Even though you might find the idea of having a dock for your Apple Watch a bit ridiculous, you are wrong. Even though Apple provides us with everything we need to charge our Watches overnight, there are still many good reasons why purchasing a dock is a smart move. First of all, docks can provide stability and protect your wrist-worn iOS device from scratches, spills, and accidental drops. If you’re like me and having a hard time remembering to charge mobile devices, then you can be always reminded to charge your Watch and get it ready for the next day of use. This is done simply by having a place for this device, so you can be reminded every night, before you go to sleep.
However, choosing the right Apple Watch dock is not as easy as it might seem. Not all stands are created equal. They are made of all sorts of materials, from wood, plastic, to metal. In addition, their functionality varies, where you can find some small but ingenious stands that cleverly solve some visual distractions and other issues. This is why we have compiled a list of the best stands that “stand out” for their design and functionality.
The most elegant design: Nomad Stand
Nomad’s $70 Stand for Apple Watch is an ultra-thin stand that is made of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. What this means is that the stand is very light, but also extremely durable. Even though it’s light, it is still very stable and can hold your Watch without any issues. In addition, there’s a clever cable routing channel, making it one of the most elegant-looking docks.
The Stand is made of a single piece of flat, ribbon-like aluminum that looks astonishing. On the top of the ribbon you can find a circular cutout for the magnetic charging puck, that is also lined with rubber. You need to insert the puck into the cutout, and then carefully route the charging cable by placing it in a channel that runs along the back edge of the stand.
You can choose from several colors, since the Stand comes in silver aluminum or space gray. The only issue with this design is inability to hold the Watch in its horizontal orientation, which means you won’t be able to use the newly introduced Nightstand mode.
Best all-in-one: Griffin WatchStand
Griffin’s WatchStand might not be premium-looking like the Nomad Stand, but does bring a nice design that is also highly functional. It is also quality made, and is priced at only $30. This is actually one of the best deals you can find at the moment.
The WatchStand is actually a simple black pedestal that features a square-shaped base. The base has a lip on its front, so you can also place your iPhone. The top of the stand can be pulled out, which reveals a circular cutout for the magnetic charging puck.
Installing the cable is easy and effortless. The pedestal comes in two pieces, since there is an outer shell made of plastic, and an inner pillar made of rubber. You will need to remove the rubber pillar and push the USB connector through a small hole at the bottom of the puck-shaped indentation, and then out through another hole just underneath.
What is interesting about the WatchStand is the bottom half of the rubber pillar since it comes with multiple grooves where you wrap your cord and make it as short as you’d like. This way, the cord doesn’t have to be too long, making this solution very elegant and clutter-free.
The WatchStand comes in black and white, and yes, you can use the new Nightstand mode. Note that it works with Watch bands that come in two pieces.
Best for travelers: Pad & Quill Luxury Pocket Stand
In case you are interested in iOS-related accessories, then you’ve probably heard about Pad & Quill’s products. This company makes the highest-quality docks and stands, made of wood. They look great, they feel great, but this comes with a somewhat higher price.
The Luxury Pocket Stand is priced from $80 to $110, and this is the only foldable stand we encountered. It is designed with practicality and usefulness in mind. This stand works as a charging dock and as a travel carrier for the charging cable.
Installing the charging cable is very easy. There is a small circular cutout at the top of the stand, as well as a small groove for the cable. This way you can easily wrap your charging cable around the stand when closed, and place it in a bag. There are small dips on either side to make core-winding easier and more practical.
You can choose from three types of wood. There is American Cherry Wood ($80), Exotic Sapele ($90), and Premium American Walnut ($110).
Best Apple-inspired stand: Twelve South HiRise
Twelve South is one of the most recognizable manufacturers of iPhone- and iPad-compatible accessories. Their products are very elegant, thin, and light, and they are inspired by Apple’s products in terms of shape and used materials. The company already released their take on the perfect Watch dock, and it is called HiRise Stand.
Thanks to its brushed aluminum finish and its slim profile, this could be easily something that Apple would have created. There is a large aluminum base which gives great stability, with a rectangular stand sticking out at an angle. The stand comes with a silicone-lined hole for the magnetic puck, in addition to a silicone-lined cutout for the Watch band to loop through. This means that you Watch will never rest on pure metal.
This is the only stand from our list that requires some assembly. First, you need to push the puck through the hole. On the back of the stand you will find a routing channel for the charging cable that trails down along the base. Once you route the cable, you will need to place a removable panel on the top of the base.
The HiRise comes in silver or black.
