The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a gorgeous piece of cutting-edge tech, and it’s well-worth its lofty price tag. With its rugged, outdoor-ready build, S9 chip delivering speedy performance, and advanced gesture controls, Apple’s flagship wearable is not only an upgrade over the first-gen Ultra, but it’s also one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now. However, in our initial review we noted the Ultra 2 retained its predecessor’s unimpressive battery life.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 review: It’s evolution, not revolution
Apple adds some neat touches to the second generation Watch Ultra, but is it enough to stamp its authority in the outdoor smartwatch world?
With a bright screen and demanding processor, the mid-tier battery life makes sense. And it’s certainly not terrible. Apple claims the Ultra 2 can last up to 36 hours on a single charge, and it’s possible to extend battery life to up to 72 hours using the wearable’s “low-power mode.” In our tests, the battery actually lasted a little longer. Nonetheless, we recommend buying a dedicated charger to ensure your Ultra 2 is always juiced and ready for action.
Here at Pocket-lint, we know smart wearables. I’ve used my own experience with smartwatches to put together this list of the best chargers for your Ultra 2. And if you’re an Apple Watch Ultra owner, the best part is that all the products on this list are compatible with the original model, and most Apple Watch models for that matter.
Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 chargers: Our top picks
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Spigen S350
Best overall Ultra 2 charger
This simple charging dock from Spigen is affordable and reliable, making it our favorite pick. The S350 is perfectly sized for easily popping your Ultra 2 right on with a quick magnetic snap. It’s the kind of charger you can keep on your bedside table or desk, since it also functions as a stand to keep your watch face in view.
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Belkin Apple Watch charger
Best minimalist design
For those looking for a subtle and fast charger, this pick from Belkin is the best. Inside the simple square design is advanced wireless charging tech that supports fast charging. Best of all, the charger gets to work as soon as you lay your watch on top, so there’s no need to struggle with placement.
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Smtcsl 3-in-1 Stand
Best complete charging station
There are many power stations that offer multi-device charging, but this model from Smtcsl is our favorite. It checks all the boxes, offering fast-charging, a sturdy build, and sleek style. It’s also surprisingly affordable. It’s the perfect stand for consolidating your collection of Apple products.
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Ruxely Apple Watch charger
Best affordable charging puck
This little charging puck from Ruxely might not look like much, but its affordable and reliable build. Whether you need a backup for your original Apple Watch charger or a quick replacement, this charger will do the trick. It’s versatile, too, since it works with almost every Apple Watch model.
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Anker Portable Magnetic Charger for Apple Watch
Best mini charger for travel
This tiny puck works brilliantly for those who need a charger to take with them on the go. It plugs into any USB-C port, meaning you can fill up your watch’s battery without any cables filling up your pockets. It also supports fast-charging, so it’s truly the best pick for folks on the move.
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Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe
Best premium charging station
This pick is pricey, but that’s the cost of a MagSafe-certified charger. Indeed, this 3-in-1 station has the coveted Apple approval, which means it can deliver up to 15W of fast charging. The magnet “grabs” your devices with a strong snap, too. Best of all, the whole thing folds up into a neat portable square.
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Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable
Best original charger replacement
If you need an extra charger for your Ultra 2 watch, go with an original. This Apple-branded cable comes from the company itself, so there’s no question of whether or not it’s safe to use. It’s not as exciting as some of the third-party options on our list, but it comes with a guarantee that it will work.
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Huoto Portable Charger for Apple Watch
Best portable power bank
Smaller than a matchbox, the Huoto Portable powerbank can deliver about three complete charges to your Ultra 2 before needing a recharge itself. It’s designed to live on your keychain. Yeah, it’s nerdy, but when you consider it might keep your watch running when another charger is out of reach, it’s hard to beat.
How we chose the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 chargers
The Pocket-lint team has tested a huge range of smart tech over the years. Not only do we have first-hand experience with many of these products, but we’ve also collaborated and discussed the different technologies with each new release. Smartwatches in particular are our specialty.
Best smartwatches: Expert tested and reviewed
From the newest Apple Watches to Android options, these are the best smartwatches for tracking time and fitness, according to our testing.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 use the same charger as other Apple Watches?
Yes. Basically, every Apple Watch uses the same charging system. This includes the magnetic “puck” where it connects and the internal technology that detects the optimal charging speeds.
Early models might have some issues with fast charging, but, overall, you should find that any charger that works with one Apple Watch will work with another.
What is the best charger for the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
This depends on your needs and your budget. The charger that comes included with the Ultra 2 is basic, which is why we recommend a charging stand to prop up your watch on your bedside table. There are also premium charging stations that have space for an iPhone, AirPod, and Apple Watch. And, of course, the cheap picks are worth getting for a backup, but some of them work nicely as travel chargers as well.
