This Qi2 battery pack from Anker just made wireless charging essential for me

Anker Nano Power Bank MagGo Slim

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Anker Nano Energy Financial institution MagGo Slim battery pack is a glossy Qi2 MagSafe charging possibility that prices $55.
• It contains a 5K capability battery, a slim profile, and is available in 4 colours.
• It is a bit pricier than direct opponents, and it will not be for many who need a bigger battery.

extra shopping for decisions

I simply returned from over every week of PTO, and one little product spent almost as a lot time with me on my journey as my mates did. 

Anker’s new Nano Power Bank MagGo 5K Slim energy financial institution. The complete title is a mouthful, however the MagSafe battery itself is not almost as hefty. In reality, it is so glossy that it is quietly grow to be my new sidekick, touring in every single place I’m going and in each trend. 

Additionally: Apple’s iPhone 17 event launch date is official – here’s everything we expect

Did we simply grow to be finest mates? Maybe. Anker is not new to the charging area, and a few of our favourite ZDNET-tested merchandise, just like the model’s Solix power stations or the Nano Power Bank with a foldable USB-C, have remained lengthy beneficial by our group (in actual fact, I carry the Nano USB-C charger in my purse 24/7/365). 

However this design? It is a new one. The ultra-slim profile of the brand new MagGo 5K battery is what Gen Z would unironically name “skinny” — and it’s. The battery pack is as skinny as an Apple Pencil, coming in at a teeny 0.34 inches thick. Plus, it weighs solely 4.3 oz (or half as a lot as an iPhone 16 Professional Max). 

It is effortlessly moveable, slim, and practical, and I’ve solely examined one different MagSafe battery pack that I would say straight competes with it — Torras’ MiniMag 5K power bank. It’s certainly one of my all-time favourite MagSafe chargers and sure my most beneficial product since working at ZDNET. 

Additionally: This super thin battery keeps my iPhone charged all day long

The MiniMag is definitely thinner — coming in at 0.3 inches thick — however the MagGo 5K Slim from Anker is eerily shut. They each function an oblong profile; the Anker is extra rounded on the sides than the Torras, although. Equally, the Anker MagGo 5K slim has a soft-to-the-touch coating that has a barely higher grip than the slick again of the Torras MiniMag. 

They’re equally priced. Anker’s battery is promoting for $55 on their website, whereas the Torras MiniMag retails for $60 however is normally out there for $50 or much less on Amazon and Torras’ website. Each supply a number of shade choices, although Anker has extra selection.

Charging-wise, Anker’s MagGo 5K slim works as anticipated. It will get a bit heat to the contact after a while, however nothing that appears abnormally sizzling, and it has been an awesome increase to have readily available. Anker means that the battery can cost an iPhone 14 Professional, 15 Professional, or 16 Professional to 91% most capability, resulting from commonplace power loss. 

Remember that it is pretty regular for a 5,000mAh battery pack to supply between 2,750mAh and three,500mAh resulting from a 30% to 45% power loss from battery cells and conversion circuitry. On common, I like to recommend a 5,000mAh pack for many added energy wants except you are touring lengthy distances, outside, or in one other state of affairs the place extra battery is smart. 

Anker’s MagGo 5K Slim shouldn’t be appropriate with non-magnetic telephone circumstances, together with thick or closely armored case choices, like OtterBox defender circumstances. These kind of thick circumstances can impair the magnetic connection and charging capabilities. Anker says this battery is solely appropriate with iPhone fashions 12 by 16 that help MagSafe know-how. After all, this battery will work with the probably incoming iPhone 17 series, too. 

Additionally: Your ESR power bank could be a fire hazard – check it now

This may not be for you in case you want extra energy — I would advocate a 10K possibility for that. However in case you’re shopping for your first MagSafe battery pack or need a versatile possibility, the Anker MagGo 5K Slim is a superb alternative.

Additionally, needless to say in case you’re utilizing your battery as meant, it will most likely get some scratches. I’ve already dinged up my take a look at unit after almost two weeks of use. It is definitely a bummer, but it surely would not impede charging and was sure to occur in some unspecified time in the future. Equally, I’ve dented my Torras MiniMag after I dropped it on concrete. Tomato tomato. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

I’ve examined dozens of MagSafe battery choices, and my favourite fashions are at all times the sunshine and glossy designs that skillfully convey collectively practicality, aesthetics, and ergonomics. Anker could have simply launched my new favourite battery, however don’t fret — I will proceed testing the most recent and biggest in the marketplace. 

The Anker MagGo 5K Slim is a superb possibility for anybody needing a simple solution to increase their telephone battery on the go. It suits nice in pockets, purses, and extra, prices effectively, and is pretty priced below $60. Plus, it is available in 4 enjoyable colours which are onerous to skip out on in case you’re searching.