Looking for an Apple Watch charging solution? This keychain gadget saved me

Published: (February 17, 2026 at 12:43 PM EST)
3 min read
Source: ZDNet

Source: ZDNet

[![Scosche WatchIt charger](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/2026/02/13/396b8b40-79d0-40dc-95ff-daf7a47a9dc0/img-2227.jpg)](https://cc.zdnet.com/v1/otc/00hQi47eqnEWQ6T9d4QLBUc?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FScosche-Charging-Portable-Magnetic-Compatible%2Fdp%2FB0F6VXD5D1&app_deeplink=1)

### ZDNET’s key takeaways

- **Price:** Scosche’s WatchIt plug‑in travel charger is on sale for **$34.99**.  
- **Form factor:** Ultra‑compact wireless puck for the Apple Watch and AirPods.  
- **How it works:** It must be connected to an iPhone (or iPad) to charge; it isn’t a standalone power bank.

[**View now on Amazon**](https://cc.zdnet.com/v1/otc/00hQi47eqnEWQ6T9d4QLBUc?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FScosche-Charging-Portable-Magnetic-Compatible%2Fdp%2FB0F6VXD5D1&app_deeplink=1)

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#### My daily tech trio

- **Apple Watch Ultra 3** – My go‑to for tracking walks, hikes, and handling notifications without pulling out my iPhone.  
- **AirPods Pro** – Perfect companion for calls and music.  
- **iPhone 17 Pro** – The hub that powers everything.

> **Also:** [I ignored Apple’s battery tips and charged my iPhone the wrong way – here’s how it fared](https://www.zdnet.com/article/ignored-apple-battery-advice-on-iphone-the-result/)

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### Why I needed a new charger

When I’m at home, charging isn’t an issue, but on the road, camping, or hiking it gets tricky. The stock Apple Watch charger works, but it’s bulky and not ideal for a key‑chain‑ready solution.

Enter the **Scosche WatchIt** – a key‑chain‑sized magnetic fast charger built around the Apple Watch charging puck. Instead of a fixed cable, it features a flip‑out USB‑C connector that swivels to plug into any USB‑C charger or directly into the USB‑C port on an iPhone 15 or later (yes, you can charge the Watch or AirPods from the phone’s port).

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#### Design & Build

![USB‑C connector long enough for deep ports](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/2026/02/13/396b8b40-79d0-40dc-95ff-daf7a47a9dc0/img-2227.jpg)  
*The USB‑C connector is long enough to reach even when a thick case covers the port.**Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET*

- **Swiveling USB‑C:** Tucks away when not in use, protecting it from damage and grime.  
- **Durable polymer housing:** Scratch‑ and break‑resistant, ready for key‑chain life.  
- **Strong spring keyring + nylon webbing:** Attach to keys or backpack straps with ease.

> **Also:** [I thought replacing my AirTag battery with a rechargeable one was a good idea – it wasn’t](https://www.zdnet.com/article/rechargeable-battery-airtag-do-not-use/)

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#### Performance

- **Output:** 4 W (same as Apple’s fast‑charging cable) – ideal for quick top‑ups on the move.  
- **Portability:** Small enough to sit on a keyring without adding bulk.

[Image: Tech specs are hidden away]  
*The tech specs are rather hidden.**Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET*

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### Bottom line

The Scosche WatchIt gives you a lightweight, magnetic charger that you can keep on your keychain or backpack. It’s perfect for anyone who relies on an Apple Watch (and optionally AirPods) while traveling, hiking, or camping, and who wants a charger that’s always within reach.

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## ZDNET Buying Advice

The **Scosche WatchIt** is available for **$35** – a fair price when you consider that Apple’s charging cable is **$25**.  

- **Compact design** with a swivel USB‑C connector that helps keep the port safe from damage.  
- **Versatile power source**: use your iPhone as a power bank to charge an Apple Watch and AirPods, which is especially handy while traveling or outdoors.  

### Color Options
- **Black** – the standard look.  
- **Aquatic Awe** – a cool blue‑green hue.  
- **Sunset Coral** – a warm, coral tone.  

[Buy the Scosche WatchIt on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Charging-Portable-Magnetic-Compatible/dp/B0F6VXD5D1)  
[Apple Watch Magnetic Charger (USB‑C) on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Watch-Magnetic-Charger-USB-C/dp/B0CHX5CS34)

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