STM ChargeTree
Space–conscious wireless charging Features Charges three devices (iPhone, AirPods/AirPods Pro in case, and Apple Watch), Qi certified, USB–A to USB–C cable
$79.95 From STM Goods, stmgoods.com
There’s a growing market for all–in–one chargers designed for people who own a recent iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods with wireless charging. Thanks to the non– appearance of Apple’s AirPower, third–parties have stepped up to provide solutions, and STM’s QI–certified ChargeTree is one of them.
The design here is a little different to some other three–in–one chargers, with STM having opted for the smallest possible footprint. They’ve used the height needed for the larger iPhones very cleverly, placing the Apple Watch charging area on a shelf behind the top of that support. That does mean it won’t work for Nightstand mode, since the Watch will always face upwards. And the strap has to hang or loop underneath, which is slightly less aesthetically pleasing than being more hidden around the back, but it’s not a deal– breaker. The AirPods area is cleverly situated on top of the foot of the charger and behind the phone support, which is another good use of space. Pop your case on and you’re away.
The build quality is very good and it feels reassuringly solid. There are no moving parts (the only one on a device like this might sometimes be the Watch puck flipping up) and the finish is high–quality, with matt plastic and a rubber base to stop it slipping.
Power is delivered via a USB–C port neatly tucked away on the rear of the base, and a 1m
USB–C to USB–A cable is supplied. There’s no power supply, but this likely helps keep the price down and you can connect it to any computer or wall charger capable of delivering the required voltage, which is most of them.
The charger takes a 9V/2A input and provides up to 3W to the Watch charger, 5W to the AirPods, and up to 10W to the phone. This is more than any iPhone can manage since they top out at 7.5W via Qi (iPhone 12 manages 15W via MagSafe), but it’s likely this will change so you may be able to use that extra juice with a future phone.
The phone sits on a lip and angles slightly backwards, held there by its own weight. The charger also works with the phone laid horizontally, even with a larger model, which makes it possible to charge while watching video or making a video call. The charger also works if your phone is in a non–metallic case up to 5mm thick. Last but not least, three white LED lights on the front of the base show which devices are charging, which saves you having to tap a screen to check.
If you own at least two devices and certainly if you own all three, this is an elegant, space–conscious way to manage and charge them at the same time.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A well–designed, efficient, and affordable charging station. HOLLIN JONES