MacTalk
May 2024
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet review: an all-in-one Find My wallet
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet review
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet
4.0 / 5
Finding the perfect wallet is challenging, but Journey’s Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet checks nearly all the boxes by acting as an iPhone stand with Find My and MagSafe.
Accessory makers are usually faced with the problem of finding a balance between features without creating a toaster fridge. Journey managed to thread the needle with a wallet that offers several functions other than just holding cards.
I’ve struggled with having the contradicting desires of wanting a minimalist wallet while supporting features like MagSafe and Find My. Solving this has manifested in things like the Snapback wallet with a built-in AirTag holder or Veci MagSafe wallet with AirTag.
The closest balance of features ended up being a full-sized 2-in-1 bifold that had a removable MagSafe wallet and space for an AirTag card holder. It is a compromise that still sacrifices findability when using the MagSafe section.
That’s why the Journey Loc8 Wallet caught my attention. It uses Apple’s Find My network, has MagSafe, and is as minimal as possible given these features.
After a few months of use, I think I’ve found a new favorite, though not without different compromises.
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet review — Design and features
Journey isn’t the first company to introduce a MagSafe wallet with a hinge. However, it is unique because it includes a Find My network tracker.
It’s made from water-resistant vegan leather that fits five cards. The wide opening on the front holds three cards, and there are two slots on the inside.
The wallet is divided in half by a hinge that is strong enough to support the iPhone when using the wallet as a stand. Since the iPhone can attach via MagSafe, it can sit in a portrait or landscape orientation while being held upright.
The Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet gets its name from the second half of the device. This side doesn’t hold cards, instead, it houses the Find My tracking technology, speaker, battery, charger, and MagSafe magnets.
A button that is used for pairing is obscured in the bottom left. The internal battery is recharged via a small four-pin magnetic connector.
Separating the components this way likely prevents issues with overheating or magnetic interference. The cards are easy to access from the dedicated sleeves on one side, while all of the technology stays on the other.
The build quality is quite nice, comparable to Apple’s MagSafe Wallet or Veci’s. The vegan leather is soft to the touch, and the one logo is tucked away where the magnets are, so it’s not visible when attached.
Size and weight
The Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet seems to have it all — MagSafe, Find My, and an iPhone stand. However, it’s not quite the perfect minimalist wallet, thanks to its size.
When choosing a wallet, some compromises will need to be made in size or technology. Personally, I’d love to see a thin-as-possible wallet designed without the hinge while keeping Find My and MagSafe.
That said, the hinge and two-half design at least has a functional purpose. That is why I’m willing to compromise on the thickness and weight.
For comparison’s sake, I weighed several wallets I had on hand. Weights represent the wallet plus an AirTag or AirTag holder as applicable. Apple’s MagSafe Wallet has space for neither.
- Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet — 80g
- Snapback wallet, no MagSafe with AirTag — 22g
- Veci Wallet, MagSafe with AirTag — 38g
- Veci 2-in-1 bifold, with MagSafe, AirTag, AirTag holder — 156g
- Apple MagSafe Wallet, no AirTag — 32g
Given these measurements, it’s clear that the Journey wallet lands somewhere in the middle.
It’s not as versatile as the Veci 2-in-1, but it’s also half the weight. It’s not as light as the Snapback wallet but has MagSafe and a stand.
To reiterate, whenever a wallet company can find a way to have MagSafe and Find My in a wallet built like Apple’s MagSafe wallet, it’ll likely be a perfect product. Journey’s option is an interesting entry into the space and one bigger than I’d like, but not as massive or heavy as a full bifold.
It is about a half-inch thick, twice the thickness of Apple’s Wallet. That’s not a terrible thickness, but it bulges out in a front pocket.
Using the Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet
The Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet might be a mouthful of a name, but it does what it says. It’s got a strong MagSafe connection, acts as a great always-on-you iPhone stand, can be found with Find My, and holds cards.
The Find My offered is basic since the Journey Wallet doesn’t have Ultra Wideband. Third-party accessories in Find My have a “get directions” action in the Find My app, not a “Find” action.
Depending on where the wallet is, this version of Find My can get you within several yards at least or a city block at most. Luckily, you should remember where you were in that area to narrow it down.
If the wallet still can’t be found, it can play a 90-decibel sound as long as you’re within Bluetooth range. The sound is kind of a happy trill, similar to classic ringtones.
The internal battery powering the Find My system and speaker needs to be recharged about every six months. It’s a proprietary charger, so keeping it somewhere obvious, like a nightstand, is important to prevent loss.
I tend to keep the wallet in my pocket until I’m somewhere, like a restaurant or grocery store, where the wallet is needed. I then take it out and attach it to the iPhone.
Using the Journey Wallet instead of something like the Veci 2-in-1 fits my lifestyle better. I don’t carry cash, and I only need two cards at most, but the bonus debit card comes in handy sometimes.
A feature-filled utility wallet
Journey has an interesting ecosystem of Find My compatible products like the Loc8 wallet. Its ability to explore different form factors to meet different user needs makes it a good choice for customers.
I’ve also been sent the Journey Passport wallet, Finder Card, and Finder Fob. While none are as capable as an AirTag, they fill a product space that’s otherwise missing.
The Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet will be my go-to wallet for some time, but if I want to be more formal, I might use the Veci 2-in-1 with a Journey Finder Card. That’s the nature of having an ecosystem like Journey’s — you’re not limited to a single product or form factor the way Apple’s AirTag forces you to be.
Buying a wallet is a very personal decision. I can’t say the Journey wallet will be a great choice for everyone, but it is an excellent wallet that performs all of its advertised features well.
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet – Pros
- Has several features and does them all well
- Good design, sturdy magnets, loud Find My speaker
- Holds up to five cards
- Lots of functionality for its size
Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet – Cons
- Twice as thick as other options due to extra features
- Recharges via proprietary connector every six months — danger of losing the cable
Rating: 4 out of 5
Journey has a great wallet with the Loc8. It offers plenty of features in a compact form factor that may still be too big for some.
Where to buy the Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet
Get the Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet for $89.99 from Journey. The Loc8 Passport Finder Wallet is $99.99 from Journey.
The Loc8 Finder Card is $24.99 from Journey. The Loc8 Finder Fob is also $24.99 from Journey.
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