%—just a marginal 2% below our highest scorer, the Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K.
Its only real downside is the slow wireless charging at just 7.5W compared to the superior 15W and 25W power banks reviewed here. If you aren’t after the fastest recharging times, this is a solid choice and gets very close to offering a full battery recharge.
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Capacity: 19.35Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (20W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 77%
Weight: 4.3oz (122g)
Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 0.34 inches (102 x 71 x 8.6mm)
Colors: Gray, Black, and White
Most people carry their power bank around with them, and there’s none better in a small bag or pocket than the super skinny Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim, the a super-slim magnetic power bank. Only the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K is thinner (at 6.8mm). It’s the little sibling of the 10K Slim reviewed above.
The Anker Slim performed excellently in our recharge tests, boosting an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 77%. Charging speeds were impacted by the heat, which is caused by the smart temperature control that slows things down when they get hot.
At just 0.36 inches thick the Twelve South 5K PowerCapsule is one of the slimmest magnetic power banks we’ve tested. Only the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 (0.27 inches) and Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim Power Bank (0.34) are thinner; both are reviewed above.
The semi-solid-state BMX scored a very high 89% in our recharging tests, and the PowerCapsule was also impressive at 80%.
We also like the Twelve South PowerCapsule for its sandy Dune color and the fact that it feels great to touch, being crafted in sustainable cactus leather.
Simon Jary
There’s a 10K PowerCapsule measuring the same dimensions except for height, which at 0.61 inches (15.5mm) makes it one of the thinnest 10K power banks but not as slim as the 5K; you can see the physical difference above with the 10K PowerCapsule at the top. It scored a decent 165% in our recharging tests.
UAG SRGE Slim 5K Power Bank with Stand – Impressive test score for a 5K
We tested the Titanium version of the UAG SRGE Slim 5K Power Bank with Stand. Not only does it look very smart—as all UAG products tend to—but it impressed in our recharging tests, getting an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 85%. Only the semi-solid-state Statik State 5K Power Bank performed better (88%), and that lacks the stand on this UAG power bank and is rated at just 7.5W.
This power bank is rated at 10W wireless, which is faster than 7.5W but noticeably slower than the 15W and 25W power banks also reviewed here. As long as you’re not in an awful hurry, the recharge capacity makes up for the speed.
UAG
UAG has some versions in camo and floral patterns, but without the stand.
Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K – Sweet spot for size and recharge
Colors: Space Grey, Nebula Pink, Natural Titanium, Cosmic Black
There’s an interesting battle for the crown of smallest, slimmest and lightest magnetic battery pack between three of the power banks reviewed and tested here
The Baseus PicoGo 5K is a tiny bit shorter and less wide than the Vonmählen Evergreen Mag but almost exactly the same slim depth and is 13g lighter. It is precisely the same weight (111g) as the Infinacore M3. We think it’s the sweet spot between the three, and is available from Amazon for less than $23.
Recharging our iPhone 16 Pro to 71%, it performed much better in our battery tests than the smallest power bank (Infinacore: 56%) and very slightly better than the slimmest (Vonmählen: 70%), although that will charge faster at 15W compared to the PicoGo’s 7.5W.
There is a larger capacity 10K Baseus PicoGo (4 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches; 6.2oz) that is about the same credit-card length and width but noticeably thicker in depth than the 5K, as you’d expect from a much more powerful battery pack. The 10K version is faster charging at 15W Qi2, and performed well in our tests with a score of 142%.
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Capacity: 19Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 79%
Weight: 6.1oz (174g)
Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inch (84 x 60 x 11mm)
Colors: Stainless Black, Natural Titanium
Solid-state batteries (SSB) are a new technology that promise to be more powerful, sustainable and safe than conventional Lithium-ion rivals by using a solid rather than liquid electrolyte. The Kuxiu S2 is actually “semi solid-state” but it’s still the first SSB power bank that we’ve tested. We have since tested the Statik State 5K Power Bank, which performed even better (88%) in our recharge challenge but is slower (7.5W) at wireless racharging.
One of the benefits of semi or solid-state batteries is that you should get as much as twice as many charges from the power bank before it starts to degrade: 1,000 vs a normal power bank’s 500. It should also be more robust and safer to carry and store.
The Kuxiu S2 performed very well in our charging tests, matching the Belkin BoostCharge at 79%. With Qi2 it wirelessly charges at 15W.
It’s not the smallest we’ve tested but also not the largest, although it does tip the scales more than the tinier power banks reviewed here.
PISEN CCC 5000mAh Wireless Power Bank – Budget 5K with solid stand
This 5K portable charger is a budget option and features the most solid alloy stand we’ve seen in a power bank.
It scored well in our recharging tests (80%) but suffers from a slow 7.5W wireless charging speed. if you’re not in a hurry then that won’t bother you, and the price is hard to beat.
Vonmählen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh Power Bank – Slim magnetic power bank
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Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score: 70% Weight: 4.4oz (124g) Dimensions: 4 x 2.4 x 0.35 inch (102 x 70 x 9mm) Colors: Black, White
Longer and wider than the smallest power bank we have tested, the well-named Infinacore M3 Mini reviewed below, the Vonmählen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh Power Bank however is a slimmer 5K power bank. If you want to shave 2mm off the width of the power bank clamped iPhone sliding in and out of your pocket, then this is a great option—although the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K (68mm) and Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim (8.5mm) are thinner.
It is also faster than the M3 Mini and Phonesuit Elite Mag Slim at wirelessly charging as it supports Qi2, and in our tests it recharged an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 70% before requiring a power-up itself, which easily beats the Infinacore and just shades the PhoneSuit.
Knowing how much charge is left in your power bank could mean the difference between leaving the house confident that your battery pack is full of juice and finding out too late that it needs a recharge itself.
The Elite Mag Slim from PhoneSuit has a large digital display showing off the exact remaining charge that is more accessible than the usual four LED dots found on most power banks.
This battery pack is also notable for its slimness, which is equal to the Vonmählen Evergreen Mag, reviewed above. The Vonmählen power bank narrowly beat it in our tests but certainly not significantly so, but it does charge faster wirelessly (15W vs 7.5W) than the PhoneSuit.
The PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim Pro is a 10K version, with a recharge score of 149%, and the same bright easy-to-read display for just $10 more but deeper (0.5in vs 0.35in).
Best multi-device charging MagSafe power banks
if you own AirPods and an Apple Watch as well as an iPhone, look for MagSafe power banks that charge multiple Apple devices at the same time. As power banks these should still be portable, but often convert into charging stands when in use. Most are two large to slip in your pocket with the phone attached but they are useful for when you are away from base and need to power up all your favorite Apple kit.
Kuxiu K1 Ultra 25W 3-in-1 MagSafe 10K Power Bank – Best Watch-charging iPhone power bank
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches (105 x 69 x 22mm)
Colors: Black, Cosmic Orange
The Kuxiu K1 Ultra bills itself as a 3-in-1, and certainly can charge iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch but not all wirelessly at the same time. Let’s not knock it, though, as this is a super Qi2.2 iPhone magnetic power bank that can wirelessly charge your iPhone at the very fastest speed.
The other multi-device magnetic power banks reviewed below are limited to 7.5W wireless iPhone charging. That will take around 90 minutes to charge an iPhone to 50%, where this power bank’s 25W wireless output reduces that charging time to a mere 30 minutes. Noe that only the iPhone 16 and 17 benefit from 25W wireless charging; older iPhones will charge at 15W using this power bank.
The back section of the K1 Ultra cleverly clicks round like a rotated Rubik’s Cube to show off its Qi module that can charge Watch or AirPods at 5W. There’s also a spare USB-C port to enable a third device to be charged if you have a cable handy. A handy kickstand is also available.
There’s a lovely Cosmic Orange model, which is available via Amazon or direct. Otherwise, you can choose the Black model.
If 15W is all you need—0-50% charging in around 45 minutes—Kuxiu offers the K1 Pro for a lower price, although we’d recommend you consider spending the extra so you’re ready for your next iPhone upgrade.
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Capacity: 34.4Wh (9300mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (20W)
Macworld Recharge Test Score: 160%
Weight: 9.6oz (273g)
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.3 x 1.6 inches (124 x 83 x 40mm)
Colors: Charcoal, Ice Blue, Sand
This clever gadget is a portable camera grip that pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth, and just happens to also be a magnetic wireless power bank. You can snap it onto your iPhone and start using it to shoot photos or video with its one-touch shutter, plus charge your device at the same time.
The ergonomic grip supports better framing, and it can attach to a tripod with a quarter-inch screw mount for steady photo or video capture.
In our Recharge Tests it scored 160%, which means it powered an iPhone 16 Pro from 0-100% and then another 60% before it was drained itself. As it’s not quite a full 10K power bank (with a 9.3K battery) this holds up pretty well with the less functional but smaller and slimmer power banks reviewed here.
Featuring a 29.5-inch (0.75m) retractable cable, it can also charge the phone at 20W, which is handy if you’re in a hurry as the wireless charging is only MagSafe Compatible, and therefore slow at 7.5W. It has a spare USB-C port, too, so can simultaneously charge three devices.
It’s quite large and heavy compared to the other magnetic portable chargers but you’ll buy it as much for its camera grip as the battery pack.
Statik SmartCharge Pro – Multi-iPhone magnetic travel 15K battery pack
Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches (110 x 90 x 33mm)
Colors: Black, Orange
Much bigger and meaner than the power banks reviewed above, the Statik SmartCharge Pro can charge through its USB-C and USB-A ports, an iPhone or Apple Watch wirelessly through a magnetic charging pad, and one through the built-in USB-C cable. As a portable power bank you might carry in a bag on your travels, but not in your pocket—it’s one to rest on a table rather than in actual transit.
In our tests, it demonstrated its 15K battery capacity—charging an iPhone 16 Pro nearly two and a half times over. It even recharged a flat 14-inch MacBook Pro to 54%.
Certified Qi2, the iPhone wireless charging pad is rated at 15W. There is an integrated 60W USB-C output cable, as well as a 60W USB-C port and 18W USB-A. It’s not so great at charging multiple devices at the same time—when using all the ports simultaneously they share a maximum 15W output. If you want to get the 60W charging use either the USB-C port or cable and have nothing else hooked up to the power bank.
It features built-in U.S. plug prongs so can be connected straight into a power socket rather than requiring a separate USB-C charger. You can quickly charge the power bank plugged into a wall AC socket, but during recharging the output is reduced to 20W on the port and cable until the battery is at 100% when the charging returns to 60W. If you need a higher-wattage standalone USB-C wall charger, check our reviews of the best USB-C chargers.
The U.S. plugs are fine for users based in North America, but not for international users, so there are U.K., E.U, and AU/NZ plug adapters included making it work in those countries and as a travel companion.
Statik has a non-Pro version, the 10K SmartCharge Gen 2, which features two integrated 15W USB-C cables, plus 20W USB-C and 22.5W USB-A ports. In our tests, it was very close in battery charging power to the top scorers—charging an iPhone 16 Pro nearly twice over. This version isn’t available in the Pro’s bright orange color.
The first version of SmartCharge Gen 1 has one USB-C for iPhone 15/16/17 and a Lightning cable for older iPhones. if that suits you better, Amazon still has stock at the time of writing.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Another plug-in-the-wall power bank option is theInfinacore P3 Pro, pictured above, which costs $129 / £102, and can charge four devices at the same time, including an iPhone at 15W Qi2. It lacks the integrated USB-C cable found on the Statik power bank but as it plugs directly into a wall power socket you won’t need to carry a cable to recharge the power bank itself. Like the Statik battery pack, it comes with U.K., E.U, and AU/NZ travel adapter plug heads. As well as the Qi2 charging pad, there are two USB-C ports and one USB-A. The P3 Pro also boasts an excellent display, showing charging speed, battery status, temperature, and charge time remaining.
If you don’t need a portable power bank, check out the best MagSafe chargers that we have tested. Also check out our tests of the best iPhone chargers for wired charging solutions, and of course to refill your iPhone power bank.
How we tested
MagSafe charger testing was conducted using an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, subscribed to a 5G network and WiFi, with screen off and all default settings.
Our test is a simple battery recharge shootout. We let our test-unit iPhone Pro (3095mAh battery capacity) drain to just 10% and then set the Battery Pack to work recharging the phone. We then assigned the charger a score of whatever percentage it managed to charge the iPhone to and subtract the 10%; we test each model at least twice.
It’s not a real-world test of day-to-day use where you’ll likely be using your phone for various tasks (of varying battery usage) and in different environmental conditions and network configurations. But it does give us a common score format that we can use to compare different battery-pack models.
Why is magnetic wireless better?
The MagSafe connection to Apple’s iPhone is precise enough to make wireless charging more efficient as around 20% of non-magnetic power loss is from poor placement of a phone and the wireless charging pad. Standard Qi wireless charging can lose as much as 50% of the portable battery’s power, but MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging loses ‘just’ 30%. Hot out of the gadget laboratory, the new Qi 2.2 (also known as Qi2 25W) brings even faster 25W wireless charging for the iPhone 16 and 17. 15% will be plenty fast enough for most of us but who doesn’t want the fastest possible charging when your iPhone’s battery icon is in the red?
Why comparing Watt Hours is better than Milliamp Hours
Phone batteries are generally rated in Milliamp Hours (mAh) but this is a measure of electrical charge, while a Watt Hour is equal to one watt of energy consumed for one hour of time.
When comparing battery capacities and how much a power pack will boost a phone’s internal battery, energy is more important than electrical charge.
And mAh ignores a battery voltage, which determines the wattage (power) of a battery.
If the mAh is the same, the higher the voltage, the greater the actual stored power.
For example, Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is rated at just 1460mAh but it has a higher voltage potential (7.62V) than the iPhone (3.81V) or other battery packs, meaning that it can provide more power to an iPhone than its mAh suggests; in fact, it is actually 2920mAh.
To go into further depth about this read our feature iPhone battery capacities compared that also lists all iPhones battery life in mAh and Wh.
Anatomy of a magnetic power bank
TORRAS
A lot more than a battery goes into the making of a magnetic power bank.
Of course, the battery is the most important component, but the wireless charging coils and magnetic connection are vital for efficient and therefore fast and powerful charging. The transmitter coil transfers power by electromagnetic induction.
The magnets need to be set up to exactly connect the transmitting coils—here on the power bank— to the receiving coils, in this case inside the iPhone.
The example shown above is the Torras MagStall Wireless Power Bank, reviewed in our chart. You can see the various parts, including that power bank’s rotating stand/handle.
Which magnetic wireless tech is right for each iPhone?
iPhone 7 and earlier: Don’t support wireless charging.
iPhone 8 – iPhone X/XS/XR: Support wireless charging. iPhone 8 and later can charge wirelessly at 7.5W but on a less efficient non-magnetic Qi pad.
iPhone 11 and earlier: Don’t support MagSafe. iPhone 8 and later can charge wirelessly but on a less efficient non-magnetic Qi pad.
iPhone 12 – iPhone 15: Support MagSafe and Qi2. Can wirelessly charge at 7.5W with “MagSafe-Compatible” power banks and chargers, and at 15W with certified MagSafe or Qi2 power banks and chargers.
iPhone 16 – iPhone 17: Support MagSafe, Qi2 and Qi2.2. Can wirelessly charge at 7.5W with “MagSafe-Compatible” power banks and chargers, at 15W with certified MagSafe or Qi2 power banks and chargers, and at 25W with Qi2.2-certified power banks and chargers.
What about non-wireless power banks?
Wireless charging—especially magnetic wireless charging—is super convenient and does away with the need to carry around messy cables to connect your device to the battery pack.
But wired charging is nearly always faster and not much of an inconvenience if you are not out and about. Over on our sister site Tech Advisor I have reviewed the best power banks that includes standard non-wireless battery packs that might be a decent solution as well as the power banks reviewed above.
Do magnetic power banks work when the iPhone is in a case?
Yes, most quality iPhone cases are compatible with MagSafe having their own magnet ring to ensure a close connection between the power bank’s magnetic charging coils and the iPhone’s own. You can find exactly which are supported in our roundups of the best iPhone 17 cases, best iPhone 16 cases and best iPhone 15 cases.
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