STM MagLoop
Summary
The STM Goods MagLoop is an outstanding MagSafe accessory that makes holding an iPhone or standing one up, a much better, and more shareable experience, than the stick-to-the-phone-or-case alternatives.
STM MagLoop Review
First, there were sticky things that adhered to the back of your phone to help you hold it. They popped out and propped up, looped and chained, advertised affiliations and…they wore out, broke off, and stopped you from wirelessly charging your phone. Apple’s MagSafe created an alternative to the little adhesive doodads and Australia’s STM Goods has made one of the best magnetic loops on the market with MagLoop.
What we like
it’s magnetic. That means removable without rubbing away adhesive on your phone or case with Goo Gone. Simply point the $29.95 STM MagLoop at the back of the phone and it will click into place. The hinge includes an arrow. Point that up. That’s it. Because it’s a ring, the STM logo as arrow is not involatile, and for vertical orientated FaceTime, you will want to slip the ring so the arrow points down.
Unlike adhesive finger loops, this removes as easily as it connects. Just pull. The need to pull is good because that resistance equates to a sense that your phone is safe when attached to nothing but a magnet.
But like those adhesive finger loops it replaces, the MagLoop offers multiple functions. An internal silicon loop acts as the finger loop when holding the phone. It works great for extra stability when shooting an Instagram selfie or TikTok video.
The more solid outer ring acts as a kickstand in vertical or horizontal orientations. It works just as well in either orientation though my testing found the phone more stable in the horizontal position (see notes in What could be improved for more on the hinge in vertical orientation).
And finally, as though to put an exclamation point on the MagLoop’s sturdy core, it also acts as a bottle opener—meaning the meta ring under the plastic casing can take some strain.
One important value point STM fails to mention in their product literature is sharing. Because the MagLoop is magnetic, if you find a friend struggle-busing to prop their phone up between a dusty dictionary and a pack of mylar wrapped Pop-Tarts, offer them your MagLoop as a more functional alternative.
Requires iPhone 12 or newer. Also works with non-MagSafe phones that have been outfitted with a MagSafe adapter (such as these mophie snap adapters). Best magnetic requires a naked iPhone or an iPhone with a MagSafe case, or one with an adapter.
What could be improved
The stand feature is good, but I have some concerns about the hinge in a vertical orientation. In the horizontal position, the hinge is perpendicular to the phone—in the vertical orientation the hinge sits parallel to the phone with gravity pulling on it. Over time the hinge may wear the point that the hinge opens up under the weight of the phone. You can also see the hinge move if you pick up the phone by the stand ring. I’ll leave it to STM to see what they can do about improved resistance to gravity and better use of friction.
Given that the adhesive finger loops and pop-out stands evolved to capture all types of personality and branding, I think STM should consider additional colors beyond grey and blank. They may also want to eliminate the bottle opening in favor of a branding disk.
I have not had the MagLoop detach in practice, but I have to say, I would not dangle my phone over the Grand Canyon on any magnetize accessory. STM specifically says this on the Amazon description, but not the product page. The parenthetical on their Amazon page (which reads: Magnetic attachment holds firm but is not intended to suspend phone or protect against drops) should be more prominent on their webpage and on the packaging.
As for packaging, I would like to see the elimination of the plastic window, a recyclable blister pack (or a more sustainable replacement), and a cardboard retail hanger. Eliminating the reveal flap would also cut down on paper. The company could print the image of the STM MagLoop in use where the window now resides.
STM MagLoop: The Bottom Line
The STM Goods MagLoop is an outstanding MagSafe accessory that makes holding an iPhone or standing one up, a much better, and more shareable experience, than the stick-to-the-phone-or-case alternatives.
STM Goods provided the MagLoop for review. Images courtesy of STM Goods.
Serious Insights is an Amazon Affiliate. Clicking on an Amazon link may result in a payment to Serious Insights.
For more serious insights on hardware and accessories click here.
The STM MagLoop is a fantastic MagSafe accessory! It’s magnetic, removable, and doubles as a kickstand and bottle opener—making it a great tech addition alongside Smart Watches. A perfect blend of functionality and convenience!