Accessory maker Nomad today announced the launch of the new Base One Max 3-in-1, a high-end metal and glass charger that works with iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.
It’s a MagSafe charger, so it’s capable of charging a compatible iPhone at up to 15W. All iPhones since the iPhone 12 can charge at 15W with a MagSafe charger, except the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, which charge at 12W.
Design-wise, the Base One Max 3-in-1 looks almost identical to the Base One Max that Nomad brought out last year, but it has an additional charging spot behind the Apple Watch charging puck to accommodate AirPods. The charger has a metal base and a glass covered top and is one of the more attractive charging options on the market.
The Base One Max is heavy, weighing in at over 1.5 pounds, so it’s not going anywhere on your desk or nightstand. At this weight, it’s not a travel charger, but the heft is nice because it keeps the charger stable when you pick up your iPhone. The Nomad charger is made in silver and carbide, with the former having white glass and the latter having black glass.
We were able to try out the charger a few days before launch, and it charges at Nomad’s advertised speed. The 15W charger works with MagSafe iPhones at up to 15W, and this charging spot can also be used with Qi-based devices. The dedicated AirPods charging spot charges at 5W, and the upright Apple Watch charging pack charges at standard speed. It’s worth noting that depending on your band, the Apple Watch may get in the way of the AirPods charging spot. Open bands aren’t a problem, but it’s a tight fit with closed bands like the Solo Loop, so interrupted charging can be an issue.
Nomad doesn’t include a fast charge Apple Watch charging pack, so this probably isn’t the charger you want to get if fast charging is a feature you need. Fast charging is great if you charge your Apple Watch briefly before bed and before you wear it for the day, but it’s not useful for those who charge overnight.
Because it’s a flat MagSafe–charger, not an upright one, it won’t work with the new iOS 17 standby mode because it requires the iPhone to be placed in an upright horizontal position. The Base One Max 3-in-1 charges via USB-C, which is nice, but the Nomad doesn’t include a USB-C power adapter. Customers who buy it will need to power it with a 30W USB-C power adapter Although no adapter is included, it does come with a 2m USB-C to USB-C cable
Nomad arguably makes some of the best chargers on the market, and if you’re looking for something that will look great on your desk, this charger is the one to get. At $170, though, it would be nice if it included a power adapter and faster Apple Watch charging because it’s a premium price tag with a feature set that competitors aren’t able to keep up with.
The Base One Max 3-in-1 can be purchased from the Nomad website for $170.
