Traveling with multiple cables gives me a headache. This tiny gadget solved that problem

I like traveling but hate remembering to pack everything, especially my chargers. I have Apple products: an iPhone 16, an Apple Watch SE, a 2022 M2 MacBook Air, and my AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning). I would leave my toothbrush at home before allowing myself to forget any of these devices with me on a trip, and I won’t confirm nor deny that I’ve ever done that before.

Also: The best MagSafe accessories: Expert tested and reviewed

To accommodate all of my devices’ batteries, I’d need to bring my entire arsenal of USB-C, Lightning, and MagSafe cables. I plug my phone, AirPods, and Watch into my MacBook to save myself from bringing every wall adapter I own.

It’s safe to say I have an Apple charger-fueled nightmare on my hands.

So, I tested this tiny charging station from Twelve South to see if it could solve my charging conundrum. The ButterFly SE–> is a 2-in-1 clamshell charging station that folds neatly enough to fit in your pocket (even tiny women’s pant pockets). 

I’ve tried plenty of 2- and 3-in-1 charging stations from Amazon, but I’ve been burned by slow or faulty charging since I’ve always valued a deal over quality charging power. Additionally, some charging trees aren’t traveler-friendly, as they can take up more space than you’d like in your carry-on.

Also: Apple fans will love this versatile Qi2 charging station

Instead of a bulky charging station, the ButterFly SE folds into a palm-sized clamshell. On one end is a Qi2-certified 15W wireless charger for your iPhone. The other end of the clamshell is a 5W AirPods and Apple Watch wireless charger that can pop up out of the base to act as a Watch stand.

The ButterFly SE comes with a USB-C charging cord, so all you need is a wall adapter. If you’re like me and your laptop doubles as a portable charger, plug one end of the cord into the clamshell and the other into your laptop’s USB-C port, and you’re ready to rock and roll.

Also: 3 ways to avoid getting burned by bad USB cables

If you’re extremely tight on space, you can flip the ButterFly SE and magnetically connect the outside of the clamshell to charge one device. In this orientation, you can pop up the smaller magnetic charger to act as a Watch stand or use the larger magnetic charger to use your phone in landscape for StandBy Mode, FaceTime, or watching videos. 

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If you only have a few minutes in your hotel before heading to an outing and the 15W wireless charging is too slow, you already have a USB-C cord and wall adapter to charge your USB-C compatible phone or AirPods a little quicker.

This charging station is great for traveling, but it’s also beneficial at home on your nightstand. I charge my Watch and iPhone daily, and the ButterFly SE saves me from needing two cords and two wall adapters to charge both.

Also: This 5-in-1 charging station replaced several desk accessories for me

The ButterFly SE is MFi-certified, meaning it’s been approved by Apple to ensure maximum compatibility with iOS devices. Additionally, Qi2, the wireless charging standard used in this product, is based on Apple’s Magsafe tech, so it’s suitable for your iPhone.

However, Qi2 is more accessible than MagSafe, meaning compatible Android smartphones, like the HMD Skyline, can use the ButterFly SE to its full capacity.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re fed up with maintaining a mix of Magsafe, Lightning, and USB-C cords for your Apple device ecosystem, the ButterFly SE–> is a highly compact and easily portable charging solution. This charging station is great for people more concerned with portability than style since it’s much easier to pack away in your carry-on, pocket, or book bag.

However, the ButterFly SE can only charge two devices at once. If you need a charging station that can simultaneously accommodate your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, consider the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station<!–>.