Apple announces the AirPods 5

Apple announces the AirPods 5. Today, Apple announced the AirPods 5, updates to the AirPods 4 series that was first released in 2024. The AirPods 4 series was the first time Apple's open-ear wireless earbuds came in a version with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one without. Both versions shipped with the H2 chip, pinch controls, and identical sound. Even […]

What happened

Best OverallPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistBelkin3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand$90 Amazon$80 Best Buy$110 BelkinThis classy chrome charging tree suspends two of your Apple gadgets in midair, with a spot for the AirPods case on the broad circular base. It supports Qi2 25W to fast charge your iPhone, with pads for AirPods and an Apple Watch. You also get a fast-charging Apple Watch shelf tucked around back and a standard 5-watt AirPods pad below. Your Qi2 phone can charge at up to 15 watts; there’s a fast-charging Apple Watch pad that pops up around the back, and the space in the middle can charge AirPods at 5 watts.

OtterBox 3-in-1 Charging Stand for $140: This solid, fairly compact aluminum 3-in-1 charging station can charge all your Apple gadgets (25W for iPhone, 5W for Apple Watch, 5W for AirPods) and comes with a 6. On the base is a fast charger for the Apple Watch that you can flip up, and the back has a spot for the AirPods or another wireless earbuds case. It’s Qi2 certified (15W for iPhone, 5W for Apple Watch, 5W for AirPods), looks nice, and comes with the cable and charger, though it has a barrel port.

The wider picture

Lululook 3-in-1 Charging Station for $60: This is a perfectly competent 3-in-1 with Qi2 certification (15W for iPhone, 5W for Apple Watch, 5W for AirPods). There’s a pop-out Apple Watch charger around the back, and the base has a pad for your AirPods. It also has a built-in Apple Watch charger and a spot for AirPods. Why deal with all that hassle when the best 3-in-1 Apple charging stations can accommodate everything? Our Best Wireless Chargers guide has a few recommendations, but many more great docking systems exist for Apple devices.

After years of testing 3-in-1 Apple charging stations, these are my favorites. If you want one you can take on a trip, check out my new Best Apple 3-in-1 Travel Chargers guide. Be sure to read our other Apple guides, including the Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe Power Banks, Best MagSafe Accessories, Best iPhone 17 Cases, and Best iPad Accessories.

What has been reported

It recharges your iPhone at up to 15-watt charging speed and can also fast-charge the Apple Watch Series 7 or newer (and older Apple Watch models at a slower rate). Drop the AirPods Pro (or AirPods with wireless charging case) onto the base, and you'll be topping up all these devices from a single outlet. Everything sits securely in place, and you can even flip your iPhone into landscape orientation to watch a video while it charges or to trigger StandBy mode, a feature Apple added in iOS 17 that turns the iPhone into a clock on your nightstand with weather information when you put it in landscape orientation on a wireless charger. (The screen dims if you have an iPhone with an always-on display; if not, you can tap the screen to see the time. ) The braided USB-C cable is permanently attached.

5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsFastest ChargingPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNomadStand One Max$169 NomadFor speedy charging (Qi2 25W for your iPhone and fast charging for your Apple Watch) in a seriously classy, glossy black design reminiscent of a Steinway grand piano, Nomad’s new Stand One Max is an excellent 3-in-1 charger. The pad is angled to accommodate landscape or portrait orientation for your iPhone (or other Qi2 phone), and the Apple Watch puck sits up for Nightstand mode, with a subtle hollow behind it for your wireless earbuds case.

The Apple Watch charger is a separate unit that slots into the back. 5 meters)Warranty: 1 yearBest 3-in-1 Pad ChargerPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNimblePodium 3-in-1 Wireless Charger$130 $117 (10% off) Amazon$140 Nimble$140 AppleMaybe you don’t want to see your phone or watch screen when you’re trying to sleep. The phone and Apple Watch pads can also pop up to use StandBy or Nightstand mode on your devices, though, if you want.

What happens next

The Apple Watch charging is slow though, so it's best left overnight. Attached to the bottom section of the pole is the Apple Watch charger, which supports fast charging. You can pop a pair of wireless earbuds, AirPods or otherwise, on the charging cradle on the metal base. 5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsBest 2-in-1 ChargersPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistZensNightstand Charger Pro 2$100 Amazon$100 ZensWith a weighty base, an adjustable Qi2/MagSafe charging pad, and a fold-out Apple Watch charger around the back, this Zens 2-in-1 is ideal for folks with an iPhone and Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch pad folds out of the back, tucking your watch out of sight and allowing room for the strap to droop. You can also fold the pad flat and charge AirPods or other phones if you need to, just not at the same time as your iPhone. Sadly, this has a barrel port for the provided cable and charger (USB-C would be better), the Apple Watch charger can be a little stiff and tricky to fold out, and it’s pricey, but I love the quality, look, and feel.