TechRadar Verdict
Satisfyingly simple and ergonomic, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad delivered the results I've come to expect from the brand. It provides speedy charging for iPhones and works well with both AirPods and compatible third-party earbud cases alike. If you want a sturdy desk-top charging pad, then this won't be the charger for you. But if it's a wireless charger that won't disrupt your everyday phone use that you're after, this is definitely the one to consider.
Pros
- +
Easy to hold
- +
Lightweight
- +
Reassuringly secure magnet
Cons
- -
Integrated power cable
- -
Slides around on surfaces
- -
Cable isn't adequately reinforced
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Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad is reasonably priced at $24.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95, so it's roughly the same price as a similar charging pad from ESR. Although I can't speak for its charging speeds, the ESR caught my eye as it has a reinforced cable base, and braided nylon around the wire, potentially giving it more longevity than the Anker equivalent, but I'll touch more on this later.
Equipped with Wireless PowerIQ, Anker's signature wireless fast charging, the speed at which the MagGo Wireless Charger Pad juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro was satisfying. It took just two hours and ten minutes to charge it fully, and it charged both AirPods Pro 2, and Motorola Moto Buds+ cases happily.
The magnetic attachment is satisfyingly strong. I was able to shake the phone about vigorously multiple times without the pad shifting more than a tiny amount from side to side. I also tested the magnet's strength by hanging the pad, with the phone attached, by its cable, and the phone stayed put – which is great, even for one of the best iPhone chargers. When it doesn't stay put, on the other hand, is when it's placed on a flat, smooth surface. As the concept behind this particular charger's design appears to be for it to be easy to hold, I can forgive Anker for this.
Due to its slim depth and curved base, it was pleasantly easy to continue to use my phone as it charged. I have rather small hands, and I didn't feel like it was particularly disrupting the way I'd usually hold my phone, which made a welcome change from the power banks I often use for this purpose.
One small negative I have to raise is that the integrated power cable was a little annoying. Because it's not removable, it makes it a little more tricky when you're trying to pack it up when heading out. I've not had it long enough to observe this, but my concern is that the first section of flexible cable that comes out of the pad could become worn over time –though this is only my speculation. My rationale is that if Mous managed to fit a USB-C port in the slimmest part of their low-cost MagSafe Compatible 3-In-1 Portable Charger, then I'd have thought that it'd be plausible for Anker to have done this too.
Overall though, this is a simple but satisfying MagSafe charger. I found it minimally disruptive and nice to hold as I continued to use my phone while replenishing its life force, and when left to charge my phone without me using it, the charging time was good for the price. If you're looking for something cheap but practical because your phone rarely leaves your hand, I'd recommend taking a look at the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad. However, if you're in the market for something a little different, we have a variety of other chargers to check out in our pick of the best wireless chargers.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: Price & specs
| Price | $24.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95 |
| Total power output | 15W |
| Devices charged | 1 |
| USB-C | Yes – attached |
| Wireless charging | Yes – MagSafe |
| Weight | 3.3 oz / 94 g |
| Dimensions | 2.36 × 2.36 × 0.47 inches / 60 × 60 × 12 mm |
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