Wood MagSafe Charger is prettier, more affordable than Apple’s [Review]

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Limited77 Wood MagSafe Charger for iPhone
It's just as practical, but much more interesting.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

MagSafe is a huge step forward in wireless charging for iPhone. But Apple’s own MagSafe Charger is somewhat boring and pretty overpriced. The Wood Charger from Limited77 is a great alternative.

It works just like a MagSafe Charger, magnetically attaching itself to the back of iPhone 12, and it charges just as quickly. It’s also much more affordable. Want to know more? Here’s our full review.

MagSafe fixes two of the biggest complaints we had with traditional wireless charging. It’s quick, delivering up to 15W of power with the right adapter, and it uses magnets for perfect alignment every time.

You no longer need to worry about your iPhone slipping off its charger in the night. MagSafe ensures it stays attached, so you always wake up to a full battery, and it makes it easier to use your device during top-ups.

Limited77’s Wood Charger delivers all of these benefits. It’s functionally identical to Apple’s own MagSafe Charger ($34 on Amazon), but visually a lot more interesting and less expensive.

Wood Charger makes MagSafe more attractive

The Wood Charger features a black USB-C cable and a black base, helping it more easily blend into many settings. On its surface, you’ll find a thin sheet of dark wood that adds a stylish, sophisticated touch.

The Wood Charger looks less like a stethoscope and more like something you might want to place on your desk or bedside table. Unless you dig the lifeless, sterile look, it’s much more attractive than Apple’s charger.

Limited77 Wood MagSafe Charger for iPhone
Compatible with any device that uses Qi charging tech — including AirPods.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

It’s also just as practical. Thanks to its Qi charging technology, the Wood Charger works not only with iPhone, but also AirPods (if you have the right case) and Android smartphones that feature wireless charging.

And if you have an iPhone 12, which also features built-in magnets, the Wood Charger attaches to your device — just like Apple’s — so that you don’t need to worry about finding that charging sweet-spot yourself.

Magic magnets make a big difference

I picked up a MagSafe Charger before I received the Wood Charger from Limited77. And as far as I can tell, the latter delivers exactly the same experience. Its magnets are just as strong and provide a secure fit.

The Wood Charger attaches to MagSafe-compatible cases, too. And it will even work through thinner cases that don’t have magnets built-in. It also charges just as quickly, with up to 15W of power delivery.

Limited77 Wood MagSafe Charger for iPhone
Blends in better than Apple’s MagSafe Charger.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

To get that 15W, however, it’s recommended you pair the Wood Charger with a 20W USB-C charging adapter (not included). That’s the same adapter you’ll need to get 15W out of Apple’s own MagSafe Charger.

It’s not completely necessary — the Wood Charger will work with less powerful USB-C adapters. But if you want the fastest possible charge, a 20W adapter (or higher) is required.

A better alternative to Apple’s charger

So, the Wood Charger is just as good as Apple’s MagSafe Charger, and it looks a lot better. Its biggest selling point, however, may be its price. If you order yours from the Cult of Mac Store today, you’ll pay just $28.77.

That’s with a limited-time 26% discount applied. So if you’re interested in bagging a Wood Charger of your own, we recommend doing it soon — before the saving disappears.

Limited77 provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items. We originally published this post on May 14.

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