Best Apple Watch charging stands 2024: how to dock and charge your smartwatch

One of the best Apple Watch charging stands
(Image credit: Apple)

The best Apple Watch charging stands are a great option for Apple Watch owners, combining the functionality of fast charging with a design that looks infinitely more appealing than the tiny disc-shaped charger that comes with the smartwatch as standard. Luckily, there are plenty of options to consider and in this guide we’ve selected the best of the bunch. 

Whichever one of the best Apple Watch models you have, it makes sense to invest in a charging stand. Many of them are designed to look minimal and streamlined in your home, whether you like the idea of a tall charging tower for your bedside table, a subtle wood effect or a futuristic, metallic design. 

Some also bring you ways to charge your Apple Watch in different positions. In the list below, we've included charging stands that have your Apple Watch dock resting on its side so it can act as a bedside alarm clock, as well as ones that double up as a charging hub for all of your gadgets, like your iPhone and Apple AirPods Pro 2.

We’ve included Apple watch charging stands that work with every generation of Apple Watch, whether you have an older model or the latest Apple Watch 8 or Apple Watch Ultra. However, most don’t come with a charging cable, so remember that as you consider your options. With that in mind, here are the best Apple Watch charging stands out right now.

We haven’t had chance to put all of these Apple Watch charging stands through their paces in our test labs. However, based on our experts' opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we believe these are the best options to consider.

To make these selections we’ve taken online reviews, brand reputation, product capability and unique features into account.

Best Apple Watch charging stands 2023: our top picks

The standard Apple Watch Charger

(Image credit: Apple)

1. Apple Watch Charger

The unexciting Apple-brand charging cable

Specifications

Colors: White
Cable length: 1 meter

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Comes in the box

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't stand the watch up
-
Easy for watch to slip off

The Control Option, the standard upon which all the other chargers in this lineup are based, is Apple's signature Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable that comes in the box. It's little more than that - a pad the watch snaps to and a meter-length of cable ending in a USB-A port.

The cable is functional and inexpensive, but it doesn't prop the watch up to double as a nighttime visible clock - plus, it tends to separate from Apple Watches at slight jostling. But in a pinch or if you don't have much room, this could be the right pick - at least until you see what else we have in store. 

Note that the cable also comes in a USB-C option, as well as lengths of 0.3m, 1m, and 2m options.

The OLEBR 3 in 1 Charging Stand charging an iphone and an apple watch

(Image credit: OLEBR)

2. OLEBR 3 in 1 Charging Stand

One charger for all your Apple devices

Specifications

Colors: Black, Rose Gold, Space Grey, Silver
Material: Aluminum and plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Also supports iPhone and AirPods
+
A selection of colors

Reasons to avoid

-
Bigger than some charging stands
-
A bit plain

If you have an Apple Watch then you almost certainly also have an iPhone and there’s a good chance you have AirPods as well, and if you have all of them, then you should definitely consider the OLEBR 3 in 1 Charging Stand, as it can charge all three of those devices at once.

It holds your Apple Watch at an angle that allows you to see the screen, so you can use it in Nightstand mode, and it supports all Apple Watch sizes, so whether you’ve got a 38mm, 40mm, 42mm or 44mm one, you’re covered.

The OLEBR 3 in 1 Charging Stand also has a reasonably stylish design, in a choice of black, rose gold, space grey or silver colors, so you should be able to get one that matches your iDevices.

The Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock charging a white and silver apple watch

3. Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock

Elegant and official

Specifications

Colors: White
Material: Polyurethane

Reasons to buy

+
Elegant design
+
Can charge Watch flat or on its side

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Only comes in white

If you want a stylish charging solution for your Apple Watch, who better to go to than Apple itself? This official dock is every bit as simple and elegant as you would expect from a company with Apple’s eye for design, and it’s a perfect companion to the Apple Watch.

The design allows you to charge the Watch flat, or on its side – the latter of which puts it into Nightstand mode, so you can use it as an alarm clock.

The only real downside to this dock is that - in typical Apple fashion – it’s expensive, but if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem that’s something you’re probably used to.

The Belkin PowerHouse charging stand, charging an iPhone and an Apple watch

4. Belkin PowerHouse

A pricey option that works with cases

Specifications

Colors: White, Black
Material: TBC

Reasons to buy

+
Works even if your phone is in a case
+
Sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Nightstand mode won’t work with it
-
Large plug could block other sockets

The Belkin Powerhouse isn’t cheap, but it is well thought through, letting you charge both your Apple Watch and your iPhone, with the latter working even if the phone is in a case thanks to an adjustable Lightning connector that can be moved forwards, backwards, up and down.

The PowerHouse looks sturdy too, yet it shouldn’t take up too much space, and it’s designed to charge both watch and phone quickly.

Disappointingly, the position it holds your Apple Watch in means Nightstand mode won’t work when using this dock, but if you can live without that – and live with the price – it’s a great two-in-one option that won’t force you to take your phone out of its case.

The Mophie Watch Dock charging a white and silver apple watch

5. Mophie Watch Dock

A simple yet stylish way to show off your Watch

Specifications

Colors: Metallic silver
Material: Aluminum

Reasons to buy

+
Protects surfaces
+
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey
-
Only one color

This aluminum stand keeps things simple from the moment you open the box. The included quick start guide explains how to place your Watch's inductive charger into the circular cut-out and feed the cable down a rubber channel inside the vertical arm, through the base and out the back.

Faux leather padding on the angled cradle provides a safe buffer between the metal and the back of your watch, while a rubber pad on the base provides protection for your desk/table. At four ounces, it's fairly light, but provides a stable mid-size mount for both sizes of watch. Some might find the price a bit steep though.

The Griffin WatchStand, charging an iphone and an apple watch

6. Griffin WatchStand

A Watch and iPhone stand all in one

Specifications

Colors: Black, White
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Space for your iPhone
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic construction
-
Plain

Your Apple Watch is a gorgeous thing to behold, so it's no surprise Griffin has designed this totemic stand to help you show it off when it's not on your wrist.

At the top of the plastic stand lies an angled cradle for your Watch's charging connector and a hole for the cable to wind around the detachable rubber inner core and slip out the rear of the base. The Watch sits securely on top with the band either buckled round the back or open and hanging down the front (hint: not the best look).

The weighted, non-slip base provides confident footing to the display and has a thoughtful lip at the front to rest your iPhone against lengthways; there's no power outlet for it, mind, but that's where Griffin's WatchStand Powered Charging Station (£41/US$60/AU$84) comes in - it takes care of your iPhone's power needs too.

The Mercase Apple Watch Stand charging an iphone and an apple watch

(Image credit: Mercase)

7. Mercase Apple Watch Stand

Cheap, small and stylish

Specifications

Colors: Space Grey, Rose Gold
Material: Aluminum and TPU

Reasons to buy

+
Low price
+
Compact design

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t work with most cases
-
Can fall if used with heavy bands

The Mercase Apple Watch Stand is a cheap option, but you get quite a lot for your money. For one thing it’s partially clad in aluminum, giving it a more premium finish than even some pricier docks.

It also has a compact design, so it won’t take up your whole bedside table, and it can charge both your iPhone and your Apple Watch at the same time.

There are some reports of it toppling over when charging a watch with a heavy band, so that’s something to be aware of, though if you charge your iPhone at the same time it should help weigh the stand down. And if you have a light watch strap there’s nothing to worry about.

The Geekera Wireless Charger charging an iPhone and an apple watch

(Image credit: Geekera)

8. Geekera Wireless Charger

A neat design for all your Apple devices

Specifications

Colors: Black
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Relatively compact design
+
Also supports iPhones and AirPods

Reasons to avoid

-
Overkill for some users

Able to charge all your Apple devices including your iPhone and AirPods (and other Android phones and earbuds too), the Geekera wireless charging stand does it all. It's easy to slot your Apple Watch on top, allowing you to check notifications while it recharges, before adding your other devices.

Relatively compact size-wise, it looks good on your desk too, not taking up too much room and giving you easy access to all your essentials. An LED light lets you know when it's charging. 

The Lamicall Stand charging an Apple Watch

(Image credit: Lamicall)

9. Lamicall Stand

Straight to the point

Specifications

Colors: Black
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Simple design

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't use with other devices
-
Almost too simple

If you simply want a straightforward Apple Watch charging stand, and you're not too fussed about extra features, this Lamicall Stand will do the job. Designed to be used with all Apple Watches, simply slot the cable into the hole and place the Watch on top. It's as simple as that.

Essentially, this is a stand for when you don't need anything too complicated or potentially when you just want something to use temporarily. It might not be a long-term solution but its thick aluminium body means it'll last as long as you need it to. 

Best Apple Watch charging stands: FAQs

How to choose the best Apple Watch charging stand for you

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There are some key factors to consider when you're looking for the best Apple Watch charging stand for you. The first is whether you want to charge any other devices at the same time. As you'll see from our list above, many of the best charging stands are able to juice up your iPhone or smartphone at the same time – some even give you space to charge your earbuds, too. For most people, this would be incredibly handy. However, if for some reason you don't need a place to charge your phone as well, that'll reduce your options down to the much smaller stands created solely to power up your Apple Watch. 

The next thing to consider is whether you want your charging stand to give you access to your Apple Watch or not. Most of the options above place your Apple Watch in a perfect position to allow you to access the screen and continue using it while it's charging. But if that's not a priority for you, one of the options that lays the watch on its side could be a better choice. 

Next up, let's talk style. Most of the Apple Watch charging stands you can buy bring you a minimal and modern aesthetic. But there are plenty of choices if you want a more natural look – like maybe a wood effect – or something almost invisible, in which case pick a smaller or more transparent charging stand that'll blend into your home rather than make a statement. 

If instead you're looking for a way to wirelessly charge other devices, or maybe all at once, take a look at our best wireless chargers guide. If you don't need a charging stand but simply want a new way to juice up your iPhone, we also have a best iPhone chargers list.