One of the coolest features added in Apple’s iOS 17 upgrade was StandBy, which can turn your iPhone into a miniature smart display. Just connect your phone to a charger, turn it sideways and you’ll be greeted with a customizable clock face, widgets and large-screen music controls, among other things.
It’s a super-handy feature that takes full advantage of the iPhone’s stagnant nature when charging, making for a great bedside companion or smart clock for your desk.
To make your experience even better, it’s worth picking up a MagSafe charger that can prop your iPhone up and make it easy to enter StandBy mode (note that you’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer to use MagSafe). We’ve rounded up the best ones on the market that take StandBy to the next level.
Belkin's 2-in-1 charging stand is an excellent option for those who don't just want StandBy mode. Its 15W MagSafe charger moves from 0 to 70 degrees, so you can view your phone at the angle you prefer. Its 5W rear charger refuels AirPods and the Apple Watch.
One of our favorite StandBy mode stands, the HiRise 3 Deluxe is designed so that it doesn't take up a ton of space. It's more than just a slim profile, though, with a slick vegan leather design and adjustable iPhone and Apple Watch chargers that help you optimize it for your needs.
If you want a MagSafe charging stand that’s perfect for traveling, check out the 3-in-1 Cube from Anker. It comes with 15W MagSafe charging (with plenty of room to rotate your iPhone for StandBy), an Apple Watch charger built into a drawer and a Qi wireless charging pad behind the MagSafe magnets for charging your AirPods. The entire thing folds up into a compact cube that can be tossed in your bag. Plus, it comes with a 30W charging brick in the box for maximum performance.
If you’re just looking to prop your iPhone up horizontally to take advantage of StandBy, get Belkin’s MagSafe charger. Not only does it give you 15W fast charging on the iPhone, but it also comes with a kickstand on the back so you can set it up on a table. It’s easy to take with you on the go since it’s just a MagSafe charger, and it comes with an extra-long 6.6-foot braided USB-C cable for better versatility.
The Forté stand from Twelve South is the accessory that Apple uses to promote the iPhone’s StandBy mode, and it’s a great option if you already have a MagSafe charging puck since you’ll need to route it through the stand to enable charging. Once you do that, it’ll work just like any other MagSafe charging stand, giving you 15W charging speeds with a beautiful design.
If you already have a MagSafe charging puck, the Spigen MagFit S is the perfect accessory for it. Pop the charger into the slot on the front and you can prop your iPhone up at the perfect angle for glancing at it on your desk or using StandBy mode. The entire stand collapses into a sleek and slim package for taking it on the go. Plus, it’s plenty affordable.
Want to take all of your Apple devices and give them a single place to charge? Check out Belkin’s 3-in-1 wireless charging stand. With full 15W MagSafe charging support (and plenty of room to swivel your iPhone for StandBy), the stand comes with a second Qi wireless charger in its base for your AirPods and a fast charger for your Apple Watch, which makes this a great addition to any Apple user’s arsenal of accessories.
If you’d still like to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods in one place but don’t want to spend much money, go for Mophie’s 3-in-1 alternative. Usually priced at just under $70, the stand gives you a place to charge your AirPods and Apple Watch right next to the wireless charging stand. Just install your own MagSafe charging puck and you’ll be good; you’ll get 15W MagSafe charging and the perfect height to use StandBy in.
This 2-in-1 charging stand from Anker is perfect if you just want an easy way to use StandBy without much hassle. While the magnetic charger will limit your iPhone’s charging performance to 7.5W, you’ll still have the ability to dock your device and rotate it to take full advantage of StandBy mode. Plus, there’s an extra charging pad in the base for your AirPods, making this quite the value.
How to pick the right MagSafe charger for you
The big question facing MagSafe charger shoppers — especially those who want to use StandBy mode — involves how many devices you want to charge at the same time. As you’ll see above, the best options refuel three of your devices simultaneously, so you can keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all in the green.
But not all 3-in-1 chargers work this seamlessly. For example, the Nomad Stand One Max may be a stellar and sleek 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, but it fails to offer StandBy mode if you’re charging your watch. Why is that? Well, the little puck where you charge your Apple Watch stems from the part where you place your phone and it was placed too high up for you to position your iPhone horizontally.
This is part of why I’d have a hard time recommending this $180 stand when the aforementioned $150 HiRise 3 Deluxe is excellent for charging your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once with StandBy mode on.
Additionally, make sure your MagSafe charging stand offers 15W charging speeds, so you’re refueling your iPhone at the fastest rate possible. If you’re buying a stand with an Apple Watch charger built in, look for stands that offer the Apple Watch Fast Charger, which the HiRise 3 Deluxe does.
Lastly, think about portability. Do you want a stand you can bring on every trip easily? While I manage to fit the HiRise 3 Deluxe into my luggage, I’ll admit it’s not the smallest option above. Anker’s 3-in-1 Cube and the Belkin Wireless Charger for MagSafe With Kickstand are much more travel-friendly.
