Watch Chargers

Why a watch needs its own charger

Smartwatches charge wirelessly, like many phones, but each watch maker uses its own kind of charger, and most watches will not charge on an ordinary phone pad. An Apple Watch charges on its own round magnetic charger, which snaps onto the back of the watch and lines it up. A Galaxy Watch charges on its own round charger, and a Fitbit or a Pixel Watch on its maker's own charger or cradle. So the first question with any watch charger is not how fast it is, but whether it fits your watch.

This range is for watch chargers: replacements for one that has broken or gone missing, and spares, so one stays by the bed while another lives in a work bag, a desk drawer or a suitcase. Carrying a single charger back and forth is how they get left behind.

The kinds of watch charger

• Cable chargers are the charging puck or cradle on a cable that ends in a USB-C or USB-A plug, for a wall charger, a laptop or a power bank.
• Charging stands hold the watch on its side as it charges, so it can be read as a bedside clock. Stands that hold a watch without a charger built in are in watch stands.
• Small portable chargers plug straight into a USB socket with no cable, or clip onto a keyring, for travel.
• Stations for several devices charge a watch along with a phone and earbuds: see 3-in-1 charging stations.

How to choose a watch charger

Match the charger to your watch model, not just its brand: check the model name in the watch's settings and compare it with the listing. Then match the plug on the cable to what you will plug it into. USB-C suits most recent wall chargers and laptops; USB-A suits older plugs and car sockets. A watch takes very little power, so a small charger up to 20W with a UK three-pin plug is plenty.

Apple asks for an Apple Watch to be charged on a flat surface in a well-ventilated place, away from extreme heat and cold, and the same is sensible for any watch. Take the watch off its charger if the back gets hot.

Questions people ask about watch chargers

Can my phone charge my watch?

Many Galaxy phones can share power to a Galaxy Watch through Wireless PowerShare, with the watch on the back of the phone. Samsung says the phone needs more than 30 per cent battery unless it is plugged in, and that not every watch can be charged this way.

Will an Apple Watch charge on a phone's wireless pad?

No. It needs its own kind of magnetic charger. The guide to wireless and magnetic charging explains why.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Watch stands
• 3-in-1 charging stations
• Apple Watch straps
• Galaxy Watch straps
• Watch straps and wearables
• Guide: Watch straps: sizes, materials and fitting
• Guide: Wireless and magnetic charging explained: Qi, Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible