I’ve tested dozens of MagSafe accessories, but this new wallet stand is my ideal iPhone companion

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• ESR’s Aura Halo-Lock MagSafe wallet and stand combine style and function at a fair price point.
• The $40 MagSafe wallet stores up to five cards, doubles as a phone stand, includes an ID window, and comes in five colorways.
• If you’re after smaller capacity wallets or more premium materials, you’re better off with other MagSafe cardholders.

What’s the deal? 

The new ESR Aura MagSafe wallet is on sale at Amazon and ESR for $27 ahead of the holiday season. That’s 33% off. 

When I’m not doubled down covering the biggest sales events of the year at ZDNET, I get to spend my days testing out some of the handiest tech gadgets, primarily MagSafe batteries, MagSafe wallets, and other MagSafe accessories. 

My favorite form of testing is using these wallets to store my own essential cards when I’m on-the-go. That’s why you’ll always catch me testing tech while I travel and even on my daily commute. As a New Jersey native who often travels into the office in NYC, I depend on a MagSafe wallet for quick access to my NJ Transit card during my commute, and as a Gen-Z who is glued to my phone, I love a nifty accessory. 

Also: The MagSafe battery pack I carry with me everywhere is 17% off after Cyber Monday

That’s why I couldn’t say no when I got the chance to test ESR’s newest Aura MagSafe wallet. The Aura wallet launched in November, and I was immediately struck by how much it reminded me of two other wallets already ZDNET-tested and loved. ESR, in my opinion, has just leveled up on Satechi’s flagship wallet, and shares similarities with Journey’s Ezmo wallet. 

Like the Satechi wallet, ESR features an ID window, seamless design, and a $40 price point — but has upped the ante. You can store one more card than Satechi’s recommended 4, and ESR’s color options are a little trendier and more varied. To compare the two even further, the ESR wallet has a slightly grainy texture, where Satechi’s wallet is smooth and slick. 

Like Journey’s Ezmo wallet, the ESR Aura has a larger card capacity than most and a strong magnetic hold. Once again, ESR’s color options appeal more to me than Journey’s quiet luxury-esque neutrals. It’s more lightweight and compact than the Journey wallet, and similar in stature to the Satechi wallet, too.   

Also: The best MagSafe wallets you can buy: Expert tested

What I really like about this ESR wallet is that it’s just a tad more functional than Satechi’s option and even more affordable than Journey’s (and sometimes Satechi’s when the ESR is on sale).   

ESR Aura Halo-Lock MagSafe Wallet and Stand feature summary

• Holds up to five cards, features 3 slots
• MagSafe compatible (not compatible with iPhone 12/13 mini)
• Adjustable stand 
• Front notch for quick access
• Clear ID window
• Portrait and landscape viewing 
• Anti-degaussing lining to protect cards from demagnetization
• 3,200 g of holding force, according to ESR 
• Available in five colors on the ESR site: Cream Beige, Bright White, Elephant Gray, Lavender, Pink
• With additional colors in similar ESR models (Vegan Leather Wallet Stand, Grip Wallet Stand, and the Geo Wallet Stand) on Amazon

When I test MagSafe wallets, one of the first things I look for is its ability to store my NJ Transit card up front so I can easily scan it (without dropping it between the tracks). Thankfully, the front notch on the Aura stores it up front and separated from the other cards, making it easy to slide out without dropping it. If you’re looking for a commuter-friendly wallet, I highly recommend choosing the front-notch option.  

Also: I’ve tested dozens of MagSafe wallets on my iPhone, and this is one you should buy

The Aura is also power-packed with storage. With three slots and up to 5 card capacity (which I can confirm is legit), the arrangements inside feel endless. 

The best part of this wallet, however, is the phone stand. It makes it easy to prop up my phone in portrait or landscape mode at the office or at home, and it’s the ultimate sidekick for holiday cooking and baking on the counter. I successfully made the TikTok-viral Tini’s Mac and Cheese while using this phone stand to prop up the recipe, so it’s a tested winner. It’s also great for stabilizing your hand while taking timer pictures. 

Also: The best MagSafe wallet I’ve tested is not made by Apple or Anker

The magnetic connection, which ESR says is up to 3,200 g of holding force, rivals that of other top-tested picks, like the Satechi wallet. It’s secure enough to hold onto my iPhone 14 Pro, and while I don’t recommend doing this, it didn’t even budge while I held it suspended from its hinged end. Seriously, it didn’t even come off when I attempted to whip my phone out of my hand (again, please don’t try this at home).   

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you can snag the ESR Aura wallet on sale, it’s a no-brainer purchase, in my opinion. It offers a highly competitive balance of features compared to other options on the market for a competitive price. Even if you can’t grab it on sale, $40 is still reasonably-priced with other top-tested options, like the Satechi wallet stand. 

If you want something sleeker, smaller, or more premium, consider cardholders that can store 1-2 cards or other wallet designs. One of my favorite slim options is the Moft MagSafe wallet stand, which comes in over 20 colors, and for larger storage needs or a traditional wallet feel, I like the Journey Ezmo wallet. 

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