The best iPhone docking stations. IPhone Docking Stations: More Than Charging Differences from Apple's Original Docking Station

A modern mobile phone is an essential attribute of almost every person. Today, it is easy to solve the problem of continuous communication by choosing the optimal device for charging your smart phone. The docking station for the iPhone is a small-sized device (more often a horizontally lying case with a non-slip bottom), capable of "feeding" a gadget both from a standard power outlet and in a battery version. A notch will hold the phone in place. In most cases, they come with a Lightning cable, for some developments there is also a USB input. It will be interesting to know which of the existing stations claims to be the best?

The main mission of such a "helper" is charging your phone... But besides this, the mini-device has a lot of additional features.

  1. Allows you to organize the location of the phone on any surface - from a table to a shelf. The risk of an iPhone falling out is minimal and easy to find.
  2. The smartphone is in a visible place: you can continue to use it even from a distance, for example, connect speakers and listen to music without interrupting other important things.
  3. Most of today's iPhone docks have the ability to synchronization between PC and smartphone... The action takes place through iTunes.
  4. Through such a recharge, you can connect your iPhone to any of the multimedia devices.

Review of popular models

Before you begin to describe the advantages of existing iPhone docking stations on the market today, you need to know that each of them can be attributed to one of the following types:

  • universal, capable of charging both from the network and from batteries, as well as performing not only the role of a charger, but also the functions of other devices;
  • designed for charging more screen options (this includes "plus" models - from 6 plus and 7 to 7 plus;
  • designed for recharging at once several "apple" devices (for example, iPhone and iPad).

Let's go through the most popular models for each of the specified types.

In fairness, it should be noted that many popular models combine several of the presented possibilities.

Universal Soldier

The full name of the multifunctional model is iHome iDL46gc Llightning Dock DualCharging fm stereo clock radio... Already from the name it becomes clear that such a docking station for the iPhone will combine the talents of a watch and a radio receiver (operating in Reson8 and 3D sound modes). Additional features include using it as an alarm clock and digital calendar.

iHome iDL46gc Llightning Dock DualCharging fm stereo clock radio

The versatility here manifests itself in recharging not only Apple's gadgets (you can also connect an iPod with an iPad), but also the ability to connect to a personal computer or laptop - there is a USB connector. And in the event of an emergency power outage, the station will continue to charge: a charge-saving mode is provided.

Another similar universal device is the English which is able to "feed" all the latest releases of Apple-technology. There is also a large display with a clock, an alarm clock that counts down the time, a timer and a radio. The latter is capable of capturing up to 20 stations. With iRise, you can charge your smartphone and listen to music, all at the same time.

Real music lovers will appreciate the included audio cable, which is used to connect related audio devices.

Docking station AZATOM iRISE

Suitable for large devices

One of these options recommended by the "apple" brand itself is It fits perfectly on 6, 6s and 6 Plus models. At the same time, it is not necessary even to remove the branded cover and stop communicating with friends - the manufacturers have taken into account all the necessary points. And inside there is a rubberized liner, which will not only prevent the smartphone from scratching, but also help change the viewing angle.

Juice Pack Dock

Dockplus for iPhone also works well for 6, 6+ and all Apple Lightning devices. Yes, it has a rather tangible weight - 900 grams, but it is thanks to this that it is very stable. Compatible with all cases and requires a proprietary certified Lightning cable.

Dockplus for iPhone

Useful portability

Docking stations in this category allow you to use smartphones while driving, while simultaneously recharging devices and freeing the driver's hands. Here stands out Easy One Touch 2 (manufacturer iOttie), which, by the way, is suitable not only for the iPhone 6 series, but also for other types of smartphones. Captivates access to all device ports, as well as the ability to rotate it 360 degrees.

The whole secret is in a special mount that is fixed on any type of surface, and a special gel adhesive backing allows you to do this countless times. The station also has a special telescopic tube for pushing the smartphone forward for a more detailed view of information.

Simultaneous charging of multiple devices

The docking station is very interesting and convenient due to the adjustment possibilities and compatibility with other "apple" gadgets Twelve south hirise (can be used for both version 6 and iPad mini). The holder can be easily "adjusted" to various cases - for this there is a screw washer on the back side. The speaker microphone and headphone jack remain open. Charging can be done via Lightning and USB cables.

Another station for the latest devices (iphone, iPad and iPod) is called Here, the possibility of contactless charging is provided - while compatibility with most cases is thought out.

By the way, this product is also distinguished by its super-lightness (weight is only 200 grams) and compactness, which allows taking it on the road as the only "charger" for all mobile devices.

Belkin Charge & SyncDock

The same know-how for contactless charge recovery of various devices has been released by the Revocharge brand. The model was named Universal desk mount... Her duties include charging the battery as quickly as possible - this applies not only to gadgets, but also to her own battery. The product also has two USB and one micro USB ports.

Universal Desk Mount Docking Station

Simple replacement of earbuds can be adapted to work with different devices and Gravitas (produced by HengeDocks). This is especially convenient for vehicles of different series and types (ranging from iPhone 5, 6, 6 Plus and ending with iPad). In this case, the Lightning cable is inside the stand itself, on the outside there is a USB port and an audio jack (which can work with both headphones and a stereo system).

HengeDocks Gravitas

Other noteworthy docking stations

Not every user has the latest iPhone model to come out. For 5 / 5s / 5c editions, the OnBeat MINI is perfect. Despite its small size, the station has excellent capabilities:

  • Lightning and USB ports;
  • tRS stereo jack (only 3.5 mm in diameter);
  • the possibility of eight hours of autonomous music playback (at full power);
  • switch to standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity.

OnBeat MINI Station

The Rokform variant is no less interesting. Charging Docking Station is hand-assembled and made of aluminum material used in aviation. True, for trouble-free operation with all versions of the iPhone, you should use a special set of Lightning cable - Rokform black, but this situation does not bother true connoisseurs of such devices. And finally, a product from NewNow is recognized as an available model - Charger Docking Station Cradle Charging Sync Dock

The purchase of a docking station will be a great investment in the operation of your "apple" gadget. It is especially worth advising those users who are used to being constantly in touch.

Apple fans have long made fun of the fact that the owners of smartphones on Android are forced to look for an outlet everywhere - but now they themselves are in an unenviable position. Complaints about the fact that iPhones sit down before our eyes are becoming more and more on the forums. Especially often they complain about old modifications that have been updated to the newest versions of iOS.

The most obvious way to fix your Apple device fast battery drain is to buy. But then instead of one device that needs to be constantly charged, you get two. Therefore, an acquisition that can simultaneously perform the functions of a stand and can be considered a more effective way. A wide selection of quality accessories for Apple and other technology can be found in the online store iCover.ru... He received a lot of positive feedback from customers for fast delivery, reasonable prices and prompt order processing.

In this article, we'll share the best iPhone docks available on the market in 2019.

Apple docking station with Lightning connector

Price: from 4 290 rubles

Apple started selling a proprietary dock with a Lightning plug back in 2015. Even in 2019, it is a trendy brand accessory. One of the main advantages of the stand is stability. The platform is so small that it seems as if it is enough to slightly touch the gadget installed on it - and it will fall. But in fact, it is not so easy to fill the Apple dock on its side - it is made of metal, has a fairly large weight (providing balance) and a rubber base, thanks to which it does not slip at all.

Powering up the iPhone isn't the only feature of Apple's dock. It can also act as an intermediary between a mobile device and speakers, which are connected to the connector located at the back of the accessory. This is especially true for iPhones of the latest modifications, which lack the 3.5 mm jack, so beloved by music lovers.

Advantages:

  • Laconic design and small dimensions - the docking station can be easily placed even on a cluttered office desk.
  • Music docking station; it is equipped with a connector for connecting audio equipment.
  • Many color options.
  • The ability to charge your phone right in the case.

disadvantages:

  • A branded accessory requires regular maintenance.

Belkin Valet Charge Dock

Price: from 9 990 rubles.

Belkin Valet Charge Dock, like all products of this brand, is distinguished by its excellent design. The device is designed to simultaneously charge an iPhone and an Apple smartwatch. The design is very simple - the anodized aluminum pedestal with chrome finish is made in such a way that the smartphone stands at the ideal angle, and the non-slip base coating prevents it from falling. If necessary, the position of the connector can be changed - there is a special position regulator on the back of the body.

The watch is placed on a special magnetic base and seems to float in the air. The docking station is powered by a laptop or wall outlet. The connector is located on the back side and does not spoil the appearance of the device. An additional stand option is the PC sync function. This accessory will become not only a useful gadget purchase, but also a real decoration. Dimensions - 10.93 x 13.4 x 8.8 cm. Suitable for all Apple models with a Lightning connector and smart watches of the company with a diameter of 42 and 38 mm. There is a black version.

Advantages:

  • Excellent appearance that can decorate any interior.
  • The ideal tilt angle for the smartphone and the non-slip surface ensure the perfect stability of the gadget.
  • The ability to simultaneously charge and sync iPhone with PC.
  • There is an adjustment of the position of the connector.

Disadvantages:

  • High price.

COTEetCI Base19 (CS7201-GY)

Price: from 3,290 rubles.

Apple fans rarely complain about the devices of their favorite brand, but there is still some discontent. With the abandonment of the standard headset connector and the release of AirPods, users have a need to charge not only their smartphone, but also their headphones. The new COTEetCI Base19 docking station solves this problem, because it has three seats at once to simultaneously charge iPhone, AirPods and.

The model has a strict design and small size. The base has received a weight that provides good stability on the table. The stand will not only be a convenient way to charge your gadgets, but also allow you to simply place them for storage, for example, overnight. The watch is placed on the QI pad with a special hole for the cable (not supplied), the smartphone and headphones are installed on the Lightning connector, while the tilt angle for the phone can be adjusted. The power cable is connected at the rear. The model is suitable for any Apple Watch, smartphones - from iPhone 5. Docking station colors - gray, silver, pink.

Advantages:

  • Minimalist design.
  • The ability to simultaneously charge three devices at once.
  • Convenience of connection to power supply.
  • There is an adjustment of the position of the connector for the smartphone.
  • Convenient seat and channel for the Apple smartwatch charger cable.
  • Low price.

Disadvantages:

  • There is no charger for Apple Watch included.

Elago Charging Hub 3 in 1 (EST-TRIO-CWH)

Price: from 2690 rubles.

The fairly inexpensive Elago Charging Hub 3 in 1 stand differs from numerous competitors in the material of execution. In this case, silicone is used, which increases the stability of the docking station and excludes the appearance of scratches on the gadgets. The model is designed for simultaneous charging of smart watches, smartphones and Apple headphones.

The manufacturer did not equip the device with charging connectors, so you will have to use your own cables. There are holes especially for them, and on the back side they are conveniently collected in one place, which eliminates clutter on the table and helps to organize the space correctly. The accessory is designed for any Apple smartphones and watches, as well as AirPods. There are several color schemes for the docking station - you can choose the option that fits perfectly into the interior.

Advantages:

  • Silicone increases the stability of the charger and devices, and also prevents them from scratching.
  • You can charge three devices at the same time.
  • Convenient seats for wires.
  • Several colors available.
  • Small size.
  • Low price.

Disadvantages:

  • No wires included.

Studio Neat Material Dock


Price: from 2 900 rubles

Crafted from walnut wood, this stand by Studio Neat fits perfectly into any home. The platform is sold in 4 versions: wired for iPhone, wireless for iPhone, for iPhone + Apple Watch, for smartphone (wireless) + headphones + watch. The most inexpensive option - a wired station only for a phone will cost $ 45, the maximum price for an iPhone version, headphones and a watch is $ 95.

A feature of the Studio Neat platform is that special suction cups are placed in its lower part. Thanks to them, the docking station remains very stable even at its very modest weight.

Advantages:

  • Expensive wooden design.
  • The presence of suction cups that provide stability.
  • Possibilities for adjustment - both the Lightning plug and the back, on which the gadget rests, can be moved by the user as he sees fit. Thanks to this, the iPhone can be connected to the docking station, even if it is in a weighty case.
  • A wide range of options - for a different number of devices and with a different power supply method.
  • Low cost - when compared with other docking stations from our rating.

disadvantages:

  • Inaccessibility - a product from Studio Neat is difficult to find on sale in Russia.

Elevation dock 3

Price: from 6 400 rubles

The Elevation Dock is made using Unibody technology - that is, from a single piece of metal. The accessory is quite heavy, but the manufacturer considered that the significant weight was not able to provide adequate stability and also equipped the platform with sticky rubber pads. Go and tear off such a docking station from the table.

Another advantage of the Elevation Dock is the presence of a special removable panel at the base - so you can charge your iPhone even if it is “dressed” in a case. This makes Elevation Dock different from a number of other docking stations.

The official website of the Elevation Lab has a model called Elevation Dock 4, a platform that supports Qi (wireless) charging, however, the brand's product reviews are more positive for the 3rd version of Elevation Dock.

Advantages:

  • Strength provided by aluminum construction.
  • The minimum screen deflection angle is up to 8%. Thanks to this, the user can track all notifications that appear on the screen of the gadget.
  • Lightning MFI certified cable included.
  • Secure grip - iPhone can be removed with one hand without holding onto the platform itself.
  • You can connect speakers to this iPhone dock. In addition, the Elevation Dock platform is considered acoustic - being in it, the iPhone SE (or another model) sounds better than sitting on a flat surface.

disadvantages:

  • An impressive cost - to spend almost 6.5 thousand rubles on an accessory that is not vital, not every domestic user is ready.

Conclusion

On the forums, you can often find reviews in which users express bewilderment: why buy an expensive docking station for an iPhone of a well-known brand (or even a branded one), if Chinese or Chinese counterparts are sold for a penny?

In fact, products from the Middle Kingdom are not worthy of branded products in terms of workmanship - and they look so-so, because they are made, as a rule, of the cheapest plastic, and not of walnut or aluminum. Docking stations for iPhone and Apple Watch from our top will not only serve faithfully, without harming the battery of an expensive device, but will also become an excellent addition to the interior of the room.

The modern world is hard to imagine without personal electronic devices that are always at hand. One of the manufacturers, namely Apple, has long won the hearts of many caring users. IPhone smartphones, iPads, iPods - they all find their way into various aspects of everyday life. Of course, one cannot do without the process of charging the device's battery, but few people know that this can be done not just by "tying" the device to the cable, but also with pleasure and benefit at the same time. All you need is an iPhone docking station. This article will tell you about what types of them are, what they are for, and will allow you to decide on the choice of the most useful and convenient charging device

Some statistics

It is not possible to calculate the exact number of smartphones that are used on a daily basis by almost every person on earth. Most often, the figures showing the production volumes of certain devices are classified or simply not disclosed. In addition, even counting devices sold from store shelves, you can find out completely incomplete information. And all because there are online stores, sales of "gray devices" and other factors not covered.

Thanks to independent researchers such as GSMA Intelligence, you can find out that in 2014, the number of activated and used SIM cards exceeded 7.2 billion! It's not hard to imagine that (again, according to independent estimates) Apple occupies a large niche in the competition. Actually, for that part of users who live in Europe and on other continents, it has long been customary to use a device such as an Apple docking station in everyday life.

What is a docking station for?

Translated from English, dock station sounds like "docking station" (popularly also called "cradle"). Initially, its main task was to provide users with the ability to expand the original functionality of the device. Docking stations in their original form had a larger number of connectors for connecting multiple devices and simultaneously charging the main one.

In addition, along with charging, it became possible to transfer multimedia data and traffic from the connected device. Convenient and very functional. But time does not stand still, and now docking stations can become whole portable audio systems and simply beautiful accessories, suitable for the interior design of even the most sophisticated owner.

Practical use

So does an iPhone need a docking station? This question was easily answered by specialists from Apple even with the appearance of the iPhone 2G. The first devices were supplied complete with such a device, which caused a flurry of positive emotions and responses from the fans of the "apple". When the Cupertino company realized how popular the docking stations were, the latter were removed from the standard iPhones and sold separately. Of course, this was done out of a desire for profit. But this did not diminish the popularity of the devices, and the number of satisfied customers continued to grow with the release of new models of smartphones, tablets and players.

Docking station types

Every self-respecting manufacturer of accessories for Apple appliances does not hesitate to create high-quality chargers. Actually, the docking station for "iPhone" is a charger, and that is why the variety of these devices has long exceeded all conceivable and inconceivable limits. As described above, the main difference is the charging, music playback and decorative functions. Very often, this category is attributed to special mounts-holders that help fix the device in the car or on any surface. Such devices have only mechanical functions and are not equipped with connectors for charging. That is why you should not confuse docking stations with mounts.

Compatibility

Most often, cradles are designed for use with certain device models. But there is also such a thing as a universal docking station. Obviously, when purchasing one or another stand with charging, you want the cradle to continue performing its function when you change an Apple smartphone, for example, to a Samsung one. But in this case, the uniqueness of the accessory is violated, which is not very profitable for the manufacturers of the stations themselves. There is no need to think about it, because it is more profitable to sell several different products, albeit with a time difference, but making a big profit. But on the other hand, the consumer may opt for lesser-known brands that produce universal stands. However, this statement is only true if the brand of a smartphone or tablet is changed. But devices from the same manufacturer most often retain their standard connectors, and you won't have to change the cradle. For example, a docking station for iPhone 5 can easily "shelter" the newer 5S and SE models, and in some cases - the larger 6, 6S, 6 Plus and 6S Plus.

Popular brands

Of course, there are a lot of manufacturers of accessories, including docking stations, so much so that they cannot be counted on one hand. But still, some of them are relatively more popular among competitors in their price segment.

For example, if you need to be able to charge your smartphone and listen to music at the same time, names such as Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, JBL, Bose and Philips are most common. Whole portable audio systems are capable of reproducing high-quality sound and giving you the pleasure of listening to your favorite songs. If the cradle is just needed as a beautiful stand, suitable for the interior, and simultaneous charging, then the docking station for iPhone from Juice, Twelve South, Belkin, HengeDocks and the like will be quite high quality.

Apple branded cradles

For those who are very seriously interested in the "apple" brand, there are also branded stands. Of course, in recent years, their variety has been reduced to almost zero due to low sales. But if you visit the manufacturer's website, you can see that a couple of models are still lingering in the market. Of course, Apple's docking station will not feature cool functionality, but it will be able to guarantee full and smooth charging of the device. Currently, small cradles with an 8-pin connector are offered (the standard Lightning used since the iPhone 5). The color scheme is rather boring - the stations are offered in black and white.

But apart from this, Apple guarantees full compatibility and perfect performance of the aforementioned Belkin and Twelve South brands, which is confirmed by their presence on the official website.

iHome iDL46gc Lightning Dock Station

It would be fair to describe the functionality of several cradles. The first device is a docking station with speakers, a built-in FM receiver, and an alarm clock and calendar. IHome iDL46gc is a great option not only for charging your favorite Apple gadget, but also for listening to music from it. In addition, the functionality of the station provides for 6 cells for storing FM frequencies, if suddenly in the morning you want to listen to the news or enjoy new songs on your favorite wave.

The cradle automatically syncs and charges any device with a Lightning connector. But this is not a simple docking station. Charging the second device becomes possible thanks to the presence of an additional USB connector, which will allow you to fill the batteries of devices with Type-C and others with the appropriate cable. Its relatively low cost (in the region of $ 100) makes this device an indispensable center of entertainment and time scheduling on the desktop.

OnBeat Mini

The compact device from the US manufacturer JBL cannot be ignored either. The cradle is equipped with a Lightning connector in conjunction with a 3.5 mm TRS stereo jack. Originally planned as a docking station for the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S, OnBeat Mini pleasantly surprised the owners of newer Apple models, because the latter also perfectly fit into the niche for the device.

The modern speaker system, equipped with proprietary broadband speakers, delivers deep, high-quality sound. This can hardly be expected from such a "baby". In addition, JBL has equipped the docking station with a built-in rechargeable battery that will allow you to play audio offline for up to 8 hours. A nice addition is the presence of a power saving mode, which is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity. It should be noted and the on / off and volume buttons, which the docking station is equipped with. The price, by the way, is quite high for it - $ 150, which is logical, because you always have to pay for quality.

Fuz Designs EverDock

The developers from Fuz Designs did not bother with cool audio systems, alarms and other, in their opinion, unnecessary functions. All they have done is a very comfortable and functional cradle that allows you to place on itself almost any device, even if it is wearing a case. The construction of the stand is quite stable thanks to the material from which it is made - solid aluminum.

The device comes with special silicone pads, replacing which, you can fix cables with almost any connector - Micro USB, 30-pin, Lightning and others. The latter allows you to forget about changing the docking station for a long time, because when purchasing new devices, you can always use the functional EverDock. The extended version with Duo will also allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without taking up a lot of desk space.

The docking station for iPhone is a rather convenient and useful accessory. Strong fixation in a conspicuous place is a guarantee of the integrity and safety of your smartphone or tablet. Well, if in addition to have a portable audio system, a pleasant pastime is guaranteed. And finally, a little advice: in order not to ruin the battery of the device, you should beware of fakes and unknown manufacturers. There is no need to skimp when buying such an accessory - and then you can forget about unexpected breakdowns with peace of mind.

A docking station is an accessory that many users have not yet "tried" and therefore do not pay enough attention to. But as soon as you have a docking station, believe me, you can no longer live without it! Why? This is both convenience and safety for your smartphone!

What is an iPhone docking station?

The docking station keeps your iPhone secure.


Any docking station for an Apple smartphone is a device that has three connectors. One of them, the Lightning plug ("dad"), is brought out to the upper part - the iPhone is placed on it with the lower end. The other two are usually found at the back - a port for connecting the docking station to a PC or power supply, and a 3.5 mm mini-jack for headphones or speakers.

Why an iPhone docking station

First, for charging. But you yourself know how well the iPhone "flies" from the table and how easy it is to sit on it if you plugged the gadget into an outlet near the sofa or armchair. With the docking station, you can keep your iPhone safe from such troubles. The base is heavy, and you can put it on a table, on a shelf in a closet, in general, on any horizontal surface.

Secondly, the docking station allows you to connect speakers and enjoy your music. You can, of course, just connect the speakers to your smartphone via the mini-jack, but if you use the docking station with the Apple Remote IR remote control, you can control the playback from the comfort of your couch.

The docking station makes it easy to sync data to iTunes on your computer and smartphone.


Third, the docking station makes it easy to sync data in iTunes on your computer and smartphone, and also allows you to connect your iPhone to your TV or music center.

The bottom of the dock is rubberized, so it doesn't slip. iPhone will not fall off it, because it is held due to the tight contact of the connector and the Lightning plug, and in some models - also due to an additional notch for your smartphone. In general, a mega-useful thing!

What are the iPhone docking stations

The ones that Apple makes, and everyone else. Technically, if you use a third-party docking station, you void your iPhone warranty. The truth is, usually no one can find out about it. Unless, of course, the dock works fine and charges neatly, because, let's face it, not all Chinese devices are equally safe. Also, devices made by other companies are made of plastic of a different color; Apple can order a dock to match your iPhone tone. Also available are models with built-in speakers and docking stations for several devices at once.

Apple offers universal docking stations and options for specific gadget models. The former is more convenient if you only have an iPhone, the latter if you want to use them for your iPod, or if you need to let your friends recharge.

So which models should you look out for?

Docking stations for iPhone 5s and 5c

Dock for 5s is compatible with iPhone 5.


The two models differ slightly, but it is impossible to confuse them with the iPhone 5s and 5c. The fact is that each model has a notch. And since the 5c is wider and thicker than the 5s, it simply won't fit into an iPhone 5s dock. By the way, like the 5s itself in a case or in a bumper, this is perhaps the only drawback of the device. But with the iPhone 5, the docking station for 5s is compatible.

Apple iPhone Lightning Dock

The docking station is available in white and gold.


This model is versatile - it is compatible with the latest iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, as well as iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch 5th generation. It is not recommended to use the docking station with the iPad. The tablet is heavy, and if you install it here, it can cause the Lightning plug to deform and the iPad glass to fall on the table.

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