This magnetic battery has a few tricks that make it tempting for travelers

Convergence is the key to traveling light. So, I’m a big fan of whenever two or more gadgets get mashed together. The Kuxiu K1 Ultra combines a 10,000mAh power bank with a 3-in-1 charger. The result is an ultra-sleek travel-friendly device that’s ready to keep you powered wherever you take it.

I’ve been covering consumer electronics for over a decade, and the K1 Ultra is a dream product. Not only is it a backup battery for an iPhone, and has an Apple Watch charger embedded in it, but it also supports Qi2.2 for 25 watts wireless charging for the fastest possible speeds.

I’ve been using the K1 Ultra, putting it through some everyday situations. Here’s how it has performed so far.

The functionality is stunning

Part of what makes the K1 Ultra work as a nightstand charger is the kickstand on the back. It allows the battery to stand up vertically or horizontally. The stand is metal and feels sturdy. However, it can lie flat if you prefer that.

Of course, the metal enclosure makes it a little heavy at 9 ounces, or 256 grams. I haven’t been worried about its strength or resistance to being bumped around. It’s also a little thick at 0.8 inches thick, but not much different than any other 10K capacity power bank.

The real reason to get this charger is its 25W power output thanks to its Qi2.2 support. In addition to 25W for iPhone, it offers 5W Apple Watch charging or 5W AirPods charging. The USB-C port works for output, if you want to connect to it with a cable. That also means pass-through charging works fine.

All of this works great. I’ve used it on my nightstand, at my desk, and out of the house. For a wireless iPhone charger, you won’t find a faster charging option. Just make sure you’re using an iPhone 16—non-16e—or newer.

The K1 Ultra is a great concept, but it isn’t perfect

If you want to put your iPhone into StandBy mode and charge your Apple Watch with the K1 Ultra, it will take a little finessing. I couldn’t get my Ultra 3 to stay every single time when the watch charger was vertical at the top. The weight was too heavy. Using the other orientation meant the phone was brushing up against it. Your mileage may vary depending on case use and Apple Watch model—or watch band.

I was able to make it work. In the worst-case scenario, I removed one of the Apple Watch strap sides, and that alleviated some of the friction with weight.

My biggest concern with the K1 Ultra is its split, twisting mechanics. It clicks when you open it to show the Apple Watch charger, which might bother some people. It’s not quiet, but that aspect doesn’t bother me. More so, I’m worried that it might twist open too easily.

When the battery pack is attached to my phone, it moves just enough to be annoying. It feels like the whole battery is sliding from side to side, when it's not. It won’t affect the performance. It just doesn’t feel as steady as a traditional one.

It’s a bummer that this aspect isn’t as dependable, but it isn’t a dealbreaker. It doesn't actually slide open on its own. It doesn't twist too freely. This is an issue with the feel of the device, rather than a technical one.

Is the Kuxiu K1 Ultra worth spending money on?

The Kuxiu K1 Ultra excels at being a full-fledged 3-in-1 travel charger in a tiny package.

Even without considering the Apple Watch charger functionality, this battery’s $99 retail price isn’t outrageous compared to other Qi2.2 power banks. If you’re not overly particular about how the twisting mechanism might feel in your hand, then it’s a great choice and could save a lot of space in a travel bag.