This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
MagSafe phone rings make an iPhone much easier to use, but there are so many that it is hard to know which one to pick. Over several years I have bought eight of them with my own money, and here they are ranked. My current pick is the SYNCWIRE double ring: the satisfying rotation, the freedom of its stand angles and the double-sided magnets are outstanding for the price.
What I tested
- 1. SYNCWIRE double ring (my current pick)
- 2. NIMASO phone ring
- 3. Aulumu G09 (the design pick)
- 4. PITAKA MagSafe ring
- 5. An unbranded double-sided magnetic double ring, about ¥1,000
- 6. SYNCWIRE single ring
- 7. StaMag Ring (best for iPad users)
- 8. AAUXX iRing Mag (the old classic)
- All bought myself and used on my iPhone, some of them for years
What I found
- SYNCWIRE double ring: it rotates a full 360 degrees with a pleasant click, and because it is a double ring the stand angle is very flexible. It is magnetic on both sides, so you can stick it to a car mount without taking it off. The build quality is good for the price; if you are unsure, this is the one you are least likely to regret.
- NIMASO: very similar features to the SYNCWIRE, but a little heavier. A fair choice if you like its colours or design.
- Aulumu G09: a mechanical-looking aluminium alloy design that looks great, but the high price held it back.
- PITAKA: rotates smoothly when paired with PITAKA’s own aramid case.
- The ¥1,000 double ring: great value with double-sided magnets.
- SYNCWIRE single ring: simple to use, but the double ring beats it on angle adjustment.
- StaMag Ring: too thick to leave on a phone, but as a quick stand for an iPad it is excellent.
- AAUXX iRing Mag: the classic from a few years ago. Next to newer rings, it falls behind on features.
A few things I learned from using them on a real phone:
- A double ring can hold the phone at a very reclined angle, which is hard with a single ring.
- 360-degree rotation lets you put the finger hold wherever you like.
- Double-sided magnets let you stick the phone to a car mount with the ring still on.
- The more features a ring has, the heavier and thicker it tends to be.
- On cheaper models, the hinge can loosen over time.
Who it’s for
MagSafe rings have improved a lot in the last few years, and simply replacing an old one can make a big difference. For an iPhone, start with the SYNCWIRE double ring. If you mainly want a stand for your iPad, consider the StaMag Ring.
The video is in Japanese.
Limitations
The ranking reflects my own use and preferences, not lab measurements. Some rings were used for much longer than others. The ¥1,000 ring is an unbranded product that I could not identify on Amazon, so there is no link for it. Prices and availability outside Japan may differ.
Products
1. SYNCWIRE MagSafe phone ring (double ring): on Amazon Japan
2. NIMASO MagSafe phone ring: on Amazon Japan
3. Aulumu G09 phone ring: on Amazon Japan
4. PITAKA MagSafe ring: on Amazon Japan
6. SYNCWIRE double-sided magnetic single ring: on Amazon Japan
7. StaMag Ring: on Amazon Japan
8. AAUXX iRing Mag: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All MagSafe Rings & Stands (49) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.