The Apple AirPower, which was supposed to be an extremely advanced charging mat was originally announced in 2017. Unfortunately, while there was much hype around the device, it was stuck in developmental limbo for two years before Apple finally called it quits and the public accepted the product as dead.
Check out our list of Best Airpower Alternatives for all the details.
However, a few months ago in April 2020, Apple made some breakthroughs in its charging technology. So, the possibility of a revival still exists, at least according to rumors.
Unfortunately, there have been no official announcements from Apple. So, the wait could take longer than expected. Fortunately, a similar tech exists. So there are plenty of excellent alternatives that are already available to consumers.
Although these alternatives won’t have some of Apple's revolutionary technology. These Best Airpower Alternatives still come pretty damn close and can still get the job done for wirelessly charging multiple devices at once.
Featuring a mix of innovation, convenience, quality, availability, and their typically lower price tags, the devices listed below will help tide you over until Apple can confirm whether or not the AirPower will ever come to light. Here's our list of the Best Airpower Alternatives:
After reviewing 50 of the most popular Apple Airpower Alternatives based on various factors like design, functionality, features, and price, we zeroed in on 10 that stood out. These 10 were further put through a series of stress tests to determine the best. We found that:
The best AirPower alternative to buy this year is the Nomad Wireless Charging Dock. Suitable for all Qi protocol-enabled devices, this AirPower Alternative can simultaneously charge three devices at the same time. It offers a massive 18W fast charging for smartphones and various safety features. The only drawback is that it costs $200 and might be out of reach for some.
Related: Best Stands to Charge iPhone and Apple Watch Together
Best Airpower Alternatives | Best for |
Nomad Wireless Charging Dock Base Station for Apple | 3 in 1 charging hub |
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock | Case compatibility |
Slicecharge Pro | Ergonomics |
Ascromy 3-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station | 3-in-1 charging |
AirUnleashed 2 | Closest lookalike to AirPower |
KEPHE 3-in-1 Airpower Wireless Charger Pad | Stylish appearance |
Ascromy 15W Wireless Qi Charging Station | All-in-one charging dock |
Ascromy 4-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station | 4-in-1 charging |
Muljexno Fast Wireless Charging Station | Short-circuit protection |
OLEBR Charging Stand 3 in 1 | Non-wireless option |
Top 10 Best AirPower Alternatives
Nomad Wireless Charging Dock Base Station for Apple
The Nomad Wireless Charging Doc Base Station is honestly one of the posh and sexiest accessories you can find for your Apple product. This charging station is more than just an Airpower Alternative. It is one of a kind.
- It is meticulously designed by taking into consideration the highest level of aesthetics and performance. Which is why it looks like something out of a James Bond movie. This power charging hub has a beautiful leather exterior and a sleek aluminum frame.
- This device provides works as a central pit stop for all of your devices. You can charge your products wirelessly or using USB-C and USB-A. This range further improves the functionality of this device.
It integrates into your nightstand beautifully. With 3 high-powered coils, you can simultaneously charge two devices at 10 W. With USB-C Providing 18W and USB-A proving 7.5 W respectively all your devices can be charged in record time.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: NOMAD
- Device Capacity: Up to 2 at a given time (Phone or AirPods, iPad, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 18 W
- Power Input: 9V/2A
- Device Interface: USB-A/USB Type-C
- Charge Modes: 18W, 10 W and 7.5W
Pros
+ Fast Charging
+ Amazing design
Cons
- Cramped
- Expensive
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock
The Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock is the most popular wireless charging dock in the market. It's an all in one charging station that's designed for the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPad. It's one of the Best Airpower Alternatives.
- This reliable charging dock is considered by many in the industry to be the number one third party maker when it comes to wireless charging.
- You can find this on my bedside table charging my gadgets throughout the night. I love this product as it lets you charge Qi-enabled iPhones like the iPhone 11 Pro at 7.5 W.
- It can go from 0 to 100% in record time. The best part is that it has a second 5W station for an Apple watch and an additional USB A port to charge a third device like an iPad. The only issue is that you won't get an extra cable for this Port.
One of the things I love about this device is that it supports nightstand mode which enables you to access the time and the alarm clock feature as it's laying down on the side. So, the time will appear horizontal and large text.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Belkin
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 at a given time (Phone or AirPods, iPad, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 7.5W
- Power Input: 9V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Charge Modes: 7.5W, 5W (Apple Watch)
Pros
+ Fast Charging
+ Very portable and lightweight
Cons
- Cramped
- Can't charge your phone horizontally
Slicecharge Pro
Featuring a unique 6 coils design the Slicecharge Pro is one of the few wireless charging mats that provide a full surface area when it comes to charging. You can pretty much place it anywhere and it will charge the device to completion without any stutters or lags.
- It is made from really high-quality plastic and fabric. This not only helps the device look good but also improves the longevity and efficiency of the product.
- This is one of the few Airpower Alternatives to be certified by Apple. It has incorporated a certified Apple Watch Charger into its build. So, it can support pretty much all versions of the Apple Watch.
The Slicecharge Pro is equipped with 30W fast charge technology. It uses Qi protocol and can charge not only Apple phones but also any device that uses Qi Charging.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: HardCiderLabs
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 at a given time
- Compatibility: Compatible with all Qi-enabled devices
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 9V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Charge Modes: 7.5W, 10W
Pros
+ Fast Charging
+ Very portable and lightweight
Cons
- No Stand for iPhone
Ascromy 3-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station
To start off our list, we present the Ascromy 3-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station, the #1 best selling AirPower alternative. It's extremely popular thanks to its convenient design and excellent price point. Although it's primarily for the Apple ecosystem, this wireless charger is also a great choice for Android users. It's one of the Best Airpower Alternatives.
- While it doesn’t feature the AirPower’s flat and minimalist design language, it’s still very portable thanks to its detachable stands and small form factor.
- This charging station can support up to three devices simultaneously - Apple Smartphones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.
- It has a detachable wireless charging stand that features powerful wave transmission for your Qi-enabled smartphone as well as a detachable charging mount for your Apple Watch.
- This comes with a secure, but wired charging station that’s compatible with the Apple AirPods as well as some TWS devices. Unlike the other two, Airpods need to be placed in a specific dock.
- The Ascromy 3-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station also has a built-in apple pencil placeholder but unfortunately does not support charging.
- This device supports multiple charging modes, including 10W fast charging for compatible smartphones, and 2W/3W charging for your AirPods and Apple Watch, respectively.
- Starting at $14.78, the Ascromy is a very popular option for users who want a quality charging station at budget prices.
Although its plastic build quality leaves some room for improvement, it makes up for it with a host of power safety and battery protection features along with its very attractive price tag.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Ascromy
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 (Phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 5V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Material: Plastic
- Charge Modes: 10W Fast Charging, 7.5W, 2W (Apple Watch), 3W (AirPods)
Pros
+ Great case-friendly power transmission
+ Detachable stands for portability
+ Advanced power safety and battery protection
Cons
- Slightly flimsy build quality
AirUnleashed 2
The AirUnleashed 2 is the closest third party wireless charger to Airpower. Although it looks extremely similar to Airpower, the technology is quite different. It comes with three coils that are capable of charging an iPhone at 7.5W, an Apple Watch at 2W, and AirPods at 5W. So, at the end of the day, it still gets the job done, albeit, a little slowly.
- The design is pretty good. Other than looking similar to the Apple concept, this beauty also comes with a soft touch leather finish. So, it's smooth and comfortable to the touch. It also won't damage easily as the leather is pretty high quality. The bottom portion, fortunately, comes with an anti-slip micro-fiber finish that offers stability.
- The only issue as such with the device is the size of this AirPower alternative. The space is quite cramped. So, you need to carefully place your devices every time. And it's pretty damn irritating when you're in the rush. There have been multiple times when my iPhone 12 Pro slipped to the side and hadn't charged. This, however, is a problem faced by larger phones like the iPhone 12.
- Disappointingly, you also have to buy the charger separately as you only get the mat when you buy this device. Of course, while AirUnleashed's official site does sell a charger, you can always get your own. All you need is a QC 2.0 or higher charger with an output current of 2A at 5V (10W).
- Yes, buying a separate charger is necessary as your iPhone's charger won't be compatible as its output is around 5W.
I tried it with various chargers, the only charger that was sort of decent was the iPad's charger. But it's still not the best. Using it consistently could damage the AirUnleashed 2. Of course, all Qi-compatible phones can be charged using this device. However, It's best for the Apple Eco-system.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: AirUnleashed
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 (Phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Output: 5V/1A; 9V/1.1A (10W max)
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Output Charging Coils: iPhone 7.5W; Apple Watch 2W; AirPods 5W
- Materials: Soft Touch Leather Style Finishing and Anti Slip Microfibre Suede Style Finishing
KEPHE 3-in-1 Airpower Wireless Charger Pad
If you’re looking for a charging station that closely mimics the Apple AirPower’s design language, the KEPHE 3-in-1 Airpower Wireless Charger Pad is one of the best options available.
- Its sleek, flat design borrows the AirPower’s appeal, while simultaneously keeping the device extremely portable and lightweight. Unlike AirPower, you’ll still have to carefully place your devices in the right charging areas to get the best charging efficiency.
- But thanks to effective heat management and temperature controls, you won’t have to worry about it ever overheating.
- The KEPHE 3-in-1 Airpower can comfortably accommodate up to three devices - including your Qi-enabled smartphone, your Apple Watch, and your AirPods. Of course, you will need to have the wireless AirPods charging case for it to work.
- At a price tag of $17.07, the KEPHE 3-in-1 Airpower is a great choice for buyers looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple AirPower, or even those who are looking for a charging station that offers a great blend of price, performance, and portability.
- It does have case-friendly power transmission, but at a distance of only up to 5mm, it’s not as effective as the other products mentioned in this list and will only work with thinner phone cases.
Like other standard charging mats, it offers 10W fast charging, as well as 2W/3W charging for your AirPods and Apple Watch.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: KEPHE
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 (Phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 9V/1.67A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Charge Modes: 10W Fast Charging, 7.5W, 2W (Apple Watch), 3W (AirPods)
Pros
+ Sleek, flat design modeled after the Apple AirPower
+ Good temperature and safety controls
+ Sturdy build and high-quality materials
Cons
- Limited charging area requires careful placement
- Not as powerful transmission through phone cases
Ascromy 15W Wireless Qi Charging Station
Another top-tier AirPower alternative from Ascromy, the 15W Wireless Qi Charging Station is a pricier alternative to the original Ascromy 3-in-1 and comes with a few more features. The main difference is that this device supports super-fast 15W charging over the standard 10W offered by most charging stations. It's one of the Best Airpower Alternatives.
- Apart from the high-powered charging options, the Ascromy 15W Wireless Qi Charging Station comes with some nifty quality-of-life features, such as a responsive touch interface for turning the device on and off.
- It also supports horizontal and vertical phone placement so you can leave your phone charging in the position that’s most convenient for you.
- Similar to other AirPower alternatives, this device can support up to three devices simultaneously - your smartphone, your AirPods, and your Apple Watch - but just like the original Ascromy 3-in-1 Charging Station, the AirPods must be charged through the fixed, wired dock.
Although 15W fast charging is a great option for those who have compatible devices, not many phones support this degree of fast charging, so make sure to check out device compatibility before you buy.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Ascromy
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 (Phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 15W
- Power Input: 9V/1.67A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Charge Modes: 15W Fast Charging, 2W (Apple Watch), 3W (AirPods)
Pros
+ High-power 15W fast charging
+ Simple on/off touch interface
+ Supports both horizontal and vertical placement
Cons
- 15W charging may not be compatible with most devices
Ascromy 4-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station
For those looking for something with a little more capacity and versatility, Ascromy offers the 4-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station, which can accommodate up to 4 devices at once.
- As is standard with the Ascromy brand of wireless charging stations, this device comes with a Qi-powered charging area for your smartphone, a wireless charging mount for your Apple Watch, and a wired charging station for your AirPods.
- Additionally, this device comes with a multi-port wired charging station that supports all popular connections, including an iPhone Thunderbolt dock, a Micro USB dock, and USB Type-C.
- The wireless charging capacity for this device follows the standard 10W for fast-charging smartphones, and 2W/3W for your AirPods and Apple Watch.
- Available for just $13.56, the Ascromy 4-in-1 Wireless Qi Charging Station may be half-wired, and half-wireless, but for its price tag, it offers plenty of compatibility and convenience, as well as support for one more device over the other products on this list.
The unique offering provided by this product is the built-in 360-degree rotating docking station that comes with a male Thunderbolt, Micro USB, and Type-C connections for maximum compatibility for your smart devices.
These connections also come with a convenient swivel joint, allowing you to place them onto the dock with better maneuverability.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Ascromy
- Device Capacity: Up to 4 (2 Phones, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 5V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Material: Silicone
- Charge Modes: 10W Fast Charging, 7.5W, 2W (Apple Watch), 3W (AirPods)
Pros
+ Supports up to four devices at once
+ Supports all popular wired charging connections
+ Made from high-quality non-scratch silicone
Cons
- More wired charging options than wireless
Muljexno Fast Wireless Charging Station
The Muljexno Fast Wireless Charging Station is another great option for those looking for a similar build and form factor to the Apple AirPower charging mat.
- Featuring a sleek, flat design, this product is one of the smallest low-profile options available on the market, making it the best option for when you need to take it with you on the go.
- Even though it follows the Apple AirPower’s design language, it still doesn’t come with the same place-anywhere technology, so you’ll have to follow the markers to place your devices if you want the best charging efficiency.
- The Muljexno Fast Wireless Charging Station stands out with its high-powered transmission distance of up to 8mm, making it capable of charging through even the thickest phone cases.
- It features standard charging capabilities - 10W fast charging for smartphones, 2W/3W charging for AirPods, and Apple Watches.
The device may not always perform at optimal temperatures. However, It won’t overheat thanks to its built-in power safety features, but you can expect this device to run quite hot, especially when charging multiple devices simultaneously.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Muljexno
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 (Phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Most Qi-enabled Smartphones
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 9V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Material: Polyurethane (Upper), Artificial Chamois
- Charge Modes: 10W Fast Charging, 7.5W, 2W (Apple Watch), 3W (AirPods)
Pros
+ Best-in-class case-friendly power transmission
+ Very portable and lightweight
+ Soft fabric bottom for secure placement on any surface
+ Similar design language to the Apple AirPower
Cons
- Average temperature control
OLEBR Charging Stand 3 in 1
The OLEBR Charging Stand 3 in 1 is one of the more unique Airpower Alternatives as it is the only wired charger on this list. Of course, it still is an Airpower Alternative. So, the only wires coming out of this device plug into a socket. You can still place your phone and other devices without having to connect them to the charger.
- It has a patented silicone tray that not only holds your iPhone but also your Apple Watch, and AirPods. The Apple Watch has a Nightstand Mode that'll let you keep a track of time and even access the alarm. Of course, this angled platform prevents the device from falling and scratching easily.
- It has a luxurious design that stands out. It elevates the background and stands out. Although it is compact, it is unfortunately not portable as it needs to be connected to a power outlet.
- It is also extremely easy to assemble and is compatible with all Apple Products.
This Airpower Alternative is also made out of decent quality materials so there are very few safety issues. I'd recommend you turn it off after use. So, the internal components can cool down. Especially, since it's going to be plugged in all the time.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: OLEBR
- Device Capacity: Up to 3 at a given time
- Compatibility: Compatible with all Qi-enabled devices
- Maximum Power Output: 10W
- Power Input: 9V/2A
- Device Interface: USB/USB Type-C
- Charge Modes: 7.5W, 10W
Pros
+ Fast Charging
+ Very portable and lightweight
Cons
- No Stand for iPhone
Guide to Choosing The Best AirPower Alternative
While the main factor while choosing a good AirPower alternative is generally the price, there are other things to consider so that you don't end up with an alternative that's pretty limited.
So what do you look for when picking an alternative to the AirPower?
- Well the first thing is how many devices the alternative can charge. Obviously we don't want to clutter our work space with a bunch of cables and will need one device to power them all.
If you're someone with an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods then you'd need one that's large enough to charge all three devices at the same time. Ideally, pick one that best suits your needs and nothing can go wrong.
- The next thing to consider is how reliable the alternative is, whether it comes with ISO or MFi licenses that certify it's safe to use and is compatible with your Apple devices.
There's one way you can check the certification of the alternative AirPower and that's by searching for the MFi or ISO hallmark on the packaging or you can look it up online.
- Another thing to look for in your alternative is its ability to charge the device even if it's near the charging pad and not entirely on it.
This is a feature of the AirPower that some brands have managed to replicate and it makes it easier to charge the device without having to place in on a certain spot or in a specific way.
- There are a multitude of chargers out there that provide wireless charging for iPhones and Apple Watches, but not all of them can wirelessly charge your devices quickly.
If you're in need of a quick charge every now and then, it's wise to choose one that comes with Quick Charging or Fast Charging. The best bet is to find one with the same rating as your Apple charger and it should be good enough.
- Finally, if you're going to use the charger for your Apple Watch then you will need to check and see if it's compatible with the Watch band you have right now.
Since the market is flooded with different watch bands you will need a AirPower alternative that supports different Apple Watch bands.
Now that you know what to look for, finding the right AirPower alternative should be an easy task for you.
What's the best Airpower Alternative?
Whether you’re aiming for a charging station that offers similar functionality to the highly-anticipated Apple AirPower, or a device that features the same bold, convenient design and form factor, there are amazing AirPower alternatives that suit your needs.
- Honestly, you can never go wrong with Ascromy. Unlike other simple wireless charging mats, Ascromy provides you with wireless charging options for not just smartphones but also Apple Watches and Airpods.
- You have multiple variants of the Ascromy, A 3 -in-1 option that allows you to charge three devices simultaneously, a 4-in-1 option, and a 15W fast wireless charger. Ideally, you should choose the model based on your requirements.
- As for the brand and tech, it's reliable. So you, won't run into any problems. Check out our list of Best Airpower Alternatives for all the details.