Quick Verdict

The Baseus PicoGo AF21 ($89.99) and ESR CryoBoost ($104.99) are the best value 25W 3-in-1 wireless chargers in our roundup. Both deliver Qi2.2 speeds that match chargers costing $130+, but they take very different approaches. The Baseus folds for travel, includes a 45W adapter, and costs $15 less. The ESR stays on your desk with an active cooling fan that prevents thermal throttling. Your choice depends on whether you value portability and out-of-box completeness (Baseus) or sustained charging speed and thermal management (ESR).

Head-to-Head Comparison

Charging Speed (Peak vs. Sustained)

Winner: ESR CryoBoost

Both chargers hit the same 25W Qi2.2 peak speed — certification is certification, and the Wireless Power Consortium doesn't grade on a curve. Where they diverge is sustained performance over time.

The ESR CryoBoost's built-in fan reduces phone temperature by up to 4°C during charging, preventing the thermal throttling that all passive cooling chargers eventually face. This means the CryoBoost maintains speeds closer to 25W throughout the entire charge cycle, especially during warm ambient conditions or when you're using the phone while it charges.

The Baseus PicoGo relies on passive heat dissipation. It starts at 25W and stays there for quick top-ups, but during extended charging sessions — particularly in warm rooms or while the phone is under load — expect the speed to taper to 15W or lower as heat builds. For overnight charging, this difference is irrelevant. For quick daytime top-ups while using your phone, the ESR's active cooling delivers a noticeably faster total charge time.

Portability and Design

Winner: Baseus PicoGo AF21

The PicoGo folds for travel, creating a compact package you can toss in a bag. The adjustable viewing angles add versatility for StandBy mode across different desk and nightstand heights. It's not as compact as the Anker Prime or Twelve South ButterFly, but it's significantly more portable than the ESR's fixed desk-bound design.

The ESR CryoBoost is a stationary desk charger with a wider base to accommodate its cooling system. The carbon fiber texture finish looks great on a desk, but this charger lives where you put it — it doesn't travel. The larger footprint is the physical cost of active cooling.

Value and Box Contents

Winner: Baseus PicoGo AF21

The PicoGo costs $89.99 and includes a 45W USB-C adapter and cable. The ESR costs $104.99 (sale price from $129.99) and does not include an adapter. Add a $20 adapter to the ESR's price and the total gap widens to $35 — the PicoGo is nearly 30% cheaper all-in.

This is the PicoGo's strongest argument. Both chargers deliver 25W Qi2.2 to your phone. Both charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. The PicoGo does it for less money and includes everything you need in the box. The ESR's active cooling is the only technical advantage it offers for the price premium.

Build Quality

Winner: ESR CryoBoost

The ESR's build quality edges ahead with a more substantial feel, a wider base that adds stability, and the distinctive carbon fiber texture that elevates its desk presence. The construction is solid without feeling cheap, and the 4.78/5 star rating across 60+ reviews confirms reliable build quality in real-world use.

The Baseus PicoGo's plastics are noticeably thinner, and the foldable hinge mechanism — while functional — feels less robust than premium competitors. It's the predictable trade-off of a product that costs $15-45 less than its competition. The PicoGo works fine, but it doesn't inspire the same confidence in long-term durability.

Noise Level

Winner: Baseus PicoGo AF21

The PicoGo is silent — no moving parts, no fan, no noise. Period. This makes it suitable for any room in the house, including the bedroom.

The ESR CryoBoost's fan is audible in quiet environments. It activates automatically when charging and cannot be manually disabled. For a home office or living room, the fan noise is background and ignorable. For a nightstand next to your pillow, it's a potential irritant. If silent charging matters, the Baseus wins by default.

Who Should Buy the Baseus PicoGo?

• You're on a budget and want the cheapest 25W 3-in-1 charger available
• You travel with your charger and need a foldable design
• You want everything in the box (adapter included) with no additional purchases
• You charge at night and need silent operation
• You don't typically use your phone heavily while it charges

Who Should Buy the ESR CryoBoost?

• You regularly charge your phone while using it (gaming, video calls, navigation)
• You live in a warm climate where ambient heat exacerbates charger throttling
• Your charger lives permanently on a desk and portability doesn't matter
• You prefer a more premium build quality and design aesthetic
• Sustained charging speed matters more than upfront cost

The Bottom Line

The Baseus PicoGo AF21 is the smarter buy for most people. It costs less, includes the adapter, folds for travel, charges silently, and delivers the same 25W Qi2.2 peak speed. The ESR CryoBoost is the better buy for power users who charge their phone while actively using it — the active cooling prevents throttling that the Baseus can't avoid. Both are exceptional values that prove you don't need to spend $130+ for premium wireless charging speed.