For both form as well as function
The Apple Watch is one of the best wearables on the market today. Out of the box, it includes a nifty charger that gets the job done and even boasts fast charging capabilities if plugged into the right brick, but it’s just one more cord to clutter your space.
If you need another Apple Watch (Amazon, Best Buy) charger that takes up less space, there are numerous third-party options out there. The trick is picking the best option for you.
Belkin iPhone + Apple Watch Charging Dock
At $99, the Belkin charging dock for the iPhone and Apple Watch isn’t the most affordable device, but it allows you to charge two of your most-used bits of tech at the same time. The angle of the dock means you can see both your iPhone and Apple Watch screen at just a glance.
The Apple Watch fits easily onto the included magnetic mount and begins charging right away. If you have a large case on your iPhone, you can adjust the charger to fit almost any case size. The wide range of compatibility makes this an excellent option for almost any iPhone user.
This will work with iPhones up to the iPhone 11 and beyond, with users reporting that the iPhone 12 charges without any difficulty at all.
Newdery Apple Watch Charger
If the idea of a cordless Apple Watch charger like the UGREEN appealed to you but the $40 price tag was just a bit much, then the Newdery might be the option for you. At just $13, it’s the most budget-friendly item on this list—but that doesn’t mean it lacks quality.
The Newdery works with every series of the Apple Watch and claims to provide a full charge in just two to three hours. You can plug it into the USB port of your computer, into a wall, or anywhere else with a compatible port. Note, however, that it might not work on its side since the Apple Watch can slide off.
The Newdery charger also has built in current protection to ensure your devices stay safe. It comes in two colors (black and white) and has a small lanyard attachment on the end for easy portability.
Does watchOS6 Work With Third-Party Chargers?
Something you should be aware of before you buy a third-party Apple Watch charger is that the sixth update to the Apple Watch operating system made many third-party chargers incompatible. Chargers that once worked without a hitch suddenly began to cause overheating and other problems.
Before you invest in any third-party device, do your research and read the reviews—especially the most recent ones. Changes to the way the charging software works within Apple Watch can result in sudden compatibility changes. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on a product that doesn’t work—or worse, a charger that damages your Apple Watch.