Pricey new charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods tempts with good looks [Review]

In a world of look-alike 3-in-1 chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, the new Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station stands out. Like its distinctive looks or not, seeing it without any devices charging might make you wonder what the hell it is — an abstract sculpture, or maybe a prop from the original Star Trek? But for many it could be the sleek charger that subtly fits in with modern decor — if they’re willing to pay the hefty asking price ($139.99).

Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review

Journey Nova’s distinctive design

Journey sent me the Wood Grain version of the charger, released in October. Its two-tone design with white plastic and “wood grain” — like how laminate flooring is wood-like but clearly not like actual wood — looks pretty good, likely to fit in among white and natural wood decor. The other style replaces the wood look with “Sparkly Gray” plastic. The charger stands a bit tall and intentionally takes up less of a footprint than many multi-device chargers to fit in more spots in a home or office.

The faux wood grain finish adds a touch of warmth to what could have been a cold, tech-heavy accessory. I have a lot of natural wood tones in my furniture, so I figured Nova might look good. But looking closely at and handling Nova made me notice the wood grain is obviously artificial. That might be a small disappointment for those seeking authenticity.

Even though the “wood” turned out a little more faux that I expected, the charger’s unusual and attractive design struck me as sleek. It’s not just another bland charging pad. It’s main charging area for iPhone doesn’t even have a target marking that says “this is a charger.” You just find the magnetic spot your handset sticks to (and note the handset sticks up a bit, so you need a bit of headroom where you place the charger).

Nova aspires to be a statement piece that demands at least a bit of attention, even if it’s just your friend saying, “Oh, it’s a charger? Huh. That’s kind of weird. I thought it was an ID verification device from the original Star Trek.”

Powering up: Charging capabilities

I like an unusual gadget as much as the next person, so I was happy to put the Journey Nova through its paces. And true to its 3-in-1 moniker, Nova can simultaneously charge a smartphone, wireless earbuds charging case and a smartwatch. No more juggling cables or playing musical chairs with your devices.

The charging pad for iPhone is the slanted magnetic surface on top of Nova packing 15 watts of MagSafe level charging. A 5W pad in the enclosure below, which includes a night light, juices up an AirPods wireless charging case. And a 5W Apple Watch charging puck folds up from the back. What’s missing is a USB-C port somewhere in the base for a fourth device to charge via cable. Plenty of multi-device chargers have one.

• With Nova charging three devices, my iPhone 16 Pro went from 29% to 44% capacity in 22 minutes. After another 30 minutes, it reached 66%, then hit 86% another 39 minutes later. So that’s from 29% to 86% in one hour and 31 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in the same hour and a half, my Apple Watch 10 went from 10% to 100%. In the first 22 minutes, it bumped up to 49%, then to 74% after another half hour. My AirPods Pro 2 charging case went from 70% to 86% in 30 minutes and then another 10% in 39 additional minutes.

Though I used it to charge Apple gear, Nova’s compatible with Android products, too.

Easy setup and use

Nova’s charging speed seems decent for this style of charger (though not what you’d get from a high-wattage multiport adapter):

Setting up the Journey Nova was a breeze, as it is with many multi-device chargers — truly a plug-and-play affair. Just unbox and place the station on your desk or table. Connect the power adapter. Position your devices on their respective charging spots. And voilà! You’re up and running faster than you can say “low battery anxiety.”

Journey Nova: Weighing pros and cons

Pros:

• Sleek, eye-catching design
• Fast charging for multiple devices
• Easy setup and use
• Works with Apple and Android devices.

Cons:

• Overall design and faux wood finish may not appeal to all.
• Premium price point
• Limited color options

Journey Nova features at a glance

• Fast charges phone, earbuds and watch simultaneously.
• Delivers up to 15W fast wireless charging for iPhones (12 and onwards), 5W fast charging for Apple Watches, and AirPods.
• Distinct hollow form and split-material characteristics for a striking décor statement.
• Vertical build (minimizes desk footprint): 6 inches (15cm) tall with weight of 8.8 ounces (250 grams).
• Weighted base for maximum stability.
• Flip-open Apple Watch charger module tucks in at the rear of the charger.
• LED charging status indicator light automatically turns off after 12 seconds.

Verdict: A Journey worth taking?

After spending a week or so with Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, I appreciate its blend of functionality and looks. I’m not sure I’m used to the way it looks yet, though. Kind of odd. But it goes with the white monitor riser on my wooden desk, so it could replace my older 3-in-1 charger there.

Is it perfect? Not quite. The unusual design and the faux wood finish might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the price point — $139.99 unless you find it on sale — could be a barrier. However, for those who value a clutter-free, efficient charging solution that doesn’t sacrifice style, the Journey Nova might be a compelling choice.

Buy from: Journey

Journey provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

★★★★☆