Nomad Releases Base One Max 3-in-1 Metal and Glass Charger with MagSafe (Hands On)

Nomad launched its premium MagSafe Base One and Base One Max (Review) chargers in 2022 and followed it up with the Stand One earlier this year. Now the advanced Base One Max expands from a 2-in-1 charger to a MagSafe 3-in-1 charger with simultaneous power for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. We’ve tested the Base One Max 3-in-1 metal and glass, and here’s a closer look.

As the name suggests, the Base One Max 3-in-1 comes with the same beautiful design and build as the Base One Max but with a dedicated Qi charging point for AirPods Pro (AirPods or other wireless charging earbuds).

And Nomad manages to achieve this in nearly the same compact size as the Base One Max 2-in-1.

Nomad Base One Max 3-in-1 Specifications

• Official MFi MagSafe charging up to 15W for iPhone
  • Also works with any Qi device
• Built-in charger for the Apple Watch
• AirPods Qi charging station
• All designs are metal and glass
• Rugged construction weighs in at just 1.6 lbs (755 grams)
• Available in silver or carbide (black)
• Requires 30W USB-C Power Adapter (sold separately)
• Price: $170

Base One Max 3-in-1 hands-on

If you haven’t checked out the Base One Max before, it features a solid aluminum frame, a soft-touch MagSafe charger surrounded by glass, and a smooth surface around your Apple Watch and AirPods charger.

One difference between the 2-in-1 and the new Base One Max 3-in-1 is that the latter has a new soft surface around the clock and the AirPods area that won’t scratch your AirPods case.

On the back is the single USB-C port that needs a power adapter of at least 30W. Like other Base One/Max chargers, they continue to be sold separately with the 3-in-1 chargers.

The bottom of the Base One Max 3-in-1 features a clean hard rubber (or silicone) non-slip base.

Nomad Base One Max 3-in-1 recap

As I said earlier, the Base One Max series is not for everyone with premium designs and affordable prices. These chargers are designed for those who value high-end design and materials in addition to official MagSafe charging.

There are a few minor downsides to the Base One Max 3-in-1 — the Apple Watch charger is a standard charger, not a fast charger. And if you don’t have an extra 30-watt power adapter, you’ll need to pick one up, which brings the price to about $200.

There’s another small detail to keep in mind, because of its small size, you’ll need to leave the Apple Watch straps open to charge your wearables and AirPods at the same time.

But overall, if you want a multi-device charger that’s built to last and look great, this premium charger will definitely deliver.

The Base One Max 3-in-1 is available now direct from Nomad for $170.

And if you like the look and materials of the Base One Max but prefer a stand-style charger to take advantage of features like StandBy in iOS 17, Nomad’s Stand One and Stand are great options.