Wired just updated its comprehensive roundup of the best MagSafe phone grips for 2025, featuring eight thoroughly tested options ranging from basic $17 models to premium $40 accessories. The guide highlights how magnetic grips have evolved beyond simple PopSocket alternatives into multifunctional tools that combine wireless charging compatibility, kickstand functionality, and even power bank integration.
The accessory market for Apple devices keeps getting more sophisticated, and Wired's latest MagSafe grip roundup proves it. After months of hands-on testing, their review team has identified eight standout options that go way beyond the basic phone grip experience most users know.
The standout winner is the Benks ArmorPop Magnetic Phone Grip at $27, which combines aramid fiber construction - the same material used in bulletproof vests - with dual functionality as both grip and kickstand. "It works shockingly well in portrait and landscape mode, even without rotating the grip," according to reviewer Jacob Roach, who used each grip for weeks of real-world testing.
But the real innovation happening in this space isn't just about better materials. The Baseus PicoGo Qi2 MagSafe Power Bank represents the convergence of charging and grip technology, packing a 5,000mAh battery with 15-watt wireless and 20-watt wired charging capabilities. At $28-$50 depending on the retailer, it's solving the perpetual problem of bulky power banks by integrating grip functionality directly into the charging solution.
PopSockets remains the comfort king according to Wired's testing, with reviewer Brenda Stolyar noting she's been a "PopSockets loyalist" for years. The $30 MagSafe version maintains the classic expandable design while adding magnetic attachment that doesn't interfere with wireless charging - you just need to remove it when charging wirelessly.
The testing methodology reveals how seriously Wired approaches accessory reviews. Each grip was used as a primary phone grip for weeks or months, with reviewers evaluating magnetic hold strength, comfort during extended use, durability through drops and heavy use, and real-world scenarios like video calls and social media scrolling.
ESR's MagSafe Ring Holder (HaloLock) at $16-$22 caught attention for its unique dual-joint design. The rectangular ring design initially felt awkward to reviewer Brenda Stolyar, but the rubber lining and innovative dual-ring system that enables both landscape and portrait kickstand modes won her over for desk work and video calls.
