Best charging docks for iPhone and iPad

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When it comes to charging docks, not all are created equal. Here are my favorite two and why I like them better than everything else out there.
When it comes to charging docks, not all are created equal. Here are my favorite two and why I like them better than everything else out there.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnailIf there’s a single iPhone and iPad accessory I consider myself to be the most picky about, it would be charging docks and stands. While there isn’t a shortage of options, let’s be honest, most of them aren’t that great. They either don’t dock securely or they’re obsolete when a new iPhone or iPad form factor comes out.

That’s why I’ve narrowed down my vote for best iPhone and iPad charging docks to only two candidates. Yep, just two. Here’s what they are and why I think they’re better than most:


Everdock series by FUZ

The Everdock comes in many varieties, all of which have a great build quality and work with virtually any iPhone or iPad model.
The Everdock comes in many varieties, all of which have a great build quality and work with virtually any iPhone or iPad model.
Photo: Amazon

I was first contacted by FUZ about 3 years ago after I purchased my iPhone 5s. They sent me an Everdock Duo, which still sits next to my iMac on my desk to this day.

One of my biggest complaints with docks is that when I try and lift my iPhone or iPad out of it, the dock comes with it. This isn’t the case with FUZ.

Once you position your FUZ dock exactly where you want it, press down firmly. FUZ will automatically stick to that surface via thousands of tiny air pockets. Pull up firmly to remove it. Since FUZ attaches via suction, there’s no sticky residue. That also means as long as you clean the bottom off occasionally to remove any dust or debris, it will literally last forever.

While FUZ offers several different variations of their dock, all of them are made from high quality aluminum. The version I have, the Everdock Duo, can charge two devices simultaneously (for me that means an iPhone and an iPad). They also make combinations for iPhone and Apple Watch, a single iPhone or iPad, etc.

FUZ also makes different inserts and adapters than can change with each iPhone or iPad iteration. Each slot is also thick enough to accommodate anything Apple may throw our way over the years. Regardless what kind of charging combo you’re looking for, FUZ will outlast any iPhone or iPad you put on it.

  • Everdock by FUZ – $49 – Buy now
  • Everdock Duo by FUZ – $70 – Buy now

Twelve South HiRise

The HiRise Deluxe can be adjusted to fit any iPhone or iPad you own and comes in finishes to match your device.
The HiRise Deluxe can be adjusted to fit any iPhone or iPad you own and comes in finishes to match your device.
Photo: Amazon

Twelve South makes some of my favorite Mac and iPhone accessories of all time. That includes the HiRise Deluxe, which has a permanent spot on the nightstand next to my bed.

While I use the HiRise Deluxe primarily for charging my iPhone, it can also accommodate my iPad when I need it to. Even though I normally charge it in the office, it’s nice to top it off on the same dock I use for my iPhone if and when I need to.

As for pulling my iPhone or iPad off the HiRise, the base is wide enough that I just place one hand over it while lifting up with the other. I can easily do this while laying in bed or while standing or sitting. Twelve South also makes a HiRise for Apple Watch that complements the iPhone and iPad version nicely.

The HiRise comes with a Lightning cable, a micro-USB cable, and three different Lightning cable adapters as well so you can get a perfect fit regardless what case you have on your iPhone or iPad — and this should also help future proof whatever form factor Apple settles on for the iPhone 7 and beyond.

See also:

  • HiRise for Apple Watch – $42 – Buy now

There are literally hundreds of charging docks and stands available for iPhone and iPad — but I only want one that works for both devices when I need it to.

That’s why when I look at charging docks and stands, I think about longevity, ergonomics, style, and how a particular dock or stand fits into my routine. More than that, am I going to keep the same setup when I get a new iPhone or iPad?

Charging docks for iPhone and iPad don’t come cheap. I love the fact that the two options above tried their very hardest to future proof themselves from becoming obsolete when the next latest and greatest iPhone or iPad comes out.

I’ve been using my FUZ setup for almost 3 years now and it still works just as wonderfully with my iPhone 6s Plus as it did with my iPhone 5s. FUZ also makes adapters and accessories to help customers use their products even longer.

However, none of this means that there aren’t other options worthy of your attention out there. So let me know in the comments — what charging dock or stand are you using with your iPhone and iPad and why’d you pick it?

This post was syndicated via The App Factor.

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