PowerBug By Twelve South – Review

Introduction

It’s honest to say charging gear doesn’t usually get the glamour remedy. Wall bricks, wi-fi pads, MagSafe stands: all helpful, all pretty pedestrian. However when one thing arrives that tries to mix capabilities and do it with fashion, we are inclined to perk up. That’s the house the PowerBug is aiming at. From Twelve South — a model that has carved out a pleasant area of interest within the Apple-accessory world — we get a charger which is a component wi-fi stand, half outlet pin-plug charger and MagSafe/Qi2 appropriate. I bought hands-on with the unit, used it on desk, nightstand and journey pack, knocked it a couple of bit. The query: can this combo charger really ship each utility and comfort, or is it a jack-of-all-trades and grasp of none? Let’s dig in.

What’s the PowerBug?

Proper up entrance: the PowerBug is a small round charger block (with fold-out prongs on the US Mannequin) so it plugs straight right into a mains socket – UK, US or EU model relying on area. On its entrance face is a magnetic pad appropriate with MagSafe (and Qi2) for wi-fi charging or just holding the cellphone upright. On one facet (or underside) there’s a USB-C port for wired charging of one other gadget. Briefly: one outlet plug, wi-fi cellphone charger + a wired charger.

Twelve South’s pitch: flip any customary wall socket right into a neat little charging dock, maintain your cellphone upright (for FaceTime, video, StandBy mode and so forth) and cost one other gadget on the identical time.

Specs:

• As much as ~15 W wi-fi charging through MagSafe/Qi2.

• USB-C port delivering as much as ~35 W (wired) for one more gadget whereas wi-fi charging is going on.

• Designed for journey and on a regular basis use; fold-out prongs, compact physique.

• Two color selections (Slate, Dune) in some markets.

By way of fashion, it has that acquainted Twelve South design language: minimal, polished, Apple-centric however not ostentatious.

First Impression & Design

From the second I unboxed the PowerBug, the design struck me as neat. The round kind issue means it doesn’t jut out like an enormous block; the fold-out prongs imply you’ll be able to tuck it in when travelling. It additionally has heft—not heavy, however reassuring. The entrance magnetic pad feels premium.

On the desk or nightstand it seems to be far nicer than a mass of cables and chargers. The wi-fi pad turns into a stand to your cellphone: lay it on the pad and the cellphone sticks magnetically and you should utilize it in portrait or panorama mode. I used it for video, checks, alarms, StandBy mode on an iPhone and it carried out nicely.

One factor I observed: the thickness. As a result of the wi-fi pad + magnet system plus the housing means it’s a bit deeper than a fundamental one-port plug. It didn’t hassle me a lot, but when your wall socket is squeezed behind furnishings otherwise you’ve bought a flush mount, it’s value verifying clearance. Some reviewers have talked about this too.

Plugging it in, the prongs really feel stable. The end on the physique is sweet — in Slate / Dune the end is clear. The magnetic space on the entrance holds the cellphone so nicely I used to be assured in utilizing it hands-free.

So: design clever, robust marks. Half travel-friendly charger, half desk stand.

Each day Use: Charging, Stand & JourneyWi-fi Charging / MagSafe Type

I examined the wi-fi pad with a MagSafe-compatible iPhone (and equal) positioned on the pad. It held firmly, and crucially I might use the cellphone while it was seated there: FaceTime calls, video streaming, timer/alarm checks, all snug. Actually, the stand side turns into a part of the worth: it’s not simply “plug in wi-fi” however “put your cellphone in a usable place whereas it prices”.

Charging efficiency: in Whiz-bang tech land you need velocity, but in addition reliability. The PowerBug’s wi-fi pad (through Qi2) helps as much as ~15 W which is just about max for wi-fi for a lot of telephones. How-To Geek In testing and in literature I noticed quotes like “11% in 10 minutes” on sure iPhones. Cult of Mac In my use I noticed respectable positive aspects, although wi-fi won’t ever match the velocity of wired. However the comfort of wi-fi + magnet + stand is what counts.

One caveat: wi-fi charging generates warmth, and whereas the unit handles this sensibly, in case you have heavy drain (video streaming whereas charging) it could ramp down. That is typical for wi-fi. Price mentioning.

Wired USB-C Port

The second channel is the USB-C port. I plugged in one other gadget (pill) concurrently whereas the cellphone sat magnet-charging. The port delivered stable wired energy — which implies you’re not sacrificing one gadget for the opposite. The concept of two units from one outlet through one charger may be very helpful.

In case you’re somebody with a cellphone + pill + possibly equipment field, this provides a neat consolidation reasonably than having a number of bricks and cables.

As a Stand & Evening-Desk Accent

With the cellphone held upright on the pad, it fits night-table mode rather well. I used it at evening: positioned my cellphone in StandBy mode (on iOS) so I had a glance-able clock / agenda whereas charging. As a result of the magnet holds agency, there’s no wobble. For bedside charging, that is nicer than a flat wi-fi pad the place cellphone lies flat and you need to look down.

On the desk, it’s helpful to lift the cellphone to eye-level, maintain the display upright so I’d look at Slack or e mail or FaceTime with ease. For teleconferencing or for a fast look whereas cooking (cellphone in kitchen) this setup labored nicely.

Journey Use

Travelling with chargers is irritating: you carry cable(s), totally different bricks, sockets. The PowerBug simplifies: one compact brick, fold-out prongs, magnetic pad. I tossed it in my tech pouch for a visit. It match properly. On arrival I plugged it into the wall, slapped my cellphone on it and charged whereas utilizing it for navigation/commuters/airport lounge. It’s a really robust journey companion.

Some minor friction: you continue to must pack a USB-C cable if you happen to use the wired port, and if you happen to journey internationally it is advisable to confirm the plug model (UK/EU/US). However Twelve South explicitly supply area variations.

What Works Nicely

• Compact, all-in-one design: One plug, wi-fi MagSafe pad + USB-C port covers two use-cases.

• Stand performance: The magnetic pad turns into a legit stand to your cellphone (each portrait + panorama) whereas charging. Makes the charger greater than only a brick.

• High quality ending: The construct and aesthetics are robust. Much less generic plastic block, extra premium accent.

• Journey pleasant: Fold prongs, compact kind, much less twine mess.

• Simultaneous twin charging: Wi-fi + wired at identical time is wise for multi-device customers.

• Help for StandBy / upright use: Particularly for iPhone customers making the most of that mode.

What’s Much less Ultimate / Issues

• Wi-fi velocity limitation: Whereas the wi-fi pad helps ~15 W (which is sweet for wi-fi), you continue to can’t out-charge a wired quick charger. In case you’re in a rush and need most velocity, wired will nonetheless win.

• Depth / bulk at wall socket: Due to the pad + magnet + electronics, it stands proud greater than a fundamental plug. In case your wall socket is behind furnishings or in a decent house, clearance issues. Others have pointed this out.

• Requires MagSafe/Qi2 or appropriate cellphone: In case your cellphone doesn’t help MagSafe or isn’t nicely aligned magnetically, the wi-fi maintain could also be much less safe. It’s optimised for iPhones with MagSafe.

• Value premium: You might be paying for the design/twin operate combo. In case you simply need a fundamental charger and a separate pad/stand you might spend much less. Some reviewers flag this.

• Cable nonetheless wanted for wired port: The USB-C port is nice, however you continue to want to supply your personal cable except utilizing a second gadget you have already got cable for.

• Plug model issues: Ensure you purchase the right area (UK/EU/US) for prongs; travellers may want the proper model or adapter.

How It Feels within the Actual World

Over a number of days I used the PowerBug in several contexts:

• On my nightstand: cellphone in portrait mode on the pad, alarm set, glancing earlier than sleep, charging in a single day. The magnet maintain felt robust and constant. No slipping, no misalignment.

• On the desk: cellphone in panorama watching a video, sound on, wi-fi charging; wired port powering one other gadget. The stand side made a giant distinction in comparison with a flat pad.

• For journey: packed in my tech pouch, utilized in resort room wall outlet, good to go. One plug, much less mess. The fold prongs made it pack properly.

• Kitchen / normal residence use: used whereas following a recipe on the cellphone (in panorama), magnetic maintain made it handy; the wi-fi pad freed me from fishing for a cable.

So, in on a regular basis use it looks like a significant improve from a generic charger + generic pad. The comfort of utilizing the gadget whereas charging (not simply placing it down) provides to the expertise.

One night I famous that my cellphone bought a bit of heat (wi-fi + video streaming) — stored inside protected limits, however noteworthy. I left it sitting for some time and didn’t see any shutdown or massive slow-down, however the charging price did average after some time (which is anticipated for wi-fi). On that be aware: if you happen to’re charging whereas heavy utilization, wired will be the extra environment friendly route.

The Value & Worth Perspective

Pricing varies by area however I noticed mentions of round $49.99 USD / ~£49.99 GBP / ~€59.99 EUR at launch.

For what you get – twin operate charger + wi-fi stand + premium design – the worth feels affordable. That stated: if you happen to’re on a price range, you might purchase a less expensive wi-fi pad + an inexpensive plug brick individually. However you wouldn’t get the streamlined, premium end, the magnetic magnet maintain + stand aspect, or the consolidation of capabilities into one tidy block.

In case you journey, have a MagSafe-compatible cellphone, need a cleaner setup and respect design — the worth proposition is powerful. In case you’re simply charging sometimes and don’t care concerning the stand side, you may think about whether or not you want the premium.

Comparisons & Positioning

Within the accent market we now have:

• Fundamental wi-fi charging pads: cheaper, however often flat, require cable to the charger brick, cellphone lies flat, no stand function.

• Magnetic MagSafe stands: good for maintain/stand however could not plug straight right into a wall or should require brick + cable.

• Journey chargers: many USB-C bricks exist, however few combine wi-fi MagSafe charging and stand performance.

The PowerBug sits in an attention-grabbing hybrid class: it’s greater than only a charger block, greater than only a wi-fi pad. It competes much less with ultra-cheap chargers and extra with premium, built-in accent units.

If I have been to choose a competitor, one may take a look at one thing like a MagSafe wi-fi stand paired with a separate charger. However the comfort of “plug this in, pop your cellphone on it, and also you’re set” is the PowerBug’s benefit.

From evaluations: MacSources says: “The Twelve South PowerBug delivers on its promise of mixing wi-fi comfort with USB-C velocity in a compact, travel-friendly design.” Medium How-to-Geek: “The PowerBug will mix a easy MagSafe and USB charger into one minimalist design you could plug in just about wherever you discover an outlet.”

Who Is It For?

The PowerBug is a good match for:

• Somebody with a MagSafe-compatible iPhone (or Qi2-enabled gadget) who desires a extra elegant charging setup.

• Individuals who use their cellphone in upright mode (video, FaceTime, desk work, StandBy) and need it held magnetically reasonably than laid flat.

• Travellers who wish to minimise charger bricks and cables, and pack one thing glossy.

• Customers with a number of units (cellphone + pill/earbuds) and wish to cost each from one outlet.

It is likely to be much less compelling if:

• You don’t have MagSafe or a cellphone that aligns nicely magnetically — chances are you’ll get much less profit from the stand/magnet design.

• You solely cost sometimes otherwise you don’t care concerning the stand/ upright look — then a less expensive charger+pad could suffice.

• You prioritise absolute quickest charging over comfort of wi-fi.

Last Ideas

Within the fashion of Coolsmartphone evaluations: easy, sensible, no hype. The PowerBug earns its place.

Execs: Design is clear, construct high quality robust. The stand/ wi-fi + wired dual-charging combo is genuinely helpful. It beats a jumble of cables and bricks. For desk/mattress/journey use it hits the candy spot of operate + kind.

Cons: You might be paying a bit for the premium/mixture design. In case you’re used to ultra-cheap chargers or have restricted house at your outlet chances are you’ll stumble upon top/depth points. Wi-fi charging nonetheless has inherent velocity trade-offs.

Verdict: In case you’re within the Apple ecosystem (or have a MagSafe/Qi2 gadget), respect the comfort of a wi-fi stand charger plugged straight into the wall, and need one thing compact and trendy, the PowerBug is a compelling purchase. It’s not simply a charger—it’s a mini-dock, a stand, a journey companion. For a lot of customers that added utility will justify the price. For much less demanding customers, you might get monetary savings with a less complicated setup, however you’d lose the polish and comfort.

I’ll confidently say: sure — I’d suggest the PowerBug in the proper context. It’s one of many extra considerate accent items I’ve used just lately. For lower than the price of a mid-level gadget it offers you an improved each day charging expertise, reasonably than simply the “plug and get juice” we’ve grown used to.