Most people these days have a wide variety of devices: from phones, laptops, and tablets to smartwatches, headphones, and a range of smart devices. Everything needs to be charged or plugged in, and most homes don’t have enough outlets. Multi-port chargers and desktop charging stations make a big difference in this situation. Everything you need to know about charging stations is here, along with some of the best options you can get!
Would like more? Don’t forget to check out our guides for the best charging accessories and all of the phone accessories you can get!
Look what
- Is the brand trustworthy? Choosing a reputable brand is important. A good device is more likely to handle countless charge cycles. We highly recommend Anker and there are some of the company’s charging stations in the list below. There are tons of other big brands out there, however.
- Which ports does it have? Most new third-party charging stations have USB-C ports. These are likely to give you the fastest recharge possible. Of course, it also depends on the charging cables you have. So if you have a USB-A to USB-C / Micro-USB cable, you want something with USB-A ports.
- How many ports do you have? need? Do you want to charge multiple devices with a single charger? A 10 port charger sounds fantastic to meet all of your needs, but it takes up a lot of space on your desk. Some options also come with USB ports and built-in sockets. Charging cradles aren’t usually the most portable, but there are certainly a few you can toss in a travel bag.
- What kind of devices do you need to charge? You probably want to do more than just charge smartphones and tablets with a charging station. You need to look at the specifications of your device and the charging station. You can also use the following options to power external monitors, laptops, and PCs.
- How fast does it charge? Fast charging is standard at this point, albeit with a different degree of performance. A third-party charger is unlikely to offer the same speeds as a proprietary charging technology like VOOC. You need to know if your phone supports standards like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge and USB-PD (Power Delivery) to find the right charger for this feature.
A note on third-party accessories
Research is needed before purchasing any mobile accessory. This is especially important when charging accessories, as a bad charger can damage your device. Before buying an accessory from a brand you are unfamiliar with, check the following:
- Search owner submitted reviews on sites like Amazon. What are people saying Do these short reviews look legitimate? They can be paid or sponsored if they are very vague and poorly written.
- Look for oddities. For example, if the product reviews are not for the product! This often happens with third party charging accessories from unknown brands. A 5-star rating on a protein powder is not what you want to see when trying to buy charging stations.
- Familiarize yourself with the return policy of the product. While many products have return deadlines, some may only have a replacement window. In this case, no refund is possible.
- We are here to help! Android Authority has instructions for various charging accessories and more, including this one for charging stations.
The best portable charging stations
Anker Powerport Atom PD 4
The Anker Powerport PD 4 can do it all! It is equipped with two USB-C PD ports that intelligently allocate the energy to ensure an even charge. You also get two standard USB ports. With 100 W you can easily charge certain laptops, the Nintendo Switch and of course smartphones and tablets.
Satechi four port
The Satechi USB charger also has two USB-C options and two USB-A options. The USB-C ports add up to a total of 108W, while the USB-A options add 12W. It’s an easy way to charge all of your devices at the same time, but you can set yourself up for different speeds. A handy LED light shows when your devices are charging, and the sleek gray surface doesn’t look out of place next to a Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro.
Ravpower charging station Filehub
If you are looking for a mobile device charging station, the Ravpower 6-Port is a great choice. The six ports include one with Quick Charge 3.0 speeds, one with Power Delivery, and two standard USB-A ports. Built-in safety precautions ensure that you don’t have to worry about damage to the charging station or your devices. You can also connect your phone and external hard drive to the charger and transfer files between them quickly and easily.
Charging stations with a socket
Anker overvoltage protection socket strip
Aukey Powerhub XL
The Aukey Powerhub XL is more suitable for an office than for a desk at home. However, it will no doubt cover all of your charging needs. The Power Strip Tower has three USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and twelve AC power outlets! The safety functions protect all connected devices from overheating, overcharging and excessive current. It’s also relatively cheap, given the connectivity it offers.
Wireless charging stations
Yootech 3-in-1 charging station: For Android / Samsung users
The Yootech wireless charging station is ideal for smartphones and mobile accessories such as wireless earphones and smartwatches. If you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, the Galaxy Buds Plus, and a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, you can charge all three with this single wireless charging pad.
Satechi Trio
You can charge iPhones and Airpods with the Yootech, but with the Satechi Trio you’re better off if you have an Apple Watch too. The Satechi Trio also lets you charge phones, wireless earbuds, and an Apple Watch at the same time. Intelligent safety functions automatically switch off the power when required. With the wireless charging station, you can also use the Apple Watch’s bedside mode.