Review: Twelve South PowerBug
Where are you supposed to use this wireless charger and power adapter combo?
Most Qi2 wireless chargers need to be plugged into some kind of power adapter. In the case of the Twelve South PowerBug, it is the charger and power adapter all in one sleek device.
Price: $49.99 (link)
Value Score: Fair
The specs are okay, but not amazing
The PowerBug can supply up to 35W of power when you plug a cable into its USB-C port. It's also a Qi2 charger that can provide up to 15W of power when you attach a compatible iPhone. But when you use both charging options at the same time, the power level decreases.
When both are used, the USB-C port gets up to 20W and Qi2 gets up to 15W for the combined 35W total.
My tests showed this was accurate. I got around 25W using only a USB-C cable and 17W for the same device when an iPhone was attached to the Qi2 spot too. (There are a lot of factors that go into getting max power.)
25.008W shown (left); 17.328W shown with an iPhone attached (right)
Beyond the dual charging and foldable prongs, there just aren't a lot of other features or specs. It's a simple device.
This charger works best in a kitchen or bathroom
The charging speeds for the PowerBug aren't amazing, but they also aren't bad. Individually, each charging method is suitable for most people, even those in a power crunch. The bigger problem with this adapter is that it's almost too clever for its own good.
I scoured my house for a good place to use the PowerBug as a wireless charger, and the two places I found were in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Those were the areas with outlets above waist level that allowed me to see the phone connected to the charger. Do people have high outlets in other places of their home?
Of course, the wireless charger still works in any outlet. However, its utility seems greatly diminished for those below your knees. You can't see the StandBy information well and a charging phone is more likely to get bumped.
Using the PowerBug for travel is another option. Unless you know your destination well, it could be a huge roll of the dice. I've been in hotels where the outlet is embedded in the side of the nightstand, or it's in other strange locations. It seems risky to me to buy this only to use on the road. If you want a wild travel charger, you should look at this combination Apple Watch and laptop charger.
Verdict
Niche, specialized, power adapters are the best kind. I don't hate what Twelve South is going for here with its PowerBug. It's neat, fun, and clever. That said, if you fall outside of needing a dual charger for the kitchen or bathroom, then I'd probably skip this one.
The $50 price is steep for a 35W charger if you don't take advantage of its dual-purpose capabilities. But if you do see it go on sale and want to jump on it, the PowerBug works well and may solve a unique charging need.
