Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) review
The Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) is a highly integrated dock that provides a neat, more efficient way to manage all your devices.
First of all, this is much more than just a charger. This station includes two HDMI ports, enabling dual 4K displays, but that’s not all. There are multiple USB-C and USB-A ports that enable quick data transfer. Two of the USB-C ports support 10Gbps data transfer, although it’s worth noting that only one USB-A port can match this, with the other three restricted to 480Mbps. On top of this, you get a 3.5mm audio, ethernet, and upstream port – the latter can be used to connect the station to your laptop or PC.
This is a pretty comprehensive set of options – with the only obvious exception being an SD or MicroSD card reader. This is a pretty minor issue though, especially given you can buy an external reader to insert into one of the USB-C ports.
One of the highlights here is the trio of dedicated charging ports – ideal for juicing up all sorts of devices, including some of the best power banks or the best phones. Two of these are USB-C and have a maximum power output of 100W each, with an additional USB-A port offering a maximum output of 12W. When I tried plugging in my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, fast charging activated, enabling the device to go from 0% to 100% in under 1 hour and 30 minutes – the expected timeframe. By pressing the button on top of the station you can switch between an overview of output across all ports, or just view data concerning one port.
How does this 14-in-1 station fare design-wise, though? Well, I was a fan of its slim, tower-like look and textured metal outer-casing. However, there are some minor disappointments: the screen is quite small and has fewer built-in options than Anker’s 6-Port Desktop Charging Station and the power cable is attached, meaning it’s not perfectly compact when packing into a bag. The front of the station is made from plastic and admittedly looks a little cheap, but it’s not particularly grating to the eye. The configuration of the ports does make the design very practical though and I found my desk was neater with the station in use, a key benefit of the product.
Finally, it’s worth acknowledging that this station – although by no means inexpensive at $249.99 / £199.99 (about AU$360) – is pretty good value. Competitors like UGreen’s 13-in-1 Docking Station or Lenovo’s ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock are considerably more expensive. Overall, this is a competent, well-equipped, practical dock that will meet the needs of most professionals seeking out a more efficient and tidy way to manage their devices.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)?
Buy it if…
You need a highly integrated dock Anker’s 14-in-1 docking station is much more than just a desktop charger. Of course, you do get both USB-A and USB-C ports dedicated to charging, but there are a ton of options to take advantage of. You can get 4K, 60Hz displays thanks to two HDMI ports, transfer data quickly with 10Gbps USB-C ports and much more.
You want to charge lots of devices at once If you have laptops, phones, tablets or other devices you’d like to charge simultaneously, this dock is a very decent option for you. It has two USB-C ports with maximum power output potential of 100W as well as a 12W USB-A port. The data transfer ports also charge your devices while in use, though they won’t get to work as quickly as the 100W USB-C ones.
Don't buy it if…
You only care about charging If your only aim is to charge lots of devices at once, this is the wrong product for you. Sure, you can charge lots of devices simultaneously, but Anker has a couple of 6-in-1 charging stations that are better-suited to this task.
You’re on a budget This 14-in-1 dock won’t exactly come cheap, carrying a list price of $249.99 / £199.99. And again, if you’re only really interested in charging, there are plenty of other cheaper solutions available. With that said, a lot of similar products, such as UGreen’s 13-in-1 docking station, are even more expensive than this – so you’re still getting decent value here.
Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W): Also consider
UGREEN Revodok Max 313 4K@60Hz 13-IN-1 Docking Station If you want a super-practical, well-rounded dock this is another great option. UGreen’s 13-in-1 dock has multiple charging ports, triple 4K@60Hz displays, but crucially, supports 40Gbps data transfer thanks to a Thunderbolt 4 port. The only issue is that this alternative is considerably more expensive, with a list price of $349.99 / £349.99 (about AU$510).View Deal
Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review
The Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) is a premium multi-port charger that will get your devices juiced up in no time. With three ports – two of which are USB-C and one is USB-A – it’s the ideal solution if you’re someone that needs to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Let's say you’re out and about and need to charge your phone, laptop, and wireless earbuds. This charger would easily get your devices back to full charge quickly, thanks to a maximum total power output of 100W. That’s definitely going to be more than enough power for the vast majority of people. It’s worth noting, though, that individually, the single USB-A port only has a maximum output of 22.5W, compared to the 100W of the USB-C ports – so bear that in mind when charging more power-hungry devices.
Thanks to its high power output, you’ll be able to fast charge devices, or even super-fast charge them, if they’re compatible with this. For instance, my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which is capable of super-fast charging, went from 0% to 100% in less than one hour and 30 minutes – even with two PS5 controllers charging alongside it. That’s the sort of speeds you'd expect from the best Android phone chargers or best iPhone chargers.
Given how much power this charger offers, it’s decently compact. Don’t get me wrong, it's not super tiny and lightweight, but compared to competitors that offer around 100W of power, this is nicely sized. The charger has foldable prongs too, which is ideal if you want to carry it in your pocket.
Overall, this is a well-designed plug. It has a sleek, silver exterior that is decently nice to look at, although there are no other color options available. It's well designed on a technical level too, with Anker’s ActiveShield 2.0 safety tech able to monitor temperature and adjust power output, creating a more secure charging experience.
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room though, which is price. This charger is $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120) – that’s by no means inexpensive. Not only that, but there are a decent amount of similar products out there at a considerably lower price. For instance, the UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is only $64.98 / £59.99 – more on this later. Overall though, the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) is still a great multi-port charger and is certain to offer excellent performance and practicality, even when you’re on-the-go.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports)?
Buy it if…
You need to charge multiple devices simultaneously This charger has three ports and offers a maximum power output of 100W. That’s going to be more than enough to get devices such as smartphones, wireless earbuds or headphones and a tablet juiced up quickly, all at once.
You’re in the market for something more premium You get plenty of capacity here, but that’s not all. This is a well-built, sleek, compact charger with higher build quality than most cheap alternatives. This does mean, of course, you have to pay a fairly steep price.
Don't buy it if…
You only need a phone charger If you’re only really going to charge your phone or can stomach the concept of juicing up one device at a time, this isn’t the best choice for you. That’s because there are so many great single-port options on the market. For instance, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is a fantastic, stylish single-port charger that will only cost a fraction of this plug’s price.
You’re looking for a cheap option If you’re in the market for a cheap multi-port charger, this isn’t it. This plug is part of Anker’s Prime range and there are plenty of cheaper high-wattage, multi-port alternatives available on Amazon (and beyond).
Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review: Also consider
UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger Ok, so you want a decently powerful multi-port charger, but this option from Anker is just a bit out of your budget. Enter the UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger. This isn’t quite as compact as Anker’s alternative and only one of the USB-C ports can get up to 100W maximum output, but these are going to be minor issues for the majority of people. At $64.98 / £59.99 (about AU$90), you’re getting a good quality plug for substantially less.View Deal
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad is reasonably priced at $24.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95, so it's roughly the same price as a similar charging pad from ESR. Although I can't speak for its charging speeds, the ESR caught my eye as it has a reinforced cable base, and braided nylon around the wire, potentially giving it more longevity than the Anker equivalent, but I'll touch more on this later.
Equipped with Wireless PowerIQ, Anker's signature wireless fast charging, the speed at which the MagGo Wireless Charger Pad juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro was satisfying. It took just two hours and ten minutes to charge it fully, and it charged both AirPods Pro 2, and Motorola Moto Buds+ cases happily.
The magnetic attachment is satisfyingly strong. I was able to shake the phone about vigorously multiple times without the pad shifting more than a tiny amount from side to side. I also tested the magnet's strength by hanging the pad, with the phone attached, by its cable, and the phone stayed put – which is great, even for one of the best iPhone chargers. When it doesn't stay put, on the other hand, is when it's placed on a flat, smooth surface. As the concept behind this particular charger's design appears to be for it to be easy to hold, I can forgive Anker for this.
Due to its slim depth and curved base, it was pleasantly easy to continue to use my phone as it charged. I have rather small hands, and I didn't feel like it was particularly disrupting the way I'd usually hold my phone, which made a welcome change from the power banks I often use for this purpose.
One small negative I have to raise is that the integrated power cable was a little annoying. Because it's not removable, it makes it a little more tricky when you're trying to pack it up when heading out. I've not had it long enough to observe this, but my concern is that the first section of flexible cable that comes out of the pad could become worn over time –though this is only my speculation. My rationale is that if Mous managed to fit a USB-C port in the slimmest part of their low-cost MagSafe Compatible 3-In-1 Portable Charger, then I'd have thought that it'd be plausible for Anker to have done this too.
Overall though, this is a simple but satisfying MagSafe charger. I found it minimally disruptive and nice to hold as I continued to use my phone while replenishing its life force, and when left to charge my phone without me using it, the charging time was good for the price. If you're looking for something cheap but practical because your phone rarely leaves your hand, I'd recommend taking a look at the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad. However, if you're in the market for something a little different, we have a variety of other chargers to check out in our pick of the best wireless chargers.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad?
Buy it if…
You want a comfortable solution Due to its small and curved design, it's satisfyingly easy to hold as you continue to use your phone. I have small hands, and I found it a convenient alternative to larger options, like wireless power banks.
You want something small and light Despite my niggles with the cable, the charger is light and compact, so you won't need to awkwardly cart about a charging stand.
Don't buy it if…
You want to take it out with you regularly As the cable is fixed into the charging pad, it isn't the best choice if you regularly want to pack it away. You might be more organized than me, and be happy to fold up the cable each time and neatly secure it, but if you want to just chuck it in your bag, it's not as convenient to pull it back out as it would be if you could pack the pad and cable separately.
You want a secure desktop charger This charger is perfect for hand-held use, but it isn't the best choice for desktop charging. With no anti-slip elements, and a smooth and slightly curved base, there's no chance of it staying put if the phone gets knocked or the cable gets pulled.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: Also consider
Apple MagSafe Charger If you're a die-hard Apple consumer, then you'll be happy to know that there's an official Apple charging pad available to purchase at Amazon. Providing up to 15W of power, it's compatible with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Pro. It currently features as the best Apple MagSafe charger in our selection of the best wireless chargers. View Deal
The Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is an elegant, compact charging plug, ideal for getting your devices back to 100% in a pinch.
Something that makes the charger stand out is its neat design. It has striped, textured edges as well as a glossy top, making it easy on the eye. Not only that, but there are three color options, including Shell White, Black Stone and Ice Lake Blue – much more interesting than the plain white or black options I’ve become accustomed to, even when reviewing some of the best Android phone chargers and best iPhone chargers.
This charger isn’t just a looker though; it’s super-practical. It's very compact, making it ideal for slipping into a small bag or pocket. And if you do carry this charger in your pocket, you can live without the worry of it stabbing into your leg, thanks to its foldable prongs.
But what matters more than anything is charging speeds. So, how does the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger fare? As you’d expect, very well. I started charging my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 when it was at 0% and managed to get back to 100% in just 80 minutes. This charger’s total output power of 30W means it’s powerful enough to activate super-fast charging on phones that support this – including the Z Flip 4.
As is the case with most of these charging plugs, there’s no cable included here. As this plug has a USB-C port only, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-C/Lightning (or appropriate alternative) in your possession. That’s worth bearing in mind if you only have USB-A to USB-C / Lightning cables and you’re looking for an ultra-cheap charging solution.
With that said, this is still a well-priced charger, coming in at $18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30). There are a few cheaper alternatives out there from the likes of IKEA, but build-quality-wise, these won’t compare.
So, if you’re on the lookout for a small, stylish, speedy charger, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger is a truly great option that’s well worth purchasing.
Should I buy the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W)?
Buy it if…
You need to juice up your device quickly Need super-fast charging? You’re in luck, because the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger is sure to get you back to 100% battery in no time. For example, when charging my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, I was able to fully recharge the device in 80 minutes, which is exactly what I’d expect with super-fast charging active.
You want a charger with a bit more personality Sure, this charger isn’t gonna blow your mind with a groundbreaking design, but even the fact it comes in multiple colors sets it apart slightly. That’s right, you can get it in Shell White, Black Stone or Ice Lake Blue, with all colorways featuring quality, textured outer casing. That’s a touch more exciting than a plain ‘ol chunky white charger, don’t you think?
Don't buy it if…
You want the cheapest option available In truth, there are some less pricey chargers out there than this that still offer enough power for fast- or super-fast charging. Don’t get me wrong, though: this is by no means a super-expensive product, and its build quality helps to justify the additional cost.
You’d like to charge multiple devices at once The Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger is limited to one USB-C charging port only, so you might want to try an alternative for charging multiple devices at once. For instance, the UGreen USB-C 40W charger has two ports – ideal for getting some extra hours out of two devices when you’re on the go.
Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W): Also consider
UGreen Nexode Mini 30W The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is pretty similar to this Anker plug. Of course, it has the same maximum power output, but it can also be purchased in multiple colorways and has a super-compact, foldable design. It's not quite as elegant, in my view, but it does have a slightly lower list price, making it a worthy single-port charger competitor.View Deal
The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh isn’t the most capacious power bank on the market. But for its price, it will give you a whole lot of charges for not much money.
The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh doesn’t rock a ridiculous number of features, but what’s there is impressive, especially for the price. First of all it has a whopping 20,000mAh Lithium Polymer cell inside, which accounts for its bulk, which means it should keep charging your devices day after day. Additionally, with a USB-C and two standard USB ports, you’re able to charge three devices at once.
To really put the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh through its paces, I took it away to a music festival and used it to charge my iPhone 12 Pro over the course of a long weekend. Charging my phone up to 100% once a day on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only depleted the battery down to 54%, meaning you may well get almost a week’s worth of charge out of it if you aren’t fully draining your phone every day. That’s more than many of the best power banks can deliver.
On top of this, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh offers 22.5W charging, which is fine for the max charging the best iPhones require, although falls quite a way short of the 100W that the best Android phones like the OnePlus Nord 4 are capable of drawing, and means you won’t be charging a MacBook off it. In practice though, during a separate test, this meant it took 128 minutes to charge the iPhone 13 Pro’s 3,095mAh battery, which could be much worse.
Looks-wise, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh is a nice-looking battery, while not being so stunning that you’re going to be terrified of damaging it. It comes with a pleasing matte finish in either black or white. An LCD screen on the front of the device tells you exactly how much charge is left – far more useful than the series of LEDs some power banks employ.
At an inch thick and weighing 12.8oz (323g), this power bank has got some serious chonk to it. It also doesn’t have any IP weatherproofing, meaning you really don’t want to drop it in any puddles. In spite of this, it still sat comfortably enough in my pocket as I wandered around and boogied at the festival, and it survived a full day of torrential rain in the pocket of my damp jeans without much worry.
For an affordable power bank, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh offers a serious amount of juice. While it doesn’t provide features like fast charging or wireless charging, it’s an obvious choice for anyone who wants to keep their phone topped up during a week away.
(Image credit: Future)
Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh?
Buy it if…
You need a big-capacity battery that doesn’t cost the earth There are (slightly) bigger power banks out there, but few of them are this reasonably priced, costing a fair bit more for a modest increase in total charge.
You want to charge multiple gadgets at once With its USB-C and dual USB ports, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank will happily charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds all at once.
Don't buy it if…
You want to charge your phone, fast The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank is only capable of 22.5W charging, which is much slower than many Android handsets are capable of these days.
You want a compact, lightweight power bank At 12.8oz (363g), the PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank is a fairly weighty battery. It can still fit in a pocket, but if you want something you can just carry around until you need it, it might be worth looking elsewhere.
Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh review: Also consider
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) At $179.99 / £179.99 (roughly AU$261.35), affordable it ain’t. But if you want the perfect combo of ultra-high capacity and insanely fast charging, your best bet is the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W). It can charge a MacBook Pro M2 to 50% in just 30 minutes or charge an iPhone 16 more than four times, which makes it a beast of a power bank.View Deal
The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is a brilliantly compact USB-C charging plug ideal for those looking for a fast phone charger.
The plug comes in two different color variants: Silver Grey (more of a dark gray color) and Blue (which has a white tint to it). Both look and feel decent quality-wise, but perhaps the best aspect of their design is their size and shape.
That’s because the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is only 2 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches / 50 x 46 x 39 mm, making it considerably smaller than the plug you used to get with a new Samsung phone, for example. For those looking for a charger that’s super easy to carry around in a pocket, this is an excellent option – it’s also pretty lightweight, meaning it scores very well on overall portability.
The only real limitation of the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W’s design is that you’re only getting a single USB-C port. So, if you’re hoping to charge multiple devices from a single port, this won’t serve you too well. There are a number of UGreen chargers, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, that counteract this, so check your options.
How fast is the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W at charging? Pretty fast! Thanks to its 30W power output, Android phones with Super-Fast Charging – including my personal phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – can fill up very quickly. It took my phone just under 80 minutes to fully recharge when using the Nexode Mini 30W – the sort of speed I'd expect from the best Android phone chargers. If your device can handle faster charging, you’re guaranteed a very swift charge with this plug.
Although the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is limited to one port, it’s able to charge your devices very quickly and it’s super compact, making it an excellent option if all you need is a new phone charger – especially given its very reasonable price of just $16.99 / £17.99.
(Image credit: Future)
UGreen Nexode Mini 30W review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W?
Buy it if…
You’re looking for a compact charger The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is considerably smaller than the charging plugs you used to get with a Samsung or Apple phone. If want a charger that will fit in your pocket, the Nexode Mini 30W is a strong option.
You only want to charge your phone If you’re only really looking to charge your phone, you can’t go wrong with the Nexode Mini 30W. It only has one port – a USB-C variant – so make sure you have a USB-C to USB-C cable if you want to charge your iPhone, Android, or other devices.
Don't buy it if…
You need to charge multiple devices (or one big device) So yeah, if you want to charge a tablet or laptop as well as your phone, look elsewhere. UGreen offers a number of chargers primed for juicing up multiple devices, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, which has two USB-C ports.
You don’t want to buy a new USB-C cable If you have an older iPhone and a USB-A cable, this won’t be the cheapest option available to you. If you’re looking to save the most money possible and don’t fancy buying a new cable, look for an alternative.
UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: Also consider
Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) If you want a stylish, small, equally speedy alternative, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is the perfect candidate. This charger has an attractive, textured exterior, beautiful color options and foldable prongs. It's only slightly more expensive than the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W, at $18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30).View Deal
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review
I was a big fan of the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set from the first charge. This isn’t a cheap travel set, with a list price of $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.99 making it a costly travel companion. However, I would wager that you’d be happy to use this as your everyday charging device, rather than confining it to outings only. I certainly was. Its reliable design and fast iPhone charging make it one of the best iPhone chargers and best wireless chargers, and it'd certainly make a good companion for the best iPhones, too.
While the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger may have it beat when it comes to being lightweight and effortless to pack up and carry, this Qi2 charging set is noticeably more premium, with better quality materials and a strong hinge making it possible to continue using the phone as it charges. The MagSafe-style wireless iPhone charging pad made it easy to switch up the orientation of the iPhone while it charged too.
The main body that holds the charging pads for the iPhone and AirPods case is sturdy and well-designed. Other 3-in-1 travel chargers can prove a little flimsy, so it’s nice that the Qi2 Travel Wireless Charging Set feels robust. However – where many travel chargers incorporate the Apple Watch charging pad into the main body for convenience, ESR has opted to include it as a separate component with this set, meaning there’s an extra piece to remember.
It’s great that there’s a travel case included in the price (and you can opt to purchase it without the case for a lower price) but the extra space for the Apple Watch pad, the plug, and the padding surrounding them makes it a bit bulky to be travel-friendly, in my opinion.
I was majorly impressed with the speed at which this wireless charger was able to charge up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours to charge it from 0 – 100%, making it the quickest charger I’ve tested so far. In addition to this, the Qi2 travel set took around two hours to charge my Apple Watch Series 9, and the rear wireless charging pad had no issues charging up my compatible wireless earbuds case.
So, while this ESR 3-in-1 charger may seem to be expensive for a travel charging set, I would say that it is worth the investment for an Apple device charger that could easily replace your everyday charger, with the added benefit of being able to fold it down and pack away for travel. The satisfyingly fast Qi2 charging is a nice bonus.
Should I buy the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set?
Buy it if…
You want a premium travel charger This ESR charger is far from a cheap and flimsy option. It feels sturdy and well made, and could easily be used as your everyday charger.
You want fast charging I was impressed with how quickly this charger juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours for a full charge, faster than older wireless chargers I've tested.
Don't buy it if…
You want a cheap travel charger If you’re just looking for something cheap to keep in your away bag for occasional use, then this charger’s likely going to prove too expensive for your needs.
You want something compact This charger is on the large side for traveling light, and the separate Apple Watch pad increases the chances of losing parts.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review: Also consider
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger If the ESR charger sounds too big, this portable Mous charger is a great alternative. It's an a 3-in-1 charger with a footprint of barely more than a credit card, and it weighs just 3oz / 87g.View Deal
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review
When I say charging station how do you feel? Are you filled with great excitement and enthusiasm? If not, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W, will almost certainly change that.
This charging station has six charging ports – four USB-C and two USB-A. You can monitor the electricity output levels for each port via the station’s onboard screen to ensure each device is getting the appropriate levels of power.
However, let’s say you’re charging six devices, but you want to ensure your phone gets back to 100% quickly. Fear not – with the Port Priority option, you can ensure your phone charges without delay. That’s not to say this station can’t handle six devices at once, of course. With a maximum output of 250W, you’ll likely have more than enough power to go around your phones, laptops, tablets and more.
I used the default charging configuration during testing, AI Power Mode. This uses artificial intelligence to optimize power allocation across the station. However, there are also three other modes – Port Priority, Dual-Laptop and Low Current mode. Most will find that the default is perfectly capable of performing their charging chores.
What I really like about this station is how many neat features it offers, making it easily one of the best Android chargers and best iPhone chargers. If you download the Anker app, you can connect to the charging station via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can add a clock screensaver to the station, with a number of different designs to choose from. The Anker app also lets you view real-time data on power output, schedule power on/off, and adjust the station's screen brightness.
One odd but welcome nugget is Secret Features, which includes a collection of fun animations for the station’s screen if you complete hidden tasks (such as switching Port Priority on and off 10 times).
So what’s the catch? Well, this station has a list price of $169.99 / £169.99, a lot to invest in what is, at the end of the day, just a multi-port charger. However, if you want a feature-rich, speedy station that’s perfect for your work desk, it’s not going to get much better than this. Ultimately, Anker has delivered a top-quality product here, but it's going to be a lot more than most people need.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W?
Buy it if…
There are a lot of devices at your desk With six available charging ports, you’re unlikely to be left wanting more. Four ports are USB-C, two are USB-A – so you’ll be ready to charge all of your devices.
You want a feature-rich charging solution This station has an impressively long list of features, including port prioritization, power modes, screensavers and more. There's even a companion app.
Don't buy it if…
You’re on a tight budget You’re gonna have to pay a pretty penny for this one. At $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250), if you want a six-port charger, Anker also offers a screenless 200W alternative at half this price.
You only need to charge one or two devices simultaneously If you only need to charge one or two other devices, this isn’t for you. An Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger can also charge your devices for much less.
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W: Also consider
Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) Anker's Prime Charger delivers excellent quality and rapid charging. It has similar capabilities, with four USB-C and two USB-A ports, but a lower maximum power output of 200W. It costs $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120).View Deal
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review
The Mous 3 In 1 MagSafe Charger is a light and compact charger and one of the best iPhone chargers I've reviewed. It charges all AirPods and Apple Watch models, as well as third-party Qi-compatible earbud cases. It's compatible with any iPhone 12 to iPhone 16 model, so it will charge all of the best iPhones.
The Mous 3 In 1 costs $44.99 / £39.99 / (around AU $75). It’s worth noting purchases made from Australia are shipped from the US, so I’d recommend checking your local shipping fees and taxes before setting your heart on this charger.
If you’re partial to a cheap-and-cheerful travel charger, the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is a good choice. It weighs just 3oz / 87g and has a footprint not far from the size of a credit card, with a depth of around half an inch / 13mm when folded, making it ideal for sliding into bags and pockets as you go off on your travels. Its 3-in-1 design comes in really handy, as there are no extra parts to keep track of. The charger is strongly held together magnetically, so it shouldn’t open up accidentally.
The charger is powered by a USB-C cable, which is included in the price. Unfortunately, a power adapter must be purchased separately. This is important: you'll need to put more thought into the power output of your wall charger. The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger requires one that can charge at 30W or higher. Mous sells 30W adapters for $29.99 / £24.99 / around AU$50, but this feels particularly steep at around two-thirds the cost of the device itself. Other 30W adapters can be sourced for less from Amazon, so don’t let that put you off.
I tested the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger on my iPhone and it didn’t exactly provide speedy results: it took three hours to fully charge my iPhone 13 Pro. This is a massive difference compared to a premium portable charger like the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set, which fully charged the same iPhone 13 Pro in just under two hours.
Despite taking longer to juice up the iPhone, it charged my Series 9 Apple Watch in the same amount of time as its competitor, two hours and ten minutes, which is pretty good going considering the $55 / £50 / AU$75 price difference. Mous claims on its website that you can charge more than just AirPods on this compact charger, and I can confirm that I had no problems charging my off-brand earbuds.
Although the space-saving design is useful for traveling, it means that you don’t get the benefit of a stand, so it's difficult to use your phone as it charges. With its flexible faux-leather hinge, I was tempted to fold the charger back on itself, but I found my phone began to overheat very quickly when I tried this. Another downside - this charger's lack of anti-slip areas means that it’s susceptible to movement, but this shouldn’t pose a problem if it’s charging somewhere out of the way.
If you’re looking for a lower-cost travel charger that’s perfectly portable, then the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger is the way to go. If you want something a little more premium and faster charging for your travels, we recommend the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set instead. Alternatively, we have several other charger varieties to peruse in our pick of the best wireless chargers.
Should I buy the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger?
Buy it if…
You want a compact travel companion The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is super convenient. With a footprint just bigger than a credit card and around half an inch / 13mm when folded, it’ll have no problem fitting in pockets or bags.
You want to charge multiple chargers without compromising on space With an iPhone charging pad on one side and an AirPods charging pad on the other, along with a nifty pop-up Apple Watch charger, good things really do come in small packages.
Don't buy it if…
You need something that will stay put While its light weight makes it perfectly portable, if you accidentally catch the cable or knock it there are no anti-slip aids to stop the charger from whizzing off the surface it’s sitting on.
You want to continue using your phone as it charges Due to its design, phones lay flat as they charge, meaning you can’t easily carry on watching YouTube or playing games.
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review: Also consider
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set For faster iPhone charging with a sturdier build, this premium 3-in-1 wireless charging set is a great choice. It's nowhere near as portable as the Mous charger, but it comes with a handy travel bag that holds all the components, plus the included 30W plug.View Deal
You'll likely know Insta360 for its diverse array of cameras, many of which you'll currently find on our shortlists of the best action cameras and best 360 cameras, but last year the company branched out into a new product category: gimbals.
The Insta360 Flow broke onto the scene with an impressive feature set, especially for the company's first attempt at a phone gimbal. Just over a year later and we have its successor; in the Insta360 Flow Pro. Not only does it address key limitations of the original, but it also sets itself apart from the competition by being the first gimbal to market with Apple DockKit support.
While there's a lot more to the Flow Pro than tighter Apple integration (despite the bias, this gimbal does still work with Android phones), it's hard to overstate just how much DockKit support expands the Pro's versatility; for the first time gaining the ability to track subjects in third-party apps. Everything from FaceTime to Zoom, WhatsApp, Filmic Pro and beyond, can now benefit from the Flow Pro's three-axis stabilization.
A near-identical design to its predecessor, the Flow Pro packs down impressively small and yet can be setup in seconds; thanks in-part to its magnetic mounting system. The gimbal's overly-stocky handle is one of its weaker design elements, but it does, at least, once again conceal a tripod and selfie stick; making it a more versatile self-contained offering than the likes of the Hohem iSteady M6, for example.
10-hours of run-time from an integrated 2,900mAh battery is respectably middle of the pack on paper, but proved more than ample for the gimbal-specific shots I wanted to capture during testing. What's more, the use of dual USB-C ports adds extra convenience, as it doubles as a power bank; not only extending shooting time, but also as a back-up, if you're ever caught short with low battery on your phone.
Between its slick design, holistic capture, organization and editing experience (provided by Insta360's companion app), and the wealth of additional functionality the Flow Pro delivers, it's hard to argue with this successor to the brand's debut gimbal.
DockKit support is a little limited in its implementation right now, but that's something Apple needs to work on, not Insta360. Otherwise, the Flow Pro is an incredibly competent smartphone gimbal that offers more value than its predecessor and serves as a more unique proposition compared to what else the market has to offer.
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Announced 6 July 2024
$149 / £139 / AU$229 list price for standalone kit
$10 / £6 / AU$10 cheaper than the original Flow
Unveiled a little over a year on from the company's debut gimbal, the Flow Pro manages to offer greater functionality than its predecessor at a lower starting price of $149 / £139 / AU$229. It's admittedly not a lot lower (only $10 / £6 / AU$10), but a reduction is a reduction that amounts to more for less.
Insta360 also serves the Flow Pro up with a tripod bundle that – for a little extra – nabs you a threaded tripod accessory too. You can pick the Pro up (as well as its respective bundles) directly from Insta360's site or third-party retailers like Amazon for the same price.
The Flow Pro's most established rival – the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – launched in late 2022 for $159 / £145 / AU$239, but has since dropped to $139 / £125 / AU$204. The far more recently released Hohem iSteady V3 costs $149 / £129 / AU$219, while the updated Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI comes in at: $169 / £169 (it's not available in Australia at the time of writing, but based on the trajectory of previous models, will be soon) or $219 / £219 if you want the additional magnetic AI module, which provides more comparable tracking to the Flow Pro.
All in, the Flow Pro seems fairly priced at the middle of the pack with regards to features and value against the competition.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Specs
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Design
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Integrated tripod, selfie stick and cold shoe
Tracking ring light is a great addition
Handle is on the short side
Despite packing a near-identical design and similarly-sized 2,900mAh battery as its predecessor, Insta360 has managed to make the Flow Pro a fraction lighter (by three grams), clocking in at 366 grams, unladen.
Even with a phone attached (mine spent most of its time connected to a 187-gram iPhone 15 Pro), wrist fatigue was minimal for the lengths and styles of shot I was capturing. Unless you plan on capturing a Kubrickesque number of takes without a break, it shouldn't prove cumbersome in normal shooting scenarios.
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(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Included clamp magnetic mount (left) and MagSafe-compatible mount (right), sold separately.
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(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
The magnetic clamp mount launched as part of the original Insta360 Flow (pictured).
Attaching a phone is simple enough, with an included sprung clamp that grips your phone tightly and snaps on with impressively strong magnets to the head of the Flow Pro. Work has been done to the clamp's design in order to avoid it pressing the buttons located towards to center edges of most devices, but in practice erroneous presses seemed unavoidable, in spite of the thoughtful design.
The silver lining is a new MagSafe-compatible mount, which Insta360 launched alongside the Flow Pro. It works with any of the best iPhones that are MagSafe-compatible, as well as cases for other phones that also support the standard, and was my preferred mounting method. Just note that this isn't included with the Flow Pro, it doesn't allow the attachment of accessories like the Insta360 Spotlight (which snaps neatly onto the included clamp mount just fine), and it will set you back an additional $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$34.99.
The MagSafe-compatible mount for the Flow Pro costs extra but is worth it if you don't need to attach the Spotlight accessory.(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
The Pro is clad in nicely-finished light gray plastic, with a smoky translucent spine to the gimbal's main arm (which Insta360 sells inserts for, should you wish to give your Flow Pro a more unique look), that also conceals a cold shoe; a rarity on most gimbals of this caliber that gives the Pro an edge; ideal for mounting accessories like a mic receiver. What's more, an integrated selfie stick (that although stiff to extend) allows for a more ergonomic angled grip on the handle, also providing up to 215mm of additional reach.
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(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
The included tripod is convenient, if a little flimsy.
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(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
If possible, pair the Flow Pro with a dedicated tripod, for maximum stability.
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(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
The selfie stick is difficult to extend on a box-fresh Flow Pro, but undeniably useful.
At the other end of the handle is a concealed tripod, which pulls out and splits apart. Despite being more robust than the spindly legs of the equivalent system on the Hohem iSteady V3, you still need a stable, flat surface (and calm conditions, if you're shooting outside) to use it reliably; as it's not the most sturdy foundation.
The base also features a standard tripod thread, which when you consider that Insta360 also sells the Flow Pro as part of a tripod bundle, suggests that the company knows the built-in option should be considered a fallback.
Partially extending the Flow Pro's integrated tripod is the easiest way to improve the grip offered by its short handle, but it's not perfect.(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
For everything that the Flow Pro's handle manages to contain (all of the gimbal's physical controls live there too), like the last model, it's on the short side; meaning you need to keep a really firm grip on what little purchase it does provide, in order to wield it securely. Extending but not separating the integrated tripod (see image above), or attaching separate tripod legs via the provided thread goes some way to help extend the handle, but neither augmentation really solves the problem completely, ergonomically speaking. The Flow Pro does at least come with a silicone handle cover (as seen in all the pictures in this review), which adds a notable amount of grip.
Controls consist of a trigger on the back of the handle, while on the front of the handle you'll find three buttons, a four-way joystick and a jog wheel. What isn't immediately obvious is that the black circular control panel is itself also a touch surface, and the most tactile way two switch between four of the gimbal's main modes.
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Don't been fooled by the Flow Pro's seemingly minimalist control scheme, though. Practically every one of these physical elements works double or triple duty, based on the number of presses used or mode set. Learning how to navigate all of them effectively takes some getting used to, with the touchpad proving the least elegant and ergonomic.
On balance, the addition of a green LED ring just above the control panel that lets you know when tracking is engaged from almost any angle is an ingenious addition, which helps you know what's going on when shooting solo and unable to view your phone's screen.
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
For all the Flow Pro offers in addition to its fundamental gimbal components, it packs down impressively small, and can be collapsed or redeployed in sections, with a self-balancing setup that makes the process of being stowed to ready-for-action impressively quick and easy, and a far cry from higher-end offerings, meant for dedicated cameras used by professionals.
Design score: 4 / 5
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Features
The new integrated NFC tag makes initial pairing and setup with an iPhone a cinch.(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Unlike predecessor, supports 360-degree infinite pan
2,900mAh battery can double as a power bank
First gimbal to market with Apple DockKit support for 200+ apps
Perhaps one of the bigger limitations of the original Insta360 Flow was its range of motion. With the Flow Pro, the horizontal pan motor has been redesigned to allow for continuous 360-degree rotation. You could theoretically rotate the Flow Pro clockwise or anti-clockwise as many times as you like, adding greater versatility to the kinds of shots capable; especially when capturing using automated tracking, timelapses or 360 photos.
The Insta360 app is where you can access the bulk of the Flow Pro's functionality, with ten dedicated shooting modes; ranging from simple photo and video capture, to Hoop Mode (specialized basketball game recording), timelapses and more. You can also drill down and – depending on the mode – access additional features like HDR capture or Apple ProRes recording, on iPhones that support it.
These capture modes work in tandem with the gimbal's six modes of stabilization:
Auto – follows your pan and tilt movements, with automated adaptive sensitivity.
Follow – follows your pan and tilt movements, with high sensitivity.
Pan Follow – follows your pan movements, while keeping the tilt and roll axes locked.
FPV – follows movement on all three axes. Jog wheel now controls roll axis instead of zoom.
Lock – ignores movement through all three axes while trigger is held.
Active Plus – brings increased sensitivity and responsiveness to Auto, Follow, Pan Follow and FPV modes, by pressing and then quickly pressing again but this time holding the trigger.
The Insta360 app also contains tutorials, its own album and an impressively powerful editor, with predefined themes to make cutting clips together as painless as possible. You do also have the option to edit manually, if you prefer, with the ability to add music, effects and more, all provided in-app. Insta360 has clearly worked hard to build a robust production pipeline for its products, and the result is impressive, even if it comes with a learning curve.
There's also the matter of the Flow Pro's currently-unique party piece: Apple DockKit support. Provided you're OK leaving the depth of the Insta360 app behind, DockKit delivers native face tracking across approximately 200 apps, with a list that continues to grow all the time. It's a truly impressive bonus that grants extra utility to the Flow Pro over its competition; making it a great tool for everything from video conferencing via Zoom, to motion-tracked footage while recording via the BlackMagic Camera app.
The Insta360 app is feature-packed(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
As is stands, DockKit tracking is only available when capturing video, which means you can't use it to frame a time-delayed photo, for example, but for the first of its kind, this new support means the Flow Pro is suddenly far more competent outside of its native app than any of its respective competitors.
To clarify, DockKit is an Apple-owned technology, meaning Android phones are left out in the cold when it comes to the same third-party support (and remain confined to the Insta360 app which, admittedly, isn't much of a hardship). Provided you have an iPhone 12 or newer – running iOS 17 or newer, you should be good to go for DockKit.
Pairing for DockKit support takes place by a new integrated NFC tag, right above the gimbal's main controls. When tapping your iPhone to it for the first time, you see an AirPods-like card pop up to initiate pairing, after which point the gimbal will forever whir into action when it's switched on while you're in a DockKit-supported app; a truly snappy and seamless setup which Android has no direct comparison for.
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Beyond its fundamental function as a three-axis smartphone gimbal, even when powered off, the Flow Pro's design also means you're carrying around a selfie stick and a tripod too, not to mention the keen-eyed amongst you who spotted the gimbal's pair of USB-C ports; one near the physical controls, used for power in (i.e. charging the gimbal), and one hidden underneath the shorter tilt axis arm of the Flow Pro.
This second port is actually a power-out, meant to keep accessories like the aforementioned Insta360 Spotlight shining. However, it also allows for power bank-like functionality, meaning your phone can keep itself topped up from the Pro's 2,900mAh internal battery, be it as a means to extend shooting time, or simply for those times when you need to recharge your phone after a long day.
Features score: 5 / 5
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Performance
2,900mAh 10-hour battery
Control ergonomics could be better
Control over tracking experience within DockKit remains limited
Besides the learning curve demanded by the multi-functional hardware controls, the Flow Pro's improved range of motion, compared to its predecessor and whisper-quiet brushless motors – on top of the Swiss Army Knife of additional functionality it already offers – render it an incredibly competent option, if you're in the market for a smartphone gimbal, right now.
Despite the cited two-hour reduction in battery longevity versus the original Flow, it took three days of real-world usage to see the battery percentage drop down below 75% charge, during my time with it, meaning most will find the Flow Pro's battery life wholly reliable on shoot days. Fast charging to storm past the current two-hour full recharge time would be one area of improvement Insta360 should consider going forward, but rivals are generally slower, while also falling short on use-time per charge.
There are also promised features that suggest the Flow Pro is actually going to continue to improve over time, with iOS' Cinematic Mode reportedly set to work with the Apple's DockKit protocol by the time iOS 18 rolls around.
Its ergonomics aren't perfect, with Hohem's iSteady V3 letting you pull the controls out of the gimbal completely for more comfortable and remote operation, while DJI managed to include rotation speed control within the OM 6's joystick (speed for the effect of the Flow Pro's joystick can only be altered in the Insta360 app).
As the video above highlights, the stability provided by the Flow Pro is a clear step-up from even the best iPhone's in-camera stabilization system, however, it doesn't iron the bounce of regular footfall completely. So, as numerous experienced gimbal users have suggested already, considered physicality to optimize the smoothness of final footage is still recommended (Google 'gimbal ninja walk' for more insight on this).
The test footage also highlights Insta360's Deep Track 3.0 technology, which does a stirling job of keeping tabs on people, pets or objects as set up, but is more likely to throw in the towel when tracking conditions become less than ideal, when shooting handheld (if tracking was lost while I used the gimbal freehand, rather than on a stable surface, object tracking would disable itself after losing the target for mere seconds, while it proved far more tenacious when set down on.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Insta360 Flow Pro?
Buy it if...
You want the best gimbal for iPhone The Insta360's first-to-market position as a gimbal with DockKit support grants it far more utility for iPhone users than its competitors.
You like to travel light As well as acing its duties as a smartphone gimbal, the Insta360 Flow Pro's ability to double as a selfie stick, tripod and power bank, while also neatly collapsing down making it a perfect companion for travelers who want to up their shooting game.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best ergonomics If you're looking for a gimbal to accompany you on long shoot days, the short handle and awkward touch controls mean this Flow Pro is far from the most comfortable gimbal out there.
You want the best gimbal for Android While the Flow Pro is positioned as one of the best-placed gimbals for iPhone users right now, functionality for Android users is more in-line with the original Insta360 Flow and many other rival gimbals.
Insta360 Flow Pro review: Also consider
While it's easy to see the benefits of the Insta360 Flow Pro, there are identifiable shortcomings that rivals below address in one area or another.
How I tested the Insta360 Flow Pro
(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)
Review test period: three weeks
Tested with: iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Insta360 app + various iOS apps w/ camera support
Test conditions: Carried the Insta360 Flow Pro around with me and used it to shoot the test footage featured in this review, as well as additional unfeatured footage, plus use in apps like Facebook Messenger
Having picked the Insta360 Flow Pro up from TechRadar's offices, I immediately set about familiarizing myself with the hardware, how it collapses down and deploys, how the additional accessories Insta360 had sent as part of the review functioned (and how they differed from the in-box contents) and then started to film with it.
It took a decent amount of time to become au fait with the button combinations needed to quickly move to the modes and setup I typically preferred, but once learnt, it made from an impressively quick way to jump to elevated smartphone videography, quickly.
As well as filming when out and about, with the evidently strong battery longevity, I used the Flow Pro as an elaborate a desktop phone holder, using its DockKit talents to upgrade video calls with colleagues and friends, while also using it as a power bank when I couldn't find my phone charger on a couple of occasions.
As a reviewer with 13 years experience, and having reviewed numerous smartphones, alongside camera-centric smartphone accessories, I felt confident assessing and scoring the Insta360 Flow Pro in the context of the wider smartphone gimbal market in which it competes.
