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The best multi-device wireless chargers of 2024 wipe out cable clutter and handle all your devices
Zagg, Courant, Twelve South
When it comes to spring cleaning, you can’t forget clutter. And some of the worst clutter out there right now comes from having too many cables.
Anyone who uses a smartphone, smartwatch and wireless earbuds knows how cable clutter can make keeping all of your mobile devices charged a huge hassle. As part of your spring cleaning tasks, consider getting rid of cable clutter altogether by taking advantage of a multi-device wireless charger.
We’re talking about a single device that requires just one power outlet and one power cable. Simply place your smartphone, smartwatch and wireless earbuds case on that charger and those devices will all recharge at the same time. No additional cables needed, so you can say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to fast-charging convenience.
The best multi-device charging stations for spring 2024
When it comes to wireless charging devices, you have a choice: There are two-in-one options available for those who use two mobile devices, as well as three-in-one options. There are also a few multi-device charging stations that can accommodate your tablet too.
Best multi-device wireless charger overall: Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe charger
Twelve South
Number of devices supported: 2 | Wireless output: Up to 15W (for Phones and earbuds), 5W for Apple Watch | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes | Fast charging: No | Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches (when closed)
This ingenious phone, earbuds and Apple Watch charger folds up to fit in a pocket, but unfolds to provide two wireless charging pads — one for a smartphone or earbuds (like iPods) and the other for an Apple Watch. The charger features an anodized aluminum layered shell that matches a MacBook’s silver color. It has a soft vegan leather interior.
One included USB Type-C cable connects from the Butterfly to an external power source. Among this charger’s features are its versatile design. It can be positioned in multiple ways — either holding your phone in landscape mode or flat when charging. Your Apple Watch also either lie flat or in night-stand mode.
We also like that the Butterfly is ready to travel internationally. It comes with a collection of five power adapters, so you can plug it in pretty much anywhere in the world and keep your devices charges easily using just one power outlet.
Best 2-in-1 wireless charger: Courant Mag:3 Classic dual charging tray
Courant
Number of devices supported: 2 | Wireless output: Up to 7.5W (phone), 5W (smaller pad) | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes | Fast charging: No | Dimensions: 8.03 x 10.91 x 0.91 inches
The Courant Mag:3 Classic combines elegance with convenience in a two-in-one wireless charging tray. Built into the Italian-leather-covered tray is a MagSafe and Qi-compatible charging pad for a smartphone and a second (smaller) charging pad for wireless earbuds.
The Mag:3 makes a great-looking addition to a nightstand, because the valet tray area has extra room to keep your small items (like a wallet and keys) organized and readily available. On the back of the tray is an extra USB Type-C charging port that can connect an Apple Watch or tablet’s charging cable. A matching Apple Watch charging stand is sold separately.
The leather version of the Mag:3 is available in five colors. On the bottom of the weighted tray is a non-slip material. A slightly less expensive version with a linen covering (instead of leather) is also available.
Best 3-in-1 wireless charging stand: Belkin BoostCharge Pro
Belkin
Number of devices supported: 3 | Wireless output: Up to 15W | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes | Fast charging: Yes | Dimensions: 7.38 x 6.38 x 8.25 inches (with Apple devices connected)
Instead of having three separate charging cables that require three separate power outlets, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro has just one cable leading to a power source. Yet it simultaneously charges up to three devices wirelessly, including your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro charging stand is MagSafe certified. It offers fast charging capabilities for compatible Apple devices and delivers up to 15 watts of power. It also works with all iPhone cases that are also MagSafe compatible.
This is an elegant tabletop stand, made primarily from plastic and metal. It takes up minimal space on a desk or nightstand. Choose between a black or white base color. The modern, looking three-in-one stand, with its minimalist design, comes with a charging cable and power adapter.
Best 3-in-1 wireless charging pad: Belkin BoostCharge Pro pad
Belkin
Number of devices supported: 3 | Wireless output: Up to 15W | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes | Fast charging: Yes | Dimensions: 3.44 x 9.34 x 0.83 inches
If you don’t want a wireless charging stand, but still want to charge up to three devices at once, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad offers a flat (but not foldable) design that plugs into a single electrical outlet. The pad offers three wireless charging locations, including one that flips upward to accommodate an Apple Watch and keep the watch’s display visible (in nightstand mode).
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro pad also features a minimalist design that’s available in either black or white. It offers fast charging for compatible Apple devices. And because it’s MagSafe-certified, it works seamlessly with iPhones that are within a MagSafe compatible case.
Best Apple MagSafe, multi-device wireless charger: Torras 3-in-1 charging statio
Amazon
Number of devices supported: 3 | Wireless output: Up to 15W | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes | Fast charging: Yes | Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.7 x 1.3 inches
The Torras three-in-one charging stand offers a modern-looking design that can charge a smartphone, wireless earbuds and Apple Watch at the same time. The main charging pad for the phone is both MagSafe and Qi-compatible, so it’ll work with any smartphone that supports wireless charging.
This stand is also foldable and comes with a USB Type-C power cord and adapter. The charger’s internal cooling system prevents overheating and helps to protect the rechargeable batteries within your mobile devices.
The charger stand also supports both horizontal and vertical phone orientations, while the magnetic technology ensures seamless alignment and secure attachment to MagSafe-compatible iPhones.
Best 3-in-1 charger for travel: Zagg 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe
Zagg
Number of devices supported: 3 | Wireless output: 3W for AirPods, 15W for iPhone, 5W for Apple Watch | Apple made for MagSafe certified: Yes | Qi certified: Yes| Fast charging: Yes | Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.05 inches (folded within its carrying case)
If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that hotel rooms typically do not offer enough power outlets. So, if you want to charge you iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, the Zagg 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe offers a perfect, highly portable solution.
This charging pad folds for easy transport, but when unfolded, provides three separate wireless charging platforms, including one that delivers up to three watts of power to charge AirPods, one that delivers up to 15 watts of power for your smartphone and a third that delivers up to five watts of power to recharge an Apple Watch.
This charging pad is Qi and MagSafe compatible. It comes with a handy travel case. A USB Type-C charging cable and a 30W USB Type-C wall charger are also included.
Best 4-in-1 wireless charger for a desk: ZenGoose Apple wireless 4-in-1 charger
Amazon
Number of devices supported: 4 | Wireless output: Up to 18W | Apple made for MagSafe certified: No | Qi certified: No | Fast charging: Yes | Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.3 x 2.83 inches
The ZenGoose Apple wireless four-in-one charger is one of a few charging stands that can charge an Apple iPad and keep it positioned at an easy-to-view, adjustable angle during charging. This stand supports any tablet that’s less than 11 inches. At the same time, your Apple iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch can be charged by placing them on the stand’s base. For the Apple Watch, you can lie it flat on the base or flip up the wireless charging pad so you can display the watch in nightstand mode.
This stand supports fast charging. Keep in mind, while wireless charging is offered on the base of the stand, your Apple iPad will need to be plugged in with a cable. (You can still charge all four devices simultaneously and will only need a single electrical outlet.)
Each of the wireless charging pads incorporate over-current protection, over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, short-circuit protection and foreign object detection. Located on the base of the device are four tiny LED indicator lights that show the current status of each device being charged. Meanwhile, the bottom of the base has a non-slip silicone strip.
What’s the difference between Qi and MagSafe wireless chargers?
Qi is an industry standard for wireless charging. It’s compatible with Apple iPhones and many Android phones (including those from Samsung) that support wireless charging. Some other devices, like smartwatches, fitness trackers, wireless earbud charging cases and even some portable cameras also support Qi.
The technology relies on electromagnetic induction to transfer power to a mobile device, so you can recharge it without having to plug it into a power cable. Instead, you simply place the device on the pad.
What makes this technology convenient is that when you invest in a multi-device wireless charger, only the pad needs to be plugged into a power source. You can recharge several devices simultaneously without needing additional power cords. This greatly reduces cable clutter. The latest Qi2 wireless chargers allow some mobile devices to recharger even faster.
While the latest Apple iPhones and AirPods (with a wireless charging case) support Qi wireless chargers, the iPhone also supports Apple’s own technology for wireless charging, called MagSafe. When used with a compatible Apple device, a 15-watt MagSafe charger allows for faster charging. It also uses magnets to hold the mobile device in place while its battery is recharging. This magnet system can be used with various Apple phone accessories, including MagSafe cases.
For all of your spring cleaning needs, keep up-to-date on our home, kitchen & outdoor coverage, where you’ll find our comprehensive 2024 spring cleaning checklist and so much more. And when it comes to keeping up with the latest technologies, our team of consumer tech experts has you covered with comprehensive product roundups, in-depth product reviews and details about where and how to find the best deals. We cover everything from laptops and action cameras, to the best TVs, smart grills, tablets, smartwatches and noise canceling earbuds and headphones.
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Gold’s meteoric rise in 2024 has captured the attention of investors across the globe, as the precious metal has shattered numerous price records and posted gains of about 33% year-to-date — far outpacing the returns on more traditional investments. This remarkable performance hasn’t just been appealing to seasoned investors, either. It has also sparked interest among newcomers to the investment world, many of whom see the potential for significant returns in an asset traditionally known more for stability than dramatic growth.
The allure of gold in today’s market is understandable. Watching an investment vehicle post consistent gains can make the decision to invest seem straightforward, particularly for those just beginning their investment journey. However, the decision to invest in gold requires more nuanced consideration than simply following market momentum. While gold’s recent performance might suggest an easy path to profits, its role in an investment portfolio is complex and multifaceted.
And the current market dynamics present both opportunities and challenges for beginners, in particular. After all, the confluence of factors driving gold’s price appreciation creates a complex landscape that can be difficult to navigate. So should beginners take the plunge and add gold to their portfolios this November? That’s what we’ll break down below.
Compare your gold investing options here.
Should beginners invest in gold this November?
While the decision to invest in gold is ultimately a personal one based on factors like your investment goals and diversification needs, there are a few good reasons to consider buying in as a beginner, including:
The potential for short-term price growth
Gold is typically seen as a long-term investment, but the past year has presented a unique opportunity for short-term gains. The price of gold has surged from about $2,064 per ounce on January 1 to where it sits today at about $2,745 per ounce (as of October 24, 2024). And while that’s an impressive price run, there’s a good chance it’s not over. Many analysts expect that the price of gold could exceed $3,000 by the end of the year, meaning that beginners have a rare chance to invest now and potentially turn a quick profit in the coming weeks or months.
So, if you’re new to investing and looking for a way to capitalize on market trends, gold could provide a relatively low-risk opportunity for significant returns in the short term. While it’s generally advisable to hold onto gold for the long run, current market conditions offer a window for quicker profits, making this November an opportune time to get involved.
Protect your portfolio with gold today.
The protections it offers during uncertain times
Geopolitical tensions are running high as the year draws to a close, with conflicts and global uncertainty making financial markets more unpredictable. That’s where gold can come in handy, especially for beginners. Gold has historically been seen as a safe haven during times of geopolitical unrest, as its value tends to rise when other assets face volatility or decline due to external shocks. So for beginners looking to safeguard their portfolios against unpredictable global events, gold offers a layer of protection.
Whether it’s trade disputes, political instability or other conflicts, these factors can negatively affect traditional assets like stocks and bonds. By investing in gold, beginners can shield their portfolios from sudden downturns caused by such events. November is an especially relevant time to consider this, as upcoming political events could lead to more market swings. Owning gold in such times provides a cushion against potential disruptions.
The affordability and accessibility it offers
Another appealing aspect of investing in gold as a beginner is the variety of ways you can invest in it. Whether your goal is to buy physical gold, invest in a digital asset like a gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) or gold stocks or something else entirely, gold can be an accessible option regardless of your budget, as there are plenty of opportunities to get exposure without needing a large sum of money upfront.
For beginners, this flexibility is a huge advantage. You can start small by purchasing fractional shares of gold ETFs or gold-based mutual funds, allowing you to dip your toes into the precious metal market without committing significant capital. This makes November an ideal time for new investors, as it allows you to participate in the ongoing price surge while tailoring your investment to your financial situation.
The bottom line
Investing in gold this November presents a unique opportunity for beginners. Whether you’re looking to turn a quick profit as gold prices continue to rise or are simply trying to find an affordable, accessible entry point into the precious metals market, gold offers both short-term and long-term benefits. By adding gold to your portfolio, you’ll also gain valuable diversification that can help protect your investments during periods of economic uncertainty. As with any type of investment, though, just make sure you’ve fully researched your options and are sure it’s the right move for your money.
