I tried this new MagSafe charger that plugs into an outlet — and I can't believe no one has invented it before

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And it's still powerful enough to charge my laptop

Twelve South PowerBug
(Image credit: Twelve South)

I’ve tested dozens of best MagSafe chargers in the last year. From power banks that integrate MagSafe, to the 3-in-1 models that can charge all of my favorite gadgets simultaneously, there’s clearly an assortment to choose from.

But despite testing all of them, it took until now for me to come across one that ditches the cable completely and plugs directly into an outlet. That’s why I’ve been using the Twelve South PowerBug so much for the past week. At first I shrugged it off, but the more I got to use it, I began to realize it’s the perfect charger to bring with me wherever I go. Here’s why.

Twelve South PowerBug
Twelve South PowerBug: $49 at Amazon

Ditch the cable with the Twelve South PowerBug, a compact size MagSafe charger that goes into an outlet. It might seem like a simple thing, but it's a space saving charger that offers power when you need it. Plus, it doubles as a standard power adapter to charge other stuff with its 35W charging speed.

Price check: $49 @ Twelve South

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Adios to a charging cable

Twelve South PowerBug charging iPhone.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I already carry a lot of things in my backpack, but I also find it super annoying when I have to carry pesky cables as well. The Twelve South PowerBug liberates me from the cord because this puck-shaped charger plugs into an outlet and charges my iPhones through MagSafe.

Technically speaking, it’s a 15W Qi2 wireless charging pad, which is optimized to work with MagSafe compatible iPhones and other phones that support Qi2 charging — like the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Apart from the MagSafe chargers that are part of a power bank, all the rest require wires and their corresponding wall adapters to work.

With the PowerBug, however, the fact that I don’t need a wire makes it even more convenient for me to charge. Plus, I like that the prongs fold inside when I'm not using it.

It’s still a fast charger when you need it

Twelve South PowerBug with USB-C port.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Sure, the 15W wireless charging speed of the PowerBug is pretty standard, especially when the iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 25W MagSafe charging. I’m not too worried about the time it takes with wireless charging, but if I were, that’s where its wired charging comes to save the day.

There’s a USB-C port on the side of the PowerBug, which delivers power delivery up to 35W. Many of the best phones support that speed, but it’s also enough to power most tablets and some laptops. In fact, I’m able to charge my Snapdragon powered HP Omnibook 5 with the PowerBug.

And yes, there's access to StandBy mode

Twelve South PowerBug with iPhone

(Image credit: Twelve South)

If an outlet is situated on a wall so that the charging pad of the PowerBug is facing you, using StandBy Mode with your iPhone is possible since you’d need to only position it horizontally. At home, there’s an outlet next to the nightstand on my side of the bed that’s almost eye level when I’m lying down — so it’s great that I can use StandBy mode to make it act like an ordinary alarm clock.

Obviously, this isn’t possible if the outlet is lying flat on a surface, or part of a power strip. If there’s one change I’d like to see with a subsequent model, it would be the ability to somehow tilt the charging pad — so even if it were plugged flat on a surface — it could be manipulated in such a way that it could still give me access to StandBy mode. Additionally, it’d be nice to include support for Apple’s Find My.

Apart from those things, I’ve been keeping the PowerBug in my backpack because it doesn’t take up much room.

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John Velasco
John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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