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Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch [Review]
Travel accessories are often a compromise between functionality and portability. We’ve all been there - stuffing multiple charging cables into our bags, only to find them tangled into an impossible knot later. Nomad, known for their premium accessories, has taken on this challenge with what might be the Swiss Army knife of charging cables - the Universal Cable for Apple Watch.
Design
The Universal Cable for Apple Watch is a sleek, no-nonsense product that immediately feels premium in hand. It features Nomad’s signature double-braided Kevlar outer weave that gives it a rugged yet refined appearance. At first glance, it looks like a standard high-quality USB-C cable - until you notice the integrated Apple Watch charging puck positioned about halfway down its length.
This isn’t just any Apple Watch charger either - it’s a fully-functional fast charger compatible with all Apple Watch models from Series 1 through 10, including the Ultra and Ultra 2. The cable has USB-C connectors on both ends, and the end with the extended tip is designed to connect to devices even when they’re in cases - a thoughtful detail that shows Nomad’s attention to real-world usage.
One of my favorite design elements is the integrated cable tie made from Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). Unlike the flimsy velcro ties that come with most cables, this one is built to last and won’t fray over time. It’s a small touch, but it shows Nomad’s commitment to creating products that remain functional over their entire lifespan.
Features
- 100W USB-C PD cable (92W when Apple Watch charging is active)
- Integrated Apple Watch fast charger
- Double-braided Kevlar reinforcement
- Electroplated metal connectors
- Built-in silicone cable tie
- Compatible with all Apple Watch models
- Can charge AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 on the watch puck
Performance
In daily use, this cable has quickly become my go-to charging solution. The flexibility of having USB-C connectors on both ends means you can plug it into any power source - whether that’s a wall adapter, MacBook, iPad, or even your iPhone. This versatility is particularly valuable when traveling, where power options might be limited.
The Apple Watch fast charger works exactly as advertised, providing rapid charging for compatible models (Series 7 and later). In my testing, it charged my Apple Watch Ultra from 20% to 80% in about 45 minutes - comparable to Apple’s own fast charger. What surprised me was discovering that the Apple Watch puck can also charge AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC. This wasn’t immediately obvious to me, but it’s a game-changer for simplifying my travel kit. Now I can charge my MacBook, Apple Watch, and AirPods with a single cable - which feels like some kind of accessory sorcery.
The 100W power delivery capability is impressive, though it’s worth noting that when the Apple Watch charger is in use, the USB-C end is limited to 92W. Still, that’s more than enough to charge even a 16” MacBook Pro, so it’s hardly a limitation in practice. If there’s one performance drawback, it’s that the cable is limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds. Nomad explains this was necessary to allow for a longer cable length, and since this is primarily a charging cable rather than a data transfer cable, it’s a reasonable compromise.
Real-World Use
Where this cable truly shines is in travel scenarios. I recently took it on a weekend trip and was able to leave behind three separate cables (MacBook, Watch, and AirPods). The cable tie kept everything neat in my bag, and I appreciated having one less tangle of wires to deal with.
The extended USB-C tip came in handy when connecting to my iPhone, which has a somewhat bulky case. No need to remove the case just to charge - another small detail that makes a big difference in convenience. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need a power adapter of at least 20W for multi-device charging, which isn’t included. I used my existing Nomad 65W charger, and the pairing worked flawlessly.
The build quality is exceptional, as I’ve come to expect from Nomad. The Kevlar reinforcement and metal connectors feel like they’ll outlast most of the devices I’ll be charging with it. In a world of disposable accessories, it’s refreshing to find something built to last.
Conclusion
The Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch is one of those rare accessories that makes you wonder how you managed without it. It’s not just a cable - it’s a thoughtfully designed solution to a common problem, executed with premium materials and attention to detail.
Is it priced at a premium compared to basic charging cables? Yes. But when you consider it replaces multiple cables and offers fast charging for all your Apple devices, the value proposition becomes much clearer. For frequent travelers or anyone looking to declutter their desk setup, this cable is worth every penny.
In a market flooded with charging accessories, Nomad has managed to create something genuinely innovative that simplifies the Apple ecosystem experience. It’s like the charging cable equivalent of finding out your Swiss Army knife also contains a lightsaber - unexpected, but exactly what you needed all along.
Review Summary
Universal Cable for Apple WatchNomad Goods
The first-of-its-kind cable with an integrated Apple Watch charging puck proves to be the perfect travel companion for Apple users.
The Good Stuff
- Built-in Apple Watch fast charging puck
- Durable Kevlar reinforcement
- 100W USB-C PD capability
- Can charge AirPods on the watch puck
- Integrated cable management tie
- Requires 20W+ adapter (not included)
- Limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds
The Ratings
Overall: 92%
Disclaimers:
This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
For more information on how we score products, please read how we review products.
For more information on how we score products, please read how we review products.
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