One of the best accessories that you can get for an iPhone is a wireless charger that supports MagSafe or Qi2 charging. The obvious reason is that it provides an easy way to charge your iPhone without having to connect a USB-C cable to the bottom of the device. But perhaps even more importantly, it means you can use StandBy mode, turning your iPhone into a screen that displays useful information (such as the time or upcoming calendar events) and/or enjoyable content (such as pictures). It is nice to have a wireless charger on your desk where you work and on a nightstand next to where you sleep. Better yet, if you use a portable charger, you can take it with you when you travel. Better than that, if you use a 3-in-1 wireless charger, the same device can charge your iPhone, your Apple Watch, and your AirPods. Last year, I reviewed the UGREEN 3-in-1 Foldable MagFlow Wireless Charger, which does all of this. I use that product almost every day. But now, I have found something better: the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (currently $119.99 on Amazon).
The Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station charges an iPhone using 25W MagSafe, which is the fastest MagSafe charging speed. And because it is a 3-in-1 charger, it can do more. It also features a spot for wireless charging AirPods or Powerbeats Pro. Plus, there is a spot to charge an Apple Watch.
When you don’t need to charge an Apple Watch, you can fold back the Apple Watch charger, and it clicks securely into place.
Push it again to pop it up.
Heat is produced when you charge a device wirelessly. As a result, most wireless chargers can sense when they are getting too hot and, if this happens, reduce the charging rate to compensate. This device does that as well, but it also has another trick up its sleeve: an internal fan. It is incredibly quiet, so you cannot hear it unless you really try. (Anker says it is 19 decibels.) The fan keeps the device even cooler while charging an iPhone, maximizing the charge delivered to the iPhone.
There are small rubber feet on the bottom to keep it in place on a surface.
This device works great if you leave it in one place. Just use the (included) USB-C cord and power adapter. And of course, you can use your own longer USB-C cord if necessary. Better yet, when it is time to travel, just close the Apple Watch charger and fold it down, and the device becomes small and portable.
With the exception of the fan, this device functions much like the UGREEN 3-in-1 device that I reviewed last year. But I vastly prefer the look and feel of this Anker device, especially when traveling, because it is shorter and has curved edges. And while the Apple Watch charger on the UGREEN device can also lift up or fold down, it doesn’t stay securely in place when raised. In contrast, the Apple Watch charger on this Anker device stays securely in either the open or the closed position.
The Anker device also has the feel of a more premium product than the UGREEN device. It just feels more sturdy and not as cheaply made. I’ve used the UGREEN device for many months without having a problem with the fit and finish, but after using the Anker device, I instantly noticed the difference.
The only reason I can think of to pick the UGREEN device over this Anker device is the price. The MSRP of the UGREEN device is $139.99, but it regularly sells on Amazon for $99.99. The MSRP of the Anker device is $149.99, but it is currently selling on Amazon for $119.99.
Having used both devices, I definitely recommend paying for the Anker device. It is better.
Conclusion
The only negative thing that I have to say about the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station is that it makes me jealous. I say that because I purchased this device for my wife, who wanted a 3-in-1 charger for her nightstand. She was kind enough to let me use it for the first two weeks so I could learn about the product and prepare this review. Now that I’m back to using the UGREEN device, I miss this Anker device. Sure, my UGREEN device still works just fine, but the Anker device was better.
If you own an iPhone, I strongly recommend purchasing a wireless charger. While there are countless MagSafe chargers for sale, a portable 3-in-1 charger is ideal for its versatility. And the best portable 3-in-1 charger that you can purchase today is the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station. This is a fantastic product.
Click here to get the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station on Amazon ($119.99).