7 Best Apple Charging Stations 2024, Reviewed by Editors
<p class=”body-dropcap”>Along with my car keys and <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/advice/g1455/best-wallets-for-men-shopping-guide/” target=”_blank”>wallet</a> (<a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g40027046/best-airtag-wallets/” target=”_blank”>AirTag Wallet</a> when I travel), my everyday carry consists of an <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g44713214/iphone-buying-guide/” target=”_blank”>iPhone</a>, an <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g36008308/luxury-apple-watch-bands/” target=”_blank”>Apple Watch</a>, and <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a60177865/amazon-spring-sale-airpods-deals-2024/” target=”_blank”>AirPods</a>. These devices are my lifeline. It’s how I communicate, <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g3531/best-smartwatches-for-men/” target=”_blank”>track</a> my <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/health/a38684543/amazon-home-gym-workout-equipment-sale/” target=”_blank”>workouts</a>, and listen to podcasts. But keeping them charged can be fucking annoying, especially when I have to juggle multiple cables and wall chargers. That’s why someone came up with the idea of charging stations. They offer an elegant, versatile solution for keeping my Apple devices powered while eliminating the annoyance of cable clutter for good.</p><p>Apple charging stations streamline your routine by ditching the mess of tangled wires—simply place your devices on their designated pads and wake up to fully charged <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/cars/a45572957/the-2023-esquire-gadget-awards/” target=”_blank”>gadgets</a>. With technologies like <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g43530083/best-magsafe-wallets/” target=”_blank”>MagSafe</a> and Qi2 (the new inductive-charging standard), Apple charging stations support fast charging and a strong magnetic connection for precise alignment. Meanwhile, many of our favorite picks prop your phone up at a convenient viewing angle, so you can use them as you would a <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a38283602/loftie-alarm-clock-review-endorsement/” target=”_blank”>bedside clock</a>.<br></p><p>Now that every newly available iPhone supports wireless charging (except the budget-minded iPhone SE), there are more charging stations than ever in various sizes, shapes, and price points. The main differences between them are their layout and how many devices each can charge simultaneously. Whether you need your devices powered at your <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g33806651/best-work-from-home-desks/” target=”_blank”>desk</a> or on your <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g42926994/best-nightstands/” target=”_blank”>nightstand</a>, a charging station is a must-have accessory for anyone who owns multiple Apple devices. These are our favorites.</p>”/>
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Anker
Most Elegant Apple Charging Station
Nomad Base One Max
Nomad has a reputation for making some of the best-looking tech accessories out there, and the brand’s Base One Max is the pinnacle of well-designed wireless charging stations. It’s crafted with metal and glass and features a satisfying heft, so it stays firmly planted on the surface where it’s placed. This ensures stability when grabbing your phone and exudes a sense of quality and sophistication that complements any modern workspace or nightstand.
While the build quality of the Base One Max is undeniable, its premium design comes at a premium price. It’s by far the most expensive option on this list, making it a statement piece for those who really care about the quality of the things they buy. It’s also worth noting that the Base One Max is the only charging station on this list that doesn’t come with a bundled wall adapter, further adding to the cost.
Maximum Power Output
15W
Bundled Power Adapter
No
Warranty
2 years
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Most Compact 3-in-1 Charging Station
Anker 737 MagGo Charger
Pros
Super-compact 3-in-1 design
Comes with 30W USB-C charger
Cons
Gets hot when in use for a long time
Anker has long been the king of compact gadgets, but recently the company outdid itself. Using every inch of space afforded to it as space to charge a device, the 737 MagGo Charger is the type of thing I’m talking about when I ask for a compact charger.
Whether cluttered nightstand space is your issue, or you need something for throwing in a backpack and taking on the go, this charger checks the box of being small and taking up very little room. In terms of power, it’s just as beefy as every other charger on this list. It’s more or less just as fast too.
Maximum power output
15W
Bundled Power Adapter
Yes
Warranty
18 months
Best Apple Wireless Charger for Nightstand Mode.
Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand
Pros
Hide-able watch charger
Compact design
Cons
A little top-heavy
One of the (many) iPhone features you may not even know you have is StandBy mode. Default StandBy, aka nightstand mode, turns your phone into a clock when it’s charging, horizontal, and idle. When attached to a MagSafe charger, it makes checking your phone for the time a whole lot easier—plus you can customize your StandBy to add widgets you might actually use.
The best charging stand I’ve found for both nightstand mode and use at my desk is the one from Satechi. The foldable neck is great for getting that perfect resting angle for your phone. Plus, the nifty Apple Watch charger on the back flips up and out of your way when it’s not in use. A lot of really smart design choices make this a great charging stand.
Maximum power output
15W
Bundled power adapter
Yes
Warranty
1 Year
Best Apple Charging Tray
Courant MAG:3 Charging Tray
Pros
Gorgeous in leather
Space for wallet, watches, and other essentials
Cons
Technically just a 2-in-1 with an extra output port
I’m cheating a bit with this one, but so is Courant. This wireless charging tray is a personal nightstand favorite. It’s technically a 2-in-1 charging tray, but it rocks an extra USB-C out to connect an extra charging cable for a smartwatch or any other compatible device like an Oura Ring.
Mostly, I love the MAG:3 charging tray because it looks beautiful and classy on my nightstand and has room for my other miscellaneous items like my glasses case and wallet. It looks nice in linen, but the upgraded leather finish is truly where it’s at.
Maximum power output
7.5W (left), 5W (right)
Bundled power adapter
Yes
Warranty
1 year
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Most Adjustable Apple Charging Station
Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe
Pros
Space-saving design
Adjustable MagSafe pad
Apple Watch pad can flip up or lie flat
Cons
Barrel plug is less versatile than USB-C
The best charging stations generally take up a lot of horizontal space, whether standing upright or lying flat. Twelve South’s HiRise 3 Deluxe is a more vertical station, making it a compact solution to save space on your nightstand. Instead of arranging its charging pads side by side, Twelve South’s 3-in-1 arranges them in a front-to-back configuration (Apple Watch in front, iPhone in the middle, and AirPods in the back). The idea is to save as much space as possible.
In addition to its space-saving design, the HiRise 3 Deluxe’s MagSafe pad for the iPhone has 35 degrees of adjustment, allowing you to find the best viewing angle. Other charging stations have a fixed MagSafe pad, so you’re stuck with the angle you’re given. Meanwhile, the charging pad for the Apple Watch can sit flat or flip up, so you can use it with various watch straps. These thoughtful features elevate the experience, making the HiRise 3 Deluxe perfect for conserving space.
Key Specs
Maximum power output
15W
Bundled power adapter
Yes
Warranty
1 year
What to Consider When Buying an Apple Charging Station
While many wireless charging stations might look similar, key features differentiate them and impact your charging experience. To ensure you get the most out of your purchase, here are the criteria we considered when grading wireless charging stations.
Flat or Elevated: Every setup is different, so the charging station you choose has to work for your specific needs. Consider how you’ll use your devices and where you’ll keep the charger (e.g., your desk or nightstand). Elevated charging stands are ideal for a desk because they display your devices and allow you to keep an eye on notifications or glance at the time throughout the day. Horizontal chargers, on the other hand, are excellent for nightstands. They offer a clean and minimalist look that blends into the surroundings. Since your devices will likely be resting overnight, a horizontal charging station provides a convenient solution when you don’t need to always see your device’s screen.
Power Output: There’s no denying the convenience of wireless charging. Unfortunately, it’s not the quickest way to replenish your devices. That’s why it’s important to consider the wattage when choosing the charging station that’s right for you. We recommend a charging station that’s MagSafe certified or equipped with new Qi2 technology, ensuring the fastest possible wireless charging speeds of 15 watts for your iPhone.
Also, take note of whether the charging station comes with a power adapter. While many of our picks come with a 30-watt charger, some big-name offerings require you to buy one separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Qi and MagSafe?
Qi charging is the industry standard for wireless charging tech. If you care, we are currently on Qi2, which is a significant step up in power from 5 watts to 15 watts. Qi works with all devices that support wireless charging, unlike MagSafe.
MagSafe is proprietary and exclusive to Apple products. It can charge devices with up to 15 watts of power (outdoing Qi until the recent update to Qi2) and is compatible with all iPhones 12 or later. In addition to fast charge, the magnetic pull of MagSafe chargers is stronger, forming a tighter seal between the phone and charger than standard Qi.
What is StandBy Mode on my iPhone?
On iOS 17, our phones have a feature called StandBy Mode. When enabled (it’s on by default so you have to go into settings to disable it), it turns your charging phone into a clock featuring custom widgets, notifications, and photos of your choosing. By default, it will show you the time and pick random highlights from your camera roll to display. The Apple Watch has a similar feature that is called Nightstand Mode, but many users of both devices use the two interchangeably.
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Why Trust Esquire?
The best way to know if a charger is any good is to use it. And, well, we’ve tested dozens of wireless chargers and charging stations over the years. When Apple introduced wireless charging to the iPhone in 2017, we couldn’t ditch our cables fast enough. We’re constantly trying new and noteworthy gadgets, and that kind of firsthand testing gives us valuable insight into the tech worth buying and what you should skip.