UPDATE: Sep. 22, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This shopping guide has been updated to reflect Mashable's latest hands-on product testing.
To help you find the best charging station for your devices, we've been hard at work testing some of the most popular products in this category. Mashable shopping editors and product testers are constantly trying out new tech, and as a result, our desktops are overflowing with USB cables and chargers just begging to be organized. And we're not the only ones.
Stop for a second and think about how many hours you spend each day using some sort of device that needs to be regularly charged. Between laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, fitness trackers, and handheld gaming devices, most people's answer would probably be "every waking hour" — and we say that with very little exaggeration.
For better or worse, that's just the nature of modern life. We work on our laptops, socialize on our smartphones, entertain ourselves on our tablets, and exercise with our fitness trackers and wireless earbuds. With each one of those devices comes a soon-to-be-tangled cord, and it can be hard to keep all of our chargers straight (literally and figuratively). And when all of those cables gather near our electrical outlets — twisting, turning, and twirling around day after day — we're eventually left with a grotesque jumble that rivals nature's worst rat kings.
Testing popular charging stations for this review. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableFortunately, the best charging stations can completely transform your space. Even better, while device charging stations and hubs often looked, well, really ugly in the past, modern charging stations for multiple devices are also stylish enough to earn pride of place on your desktop.
After carefully researching wired charging docks, wireless chargers, and the best wireless charging stations, we've put together this guide. Our top picks have been hands-on tested over a period of several weeks (or longer), and they're just what you need to declutter your desk.
Some of the charging products tested for this review. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableWhat’s a device charging station?
A device charging station is a hub where you can organize all of your mobile devices and electronics while they charge. There are different types, but each one provides some form of cord management to prevent your cables from getting tangled or, possibly even worse, falling out of your reach when you need them the most. These charging stations keep your charging cables close (or eliminate them altogether) so you can enjoy a clutter-free home or workspace.
Charging stations are not the same as power banks, which are designed for portability.
Unboxing the Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station for this review. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Testing the Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableWhat types of charging stations can you buy?
There are three main types of charging stations: wired, wireless, and non-tech hubs designed purely for organization and cord management.
Each of these types comes in various shapes and sizes that cater to a range of devices. Some may have a special spot to charge small devices, like a smartwatch or earbuds; others will have ample space to accommodate larger tech like laptops and tablets, or a whole household's worth of smartphones.
Wired charging stations have a mix of USB-A ports, USB-C ports, and AC power outlets to accommodate multiple charging cables. Some USB charging stations also have a series of dividers along the top where devices can be slotted in between like books on a bookshelf.
Wireless charging stations plug into a wall outlet for power delivery, but they wirelessly charge compatible devices for a cord-free experience.
Non-tech charging stations are aesthetically pleasing containers that can hide a power strip or surge protector inside their base. On top, there are slots to place your devices as well as holes to accommodate charging cables.
You can also find charger stations designed for a particular product ecosystem. For instance, the best Apple charging stations can help you wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. With the release of the iPhone 15, this could be the perfect time to invest in a 3-in-1 wireless charging station.
The top charging stations for every combination of devices
Below, we've gathered the best charging stations for Apple products, Android devices, and every combination thereof. Whether you need to charge a single device or keep your entire family's tablets and smartphones powered up, we've found a solution for your charging needs.
