Review: Otterbox’s Wireless Charger Is Great for Sharing Power

Wireless power and portable power are two charging needs seemingly at odds.

But every new model of iPhone that’s been released since 2017 — and most Android phones before that — have wireless charging capabilities built in. Which means the array of cables, power banks and wall chargers you accumulated over the years need to be updated to reflect our new, Qi-friendly world. (Qi being the wireless power standard.)

Enter Otterbox. The company may be better known for their rugged phone cases, but they also offer a line of phone accessories, including chargers. And their new OtterSpot Wireless Charging System wants to be the best of all worlds when it comes to powering up, offering up a quick, portable and modular solution for your phone.

They’ve done an admirable job … minus one significant design flaw.

First, the basics. The OtterSpot is a 36W charging pad that can charge your phone and up to three wireless, stackable batteries. If you’re not going anywhere, you can set your phone down and get a damn quick charge. And if you’re on the move, you can take one of those 10W batteries with you and power up wirelessly or, or go old-school with a USB-C cord.

The details here are nice: An anti-slip surface means your phone isn’t going to slide off. You can simultaneously charge your battery (it comes with one, you can use up to three) and your device. And the whole system stacks perfectly and feels durable, like any Otterbox product.

The drawback? The round shape of the portable battery. It only fit my larger pockets — just barely, and certainly awkwardly.

Unless you have a need to share multiple portable batteries — and to get more than one, you’ll have to purchase ‘em separately — we’d suggest powering up with something more compact and rectangular, like the phone-shaped myCharge Wireless Portable Charger (which is also 37% off and now just $50). Also joining the OtterSpot are the Qi-certified OtterBox Wireless Charging Pad ($49.95) and a Wireless Charging Stand ($59.95), which allows for both landscape and horizontal viewing while charging. Additional wireless batteries and charging bases for the OtterSpot can be purchased for $69.95.