Belkin’s PowerBoost Pro Dual Function Charger - An In-Depth Analysis of the Enhanced MagSafe Feature for Idle Charging

Key Takeaways

• The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 is a compact and functional multi-device charger that delivers fast wireless charging to iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
• Despite only having two charging spots, the charger’s small size makes it a space-saving option for nightstands and desks.
• The charger’s design compromises, such as the fixed Apple Watch charger and permanently attached USB-C cable, are not significant drawbacks for stationary use.

Not all multi-device chargers are created equal. Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 adds clever functionality to its petite size, making it a truly stunning option. Its 15W MagSafe charger tilts up to 70 degrees so it can accommodate the right angle for StandBy mode in iOS 17. It may only charge two devices at once, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in utility and personality.

Belkin BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe

9/ 10

This ultra-convenient charging dock delivers 15W of fast wireless charging to your iPhone 12 and later, Apple Watch 4 and later, and many models of AirPods. It’s StandBy ready for you to take advantage of iPhone placement options.

Speed

15W

Adapter included

Yes

Includes adapter

30W power supply with built-in premium braided USB-C cable included

Input

USB-C PD Input port and 30W PD PSU

Viewing

Adjustable viewing angle from 0-70 degrees

Pros

• Minimal footprint for charging 2 devices
• 30W power adapter included
• Tilting MagSafe charger worked well

Cons

• Integrated cable could have been a tiny bit longer

$129.99 at Belkin

The Pros and Cons of the BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Design

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

To start, I want to point out what the actual product is. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 has a 15W MagSafe charger for iPhones 12 and later. That charger can tilt from 0 to 70 degrees, so it’s either flat or in a StandBy mode . On the back is a shiny metal Apple Watch fast charger.

It’s not a complicated product, but its personality is in the details. For example, it’s rooted in being small and unobtrusive. The multi-device charger is about the volume of a 12-ounce can of Coke.

By being small, it can fit on nearly any nightstand or desk. There are plenty of iPhone-only chargers that take up more space than this new Belkin one does. I liked its small footprint and gaining more space on the surface next to my bed.

The unit does have some heft to it, but I wouldn’t call it heavy. I found its weighted base to be a good mix of functional without being unnecessarily overweight. That, combined with its anti-slip material underneath, kept it from sliding around my nightstand.

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

There are compromises from it being as tiny as it is, though. The Apple Watch charger jets out from the back and doesn’t fold or move. There’s also a permanently attached USB-C cable, which might be considered a liability since it can’t be swapped out in the future if it frays or breaks.

Both of those things might be negatives for some people, but since this charger is meant to be stationary, I didn’t find those design decisions to be compromises.

The integrated cable measures five feet long. That length was completely workable for me, but I wouldn’t have complained about an extra foot for more overall flexibility. In exchange for having a permanent cable, Belkin does include a 30W power adapter that’s also fairly compact. The power adapter would set you back at least $20 to $30 if you had to buy it separately.

A Dock Does Not Need to be a 3-in-1

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

Based on comments and chatter over the last several years, it seems like an increasing number of people want their bedside charging solution to power up three devices simultaneously. Those devices seem to be more popular than ever. Typically, that means charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Personally, I’d rather have a cleverly designed 2-in-1 charger that takes up less space.

Most chargers that add a third 5W charging spot aren’t actually improving the utility much; they simply do so for appearance’s sake.

My hot take is that I don’t think you need a third charger for AirPods for a nightstand or desk. The top charger will work for any Qi-compatible device in its flat position. That includes any AirPods with a wireless charging case.

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

But if you have the newest AirPods Pro 2, those will actually charge on an Apple Watch charger. So you can charge your iPhone and AirPods Pro 2 at the same time. But even AirPods 3 or the first AirPods Pro with MagSafe cases can attach to the main charger in a near vertical position. They stick great.

There are plenty of 3-in-1 charging stations I’ve loved—ones from Twelve South and Nomad come to mind—but you also don’t need one. A 2-in-1 charger is great.

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Price and Availability

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 is available on Apple’s website and coming to Belkin’s website in December for $129.95. The wireless charger comes in charcoal or sand colors.

What About the Other Belkin BoostCharge Pro Chargers?

Belkin makes solid products but needs to work on its naming schemes. The company’s iconic 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 chargers are easily identified by their shiny metal stems, but unfortunately use a similar name to the new charger.

Those old models are still solid stands I’ve used over the last couple of years. But the new 2-in-1 charging dock is just better. Those previous ones were bigger with a larger footprint. Plus, if you wanted an Apple Watch charger, you needed the biggest, more expensive 3-in-1 unit.

Should You Buy the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1?

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

The most obvious objection to the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 is its $129.95 price. It’s not cheap, on its own or compared to other multi-device chargers on the market. That said, it’s also not the most expensive one out there, and it comes with a power adapter in the box.

I loved using the charger on my nightstand because it saved space compared to other ones I’ve used, and it made perfect use of StandBy mode in iOS 17—so my iPhone could be my bedside clock. It might not have three charging spots, but it has the optimal amount, and they worked great.

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Belkin BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe

9/ 10

This ultra-convenient charging dock delivers 15W of fast wireless charging to your iPhone 12 and later, Apple Watch 4 and later, and many models of AirPods. It’s StandBy ready for you to take advantage of iPhone placement options.

Speed

15W

Adapter included

Yes

Includes adapter

30W power supply with built-in premium braided USB-C cable included

Input

USB-C PD Input port and 30W PD PSU

Viewing

Adjustable viewing angle from 0-70 degrees

$129.99 at Belkin