Best magnetic wireless and USB car chargers and mounts for iPhone

Macworld

We’ve all had that feeling, the one where we’re in the car and our phone suddenly warns that it’s about to run out of charge. There’s the frantic scramble for the relevant cable, only to remember that it’s in a bag at home.

With the iPhone now functioning as a satnav and music player while we’re on the move, there’s a good chance that you could arrive at your destination with its battery levels severely depleted. That’s why in-car iPhone and MacBook chargers and mounts are essential purchases these days, as they ensure that we don’t run out of power while following directions in the back of beyond or struggle to get through the rest of the afternoon without our phones dying.

You can charge your iPhone in a car using either a wired or a magnetic wireless charger. A wired charger will likely be faster but may also require a separate basic phone mount to secure your phone in a line-of-sight position for you to view the screen for navigation, notification or other safe-driving experience. A wireless charger will magnetically hold your iPhone (version 12 and later) and itself be held in a convenient position with a hook into the car’s ventilation grille.

The adapter—make sure it’s at least 20W—will be plugged into the car’s 12V power socket (aka cigarette lighter) and connect to the iPhone or phone mount via a USB-C port for fast charging. Almost certainly, this will be faster than any built-in USB port in the car. Many magnetic wireless charging mounts come with a power adapter but some may require you to buy that as an extra. At the end of our list of recommended car chargers, we review some great power adapters—add a simple phone mount (also reviewed here) if wireless isn’t for you, but we find magnetic wireless the easiest solution.

While wireless charging can be slower than wired charging, the latest wireless chargers can support up to 25W to achieve wired-like speeds.

But what makes a good in-car iPhone charger, and which are the best options currently available? We’ve put together a selection that covers simple mounts and MagSafe wireless chargers (for iPhone 12 and above), up to ones that can deliver power to multiple devices and even laptops. So, if you spend time in your car, then one or more of these could be the best purchase you make this year.






1. Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger – Fastest wireless iPhone charger















Pros

25W wireless charging (iPhone 16/17)

15W for older iPhones

Adjustable design

Secure magnet

Includes 45W power adapter


Cons

25W only for iPhone 16 and 17

Expensive

Incompatible with Tesla or Mercedes














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This wireless charger clips into the vent of most cars but is not for Tesla or Mercedes drivers (or with cars that lack vent blades or use non-standard vent designs). That’s bad news for those car owners as the Anker Prime Car Charger is the fastest magnetic wireless iPhone car charger available right now, as it utilizes the latest Qi 2.2 standard to reach the top 25W output. That compares to 15W for certified MagSafe and Qi2 chargers and a mere 7.5W for “MagSafe Compatible” chargers. Note that only iPhones 16 and 17 models can benefit from the full 25W; older iPhones slip back to Qi2’s standard 15W.

25W should get your iPhone up to a 50% charge in just over half an hour, compared to 45 minutes for 15W, and well over an hour for the older and cheaper chargers at 7.5W. On a short car journey, you need all the power you can get to pump up your iPhone before you park up and the phone goes back in your pocket.

It uses a Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) active cooling system to keep your iPhone below 95°F (35°C) while charging, with grills circling the top of the charging pad. This should also benefit older iPhones as temperature is a major charging disruptor.

A ball joint holder’s tail hook clips onto an air vent and can be angled at a 32-degree adjustable tilt.

The USB-C port at the base of the unit is powered by the included 45W dual-port charger that plugs into the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter port) in the car. The other port is legacy USB-A that can output at 12W.




Anker

Who should you buy the Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger?

If in-car charging speed is of vital importance to you, the 25W Anker Prime is the fastest wireless car charger for iPhones that you’ll find. It’s sturdy and neat and tidy with cable holders included, and a dual-port USB charger included.–Simon Jary


Read our full

Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger (MagGo, AirCool, Pad) review






2. Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max Car Charger – 105W or 67W wired iPhone charger with cables















Pros

Simultaneously powers multiple devices

Retractable cables


Cons

USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later only

Requires phone mount for in-car positioning














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Car chargers can be a messy affair. It’s not uncommon to have USB cables dangling around the cabin if you have teenagers who quickly had to top up their phones before heading out of the car.

The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max has superior retractable built-in cables and additional charger ports that make it purpose-built for families and people that want to power up multiple devices while on the go.

Plug the connector into the auxiliary power socket in the car, then pull out a cable from the top of the squarish section that houses the coiled leads. There are two flat tangle-free USB-C cables available, each of which will reach up to 2.6 feet (80cm) and gently retract back into the casing when your done. Should you require a different connection, say Lightning for iPhones older than the 15 models, then the two USB ports (1x USB-C, 1x USB-A) at the base of the PrimeTrip VR2 Max can be used with all four power outlets available simultaneously to charge multiple devices.

The housing section can twist 90 degrees in either direction, allowing you to angle it towards the device you’re charging, and it also rotates around 180 degrees for the same purpose.

The charger delivers up to a maximum of 163W or 240W depending on the model you choose. On the 163W model the main built-in cable (USB-C1) maxes out at 67W, while the second one outputs at 33W. For the 240W model both built-in cables go to 105W. On both models the USB-C port outputs at up to 33W, with the USB-A port slightly behind at 30W. Even 30W should be enough to fast-charge an iPhone, and 67W is great for even MacBook charging.




Baseus

Who should you buy the PrimeTrip VR2 Max?

The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max is an easy way to power up several devices at the same time or fast charge a single one in your car. The versatile port and positioning options are very useful, and the retractable cables keep things neat and tidy. MacBook owners on the move should pay the extra for the 240W model, but for iPhones and iPads the 163W charger will be plenty.–Martyn Casserly


Read our full

Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max Car Charger review






3. Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger – 15W wireless iPhone charger















Pros

15W wireless charging

Simple, effective design

Secure magnet

Study hinge

Includes 25W power adapter














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Satechi



$59.99


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There’s nothing fancy about the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger, but that’s not a bad thing as it does the simple stuff well and will keep your iPhone charged during journeys and positionable for line-of-sight positioning for satnav, notifications and other displays.

If you’re looking for a simple magnetic in-car charger, then the Satechi Qi2 unit is one that could fit the bill. The unit is compact and features a slim body to which an iPhone can be attached magnetically. There’s a ball joint holder that clips onto an air vent and can be angled a little bit in each direction so you can see the screen, with a supporting bracket to keep things steady. The vent hinge feels more secure than the Anker Prime Car Charger’s hook.

At the base of the unit is a USB-C port into which you connect the included 3.3-foot (1m) cable, which itself is powered by the 25W single port charger that plugs into the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter port) in the car. You’ll get 15W of wireless Qi2 charging, and the magnet does a solid job of keeping the device secure while still being able to remove it at the end of your drive without ripping the holder out of the vent.




Martyn Casserly

Who should you buy the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger?

The no-fuss approach of the Satechi charger is one that will appeal to anyone that simply wants to plug and go. The bracket feels sturdy, as do the magnets that hold the iPhone, while power is enough to top up the battery as you drive. It does feel a little on the expensive side when compared to some of the multi-port units that are around, but if you prefer the idea of wireless charging, then there’s plenty to like about this good-looking model.–Martyn Casserly






4. Pitaka Magez Car Mount Pro 2 – 15W wireless iPhone charger















Pros

15W wireless charging

Secure magnet

NFC shortcuts are helpful


Cons

Require power adapter














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Pitaka’s MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 fast charges iPhones at Qi2’s 15W. There are two versions of the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2: one specifically for Tesla 3 and Tesla Y cars; and another universal mount for ventilation grilles on other cars. The version for the ventilation grille has a hook that is screwed to a ventilation lamella using a rotary wheel. This is easy to do if the ventilation grille is large enough.

A long USB-C cable is included for the power supply, which is connected directly to the power supply in modern cars. If you don’t have a USB port in your car, you must also provide a charger for the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter). Pitaka also includes two practical adhesive cable guides.

What makes the MagEX Car Mount Pro 2 unique is its built-in NFC support and its ability to work with iOS’s Shortcuts app. The NFC chips are small circles on the mount that can trigger a short command when the iPhone is held over them. For example, when getting into the car, the NFC can trigger the iPhone to set the focus to “Do not disturb” and play your favorite music. It’s a great feature and Pitaka has a guide on how to set up NFC with your iPhone.

The design with the aramid fiber surface is very stylish and the magnetic hold is excellent.

Who should you buy the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2?

The MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 impresses across the board: fast charging, strong hold, and the unique NFC function is one of the killer features if you are someone who likes to use automatic functions such as shortcuts.–Thomas Bergbold






5. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Wireless Car Charger – 15W wireless iPhone charger















Pros

15W wireless charging

Secure magnet

Includes 20W power adapter


Cons

Has slight movements with vertical vents.








Price When Reviewed:

119,95 €



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This Qi2 15W wireless charger and car vent mount stands out in an elegant white color, although you may prefer a wireless mount in the same black as most vent grilles.

It boasts a convenient cable strap and rear cable holder to prevent messy tangling, and comes with a 20W power adapter that plugs into your car’s power outlet.

The magnetic link is strong, which should mean that it can cope with any big bumps in the road. It works best with straight, horizontal vent slats up to 3mm in thickness and 20mm in depth. It does work with vertical slats, but there might be slight movements if the mount is overloaded with weight, says Belkin.

Who should you buy the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger?

This is a solid magnetic wireless car charger and mount that fast charges at 15W.–Simon Jary






6. Ugreen Nexode Fast Car Charger – 100W wired iPhone charger















Pros

100W USB-C port

Retractable cable

Choice of 4 ports


Cons

USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later only

Requires phone mount for in-car positioning














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The Ugreen Nexode Fast Car Charger comes fitted with a built-in extendable USB-C cable and ports for other ones too. It’s not a mount so you’ll need one if you want in-car line-of-site iPhone positioning.

The unit itself is a squarish block that’s just a little bigger than an AirPods Pro case but chunky as they are about twice as thick. Once plugged into the power outlet (once known as the cigarette lighter port) in a car, the top surface gives you access to the extendable USB-C cable that can stretch to a full 2.3 feet (70cm) giving it a good degree of reach, plus two USB-C ports as well as one for legacy USB-A cables.

Total power output is 145W, split between the various ports. The built-in cable delivers up to 60W, while the USB-C2 port goes up to a whopping 100W (with a compatible cable) so you can even recharge a MacBook from 0% to over 80% in around an hour. The other two ports top out at 30W, and all can be used simultaneously—but with the power obviously divided between them.  

There’s support for various charging standards, such as PD 3.0, PPS, QC 3.0 and others, plus protection against overcharging and overheating.




Ugreen

Who should you buy the Ugreen Fast Car Charger

A multi-port charger is a great addition to any car and this offering from Ugreen can fast charge up to 100W, and has a built-in retractable cable, additional ports, plus a reasonable price, all of which make it easy to recommend.–Martyn Casserly






7. Baseus PrimeTrip C03 Car Mount – Flexible iPhone mount















Pros

Sturdy construction

Adjustable magnet intensity

Bendable arm with swivel head for easy positioning


Cons

No charging capabilities

Need to be left in place














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The good-looking Baseus PrimeTrip C03 feel reassuringly sturdy and the magnetic grip can hold onto any iPhone quite happily. Due to the sticker base, it will have to remain in place once you’ve stuck it down, so be sure to choose the right location in your car.

You may already have a charger in your car, or don’t feel you need one, but chances are you’ll still use your iPhone as a satnav and as such need a way to hold it in your car where you can see the display. If that’s the case, then the Baseus PrimeTrip C03 is a cost-effective way to get this done.

The unit itself is a simple one, with a base sticker that secures it to your dashboard (or wherever you want to put it), attached to which is the holder. There’s a twistable button at the base that allows you to rotate the holder through 360 degrees once fixed in place, plus the arm of the holder is bendable so you can position the phone at the right height and angle be seen easily.

A square magnetic plate makes up the main area of the holder, to which any version 12 or later iPhone (except the 16e) can be held securely. The intensity of the magnet can be adjusted by a dial on the back, so if you want to be able to easily remove the device or have a heavier one held very strongly, then you can cater the PrimeTrip C03 to your whim. The head can also be swivelled through 360 degrees, making it easy to choose the optimum viewing angle.

Unlike some other mounts, this one needs to the stuck in place, so you won’t be able to easily remove and reposition it once it’s installed. Baseus does include a second sticker base in the pack though, so if you buy a new car you can take it with you.

Be aware that this is just a mount, so if you want to power your iPhone you’ll need to buy an actual charger. It will work well in conjunction with either the Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max or Ugreen Fast Car Charger power adapters reviewed above or the simple Ugreen or Anker car chargers reviewed below.

Or consider the more flexible Baseus PrimeTrip C03s, also reviewed below.




Baseus

Who should you buy the Baseus PrimeTrip C03?

If you just want a way to see your iPhone screen while driving, and don’t want or need a power source, then the adjustable and compact design of the PrimeTrip C03 is well worth considering. Just remember that once it’s stuck down you won’t be able to easily move it.–Martyn Casserly






8. Baseus PrimeTrip C03s Magnetic Car Mount – Ultra-flexible iPhone mount















Pros

Sturdy construction

Can fit into cramped spaces easily

Flexible and adjustable


Cons

No charging capabilities

Need to be left in place














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The Baseus PrimeTrip C03s is an interesting car mount due to the split feet design that makes it more flexible than the plain C03 mount reviewed above. These allow it to be positioned in a wide variety of places, while retaining a secure hold of your iPhone. Just be aware that there’s no charger included and once it’s in place it can’t be moved.

The bendable arms are used to position the height and placement of the phone are split and can be stuck in different places. This design allows the C03s to be used in more spaces than a standard holder, as the arms can be placed at unusual angles and curved around parts of the dashboard or centre console.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, then there are magnets in the base feet that can hold the arms together, while still being pliable enough that you can contort them into the angles that you need to comfortably see the display on your iPhone. The latter is secured in place by place by a magnet, so you’ll need a device with MagSafe (iPhone 12 or later— except for the oddball iPhone 16e) otherwise it will just fall off.

With the arms split, the C03s can be positioned in a wide range of areas, such as bent around the curved area directly in front of a steering wheel so you could quickly glance at your iPhone while driving. Obviously, physics still exists, so if you splay the arms wide in the same plane, then drive over rough ground, the stickers on the base feet might not have enough grip to guarantee that the phone won’t fall forward or back. But the flexibility on offer does mean that the C03s might fit where other mounts have struggled.

Due to the stickers on the base feet, you’ll need to leave the C03s in place once you’ve installed it in your car. Baseus does include a spare set though, so you can move it at least once.




Baseus

Who should you buy the Baseus PrimeTrip C03s?

If you’ve had issues in the past with positioning traditional mounts in your car due to space or design, then the PrimeTrip C03s is something a little different that could solve your conundrum.–Martyn Casserly






9. Ugreen 130W USB-C Car Charger – Powerful in-car charger















Pros

100W can charge any MacBook

3 ports


Cons

Requires phone mount for in-car positioning

12W ports a bit puny














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Nearly every car has a power outlet aka 12V accessory outlet, and once known as the cigarette lighter socket. Place you charger in here and connect directly to your iPhone or to a magnetic wireless charger or simple mount with a long enough USB-C or Lightning cable.

You should aim for at least a 20W power charger with a USB-C port as USB-A cannot fast-charge an iPhone. The Ugreen USB-C Car Charger has three ports that can output 130W of power: one port at 100W, which is enough to power up a MacBook Pro, another USB-C at 12W and a USB-A at 12W. 12W is a bit puny for phones and iPads but fine for an Apple Watch or headphones.






10. Anker 30W USB-C Car Charger – Affordable in-car charger















Pros

Affordable

2 ports


Cons

Requires phone mount for in-car positioning

Only 12W per port at same time














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This in-car charger is a highly affordable tool for the accessory outlet. It won’t be much good if you want toi charge your MacBook, but it’s fine for iPhones.

Each of the USB-C and USB-A ports can output about 30W on their own—enough to fast-charge an iPhone—but use both at the same time and each will slow to just 12W—again, enough for headphones or a Watch but a little slow for an iPhone.






Safety and best practices for in-car charging

Extreme temperatures are a battery’s enemy. Avoid overheating and very cold temperatures as they will damage the battery. In particular, don’t leave your phone to charge in a hot car, especially in direct sunlight.

Make sure you use quality accessories. Choose one of the chargers we recommend here or at least from quality charging companies such as Anker, Belkin, Ugreen, Baseus, Satechi and Plugable. Cheapo chargers and cables may damage your phone’s battery and internal components over time.

If you use quality accessories you shouldn’t need to worry about overcharging. Today’s iPhones have sophisticated built-in power management that prevents this.

Car-charging alternatives

If you don’t lose it and remember to keep it charged, having a power bank in your car is another way of charging your iPhone on the move—and you can keep it clamped to your phone when you leave the car. Take a look at our recommended best magnetic power banks for iPhone for a variety of solutions.