Overview

The Twelve South ButterFly SE is the charger designed for your carry-on bag, not your desk. Its signature butterfly-fold design creates the most compact multi-device charger we've tested — when closed, the two charging surfaces nest together with a magnetic closure, creating a puck barely larger than a hockey puck. Open it, and you get a MFi-certified Apple Watch charger on one side and a Qi2 iPhone charger on the other.

At $99.99, the ButterFly SE is a 2-in-1, not a 3-in-1 — there's no dedicated AirPods spot (though you can charge AirPods on the iPhone pad when not using your phone). The 15W Qi2 speed is standard but not bleeding-edge. What you're paying for is unmatched portability, premium vegan leather, and the confidence of MFi certification.

For travelers who carry an iPhone and Apple Watch and want the smallest possible charging solution, nothing else comes close.

Features Deep-Dive

Butterfly-Fold Design

The ButterFly SE's folding mechanism is its entire identity. Two circular charging pads connect via a hinge, and when folded, magnets hold them together in a compact disc shape. At 142-227g depending on color, it practically disappears into a bag pocket. The design doubles as a viewing stand — open it at an angle and your iPhone props up for FaceTime calls or StandBy mode. It's the kind of design elegance that Twelve South is known for, solving a real problem in a way that feels obvious in retrospect.

Premium Vegan Leather and Color Options

Available in five colorways — Black, White, Pink, Midnight Plum, and Iridescent — the ButterFly SE treats the charger as a fashion accessory rather than a tech gadget. The vegan leather exterior feels soft and durable, and the color-coordinating braided USB-C cable maintains the premium aesthetic. This is the only charger in our roundup that comes in colors, and it makes a real difference in how the product feels to own and travel with.

MFi-Certified Apple Watch Charging

The Apple Watch charging surface carries Apple's MFi certification, guaranteeing compatibility and fast charging support for Series 7 and later. This is particularly valuable for a travel charger — the last thing you want on a business trip is to discover your charger doesn't work after an iOS update. MFi certification eliminates that risk entirely.

Dual-Device Flexibility

While technically a 2-in-1 (iPhone + Apple Watch), the ButterFly SE can charge AirPods on the iPhone pad when your phone isn't on it. For overnight travel charging, this means you can charge all three devices across two sessions — phone first, then swap to AirPods — using a single charger and outlet. Not as convenient as a true 3-in-1, but workable for travel.

Pricing Analysis

At $99.99, the ButterFly SE costs the same as the Mophie 3-in-1 but only charges two devices simultaneously. The value proposition is entirely about portability — you're paying for the smallest, most travel-friendly multi-device charger available. If you travel more than a few times per year, consolidating your iPhone and Apple Watch chargers into one pocket-sized device easily justifies the price. If you rarely travel, the Mophie or ESR CryoBoost offer more functionality for similar money.

Who Is This For?

Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 works best for:

• Frequent flyers who want to minimize their tech bag and eliminate separate iPhone and Apple Watch chargers
• Business travelers who need a charger that looks professional on a hotel nightstand or conference table
• Minimalists who want the fewest possible items in their travel kit
• Apple Watch owners who specifically need MFi-certified watch charging on the go

Who Should NOT Use This

Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 might not be the right choice if:

• You need to charge three devices simultaneously — no dedicated AirPods spot; consider a 3-in-1 like the Anker Prime for travel with all three devices
• Charging speed is important — 15W Qi2 is fine for overnight but slow for quick top-ups compared to 25W alternatives
• It's primarily a desk charger — for $100, a 3-in-1 with 25W makes more sense if portability isn't the goal

Bottom Line

The Twelve South ButterFly SE is the best travel wireless charger for minimalists who carry an iPhone and Apple Watch. Its butterfly-fold design is genuinely clever, the premium materials make it a pleasure to use, and MFi certification ensures reliability. Just know you're paying a premium for portability over features — it's a 2-in-1 at a 3-in-1 price, and 15W in a 25W world.

FAQ

Can it charge AirPods too?

Not simultaneously with your iPhone, but yes. The iPhone charging pad works with AirPods (any model with a wireless charging case). You can charge your phone, then swap to AirPods on the same pad. For overnight travel, this covers all three Apple devices with one charger.

Does it need a power adapter?

Yes — a 30W+ USB-C adapter is required and not included. If you already carry a MacBook charger or a 30W+ iPhone adapter, that works perfectly. Budget an additional $15-25 if you need to buy one separately.

How does it work as a phone stand?

Open the ButterFly at an angle and the two halves create a V-shape that props your phone in landscape orientation. It works well for StandBy mode and FaceTime calls, though the viewing angle isn't adjustable — it depends on how far you open the butterfly hinge.

Is it worth $100 for a 2-in-1?

If you travel regularly, yes. Replacing two separate chargers (iPhone + Apple Watch) with a single puck that fits in a pocket has real value. The premium materials and MFi certification justify the price for frequent travelers. For home use only, a 3-in-1 charger offers better value.