Best Wireless Charger for Travel? Nomad Base One v Base Station Mini

Which is the Best Wireless Charger for Travel, the new Nomad Base One or the Base Station Mini. I’ve tested both and have warmed to the idea that travelling with a wireless pad makes sense, but which one belongs in your travel tech bag?

Base One v Base Station Mini// Best Wireless Charger for Travel

Some like to travel as light as possible, others enjoy a few comforts, and with a change in law forcing brands to adopt USB-C as standard, the need for fewer cables could soon be a reality. Still, wireless charging makes life just a little easier.

The new Nomad Base One and the Base Station Mini chargers are two of the best I’ve used recently, so I decided to do a side-by-side to help others who want to travel with a wireless charger.

Power

This is the only feature where I feel the models are evenly matched, with both able to deliver 15W power when using the USB-C cables they ship with and the same 30W adapter (not included).

Using a new iPhone 13 Pro, the Base One and Station Mini take the phone from flat to full in 2 hours with like-for-like performances.

_{WINNER: It’s a draw!}

Magnetic v MagSafe

Both chargers support all Qi Wirelessly charged devices, even though the Base One has the Apple MagSafe puck on the charging surface.

Base Station Mini has a much more discrete and elegant leather pad but conceals a secret perk. Under the surface, some magnets align MagSafe compatible devices yet don’t interfere with those without.

This is the best of both worlds and makes the Mini more appealing to all, not just Apple users.

_{WINNER: Base Station Mini}

Design

As you can see, these wireless charging pads are each a work of art. Nomad hasn’t cut any corners in making them. Both offer the same charging, with only the Base One providing the whole MagSafe experience. But it’s the Base One Nomad want you to show off.

The thicker, weighted base and glass surface create the perfect home for that MagSafe puck and will look great no matter where it’s been placed.

_{WINNER: Base One}

Size & Weight

Where the beauty and build quality of the Base One ensured it won the Design category, the same factors make it lose out on size & weight. For travelling, the Base Station Mini is much lighter at just 230g. The leather pad, whilst soft and supple, is robust enough to withstand life on the move.

_{WINNER: Base Station Mini}

Features

We demand few features from a wireless charger other than to quickly and safely charge a device. The Base Station Mini not only matches the Base One with its magnetic alignment to see off MagSafe argument, but it does boast additional features. At the front is a pinhole-led charging light that dims itself at night thanks to the built-in light sensor.

_{WINNER: Base Station Mini}

and the Winner is…

Base Station Mini!

I could argue the pros and cons of travelling with a wireless charger as a part of my tech kit, and ultimately it will come down to user preference.

If I’m on a short 1-2 night trip, I’ll rely on cables and a travel adapter. However, for more extended stays or for those business trips where my hotel room becomes an office, the Base Station Mini will be joining me.

But, with hotels increasingly cutting back on power outlets in rooms or just near the bed in general, I wonder how long it will be before chains start fabricating wireless pads into bedside tables for guests to use?

Side by Side// Best Wireless Charger for Travel

Base One MagSafe		Base Station Mini
97 x 97 x 19mm	Dimensions	90 x 90 x 10mm
515g	Weight	230g
Carbide Silver	Colour Options	Black
Up to 15W	Power	Up to 10W w/20W adapter Up to 15W w/30W adapter
MagSafe Qi wireless charging	Features	Magnetic alignment Qi wireless charging LED charging light w/ambient control
(sold separately) 30W adapter	Requires	20W adapter (sold separately) or 30W adapter (sold separately)
Base One MagSafe	Hands-On Review	Base Station Mini
Wireless charger 2m USB-C to USB-C cable Manuals	In the Box	Wireless charger 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable Manuals
nomadgoods.com	Website	nomadgoods.com

Pricing// Best Wireless Charger for Travel