Finally, a MagSafe battery pack that doesn’t look like a brick (and it charges quick, too)

ZDNET’s key takeaways 

• Casely’s Power Pod MagSafe battery pack combines type and performance effortlessly.
• The $60 battery pack can increase your gadgets with as much as 5,000mAh of added juice by way of USB-C charging or wi-fi charging (Qi and MagSafe). 
• For those who’re purely after a strong or multifunctional battery pack, you are higher off with options with extra options like bank card storage or kickstands.

There isn’t any denying the usefulness of battery packs, particularly these designed with MagSafe technology. They provide an endurance increase in your gadgets while you’re on the go, in an emergency, or touring overseas. However let me deal with the elephant within the room: they’re usually boring in look, uninspiring, and, dare I say, ugly. 

I am speaking, thick, brick-like, boxy battery packs in the identical previous boring colours (although a number of manufacturers have launched some coloured variations right here and there) that look about as technologically superior as my mother’s first mobile phone did within the 80s — which is nice, should you’re into the 80s (I have been advised it was the most effective of occasions). 

Additionally: This monster 240W charger has features I’ve never seen on other accessories

However I stray away from many MagSafe battery packs as a result of clunky designs, selecting to stay principally to conventional USB-C battery packs for my charging wants. As a result of let’s be actual, you will not catch me out with a hideous conventional MagSafe brick. Then I met the Casely Power Pod. It combines all of the requirements of a battery pack with a refined understanding of shopper aesthetics that makes my Gen-Z coronary heart sing. 

View at Getcasely

After testing the Energy Pod continuous for the final week (critically, it got here dwelling with me, went on a number of errands, and even went to the bar this weekend), I am impressed by the multi-functional charging capabilities and modern, ergonomic design that flawlessly integrates with my iPhone case, for a price of $60. 

Additionally: The best MagSafe battery packs of 2024: Expert tested 

The Casely Energy Pod battery pack makes use of MagSafe expertise to snap onto the again of your iPhone or adapter-equipped device. This pod will connect to and cost by way of any case that is MagSafe compatible or any case that’s wi-fi charging suitable, and Casely even contains an adhesive magnetic ring that attaches to any non-MagSafe case or system which is able to flip it right into a MagSafe-compatible accent. 

It presents 5,000mAh of battery capability and a max wi-fi output of 15W that can be utilized 3 ways: as a MagSafe battery pack, as a Qi charging pad for issues like wi-fi earbuds, or as a conventional battery pack with a USB-C wire. 

How lengthy does it take to cost a cellphone?

After beginning with a completely charged Energy Pod (indicated by 4 LED lights on the backside of the pack), my cellphone went from 47% to 83% after an hour of MagSafe charging. I nonetheless had 50% cost left within the Energy Pod, indicated by two remaining lights on the pack. 

The Energy Pod may cost itself up by way of a USB-C whereas charging your cellphone by way of MagSafe (I attempted it). After I used the Pod as a Qi wi-fi charging pad, my AirPods Professional 2 went from 75% to 100% in about 45 minutes, and I nonetheless had greater than 25% of battery remaining within the Energy Pod. 

Compared to different MagSafe battery packs that ZDNET has tested, I used to be pleased with the charging fee and pace, and it’s on par with related 5,000mAh packs I’ve examined. In fact, the precise charging pace of my iPhone 14 Professional every time I used the Energy Pod trusted elements like what number of gadgets I used to be concurrently charging and the place my battery stage was to begin with.

However Casely’s secret weapon is not the Energy Pod’s charging capabilities, it is the uniquely crafted ergonomic form and designs. The Energy Pod is obtainable in 50 totally different colours, patterns, and prints, and that is simply unparalleled within the MagSafe battery pack market. 

I am admittedly a grasping shopper; I would like fashion and personalization to replicate in my tech — particularly one which’s affixed to one thing as seen as my cellphone. That is precisely why the Casely Energy Pod has gone all over the place with me since I unboxed it. 

Additionally: I hiked with Garmin’s ‘unlimited battery’ GPS tracker and it made life so much easier

Not solely is it all the things I count on from a MagSafe charger, however it’s uniquely transportable and trendy in a means that opponents have not caught up with but. It suits into my tiny, stylish “going-out” bag (which for the file, barely holds my iPhone 14 Professional, a cardholder, and a lip gloss), and after I have to take it out and use it, it is cute, enjoyable, and one other outward projection of myself that I can management.

Casely’s Energy Pods will also be matched with the model’s phone cases, making a near-seamless phantasm between the place your cellphone case ends and the place the Energy Pod begins. The combo I examined was the prettiest lavender coronary heart sample, cutely dubbed “Love Track” for Valentine’s Day. As somebody who appreciates when merchandise can provide fashion and sustenance, Casely knocks it out of the park on aesthetic enchantment. 

Additionally: This Baseus charging station provides compact power at a great price

Diving past the clearly distinctive shade and print choices, the Energy Pod additionally stands out for its form. There isn’t any boxy, outsized battery right here. As an alternative, at solely 3.2 ounces, the Energy Pod is barely thinner than many opponents and noticeably extra rounded off than other battery packs I have tested. It was clearly designed with person enchantment on the forefront. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

For those who respect aesthetics, need to improve your MagSafe charging pack, or have simply been holding out on attempting transportable battery packs since you did not need to be caught strolling round with a Megladon-sized puck — Casely’s Power Pod is a stable (and trendy) choice. 

Not like bulkier battery packs, the Energy Pod offers an on-par 5,000mAh of battery energy whereas nonetheless being modern, enjoyable, and crowd pleasing. Though $60 could seem a bit a lot for a battery booster, it is corresponding to different MagSafe battery packs that ZDNET has tested, which principally fall between the $40-60 vary. Plus, the Energy Pod packs all of the punch with shade and design — and generally, it is the little issues which can be most worthy of paying an additional few {dollars} for.