Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger Review: Compact and Convenient

The ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger is a clever little charging solution that solves a common travel problem – how to charge multiple Apple devices without carrying a bag full of cables and power bricks. After using it for several weeks both at home and while travelling interstate, I can confidently say this compact charger delivers on its promise of simplicity and convenience.

Packaging Contents

Design and Build Quality

The ButterFly SE is impressively compact, measuring just around 6.10cm and less than 2.5cm thick when folded. At 119 grams, it’s light enough that you barely notice it in your bag. The foldable design is clever – open it up to reveal two magnetic charging surfaces, one for your iPhone and another for your Apple Watch or AirPods. Strong magnets hold the unit closed when folded, so it won’t accidentally spring open in your luggage.

The build quality feels premium. The soft-touch non-slip finish gives it a quality feel rather than the cheap plastic you get with budget chargers. It’s available in five colours, and the included braided USB-C cable matches your chosen colour, which is a nice touch. The cable measures a generous 1 metre, giving you flexibility when you’re hunting for power outlets in hotel rooms or airports.

The ButterFly SE delivers 15W of power to your iPhone through Qi2 magnetic charging, which is the same speed as Apple’s own MagSafe charger. The Apple Watch side provides 5W fast charging, which is standard for most Apple Watch chargers. In practice, this means your iPhone charges at a decent clip whilst your Watch tops up overnight or during a quick charge before heading out.

One thing worth noting is that you’ll need to provide your own 30W+ USB-C power adapter. The ButterFly SE doesn’t include one in the box, which might catch some buyers off guard given the A$179.95 price point. If you’ve already got a decent USB-C charger from your MacBook, recent iPhone, or maybe a GaN travel charger (like the one from Zendure I used to test here) you’re sorted. If not, factor in an extra purchase.

The magnetic alignment works brilliantly. Just bring your iPhone close to the charging surface and it snaps into place with a satisfying click. The magnets are strong enough to hold your phone securely.

Where the ButterFly SE really shines is its versatility as a travel companion. Instead of packing separate chargers for your iPhone and Apple Watch, you’ve got one compact unit that handles both. The foldable design means it takes up minimal space in your carry-on. The dual charging functionality extends to AirPods or any kinds of Earbuds that supports Qi wireless charging as well. If you’ve got AirPods Pro or AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case, you can charge them on the iPhone side instead of your Watch. This flexibility is handy when you need to prioritise which devices get juice first.

Beyond charging, the ButterFly SE doubles as a surprisingly useful stand. Prop your iPhone up whilst it charges and you’ve got a hands-free setup for watching content, FaceTime calls, or using StandBy Mode on iOS 17 and later. The magnetic Apple Watch charger tilts up, allowing you to use Nightstand Mode while your Watch charges overnight. I didn’t really use it as a stand much but it’s good to know that this may come in handy.

The ButterFly SE works with all iPhone models that support MagSafe, which includes iPhone 12 and newer (including mini, Pro, and Max variants). All Apple Watch models are supported, including the Ultra and SE versions. For AirPods, you’ll need either AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation), AirPods 3rd generation, or any AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case.

ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger Review Conclusion

The ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 charger is a well-executed travel charging solution that successfully balances compact design with practical functionality. The foldable form factor makes packing easier, the build quality feels premium, and the dual charging capability eliminates the need for multiple chargers in your bag. That is your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods chargers.

I carried it for our 2-week interstate trip and found it really useful to charge two Apple Watches (mine and my wife’s alternately), but also my iPhone 17 Pro while I was sleeping through the night. It’s also pretty compact to carry in my backpack’s pocket.

While the premium price and lack of an included power adapter might give some buyers pause (you can just, after all, carry charging cables and adapters), the ButterFly SE delivers exactly what it promises – a compact, quality charging solution for Apple users who value convenience and minimalism. For frequent travellers with multiple Apple devices, this is an awesome, portable, charging device.

Disclosure: Butterfly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 charger review sample was supplied for reviewing