Andrew O'Hara
There are so many MagSafe chargers now, it's hard to find the best. Here's what we've tested for your iPhone and Apple Watch.
In our roundup, we're focusing on primarily multi chargers, usually 3-in-1 designs, that are exceptional in a crowded market. They're all certified, either MagSafe or Qi2.
MagSafe and Qi2 are very similar, with the latter being based on Apple's MagSafe tech. They both deliver up to 15W of power and use magnets to hold the device in proper alignment.
If you want to learn more about the differences, we've done a whole explainer. Otherwise, here are our current favorites.
Journey Glyde
Journey has recently launched Glyde, a 3-in-1 wireless charger. It looks chunky at first glance, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
On top, you'll see the MagSafe compatible Qi2 pad with 15W of wireless power. Next to it is a smaller Qi pad for your AirPods.
The Journey Glyde opens up to reveal a hidden Apple Watch puck with fast chargingWith a push, it slides to the side, revealing a hidden Apple Watch charger below. This metal-encased watch puck supports fast charging and can lay flat, depending on the Apple Watch band you're using.
The sliding feature is nice, but it's not worth recognition on its own. What pulls it ahead further is that it has a built-in 10,000 mAh battery.
The Glyde also has a 10KmAh battery to power you up on the go or during a power outageIt's perfect because while you use it on your desk or nightstand, the internal battery remains topped off and ready to go. Then when you leave, you take it with you and you have emergency power.
This is a fantastic option for hotels, Airbnbs, or camping where you may or may not have power by your bedside. It's very unique and the only way it could be better, is if the magnetic puck was able to tilt up into StandBy mode.
It's available from Journey for $169.99.
Hyper Qi2 4-in-1
That brings us to Hyper and its Qi2 4-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand. After the original model was so well received, Hyper updated its 4-in-1 charger.
The updated Hyper 4-in-1 charges an extra device and folds up for travelIt can charge two Qi devices on the bottom (10W and 5W), a MagSafe-compatible device on top, and your Apple Watch. All at once.
Best of all, it folds flat. So you can use it bedside or on your desk, then fold it down to bring with you.
The new model switched to Qi2, tilts, and supports fast charge for Apple WatchOn this new model, Hyper moved away from official MagSafe to Qi2, made the magnetic puck tillable, and added a fast charging Apple Watch puck. All largely improve the product.
We also like how this can be powered over USB-C, or you can pick up a standard barrel connector and use that instead. You have a choice, based on what you have on-hand.
Amazon has the updated charger for $159.99.
Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe
Twelve South has recently had its MagSafe chargers highlighted by Apple in its keynotes, giving them some much-needed visibility. While there are various options to consider, we love the HiRise 3 Deluxe.
The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe looks so niceIn the box is a 36W power adapter that includes several international tips. It is a barrel connector instead of USB-C, but it's nice that it's included and compact.
The charger is narrow and deep with the Apple Watch puck in the front and an extra Qi charger in the back. The top and the bottom are covered in a very soft vegan leather.
The upper magnetic puck is adjustable, tilting forward or back to help you find the right position. Similarly, the Apple Watch puck can lay flat, or pivot up to support Nightstand mode and different bands.
It has a soft vegan leather on all materials with a metal frameIt also perfectly supports Standby mode when you place your phone horizontally. The Qi charger on the back does up to 7.5W, whether for a second phone or for your earbuds.
The all black look and quality materials made this an easy choice to put on our list. Pick it up from Twelve South for $129 on sale.
Nomad Stand One Max
Nomad is another well-known accessory maker and they have a few 3-in-1 chargers out there. Our favorite is the recently-launched Stand One Max.
Nomad keeps updating its chargers. This one uses Qi2 and a fast charge Apple Watch puckThis one is super hefty with an all metal base with silicone and glass surfaces above. It gives it this innate premium feel as well as helps keep the charger in place when you remove your phone.
On this updated model, they moved the Apple Watch charger to the bottom. It was previously jutting out from the top, blocking StandBy mode.
This lets you use your watch in Nightstand mode when placed horizontally on the bottom. Plus, it now supports fast charging.
The updated model moved the watch charger lower to support StandByThe new Qi2 pad is color-matched to the body, and easily works with StandBy to turn it into a smart display or alarm clock. The last Qi pad is located behind the Apple Watch for your AirPods.
It will run you $150 directly from Nomad.
ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 with CryoBoost
As mentioned, all of these chargers are Qi2 or MagSafe, meaning up to 15W of peak wireless power. But that's peak power, and not necessarily what it gets the whole time.
The ESR charger uses an internal fan to keep the temperature down while chargingBut what really limits your charging speed, is the heat. They can all do 15W max, but if they get hot, they have to slow down.
That's how the ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 with Cryoboost plans to set itself apart. It promises to increase charging speed with the same amount of power.
This is the only one on our list that uses active cooling to help reduce temperatures. When the phone and charger stay cooler, it's able to keep the charging wattage higher.
You can even game on your iPhone while maintaining performance and chargingIf you've ever used your phone while trying to charge it, you know how warm it gets. You could place your iPhone on the ESR charger and game while still keeping the phone cool and charging.
As an added benefit, the Apple Watch puck is removable. It's USB-C and can be taken with you or plugged into any other charger, your Mac, or your iPad in order to fast charge your Apple Watch.
Amazon has the latest ESR charger for $69.99.
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 portable charger
Finally, a brand many have likely heard of - Anker. This is the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 portable puck.
It's a compact charger that can easily slip into your pocket or bag. It wraps up into a little UFO-shaped pod and then unrolls to charge.
This small charger is great for travelIt's largely silicone with three individual parts. One for your phone at 15W, one for your watch, and one for your earbuds at 5W.
If needed, it can wrap up backwards to turn into a small stand. This lets it be used in landscape mode for gaming or watching videos or it can charge in StandBy mode at night.
It unfolds to charge three devices or it can fold to support StandBy modeThe only downside is that it can't charge the Apple Watch while in StandBy mode. This is fine for us, because we usually wear our watch to bed for sleep tracking anyway.
It's available on Amazon for $89.99.
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Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
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Wesley Hilliard
6 Comments
Many of us have only an iPhone; no watch, no ear plugs. You failed miserably on that!
Secondly, MagSafe charging does work great on a charger while 'hanging' in the air, BUT...with a case, mostly not.
It will fall off. With a case, however, it will charge reliably while laying flat on a MagSafe charger.
You failed miserably on that also!
Nice overview of several higher-end 3-in-1 models. The only thing I would add is that some models work better than others based on where and for what purpose you are using a 3-in-1 charging station to begin with. There are subtle usability details that you only discover after using them for a little while. I've probably tried a half-dozen or more and I've found that my first impression doesn't always hold true for the long run.
For example, my so-far favorite charging station for my desktop workstation is very similar to the Hyper Qi2 4-in-1 in terms of form factor, but without the folding capability. The things that make it my favorite include it being rather robust, constructed with a lot of metal, and is heavy. It doesn't move around my desk or move when I place my devices on it. When I pull my iPhone 14 Pro Max off the charging stand it doesn't have any separation anxiety and releases in one-handed fashion. If you regularly use your iPhone while it's on the charging station, which I do very often, you don't want the phone to move around when you tough the screen. A robust and heavyweight charging stand does not really travel well, especially if the charger does not fold into a more compact form. Some of the things that make my stationary charging station a joy to use on my desk keep it from being a viable charging station candidate for travel.
Looking at 3-in-1 charging stands intended for travel I'm willing to compromise on one-handed operation for the sake of lightning my travel load and saving space. However, I have found that some 3-in-1 charging stations with hinges sometimes lose the tension in their hinges and everything gets a bit sloppy over extended use. Charging stations have movable charging pads and sometimes the charging pads get loose as well. The way the folding feature works is very important. If the unfolded orientation depends of the tension of a hinge alone, rather than a hard mechanical stop, it is more likely to get loose with use unless there is a way to adjust the tension on the hinge.
At this point in the evolution of charging stations it's an absolute must-have for me that they support iPhone standby mode. Supporting the Apple Watch's similar night stand feature is helpful, but I can overlook this feature if the iPhone can be placed on the charging station for Standby mode. This allows me to use the iPhone as a nightstand clock, music or ambiance sounds source, and wake alarm. The iPhones that support Standby mode provide settings to dim the screen and use low contrast fonts and images when the room lights are out.
Speaking of lights, make sure that any charging station you buy for bedside use doesn't have a big honking LED pilot light or charging state light on it. These multi-device charging stations may seem like a novelty to some people, but having the ability to charge all of your personal devices with a single power cord is a great thing, especially if you're not a fan of cable clutter.
Isn't an Aluminium built qi2 certified and probably most affordable qi2 certified 3in1 stand should be on the list? https://zyrontech.com.au/products/apple-charging-station-3in1