Wireless chargers don’t get much cooler than the new Liberty from Zens. Available with a tempered glass surface that lets you see all 16 of its copper charging coils, it tops up iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously.
It’s probably the only wireless charger you’ll ever need, and it does its job brilliantly. It’s like an AirPower you can actually buy.
Charging your favorite gadgets has never been more convenient. Gone are the days when you have to worry about tangled cables that are forever in your way. To enjoy the best wireless experience, however, you need the right charger.
The Liberty from Zens is a terrific option. It delivers the fastest possible charging speeds and supports three devices simultaneously. It also fixes one of the biggest issues users face with more traditional wireless charging pads.
Oh, and did I mention it looks awesome?
Zens Liberty wireless charger review
Liberty allows you to place your iPhone, AirPods, and other Qi-compatible devices (including Android smartphones and other wireless headphones) almost anywhere on its surface — rather than having to find a “sweet spot.”
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
A USB port on the top of the pad allows a third device to be topped-up at the same time, and we recommend you fill it with Zens’ optional Apple Watch charging stick priced at $49.99, which is compatible with all Watch models.
Together, the two will cost you a little under $200 (the Liberty by itself is $149.99, or $199.99 for the glass model we reviewed). No, it’s not cheap — but it might just be the best wireless charger there is.
Wireless charging … fixed
Liberty is bigger than most wireless charging pads. It’s also pretty thick. That’s something to bear in mind if you plan to stick it on a teeny-tiny bedside table. There’s a good reason for its girth, however.
This is the world’s first wireless charger with 16 charging coils. You can see them if you opt for the tempered glass model, which is a real beauty. Each coil is cleverly positioned to ensure that no matter where you place your gadgets, they’ll charge properly.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
That’s the idea, at least. I have found that on occasion, I somehow manage to place my iPhone incorrectly — perhaps too close to the Liberty’s edges. When that happens, my iPhone disconnects and reconnects continually until it’s moved into the right position. But this doesn’t happen often.
Nine times out of 10 (roughly), I don’t have to think twice about where I place my device. I just stick it down on the Liberty and charging works as intended. I don’t think I’ve ever used another multi-device wireless charger that works this well. Others require you to find the right charging spot for every device.
Once your devices are charging, you can be sure they’ll keep charging until they’re fall. Since I started using the Liberty a couple of months ago, I’ve woken up to a fully-charged iPhone and AirPods every single day.
Apple Watch charging that never fails
To charge your Apple Watch with the liberty, you have two options. You can either plug your existing Watch charger into the USB port on top of the Liberty (ugh!) or you can add the optional Apple Watch charging stick.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
It neatly becomes one with the Liberty and the two look great together. And because it sits upright, your Apple Watch is held in Nightstand mode, so you can easily see the time by nudging your bedside table.
The Watch charging stick has been great for me. It has held my device securely without letting go, and because it’s essentially the same as a standard Apple Watch charger, it tops-up your wearable just as quickly.
Do you hear that?
You’ll find rubber strips on the bottom of the Liberty that prevent it from sliding around on desks and tables. That should give those who buy the glass model some peace of mind. There’s also a rubber strip around the top of the device to help keep your iPhone secure and keep it from scratching.
A single USB-C cable is all that’s required to power the Liberty, and the included 60W adapter delivers more than enough juice for everything.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
One feature of the Liberty you cannot see is its cooling fan (yes, it really has a cooling fan) and it’s both a good thing and a bag thing. 16 charging coils can get pretty warm, and the fan ensures the Liberty won’t overheat. The downside is that you can hear it.
It’s not too loud; you’re certainly not going to hear it over your TV. But it is noticeable — especially if you sleep with your devices charging on your nightstand, right next to your head.
Personally, I didn’t find this to be an issue (I tend to sleep with a fan on anyway), but it might be an issue for you if you need absolute silence at night.
Bag your Liberty charger today
The Liberty is available to order today from the Cult of Mac Store, with prices starting at $149.99 for the fabric finish, and $199.99 for the tempered glass option. Aside from the difference in appearance, both are just as excellent.
The Apple Watch charging stick, which is essential if you want to get the most of out the Liberty, is $49.99.
Zens provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
