This iPhone wallet/stand acts like it has a built-in AirTag [Review]

The ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand combines three popular iPhone add-ons into one. In addition to being a wallet and a stand, it also includes a handle. If that wasn’t enough, the accessory can be located almost anywhere with Apple’s Find My network, just like an AirTag.

I attached the wallet/stand to my iPhone 14 Plus with its powerful magnets and started testing. Here’s what I discovered.

ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand review

I prefer to keep my wallet attached to my iPhone. I always know where the phone is, and the same goes for the wallet. Nevertheless, I misplaced my wallet for several days last year. It was a huge hassle, as I had to replace my drivers license and Apple Card right before going on holiday.

To prevent it from happening again, I got an Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe. But this can only tell me the last location it was connected to my iPhone, not where it is now.

ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand essentially has an AirTag built in, so if I ever misplace it, I’ll be able to find it. That includes setting off an audible alarm, and using the Find My network to locate it anywhere almost anywhere on Earth.

And let’s not forget all the other features ESR built in. The MagSafe accessory is also a stand that attaches to my iPhone with strong magnets. Plus it has a finger loop that acts as a handle.

It looks great, too.

• Wallet, stand and handle in one
• You won’t lose this iPhone wallet
• ESR’s wallet vs Apple wallet
• ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand final thoughts
• Pricing

Wallet, stand and handle in one

I’ve been highlighting the benefits of the ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring up the one disadvantage: it’s 0.6 inches thick at its thickest point. Much of the rest is 0.4 inches.

But this bulk is inescapable given all the features. Each adds to the total.

First off, the product is a wallet with a slot with room for two or three cards. For me, that’s a wallet and an Apple Card. A small cutout at the bottom allows cards to be easily pushed up and out. This works well.

Three cards isn’t a lot so you’ll need to think hard about whether you really need tote around everything you have in your wallet now. Surely, most of it can be replaced with an electronic version.

Next, the gadget from ESR is also a stand. It uses a clamshell design with the wallet portion becoming a kickstand that can prop my iPhone up nearly vertical and collapse down to where it’s nearly horizontal. That’s 15° backward to 170°.

Because the stand and wallet connect via magnets, it’s easy to flip the phone between portrait and landscape. This means you can watch video in landscape mode with the iPhone tilting back at whatever angle works best for you.

Like icing on the cake, this accessory includes a finger loop for those who like a handle to keep a secure grip on their iPhone.

The handle would be a disaster if the ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand didn’t stay connected to my iPhone. But it does. It uses Apple’s MagSafe system that embeds magnets in the iPhone, and ESR built very strong magnets into its accessory — the company says these cling with 1,500 G of holding force. I can hold the wallet/stand and shake it and my iPhone won’t come off.

The exterior is almost entirely imitation leather. This looks great — I thought it was real leather. My review unit is caramel brown but midnight black is also an option.

You won’t lose this iPhone wallet

Misplacing your wallet for a few minutes is irritating, and losing it is extremely frustrating. That’s nearly impossible with ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand.

There’s a wireless connection between your iPhone and the accessory, and if you misplace the wallet you can make it play an alarm to tell you where it is. This is loud enough that I can hear it across my house.

If you lose ESR’s device outside your home, any passing iPhone can automatically alert you as to its location thanks to the convenience of Apple’s FindMy network. That’s the same system used by AirTags.

At any time, you can open the Find My app on your iPhone or other device and see the location of the wallet/stand.

The downside of this capability is that the device needs to be kept charged. It lasts for three months without needing to be juiced up, but occasionally you’ll need to attach a charging cable (included in the box). The Find My app shows the battery level.

ESR’s wallet vs. Apple’s wallet

The ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand and the Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe are similar in some ways. But there are a lot of differences, too.

Both magnetically cling to the back of an iPhone and include a slot to hold up to three cards. The Apple version is not a stand and doesn’t include a handle. ESR’s magnets are twice the strength of Apple’s MagSafe wallet.

And while each device helps you locate it, the methods are quite different.

Your iPhone is aware that Apple’s wallet is attached, and will notify you when it disconnects. And the iPhone keeps track of the last place the wallet was attached to your handset. But that’s it — it can not tell you it current location.

ESR’s acts like an AirTag. As noted, you can make it play an alarm to help you find it, and see it on a map wherever it goes.

At 0.2 inches thick, Apple’s wallet is undeniably much thinner of the two. But ESR’s does much more. And costs much less.

ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand final thoughts

ESR’s product is a like a Swiss Army knife. It’s a wallet, a stand and a holder all in one. And its nigh impossible to lose.

I think almost everyone would want this wallet/stand/handle if it wasn’t so thick. As it is, you’ll have to decide if all the functionality is worth the bulk.

I showed the accessory to several people, and got a decent number of positive comments. One woman pointed out that the MagSafe handle she used with her iPhone was almost as thick as ESR’s wallet/stand and didn’t do half as much.

★★★★☆

My rating was bumped up by the comparatively low cost of the product.

Pricing

ESR’s HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand is available now exclusively on Kickstarter. The Super Early Bird price is $31. The final price will be $39. ESR estimates deliveries will start in May.

Buy it from: Kickstarter

For comparison, the Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe is $59.

You might also be interested in the Moft Flash Wallet & Stand if you can do without the handle and the Find My capabilities. I reviewed it as well.

ESR 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.