Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: A new go-to travel accessory
You have a fair share of choices when it comes to USB-C cables, but you’ve never seen anything like Nomad’s new Universal Cable for Apple Watch. It’s truly the first of its kind.
For year’s, Nomad has had some of the most highly-rated cables on the market. But they’re fairly standard, coming in USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and a universal with swappable tips — all in different lengths.
Its new Universal Cable for Apple Watch bucks that trend by integrating an Apple Watch puck directly into the cable. Ideal for compact storage and travel.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Brilliant, yet pricey
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Nomad, which recently updated its whole line, uses Kevlar in its exterior weaving for added durability.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: Each end has a space black metal cover and the cable is made of tightly-woven Kevlar
The updated cable line, including this cable, are thinner with a tighter weave on the exterior. They also have redesigned overmolds on the ends that are a space black-tinted metal alloy.
They also have an integrated silicone cable tie. It pulls snug, allowing you to easily manage the cable while charging, or before tossing into your bag.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: You can plug the new cable into your iPhone
Obviously what makes this unique and special is the Apple Watch puck. It’s integrated right behind one of the USB-C connectors.
The idea is you have a single cable you can use to charge any USB-C gear, but it can also double as an Apple Watch charger at the same time. No need for a secondary charger.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Plenty of power
Like its construction, the specs on this cable are solid as well. It supports 100W of power delivery over USB-C and the puck supports fast charging on the latest models of Apple Watch.
That’s almost enough power to fast charge the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro (that tops out at 140W of MagSafe 3) but easily enough for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad, or a high capacity battery pack.
What we love about it, is thanks to USB-C, it works either way. Meaning, you can plug it into your Mac, iPad, or iPhone and charge your Apple Watch with their stored power.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: Flip the cable around and put your Apple Watch against the power supply
Or, if you plug the other end into a power supply, you can draw power from there that will feed your Apple Watch and USB-C device. Finally, just turn the whole cable around, putting the watch next to the power supply, and charge from that direction.
This makes it quite versatile and easily to fit into various setups. If we had one tweak we’d have perhaps like to see on the cable is a silicone foot under the Apple Watch puck.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: We’re bringing this cable with us everywhere
That way, if you plug the long end into a power supply and put your Apple Watch on the other, it won’t slide around on your desktop. If using with both ends plugged in, this wouldn’t matter though.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Should you buy it?
The rub with Nomad’s latest cable is that for the latest tech, it isn’t cheap. At $100 full price, it isn’t an easy ask. It would be far cheaper to just carry a cheaper USB-C cable and a second Apple Watch puck.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable review: While we love this cable, the price tag will put it out of reach for many. Maybe when it goes on sale?
Nomad’s asking you to put a price on convenience and we’re certain there will be many that will pay that price.
There isn’t any other cable like this one on the market. Maybe it’s the high price that kept competitors at bay, while Nomad was eager to test the waters on a unique solution.
Time will tell if it pays off.
We love the cable. It’s very useful, powerful, and compact. That price tag, is rough and will make it hard for it to get wide adoption.
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Pros
- Unique, travel-friendly design
- Apple-certified with fast charging puck
- Durable cable with metal tips and woven Kevlar fibers
- Integrated cable tie for cord management
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Cons
- Silicone pad under watch charger may be helpful
- Expensive!
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review score: 4 out of 5
Nomad Universal Apple Watch Cable review: Where to buy
You can pick up the Nomad Universal Apple Watch cable from Nomad’s website for $100 in a 1.5 meter length.
