GMCell’s foldable 3-in-1 wireless charging station. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Apple’s MagSafe Duo folding wireless charger is nice. Very nice.
But it’s also expensive and designed specifically for Apple users.
How about a folding wireless charger for the rest of us?
One that doesn’t cost the earth and can even charge three devices simultaneously.
Here’s a decent-quality GMCell three-in-one wireless folding travel charger for $40.
Also: How to add your driver’s license to the Apple Wallet app (and why you should)
Tech specs:
- Input: 9V/2A 9V/3A
- Phone output: 5W/7.5W/10W/15W
- AirPods output: 3W (support 2-3 generations)
- Apple Watch output: 2.5W (support 2-8 generations)
- Interface: Type-C
- Transmission distance: 2-6mm
- Dimensions: 9.72 x 2.93 x 0.29 inches
- Weight: 0.28 lb
What we have here is a three-in-one folding wireless charger that features three transparent charging coils, two supporting a maximum output of 15W for smartphones and earbuds (one coil features MagSafe magnets for easy alignment), and a third for the Apple Watch.
Also: What’s the difference between USB and USB-C chargers, and which are the best?
One downside is that the charger does feature LED lights. They are subdued, and nothing that a bit of tape couldn’t cover, but I really don’t like lights on things that are on my nightstand.
The twin LED lights that change from red to blue could be annoying on a nightstand. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The package folds down small for easy transportation. Along with the wireless charger, you’ll need a USB-C cable (a USB-C-to-USB-C cable is supplied) and a minimum of a 20W charger (not supplied).
The package is kept together using magnets, so it’s not going to fly apart in your bag or suitcase.
The magnets in operation. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Does this wireless charger do the job?
In a word, yes.
This wireless travel charger delivers on what it promises. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I’ve tested the outputs and as long as the charger is used with a 20W USB charger, it delivers on everything it promises. The MagSafe magnets do a good job of aligning an iPhone, and the Apple Watch charger also uses a magnet to align the watch to the charging coil, although this feels a bit weaker than the magnet that is found in the supplied charging pad.
All in all, this $40 GMCell Foldable Wireless Charger Station 3 in 1 is a great alternative to the $119 Apple MagSafe Duo charging station, and is perfect for a nightstand or travel.
