The ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) comes with an attractive price tag. It costs $39.99 / £35.99 / AU$59.99, making it more affordable compared to many alternatives. This gives it an edge in the market. In terms of specifications, it offers a total power output of 15W, capable of charging one device at a time. It features a USB-C port for power input and a MagSafe wireless charging system. With a weight of 5.5oz / 156g and dimensions of 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches / 80 x 80 x 32mm, it strikes a balance between functionality and portability.
Available directly from ESR or at Amazon, this charger provides convenience. On the ESR website, it is available in black, while at Amazon (US only), it also comes in grey and titanium colors. The front face of the charger measures 3.1 x 3.1 inches / 80 x 80mm, which initially seemed a bit oversized. However, when placed with an iPhone 12 Pro or an iPhone 13 Pro, it doesn't overly stand out. Nevertheless, personal preferences may vary, and some might prefer a smaller and less obvious charger.
The ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) comes with two convenient attachment options. It includes a sticky pad for applying it to the dashboard and a separate clip-on attachment for fixing it onto air vents. The clip is stiff to open but can be managed to slide it on. It also has a handy stability arm that folds down, preventing it from bouncing around during driving. This is a feature that not all in-car chargers offer, adding to its usability.
When powered through a USB-C cable connected to the car's cigarette lighter, the charger works efficiently. However, like the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 tested earlier, the hanging cable from the bottom of the charging pad can be a bit obtrusive, sometimes interfering with the dash controls. In such cases, using stick-on cable tidy clips can be a practical solution.
During my commute, which is filled with potholes and aggressive speed bumps, the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) proved to be a reliable companion. It held my phone tightly and maintained its position valiantly. When charging an iPhone 13 Pro, it was able to reach 40% from 0% in half an hour. This is impressive as it charged the phone an extra 10% compared to the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 during the same time frame. It's worth noting that while charging, the phone does get warm, which is a common occurrence with some wireless chargers. ESR has addressed this with the release of another charging set with CryoBoost at an additional cost.
Overall, despite the minor drawbacks like dust gathering and the phone getting warm during charging, the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) is a fast-charging and reliable in-car charger. If you're in the market for a MagSafe charger for in-car or on-the-go use, it's definitely worth considering. Check out our pick of the best wireless chargers for more options.