CNN Tested the Best Phone Accessories: Here's Where Phone Loops Ranked

CNN Underscored just dropped their roundup of the best MagSafe accessories, and if you've been following the phone accessory space, you already know the competition is stiff. Wallets, grips, mounts, chargers: the MagSafe ecosystem has grown fast. So where do Phone Loops straps fit in that picture? Spoiler: not quite where you'd expect, but in a way that actually works better for daily carry.

What CNN's Best MagSafe Accessories List Actually Tells You

CNN Underscored doesn't rank things casually. Their best-tested lists go through real-world use, side-by-side comparisons, and editorial review before anything makes the cut. When they publish a MagSafe accessories roundup, it's a clear signal: this category has officially arrived.

The MagSafe ecosystem started with Apple's own lineup of wallets and chargers, then quickly opened up to third-party accessories. By 2026, you can find MagSafe-compatible grips, mounts, cases, wallets, and straps from dozens of brands. A ranking from a publication like CNN helps cut through the noise.

What stands out across top-performing MagSafe accessories in editorial roundups like this one? A few consistent themes: reliability of the magnetic connection, versatility of use, and real-world durability over weeks of daily wear. The accessories that rank highest tend to solve a specific problem without adding bulk or complexity.

Phone Loops straps don't use a magnet. The adhesive anchor attaches directly to the back of any case, which means it works alongside MagSafe cases without interfering with the magnetic ring. You snap on your MagSafe charger at night, slip your wrist through the Phone Loops strap during the day. The two coexist without compromise.

That's the core distinction between Phone Loops straps and the magnetic grip accessories that tend to dominate MagSafe rankings. Magnetic grips are convenient, but they require a MagSafe-compatible surface and they're largely locked into the Apple ecosystem. Phone Loops works on any phone, any case, any setup. That's a different value proposition, and for a lot of buyers, it's the stronger one.

Which Phone Loops Strap Works With MagSafe Cases

The Phone Leash is a wrist strap, fine-woven polyester, low-key, barely there. It sticks to your case via a tiny adhesive anchor and just wraps around your wrist. That's it. Sits flat when you don't need it, doesn't bulk up your case, works on basically anything including MagSafe-compatible cases.

The Phone Strap is the finger-loop version of the same thing. Same material, same anchor system, different wear style. And then there's the Silicone Phone Strap if you want something with a bit of stretch, which people tend to grab for heavier use.

Here's the thing: none of these block MagSafe. The anchor sits on the back of your case, nowhere near the magnetic ring. You charge wirelessly, attach a MagSafe wallet, snap a car mount on, all of it works exactly like it normally would. The strap just lives on your case. MagSafe lives on the ring. They don't fight.

Compare that to a MagSafe grip. Those attach directly to the magnetic ring itself, so every time you want to charge wirelessly or switch to a different MagSafe accessory, you're pulling it off. Every single time. With Phone Loops, you're never fumbling with anything. The strap stays put. Your magnetic attachments work as intended. No extra steps, no compromise.

How Phone Loops Straps Hold Up Against Top-Ranked MagSafe Grips

Most tech reviewers evaluate phone accessories the same way: build quality, ease of use, compatibility, value. Phone Loops scores on all four.

Build quality. The straps use fine-woven polyester or silicone, depending on the model. Both survive daily abuse without fraying or losing shape. The adhesive anchor is medical-grade and bonds to your case clean, peels off without residue. Budget grips feel temporary. These don't.

Ease of use is where the gap widens. Magnetic grips need removal for wireless charging, realignment when you reattach, and constant negotiation with MagSafe wallets or car mounts. Phone Loops sticks to your case once. Then it just works. No daily adjustments, no charging friction, no extra thought.

Compatibility favors Phone Loops completely. MagSafe grips top out at iPhone 12 and newer. Phone Loops works on any phone with a case, any brand, any OS, any age. If you switch phones often or want one strap across multiple devices, this is the win.

Value. MagSafe grips run $30 to $60. Phone Loops comes in lower, works on more phones, and doesn't restrict charging. If you don't specifically need magnetic mounting, the choice is clear.

If you're deep in MagSafe and want a grip that snaps to your desk mount and car, get the MagSafe version. If you want a strap that stays on your phone without creating work, Phone Loops is the simpler answer.

For Daily Carry, Phone Loops Beats the MagSafe Grip Category

The thing about editorial rankings is they're built for people comparing products in the same category. A CNN MagSafe accessories list? That's products using the MagSafe connection as their main hook. Phone Loops isn't really in that conversation.

MagSafe grips solve mounting. You snap one on when you need grip, swap it for a wallet before you leave, dock it in the car. The magnet is the whole point.

Phone Loops solves attachment. Keep your phone on your wrist. Keep it in your hand without death-gripping it. Keep it with you, period. The adhesive anchor and MagSafe coexist on the same case, but that's where the resemblance ends.

Most people don't swap their phone strap throughout the day. You put it on your case and it's there. You grab your phone, the strap follows. A MagSafe grip? You're managing that. Swapping it, repositioning it, thinking about it. Different habit entirely.

The people who land on Phone Loops through a MagSafe ranking usually realize halfway through the comparisons that they don't actually want a magnetic grip. They want something that stops their phone from hitting the ground. That's what we built.

If you commute, go to the gym, wrangle kids, shoot photos, if you've ever felt your phone slip: the wrist strap isn't optional for you. The MagSafe grip is a nice desk thing. Phone Loops is what you actually need.

Setting Up Phone Loops on a MagSafe Case (The Right Way)

If you're coming to Phone Loops from a MagSafe-first setup, here's exactly how the pairing works in practice.

Start with a MagSafe-compatible case. Any case with a MagSafe ring works: Apple's, Spigen, Casetify, ESR, most major brands. You don't need a new one.

Attach the Phone Loops anchor to the back of your case. It's a small rectangular adhesive pad. Place it off-center, lower-left or lower-right, so it doesn't cover the MagSafe ring. That keeps your charging and wallet attachments clear.

Let the adhesive set for a few hours before heavy use. After 24 hours it's fully set.

Here's the key part: your MagSafe setup works exactly the same. Wallets snap on magnetically. Chargers connect with no interference. Car mounts dock the same as always. The Phone Loops anchor just sits beside it all.

The strap threads through the anchor, giving you a wrist loop or finger loop depending on which model you picked. Want to change the strap color or adjust the length? Just swap the strap. The anchor stays on the case.

For iPhone Air owners, the adhesive bonds directly to the glass, so you can skip the case if you want. Attach the anchor straight to your phone back. Keep the thin profile and run Phone Loops bare.

FAQ

Do Phone Loops straps work with MagSafe charging?

The anchor attaches to the back of your case, away from the MagSafe ring. Your charger, wallet, and mounts all work like before. The strap and MagSafe don't interfere with each other.

How does Phone Loops compare to MagSafe grips tested by CNN?

MagSafe grips are built for modular mounting: snap on, snap off, swap between mounts and wallets. Phone Loops is built for daily carry: a wrist or finger strap that keeps your phone attached to you all day without swapping or charging conflicts. They solve different problems. If you want a strap that lives on your case and never needs to come off, Phone Loops is the stronger choice.

Is Phone Loops compatible with non-MagSafe phones?

Phone Loops works with basically any phone case, no MagSafe required. The anchor adheres straight to the case material. So whether you're rocking an iPhone, Android, or something older, you're all set.

Which Phone Loops product is elastic?

The Silicone Phone Strap is our only elastic model. The Phone Leash and fabric Phone Strap are both fine-woven polyester, no stretch, no flex.

Does the Phone Loops anchor damage a MagSafe case?

No. It sticks tight when you're wearing it and peels off clean without leaving residue on your case. Place the anchor on the lower back, away from the MagSafe ring, so your MagSafe accessories work just fine.

Find your Phone Loops strap at phoneloops.com and keep your phone where it belongs.