With Apple’s AirPower off the table for now, three-in-one charging solutions have become popular and multiple companies are now introducing multi-device charging options.
Native Union recently released the Apple Watch version of its Drop XL Wireless Charger, a three-in-one charger capable of charging an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once.
At $150, the Drop XL Wireless Charger is one of the priciest options on the market, but it’s one of the more attractive solutions in terms of design, and it has a unique advantage that other charging stations don’t offer.
The main wireless charging base is oval like other multi-device wireless charging options on the market, but the fabric design variation on the top gives it an edge when it comes to design. I love the different aspects of the gray textile top, which provides grip and complements the dark aluminum base.
The base includes two wireless charging spots, one where the circle design is located and another with a striped fabric design on its other side. Because it’s a small, flat charger, you’ll need to charge your iPhone in a portrait mode orientation, which requires a bit more desk space than an upright charger above and below.
I prefer steep charging options over flat charging options for this reason and it’s something to keep in mind. You can tilt the phone slightly to save some space, but it needs a good inch and a half of clearance at the top and bottom to accommodate Apple’s larger phones.
The neat part about the Drop XL Wireless Charger is the detachable Apple Watch charging pack, which plugs into the USB-A port on the back. You can plug it in if you need it, or pull it out if you want to travel with the dock or if you need two main wireless charging spots free. It’s not a completely unique feature, but it’s one that few wireless chargers offer.
With the watch add-on plugged in, the available space is only suitable for AirPods and doesn’t quite fit a phone, but with the Apple Watch charging pack unplugged, there’s room for multiple smartphones.
Each of the two wireless charging spots offers a maximum of 10W charging, or 7.5W for iPhone, which is the fastest charging speed available. The Apple Watch charger is a 5W charger, while the USB-A port offers 12W of power. During testing, everything charged as it should.
I will say that with most flat chargers on the market, you sometimes have to check that the charger is in the right position to make sure the iPhone is actually charging, and that was an issue I ran into with the Drop XL. . If it’s not in the right position, it won’t charge, and if you misplace the phone, it can cause some nasty surprises.
I also ran into some issues with the iPhone X and XS where the drop XL said it was charging but the phone got no power, but that only happened twice in a few weeks of testing and wasn’t a problem I’ve seen with the new iPhone 11. Pro. I suspect this was a self-inflicted positioning issue, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you get this charger.
There’s a single charging cable and power adapter for the Drop XL, and it comes with detachable plugs for different countries, so it’s an ideal charger if you travel a lot. The charging cable is a nice, high-quality braided cable and it’s clear that no expense was spared when making the Drop XL.
bottom line
If you’re more concerned about the looks of a wireless charger than the price, the Drop XL Wireless Charger with Apple Watch Charging Puck is a charger option worth checking out.
It’s elegant and has a design that looks great in an upscale office or home environment, but at $150 it won’t be for everyone as there are other more affordable options on the market.
How to buy
The Drop XL Wireless Charger Watch Edition can be purchased from the Native Union website for $150.
