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

5 hours ago 1

Anker Nano Power Bank MagGo Slim

ZDNET's key takeaways

The Anker Nano Power Bank MagGo Slim battery pack is a sleek Qi2 MagSafe charging option that costs $55.
It features a 5K capacity battery, a slim profile, and comes in 4 colors.
It's a bit pricier than direct competitors, and it won't be for those who want a larger battery.

I just returned from over a week of PTO, and one little product spent nearly as much time with me on my trip as my friends did.

Anker's new Nano Power Bank MagGo 5K Slim power bank. The full name is a mouthful, but the MagSafe battery itself isn't nearly as hefty. In fact, it's so sleek that it's quietly become my new sidekick, traveling everywhere I go and in every fashion.

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Did we just become best friends? Perhaps. Anker isn't new to the charging space, and some of our favorite ZDNET-tested products, like the brand's Solix power stations or the Nano Power Bank with a foldable USB-C, have remained long recommended by our team (in fact, I carry the Nano USB-C charger in my purse 24/7/365).

But this design? This is a new one. The ultra-slim profile of the new MagGo 5K battery is what Gen Z would unironically call "skinny" -- and it is. The battery pack is as thin as an Apple Pencil, coming in at a teeny 0.34 inches thick. Plus, it weighs only 4.3 oz (or half as much as an iPhone 16 Pro Max).

It's effortlessly portable, slim, and functional, and I've only tested one other MagSafe battery pack that I'd say directly competes with it -- Torras' MiniMag 5K power bank. It is one of my all-time favorite MagSafe chargers and likely my most recommended product since working at ZDNET.

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

The MiniMag is actually thinner -- coming in at 0.3 inches thick -- but the MagGo 5K Slim from Anker is eerily close. They both feature a rectangular profile; the Anker is more rounded on the edges than the Torras, though. Similarly, the Anker MagGo 5K slim has a soft-to-the-touch coating that has a slightly better grip than the slick back of the Torras MiniMag.

They're similarly priced. Anker's battery is selling for $55 on their website, while the Torras MiniMag retails for $60 but is usually available for $50 or less on Amazon and Torras' website. Both offer several color options, though Anker has more variety.

Charging-wise, Anker's MagGo 5K slim works as expected. It gets a little warm to the touch after some time, but nothing that seems abnormally hot, and it's been a great boost to have on hand. Anker suggests that the battery can charge an iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, or 16 Pro to 91% maximum capacity, due to standard energy loss.

Keep in mind that it's fairly normal for a 5,000mAh battery pack to offer between 2,750mAh and 3,500mAh due to a 30% to 45% energy loss from battery cells and conversion circuitry. On average, I recommend a 5,000mAh pack for most added power needs unless you're traveling long distances, outdoors, or in another situation where more battery makes sense.

Anker's MagGo 5K Slim is not compatible with non-magnetic phone cases, including thick or heavily armored case options, like OtterBox defender cases. These types of thick cases can impair the magnetic connection and charging capabilities. Anker says this battery is exclusively compatible with iPhone models 12 through 16 that support MagSafe technology. Of course, this battery will work with the likely incoming iPhone 17 series, too.

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This won't be for you if you need more power -- I'd recommend a 10K option for that. But if you're buying your first MagSafe battery pack or want a versatile option, the Anker MagGo 5K Slim is a great choice.

Also, keep in mind that if you're using your battery as intended, it'll probably get some scratches. I've already dinged up my test unit after nearly two weeks of use. It's certainly a bummer, but it doesn't impede charging and was bound to happen at some point. Similarly, I've dented my Torras MiniMag after I dropped it on concrete. Tomato tomato.

ZDNET's buying advice

I've tested dozens of MagSafe battery options, and my favorite models are always the light and sleek designs that skillfully bring together practicality, aesthetics, and ergonomics. Anker may have just launched my new favorite battery, but don't worry -- I'll continue testing the latest and greatest on the market.

The Anker MagGo 5K Slim is a great option for anyone needing an easy way to boost their phone battery on the go. It fits great in pockets, purses, and more, charges efficiently, and is fairly priced under $60. Plus, it comes in four fun colors that are hard to skip out on if you're hunting.

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