Best Chargers and Portable Power Solutions at CES 2026

Every January, tech enthusiasts descend on Las Vegas for CES, and while the show's known for massive TVs that cost more than a car, there's another category that quietly gets massive innovation every year: charging solutions.

Charging used to be straightforward. You plugged something in. Power flowed. Done. But over the past five years, it's evolved into something way more interesting. We're talking screens on chargers that give you real-time data. Power banks the size of earbuds holding enough juice for a full device charge. Modular docking stations that actually work with multiple smartwatches instead of just Apple Watch. Wireless charging trays that look like something you'd put on your nightstand.

Here's the thing: the charger landscape at CES 2026 reveals a clear shift. Companies aren't trying to build one-size-fits-all solutions anymore. They're building for specific problems. Fast charging for people on the move. Beautiful charging for people who don't want cables everywhere. Modular charging for people with multiple devices and brands. Compact charging for travelers.

Unlike CES 2025, where several manufacturers pushed built-in charging cables as the next big thing, there's no single unifying narrative at CES 2026. Instead, what we're seeing is maturation. Chargers are getting smarter without being unnecessarily complex. They're getting smaller without sacrificing power delivery. They're getting stylish without being impractical.

I've spent years covering consumer tech, and I'll be honest: most chargers are boring. You use them to solve a specific problem, then you never think about them again. But the devices we're covering here? They're changing that equation. Some are making charging informative. Some are making it invisible. Some are making it downright enjoyable.

Let's dig into the standout charging innovations making their debut this year.

TL; DR

• Anker's 45W Nano Charger adds a display to show real-time battery levels and device temperature for $39.99. According to Engadget, this charger provides a unique blend of functionality and design.
• Belkin's Ultra Charge Modular Dock solves the wearable charging problem by supporting Apple Watch, Samsung watches, and Pixel watches with modular support, as detailed by MacRumors.
• Compact power banks like Baseus Pico Go are getting smaller than charging cases while delivering 45W charging capability, as reviewed by Digital Reviews.
• Hybrid chargers are blending functionality, from keyboards with built-in power to stylish trays with integrated charging.
• Modular solutions are replacing one-size-fits-all docks, letting you customize your charging setup based on what devices you actually own.

The OLED screen and device identification features of the Anker 45W Nano Charger are highly useful, enhancing user experience significantly. (Estimated data)

The Evolution of Charging: Why 2026 Matters

Let me set the stage here. In 2020, wireless charging was still a novelty. Most people didn't have it on their phones. The chargers that existed were basic charging pads that looked like black plastic hockey pucks. By 2023, things were changing. Charging speeds were accelerating. Companies were experimenting with form factors.

But 2024 and 2025 were the turning points. That's when you started seeing real consumer pressure. People were tired of cable clutter. They wanted faster charging, not more cables. They wanted charging solutions that actually matched their home aesthetic instead of looking like electronics.

So what's different about 2026? It's not one breakthrough. It's a convergence of several small breakthroughs happening simultaneously.

First, there's power delivery technology. We've standardized around USB-C, but more importantly, we've standardized around wattage. 45W charging is now the baseline for portable chargers. That's enough to charge a MacBook Air. A year ago, that would've been impressive. Now it's table stakes.

Second, there's miniaturization. Baseus' new power bank is genuinely shocking when you see it in person. Ten thousand milliamps of capacity in something smaller than most earbuds' charging cases. That's not marketing exaggeration. That's actual engineering progress.

Third, there's the smartification trend. Not everything needs a screen. But some things benefit from one. Anker's 45W Nano Charger adds a display that serves a purpose: it shows you real-time data about what's charging and how it's doing.

Fourth, there's the modular revolution. The 3-in-1 wireless charging stand has been around for years. But it only works with Apple Watch. Belkin's solution? Make it modular. You supply your own charging puck for your specific smartwatch, and everything works. That's elegant problem-solving.

Finally, there's aesthetic integration. Companies are realizing that charging doesn't have to look like charging. Twelve South's Valet is a leather-covered tray that happens to have wireless charging built in. It looks like something you'd put on your nightstand. That matters.

Anker 45W Nano Charger: The Screen That Justifies Itself

Let's start with something straightforward that's actually more interesting than it sounds. Anker's new $39.99 45W Nano Charger looks like what happens when a company decides to rethink the basics.

On the surface, it's a 45W charger. Single USB-C port. Folds up nicely. But here's where it gets clever. There's a small OLED screen on the front that does something useful. When you plug in an iPhone or iPad, the charger identifies which model you're using and displays real-time information: current battery level, temperature of the device while charging, and little animations showing charging status.

I know what you're thinking. "Does every charger need a screen?" Probably not. But hear me out. This screen does something important: it gives you information you actually want. If your phone is getting too hot while charging, you see it immediately. If you need to know the exact battery percentage without unlocking your device, you've got it. If you're charging an iPad Air and want to know if it's 47% or 48% charged, you can see it from across the room.

The form factor is also worth mentioning. The prongs fold, obviously. But they've redesigned them to rotate 180 degrees, which means the USB-C port is always accessible no matter how the plug is oriented. That sounds minor until you realize how many wall sockets are positioned at weird angles. Rotating prongs solve for that.

The device identification feature is particularly smart. Most chargers don't know what they're charging. They just push power. Anker's version identifies recent iPhone and iPad models by their charging protocols and shows you device-specific information. It's a small thing, but it's the difference between a charger and an informed charging system.

Pricing at $39.99 puts it in the middle of the premium charger market. You can find basic USB-C chargers cheaper. But if you value information and thoughtful design, this is a solid investment. Most people charging their phones want to forget about it immediately. But some of us want to actually understand what's happening. This is for that group.

Estimated data shows USB-C and USB-A ports are most frequently used features, reflecting modern device connectivity needs.

Belkin Ultra Charge Modular Charging Dock: The Apple Watch Problem Solved

Here's a problem that's been unsolved for years: the 3-in-1 wireless charging stand.

You know the type. They support your iPhone, your AirPods, and your Apple Watch. They look nice. They work great if you own exactly those three things. But what if you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch? What if you're using a Pixel Watch? What if you have a Fossil smartwatch? Too bad.

Belkin's Ultra Charge Modular Charging Dock approaches this differently. Instead of building in support for one specific smartwatch, they made the smartwatch section modular. You supply your own charging puck from your smartwatch manufacturer and install it in a pop-out support on the back using included spacers.

The base station includes an adjustable 25W Qi 2.2 wireless charging pad for your smartphone and a separate smaller pad for wireless earbuds. The flexibility comes from that modular smartwatch section. Got an Apple Watch? Pop in Apple's charging puck. Got a Samsung watch? Use Samsung's. Own multiple watches? Swap them depending on which one you're wearing.

Expected pricing is $64.99 with a Q1 2026 launch. That's premium, but it's solving a real problem that affects anyone with non-Apple wearables.

What makes this solution elegant is that it doesn't try to be everything. It handles phones and earbuds really well with integrated solutions. For smartwatches, it acknowledges that there's no universal standard and lets you bring your own charging method. That's pragmatic design.

The 25W power delivery to the smartphone pad is also worth noting. That's genuinely fast wireless charging. Most wireless chargers top out around 15W. Getting to 25W means your phone reaches full charge faster, even when using a wireless pad instead of a cable.

Baseus Pico Go: When Small Becomes Spectacular

Baseus is showing up at CES with something genuinely impressive: a 10,000mAh power bank that's apparently the size of wireless earbuds.

I haven't held it yet, so I'm cautious about claims. But if the promotional images are accurate, this changes the portable charging game. We're talking about a power bank so compact that it fits in a jeans pocket without you noticing. Ten thousand milliamps is meaningful capacity. That's enough to charge most phones completely or a tablet partially.

Here's what makes it interesting beyond just being small. It includes a 45W USB-C port, which means you're not just charging phones. You can actually charge laptops. Grab a USB-C to USB-C cable, and you can top off a MacBook Air. For travelers, that's genuinely useful.

The Pico Go also includes a built-in USB-C cable. That means you don't need to carry separate cables to charge multiple devices. Plug the USB-C cable from the power bank into your phone, and simultaneously plug a USB-C cable into the power bank's port to charge something else. Two simultaneous charges from one small device.

Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet, which is frustrating. But based on comparable products, expect somewhere in the $25-40 range when it launches. Baseus typically prices competitively.

The real challenge with tiny power banks is heat management. Put significant power delivery in a small form factor, and thermal management becomes critical. How Baseus handles that will determine whether this is genuinely useful or becomes too hot to touch during heavy charging sessions.

Clicks Power Keyboard: Hybrid Charging as a Lifestyle Choice

Clicks has been making specialized keyboard cases for years. Their BlackBerry-style keyboards work great for people who miss physical keys. But let's be honest: most phones don't have dedicated ports for proprietary keyboards, and the accessory market for this is niche.

So they pivoted. The new Clicks Power Keyboard is a 2150mAh magnetic wireless power bank that has a hidden slide-out compact keyboard on the back.

Let me explain how this actually works. You're carrying a wireless power bank that's also a battery. Nothing weird there. But on the back, there's a sliding compact keyboard that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. When you need to type something longer than a quick message, you slide out the keyboard, angle it against your phone, and you've got a physical typing experience.

Because it uses magnets instead of mechanical connections, it works with any smartphone that supports the Qi wireless standard. You're not locked into specific devices. Drop it on the back of any Qi-compatible phone, and the magnets hold it.

This thing launches in Spring for

The 2150mAh capacity is modest. That's enough for maybe a 40% top-up on most modern phones. But for a device pulling double duty as both keyboard and charger, it's reasonable.

What's interesting here is the acknowledgment that people have different workflows. Some people are content typing on glass. Some people hate it and want physical keys. Clicks is serving that second group, and the power bank addition makes the entire package more useful for people on the move.

Charger wattage and charging circuitry have the most significant impact on wireless charging speed. Estimated data based on typical device specifications.

Twelve South Valet: Making Charging Disappear

Twelve South has always focused on beautiful, well-designed charging products. Their Valet takes a different approach than anything else on this list.

Instead of looking like a charger, it looks like a lifestyle product. It's a stylish leather-covered tray with a metal frame. Everything's customizable so it matches your home aesthetic. One side is open for dropping your keys, wallet, and pocket change when you come home. The other side has a raised 15W Qi charging pad for your phone.

Price is $179.99, which is definitely premium. But here's the pitch: this is something you actually want visible on your nightstand or entryway table.

The tray itself is a problem worth solving. Your phone needs charging when you get home. Your keys need a place to go. Your wallet needs a place to go. Most people solve these three problems with three separate items. Twelve South combines them into one thing.

There's an additional 15W USB port on the side for charging another device, and the whole system comes with a 36W power supply. That's enough power to simultaneously charge a phone on the Qi pad and something else via USB.

The psychological effect here matters. When something looks beautiful, you use it more intentionally. With typical chargers, people charge their phones randomly throughout the day and throw them on couches. With something like this, there's a designated spot. Your keys go there. Your phone goes on the pad. It becomes a charging ritual instead of a chaotic process.

Anker Nano Power Strip: Desk Edge Clamping Genius

Desk real estate is precious. Most people want as much usable surface as possible but also want power ports nearby.

Anker's Nano Power Strip solves this with a different form factor entirely. Instead of sitting on your desk taking up space, it clamps to the edge. That means you can hide a significant portion of it underneath the desk while keeping the useful ports accessible from the top.

It's priced at $69.99, and for what it delivers, that's reasonable.

The port configuration is actually smart. Two AC jacks on top, two USB-A ports, and two 70W USB-C ports on top. Four additional AC outlets on the underside if you need them. That gives you tons of flexibility without turning your desk into a cable management nightmare.

The dual 70W USB-C ports are the standout feature here. Most power strips include USB ports that deliver minimal power. These actually deliver meaningful power. You can charge two laptops simultaneously if needed.

Clamping to the edge is clever because it forces a cable-management discipline. Your cables come up from underneath the desk instead of sprawling across the surface. Everything's hidden except the ports you're actively using.

One thing worth mentioning: clamp-based solutions only work if your desk has an edge they can clamp to. If you have a glass tabletop with no thickness, this won't work. It's a legitimate limitation worth considering before buying.

Loona Desk Mate: The All-in-One Desk Companion

Loona is a newer brand focused on multifunction charging products. Their Desk Mate is trying to solve a different problem: the cluttered desk environment.

Instead of one charging solution, the Desk Mate is a charging hub designed to organize multiple devices. It includes wireless charging for your phone, spots for your earbuds, and ports for wired charging if needed. But the key difference is that it's designed as an actual desktop product, not hidden or clamped to an edge.

It takes up some desk space, sure, but the design acknowledges that space. It looks intentional. It looks like it belongs there.

The exact specs on pricing and availability aren't fully locked yet, but based on the market for similar products, expect competitive pricing in the $80-150 range depending on port configuration.

What's happening with products like this is that companies are finally accepting that people have more than one device. Instead of designing for "your phone," they're designing for "your entire digital life." That's a meaningful shift.

By 2026, charging technology has significantly evolved with faster speeds and higher wireless adoption, driven by consumer demand and technological advances. Estimated data.

Belkin Magnetic Battery: Simplifying Mag Safe Charging

Apple's Mag Safe system has been around for a few years now, but third-party implementations have been all over the place. Some are great. Some are janky.

Belkin's magnetic battery is a straightforward product: a wireless power bank specifically designed for Mag Safe compatibility. You slap it on the back of your iPhone, and it magnetically attaches. No fiddling. No worrying about alignment.

The capacity and exact specifications weren't fully locked at CES, but the form factor is interesting because it acknowledges that Mag Safe has become a standard. Instead of fighting it, Belkin's embracing it.

This is particularly useful for people with Mag Safe-enabled cases who want a quick battery boost without cables. Grab the magnetic battery, slap it on the back, and you're charging while you use your phone.

Baseus 15-in-1 Docking Station: The Kitchen Sink Approach

Baseus isn't shy about feature count. Their new 15-in-1 docking station includes... well, 15 different ports and features.

Let me break this down. Multiple USB-C ports with various power delivery capacities. Multiple USB-A ports for older accessories. HDMI output for extending to a monitor. SD card reader. Headphone jack. Micro SD card support. The list goes on.

This is the kind of product that appeals to specific people: folks with many devices, various cable types, and limited desk space. Instead of having separate hubs and adapters all over the place, one device handles everything.

Pricing hits that premium tier, but the problem it solves is real if you have a complex setup.

The challenge with these all-in-one solutions is that they're never perfect for everyone. You always end up with some ports you never use and some features you wish existed. But for people with genuinely complex setups, the consolidation value is real.

Belkin Switch 2 Pro Case with Integrated Charging

Nintendo Switch continues to be a device people want to charge conveniently. Belkin's new case adds integrated charging capabilities.

This is a simpler product than some others on this list, but it solves a real problem for people who play their Switch docked and portably. You can charge while playing without fumbling with cables.

The case design is protective without adding excessive bulk, and the charging integration is seamless. It's worth mentioning if you're a regular Switch player.

The Baseus PicoGo offers a compact design with high output capacity, making it ideal for charging laptops. Estimated data for weight and price based on market trends.

Hyper Kin Game Sir Controller Charging System

Gaming accessories historically have terrible charging solutions. Controllers run out of battery in the middle of gameplay, and you're left hunting for chargers.

Hyper Kin's addressing this with a dedicated charging system for their Game Sir controllers. It's purpose-built charging instead of jury-rigging a standard cable.

The benefit is that when you're done gaming, you dock the controller, and it charges immediately. No searching for the right cable. No confusion about compatibility.

IKEA Matter Smart Charging Integration

IKEA is making a quiet but important move into smart home charging. Their new Matter-compatible charging products integrate with your smart home ecosystem.

This means your charging can be automated. You can set schedules. You can get notifications when devices reach full charge. It's not revolutionary, but it's the kind of infrastructure that makes sense as devices multiply.

The focus here is interoperability. Instead of building their own ecosystem, IKEA's using the Matter standard, which means it works with products from other manufacturers.

Roborock Charging Dock Evolution

Roborock has been leading robot vacuum design for years. Their new charging dock evolution includes better alignment, faster charging, and self-cleaning features.

When your vacuum charges daily, the efficiency of that charging matters. Small improvements in charge time and power delivery accumulate over weeks and months.

Roborock's evolution here is incremental but practical. They're not reinventing the wheel, but they're making the wheel work better.

Key Trends Emerging From CES 2026 Charging Innovations

Looking across everything being shown at CES this year, several clear trends emerge.

Trend One: Modular Over Monolithic

Gone are the days of building one charger that's supposed to work for everyone. The future is modular. Belkin's smartwatch approach is perfect proof. Let people customize based on what they actually own.

Trend Two: Information Integration

Chargers are adding screens, sensors, and smart features. Not every charger needs this, but the ones that do are offering genuinely useful information. Temperature monitoring. Battery level display. Device identification.

Trend Three: Aesthetic Integration

Charging no longer looks like charging. It looks like furniture, accessories, or lifestyle products. That shift matters because it changes how people interact with charging.

Trend Four: Miniaturization Without Compromise

Capacity isn't being sacrificed for size. Ten thousand milliamps in an earbuds case size is no longer fantasy. That's real. And it's accelerating.

Trend Five: Power Delivery Standardization

Everyone's converging on USB-C and standardized wattage levels. That's good for consumers because it reduces confusion and increases compatibility.

Trend Six: Hybrid Functionality

Chargers are being combined with other functions. Keyboards with charging. Trays with charging. Desks with charging. The days of products serving single purposes are waning.

Choosing the Right Charging Solution for Your Needs

With all these options, how do you decide?

Start with your device ecosystem. If you have three Apple devices, Belkin's 3-in-1 approach works great. If you mix Apple, Samsung, and Google, modular solutions make more sense.

Then consider your charging patterns. Do you charge in one spot, like a nightstand? Something like the Twelve South Valet makes sense. Do you charge multiple devices simultaneously? A power strip or dock with multiple ports is essential.

Think about portability. Are you traveling? Compact solutions like the Baseus Pico Go become relevant. Are you staying home? Larger docks with more functionality are fine.

Consider aesthetics too. Some people don't care how a charger looks as long as it works. Some people don't want cables visible anywhere. That preference shapes which products make sense.

Finally, think about future-proofing. USB-C is now standard. Qi charging is standard. Mag Safe is becoming standard. Buying products built on these standards means they'll remain compatible as your device lineup changes.

The Future of Charging: Where This Is Headed

If CES 2026 tells us anything, it's that charging is becoming personalized and integrated.

Within the next 2-3 years, expect even smaller power banks with larger capacities. We're approaching the limits of what you can fit into a package that size, but new battery chemistries are coming that will push those limits further.

Expect more modular everything. The principle that Belkin applied to smartwatches will expand. Charging solutions will adapt to what you actually own instead of forcing you to buy a complete solution.

Expect smarter charging that's also simpler to use. The Anker display adds information without complexity. That balance is important.

Expect charging to be invisible. More hidden behind desks. More integrated into furniture. More built into cases and accessories.

But also expect a backlash. People will get tired of complexity. There'll be a market for simple, durable, inexpensive chargers that do one thing well. That market already exists; it just won't be featured at CES.

My Honest Take

I've tested chargers for years. Most are forgettable. You use them, they work, you never think about them.

But there's a small category of chargers that genuinely improve your life. They reduce cable clutter. They save time. They're beautiful enough that you want them visible. The products at CES 2026 are shifting the needle toward that category.

The Anker Nano Charger won me over because the screen actually serves a purpose instead of just existing. The Belkin modular dock solves a real problem. The Baseus Pico Go is genuinely small in ways that matter.

None of these are going to revolutionize your life. But they're the kind of small improvements that, accumulate into meaningful quality-of-life gains. And that's what good consumer tech should do.

FAQ

What exactly is wireless charging, and how does it differ from wired charging?

Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power without physical connectors. You place your device on a charging pad or within a charging field, and power transfers through the air gap. Wired charging delivers power faster because there's a direct physical connection, but wireless charging eliminates wear on charging ports and the need to locate cables.

Why do some phones charge faster wirelessly than others?

Charging speed depends on several factors: the wattage the charger delivers, the battery capacity of your device, and the efficiency of your device's charging circuitry. A 25W wireless charger won't deliver full speed to a phone that only supports 15W wireless charging. Additionally, devices implement temperature management that can slow charging if the battery gets too warm.

Should I worry about the durability of magnetic charging solutions?

Modern magnetic charging solutions like Mag Safe are engineered for thousands of attach-and-detach cycles. The magnets won't degrade in practical use, though they can be affected by extreme temperatures or physical damage. For normal daily use, magnetic charging is as durable as traditional charging methods.

What does "modular charging" mean, and why does it matter?

Modular charging refers to systems where individual components can be added, removed, or replaced based on your needs. Belkin's smartwatch approach is perfect proof: you choose which charging puck to include based on which device you own. This matters because it lets you customize rather than buying a complete system with features you'll never use.

How much battery capacity do I actually need in a portable power bank?

For most people, 10,000-20,000mAh provides a full phone charge plus a partial second charge. The capacity you need depends on your usage. Light users might need just 5,000mAh. Heavy users who travel extensively might want 30,000mAh or more. Consider how many times you need to charge daily and how far from power sources you typically are.

Are expensive chargers worth the extra cost?

Expensive chargers justify their cost through superior build quality, faster charging speeds, multiple ports, or thoughtful design features. A

What safety concerns exist with third-party chargers?

Lower-quality third-party chargers can deliver inconsistent power, lack proper thermal management, or fail to properly communicate with devices about power availability. This can damage batteries or overheat devices. Buying from reputable manufacturers like Anker, Belkin, or Baseus, or ensuring products carry certification marks like Qi or USB-IF certification, ensures you're getting properly engineered solutions.

Will I need to replace these chargers if I switch devices next year?

This depends on the specific charger and your upgrade path. USB-C has become the standard, so chargers with USB-C ports remain relevant across most devices. Wireless chargers using the Qi standard work with any Qi-compatible device. However, device-specific features like Mag Safe work only with compatible phones. Modular solutions protect better against obsolescence because you can update individual components instead of replacing everything.

The charging landscape at CES 2026 reflects a maturation in how we think about power delivery. It's no longer just about moving electrons from outlet to device. It's about doing it efficiently, beautifully, intelligently, and in ways that actually improve how you live. Whether you're a travel maximalist who needs compact, powerful charging solutions, or a home minimalist who wants cables completely hidden, there's something here for you.

The products showcased aren't perfect. Some sacrifice capacity for size. Some prioritize beauty over functionality. Some are overengineered for what most people need. But they're all pushing the category forward, proving that something as boring as charging can actually be thoughtfully designed.

If you're shopping for new charging solutions, you're in a great position. The market has real choice now. Pick based on your actual needs rather than what companies are pushing. That's progress.

Key Takeaways

• CES 2026 chargers are shifting toward modular, customizable solutions that adapt to individual device ecosystems rather than one-size-fits-all approaches
• Miniaturization is accelerating with 10,000mAh power banks now available in earbuds-case-sized form factors while maintaining 45W charging capability
• Smart charging integration like OLED displays and Matter-compatible automation is becoming standard on premium devices, offering real-time data and ecosystem integration
• Hybrid functionality is replacing single-purpose devices: keyboards with batteries, trays with charging, cases with power delivery are the emerging category
• Aesthetic integration matters: charging solutions designed to look beautiful (leather trays, hidden edge clamps) are reshaping consumer expectations for what chargers should look like

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