PETL Charger Review: The Best MagSafe Battery Pack

TL;DR: The PETL charger is a circular, MagSafe-compatible wireless battery pack engineered for iPhone users who want cable-free power on the go. Starting at $49.99, it snaps magnetically to the back of any iPhone 12 through iPhone 16, charges Apple Watch and AirPods too, and shows up natively in your iOS battery widget — no app required. If you're shopping for a reliable, stylish, and genuinely pocketable portable charger, the PETL is worth a serious look.

What Is the PETL Charger?

The PETL charger is a wireless portable battery pack made by PETL (gopetl.com), a design-led consumer electronics company based in Tamarac, Florida. Unlike the typical rectangular power bank that rattles around at the bottom of your bag, the PETL is circular — a deliberate design choice that lets it sit flush and symmetrically on the back of your iPhone, just like it belongs there.

The pack uses strong N52 neodymium magnets to align precisely with the MagSafe magnet array built into iPhone 12 and later models. That means the moment you bring it near the back of your phone, it clicks into the correct position and begins charging automatically — no fumbling, no cables, no second-guessing alignment.

PETL currently offers two main product lines: the original PETL series (3,000mAh) and the newer PETL 2 Plus (5,000mAh). Both share the same core DNA — CNC-machined aluminum housing, tempered glass top, Qi wireless charging, USB-C passthrough, and native iOS battery widget support.

PETL Charger Models: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between the two PETL models comes down to one key question: how much charge do you actually need in a day?

PETL (3,000mAh) — The Everyday Carry Champion

The original PETL battery pack houses a 3,000mAh high-density lithium polymer cell inside a body that measures just 70mm wide and 14mm thin. That is genuinely compact — slim enough to slide into the front pocket of jeans without a noticeable bulge. It delivers up to 10 extra hours of talk time and can top up your iPhone, AirPods, and Qi-compatible Apple Watch models all from a single puck. Prices start at $49.99, making it one of the most accessible premium MagSafe-compatible chargers on the market.

It comes in a range of anodized aluminum finishes including Natural, Black, Blush Gold, Sahara Gold, Sky, Sage, and Lavender — each with the same tempered glass top and CNC-machined build quality.

PETL 2 Plus (5,000mAh) — More Power, Still Pocketable

The PETL 2 Plus steps up to a 5,000mAh lithium polymer cell while growing only slightly: 72.5mm wide and 16.2mm thin. That extra 2.2mm of thickness buys you a meaningful capacity upgrade — enough for up to 15 extra hours of talk time and the ability to take most current iPhone models from near-empty to full in a single charge cycle. It supports 15W Qi wireless charging and USB-C passthrough, and carries the same N52 magnet system and premium build as the original. The PETL 2 Plus retails at $74.99 and is currently available in Cosmic Orange and Slate colorways.

For most users who want the best balance of capacity and portability, the PETL 2 Plus hits the practical sweet spot.

How Does the PETL Charger Work?

Using the PETL charger requires zero setup. Here is the complete process:

Take the PETL out of your pocket, bag, or wherever you keep it.
Bring it near the back of your iPhone 12 or later.
The N52 magnets snap it into perfect alignment automatically.
Wireless charging begins immediately.
Check your iPhone's battery widget to see the PETL's charge level at a glance.

That's it. No Bluetooth pairing, no proprietary app, no cable needed. When you want to charge the PETL itself back up, simply plug a USB-C cable into the port on the pack. The passthrough feature even lets you charge both the PETL and your iPhone simultaneously via a single USB-C connection.

What Devices Does the PETL Charger Support?

The PETL is purpose-built for the Apple ecosystem. Here is a breakdown of compatible devices:

iPhone: All MagSafe-compatible iPhones from iPhone 12 through iPhone 16 (and anticipated future models). The magnetic snap works best with this range.
AirPods: Any AirPods model with a wireless charging case can be topped up using the PETL's Qi wireless surface.
Apple Watch: Qi-compatible Apple Watch models can be charged from the PETL's wireless pad.
Any USB-C device: The USB-C passthrough port can also be used to cable-charge other devices when needed.

This multi-device capability is one of the PETL's most practical advantages over single-purpose battery packs. One disc in your pocket can replace multiple charging accessories across your entire Apple lineup.

Why the PETL Charger Stands Out from the Competition

The market for MagSafe-compatible battery packs has grown crowded, with options from Apple, Anker, Belkin, Mophie, and dozens of lesser-known brands. Here is where the PETL differentiates itself in ways that matter day-to-day:

Design That Earns Its Place

Most power banks look like an afterthought. The PETL's circular form factor, anodized aluminum body, and tempered glass top give it a premium aesthetic that complements an iPhone rather than clashing with it. The CNC-machined construction is a genuine differentiator at this price point — you are not carrying a plastic brick.

iOS Battery Widget Integration

The PETL shows up in the iOS battery widget the same way AirPods and Apple Watch do — as a recognized accessory with a real-time battery level. This means you always know how much charge you have left without pressing any buttons or opening any app. It is a small detail that makes a meaningful difference in daily use.

N52 Neodymium Magnets

Not all MagSafe-compatible chargers use the same magnet quality. PETL specifies N52-grade neodymium magnets, which sit at the high end of the consumer neodymium magnet strength scale. A stronger magnetic hold means the pack stays aligned during use — reducing the coil misalignment that is a leading cause of heat buildup and charging inefficiency in lesser wireless chargers.

No App, No Setup, No Friction

Every second you spend fiddling with settings is a second your phone is not charging. PETL removes that friction entirely. Snap it on, it charges. That is the whole experience.

PETL Charger Specs at a Glance

PETL (original): 3,000mAh · 70mm wide · 14mm thin · up to 10 hrs extra talk time · $49.99+
PETL 2 Plus: 5,000mAh · 72.5mm wide · 16.2mm thin · up to 15 hrs extra talk time · 15W Qi wireless · $74.99
Both models: N52 neodymium magnets · CNC-machined aluminum + tempered glass · Qi wireless charging · USB-C passthrough · iOS battery widget support · no app required
Compatible devices: iPhone 12–16, AirPods (wireless case), Qi-compatible Apple Watch
Available colors: Natural, Black, Blush Gold, Sahara Gold, Sky, Sage, Lavender (original) · Cosmic Orange, Slate (2 Plus)

Who Should Buy the PETL Charger?

The PETL charger is an excellent fit for a specific kind of iPhone user — and a genuinely great product for most of them:

Daily commuters who want insurance against a dead battery without carrying a heavy pack.
Apple ecosystem users who carry an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods and want one solution for all three.
Style-conscious buyers who care that their accessories look as considered as their phone.
Minimalists and travelers on short trips who value a slim, pocketable form factor over raw capacity.
Anyone who hates cables and wants a seamless snap-and-charge experience throughout the day.

If you routinely drain multiple phones per day or travel for a week without access to outlets, the PETL 2 Plus's 5,000mAh capacity has you covered for most situations — and for truly extreme use cases, pairing it with PETL's 2-in-1 Keychain Cable (from $19.90) ensures you always have a wired backup.

Where to Buy the PETL Charger

The PETL charger is available exclusively at gopetl.com. The original PETL series starts at $49.99 and the PETL 2 Plus is $74.99. Both models ship directly from PETL. Checking the site for any current discount codes before purchasing is always worthwhile — PETL has run limited-time offers in the past.

If you want the lightest daily carry, start with the original PETL. If you want maximum capacity without sacrificing portability, the PETL 2 Plus in Cosmic Orange or Slate is the one to reach for. Either way, you are getting one of the most refined MagSafe-compatible chargers available today — and one that will make you genuinely forget what life with a cable felt like.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PETL charger?

The PETL charger is a circular, MagSafe-compatible wireless battery pack made by PETL (gopetl.com). It magnetically snaps to the back of any iPhone 12 through iPhone 16, begins charging automatically without cables or apps, and can also top up Apple Watch and AirPods. It comes in two capacities: 3,000mAh (original PETL, starting at $49.99) and 5,000mAh (PETL 2 Plus, $74.99).

Is the PETL charger compatible with my iPhone?

Yes. The PETL charger is compatible with all MagSafe-enabled iPhones — that is iPhone 12 through iPhone 16 and anticipated future models. It uses N52 neodymium magnets to align precisely with the MagSafe magnet array built into those iPhones, so it snaps securely and charges without any manual alignment.

Can the PETL charger charge Apple Watch and AirPods?

Yes. In addition to wirelessly charging your iPhone via MagSafe, both the PETL and PETL 2 Plus can top up AirPods models with a wireless charging case and Qi-compatible Apple Watch models — making one compact disc a complete charging solution for the Apple ecosystem.

What is the difference between the PETL and the PETL 2 Plus?

The original PETL has a 3,000mAh battery, measures 70mm wide and 14mm thin, and offers up to 10 extra hours of talk time, starting at $49.99. The PETL 2 Plus has a larger 5,000mAh battery, measures 72.5mm wide and 16.2mm thin, supports 15W Qi wireless charging, and provides up to 15 extra hours of talk time at $74.99. Both share the same N52 magnets, CNC-machined aluminum body, tempered glass top, and iOS battery widget support.

Does the PETL charger require an app or any setup?

No. The PETL charger requires zero setup, no app download, and no Bluetooth pairing. Simply snap it to the back of your iPhone and charging begins instantly. The PETL's charge level also appears automatically in the iOS battery widget, so you can monitor it at a glance alongside your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

Where can I buy the PETL charger and how much does it cost?

The PETL charger is available exclusively at gopetl.com. The original PETL series starts at $49.99 and the PETL 2 Plus is priced at $74.99. Both ship directly from PETL. The brand has offered limited-time discount codes in the past, so it is worth checking the site for current promotions before purchasing.