What’s a Multi-Device Charging Station, And Do You Need One?
Updated: Dec. 28, 2022
Charge all of your devices simultaneously without scrambling to find a mess of cords and outlets.
If you own multiple smartphones and tablets, you know the frustration that comes with trying to keep them all charged. Whether you’re dealing with a few devices of your own or you have a family who needs to juice up their electronics all at once, there’s a great solution: a multi-device charging station.
These clever tools allow you to—as the name implies—charge more than one device simultaneously. They come in the form of stands you can place beside your bed or in a central location while your phone or tablet soaks up that sweet, sweet electricity.
As a tech editor, I’m always making sure every gadget I regularly use is charged to 100 percent. That often includes my iPhone 13 Pro Max, my iPad Pro, and other devices, all of which need to be charged with separate cables. But having different chargers for everything is a major hassle. That’s why a multi-device charging station is a clever idea. It allows you to drop all your devices onto a single station, and after an hour or so, everything is fully charged once again. No taking turns with limited cables.
What is a multi-device charging station?
Multi-device charging stations are exactly what they sound like. They’re pads, racks, or stands that you can use to charge up multiple phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, and more at the same time. They connect to a singular power source, and you can simply add devices via cables—like micro-USB and USB-C—or use wireless charging to juice your stuff back up as you see fit.
Plus, they’re also shoo-in contenders when it comes to the best home organizational tools under $30. They’ll keep your cords and devices nice and tidy, and they don’t cost very much, making them even more integral to a tech-savvy user’s smart home setup. Multi-device charging stations can also be a great way to help preserve your smartphone’s battery life by ensuring you get a full charge when dropping your devices off instead of popping in for a tiny bit of battery percentage here and there.
If you need some assistance finding a multi-device charging station that fits your needs, worry not. We’ve rounded up a few of the best picks on the market—and we’re betting that they’ll soon become an important part of your everyday routine. What is tech if not to make life easier, a little at a time?
Hercules Tuff Charging Station
The Hercules Tuff Charging Station is among Amazon’s highest-rated multi-device chargers with over 7,000 five-star ratings. It’s also a great way to charge your phone as quickly as possible while staying organized. It comes packing six USB ports and short, mixed USB cables to charge the whole family’s phones and tablets.
Slide your devices into the stand and use the adjustable dividers to keep your electronics tidy. Connect your devices via the included cables and check the charger’s blue light status indicator, which will remain on while charging and off when complete.
Pros:
- High-speed charging
- Universal compatibility
- Built-in overcharging protection
Things to consider:
- Doesn’t support wireless charging
- Plastic dividers can be finicky
Waitiee Wireless Charging Station
Wired charging stations are efficient and secure, but if you’re more interested in boosting your phone or tablet back to 100 percent without a tangle of cords, a wireless charger is where it’s at. The Waitiee Wireless Charging Station is a fast multi-device charging station that supports your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It also boasts nearly 23,000 five-star ratings and a 4.3-star average.
It’s a sleek, smaller stand that looks great on any bedside table. It really doesn’t matter where, as long as you’re charging at home and not in one of the places you should never charge your phone. Plus, its anti-slip silicone design means your devices will stay in place without sliding around while they soak up power.
Pros:
- Sleek white design
- Fast-charging capability
- Blue light to indicate charging
Things to consider:
- Only supports three devices at once
- Somewhat complicated cable management
Sendowtek Bamboo Charging Station
If you’re more of a minimalist and prefer a natural aesthetic for your electronics, the Sendowtek Bamboo Charging Station is a fantastic choice. It swaps the stark whites of typical chargers for a rustic, bamboo exterior that can charge all the devices you need.
It supports charging up to six devices, with five charging cords included. It can handle your iPads, iPhones, Apple Watch, and Apple AirPods, but it’s also great for Android devices as well. Plus, it makes an excellent organization item for sleek, soothing desk decor.
Pros:
- Supports six devices at once
- Bamboo design stands out from other charging stations
- Supports smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and phones
Things to consider:
- No wireless charging support
- Some devices may not fit snugly on the stand
Originally Published: December 27, 2021
