Review: Anker’s new charging stand might be the smartest charger yet (aff)
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With cooling tech, customisable displays and powerful charging speeds, Anker’s newest charging stand feels more like a premium smart device than a simple bedside accessory
This is Anker's latest top-of-the-range smart charging stand. And you can tell it's high-end just by holding it.
It feels weighty, not in a cumbersome way, more of a reassuringly sturdy way. The base is large with a rubber surface, and there are two polished prongs poking out at opposing angles with wireless charging pucks on them.
One of these is a MagSafe mount for a smartphone, with wireless charging and a built-in cooling system. It can pump out an impressive 25 watts.
The other puck, a smaller one, is set up for Apple Watches, and it's also magnetic. It can also pump out decent power.
And then that smart, round base has another charger. This is ideal for earbuds, or even a small smartphone.
Also on this base is a neat little digital panel. This has trick animations and the display gives you vital statistics about charging output for each pod, and there are some basic settings on it, all controlled via a slightly vague touch-sensitive panel.
Everything about this charger is elegant and premium. And that's a good thing, because it costs £159.99. For that, you do get a quality USB-C lead and one of Anker's posh AC blocks, but it's a lot of money for a charger, even a three-way system.
There's honestly so much to like about it, though. Aside from the gorgeous build quality, there's plenty of other thoughtful touches.
The cooling fan, which is such a bonus, is very quiet in all but its fastest speeds. And you can easily sleep alongside it.
The MagSafe base the phone clamps to is secure, and it has a beautifully-weighted rotation that lets the phone sit almost vertically - handy for video calls or watching content.
The smartwatch charger doesn't move, which is a shame, but the angle is well judged. And while the charging base can accommodate a small phone, it's better suited to earbuds, because a handset covers up the LED display.
And that display can be shut off, so you don't need to worry about light at bedtime. It's also customisable with different clocks, screensavers, and even themes. I really like it.
Speaking of customisation, there's even an accompanying app. And it's worth having, least of all for firmware updates, but also for deeper customisation and tracking.
Just in case you're still reeling at the price, it's worth remembering this is about as clever as charging stands get. It offers serious power, smart features, and it's exquisitely made.
If you fancy something cheaper, that's fine. Completely understandable. But if you like the very best, this is as close as it gets.