With the summer travel season in full swing, it’s time to think about keeping your Apple devices ready for the road. Here are some of the best wireless travel chargers for powering up your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time.
I’ve been a frequent traveler for many years, toting Apple devices across three continents. I’m happy to share my experience.
Advantages of wireless travel chargers
It’s always a risk to depend on remembering to put charging cables for your iPhone and Apple Watch in your luggage before every trip. Forget one you need and you’ll have to go through the hassle and expense of buying a replacement in an airport or maybe a gas station.
At the very least, regular travelers should keep the cables needed for their gear permanently in their suitcase — including the special one just for the Watch. But there are easier solutions.
With wireless charging, just putting your devices on a charger is all that’s necessary to get power flowing. It’s simply a better experience. So here are some of the best travel chargers I’ve tried, and why I found room for them in my luggage.
Best travel chargers for iPhone and Apple Watch
Those looking for a premium, no compromises wireless charging experience on the road need look no farther than one of these two from mophie or Twelve South:
mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe
Photo: mophie/Cult of Mac
Unroll this portable charger from mophie and it’s ready to juice up iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time, and with a single cable. Just put each device on the appropriate charging mat.
The mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe has been my preferred travel charger for a couple of years. Read my review to see why.
But premium products like this one don’t come cheap. This multi-device charger is $149.95
Twelve South ButterFly 2‑in‑1 USB‑C MagSafe Charger
Photo: Twelve South/Cult of Mac
Rival accessory-maker Twelve South offers a travel charger that’s even more portable. ButterFly is a 2-in-1 model with an aluminum exterior so can survive what airlines do to luggage.
It can charge both an iPhone and an Apple Watch at the same time from the same cable, or switch out a device for an AirPods wireless charging case instead.
ButterFly is definitely going with me on my next trip. My review of it explains why.
Where to buy: Twelve South or Apple or Amazon
Budget travel chargers
Both those premium options are pricy. Here are some cheaper travel chargers that aren’t the best but are more affordable:
MagStack Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The MagStack combines a trio of charging mats into a single accessory. There’s one for your iPhone, another for a second iPhone or AirPods, and the third is for Apple Watch. Or fold it into a triangle to make a stand for your Watch or your iPhone.
It’s available for $47.99.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals
Foldable Wireless Magnetic Charging Station
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
For those who think the cheapest is the best, Shenzhen Centralspot Innovation offers a 2-in-1 travel charger at a very low cost. Fold it into a little triangle and it’s ready to power up an iPhone or AirPods on one mat and Apple Watch on the other.
It’s not the smallest option on this list but it’s certainly the most affordable: $21.99.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals
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