With the best iPad charging stations and storage carts, you can easily keep all of the devices in your classroom charged up and safely stored away.
Tablets have become an essential tool in many classrooms. Teachers and students use them for a variety of tasks, from taking notes to doing research.
When it comes to charging and storing these mobile devices, however, things can get a bit tricky. That’s where iPad charging stations and storage carts come in.
These devices make it easy to keep all of your tablets charged up and stored away safely.
iPad charging stations come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. Some feature multiple chargers so you can charge several devices at once. Others come with storage shelves or drawers, making it easy to keep your cords and other accessories organized.
In our guide to the best iPad charging stations and classroom iPad storage carts, you can learn about the pros and cons of the ones that I think are the best. You’ll also find some great tips for choosing the right products for your needs.
This guide has been fully updated for 2023 to include the best current options on the market.
Don’t want to read the full guide? Check out one of my top picks below:
My Top Pick
Unitek USB Charging Station
What’s inside?
- Charges up to 8 iPad devices at the same time
- The dividers are removable
- Charging automatically stops when a device’s battery is fully-charged
Best for: This charging station is a nice size for teacher with a small classroom who needs to charge multiple devices.
Although this model works with all USB devices, it is designed to recharge up to 8 iPads at a time. The fast charging requires less time for a full charge than other low-power (one amp per port) charging stations. Each port can draw up to 2.4 amps of power. It also has 2 QC 3.0 ports to charge your mobile devices in half an hour.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
3 Steps to Choose the Best iPad Charging Station
Here are the three steps and things to consider when choosing the best classroom iPad charging station or storage system that meets your requirements.
Step 1: Analyze Your Budget
The range of prices for the products I reviewed is from about $30 for a small charging station or rack up to just under $450 for a large, portable charging cart that can charge and store up to 32 devices.
Q: Should I buy a large portable charging station?
Some school systems find that larger portable charging stations are more useful. They can be placed in one classroom for a few hours and then moved to another classroom after the devices from the first classroom are charged. Sharing these larger charging carts can be more practical for a budget-conscious school system.
Step 2: Сount how many ports you need for all the devices
You may not have to charge all of the mobile devices at the same time. You can charge multiple devices in batches and manage device distribution in your classroom accordingly. However, you will likely want a large enough storage system to handle all the devices for the students. You want to put them all safely away so that the students are not distracted while attending class.
Q: What adapter cables do you need?
Most of these systems do not come with cables; however, you can use a cable that comes with each device. You will probably want to buy some spare cables because students may not remember to bring their cables from home.
Step 3: Charging Station or Storage Cart? With or without a lock?
A charging station for a small number of devices does not provide any security as you store tablets away. They should not be left unattended due to the risk of the devices being stolen. Most teachers, who use small charging stations in the classroom, place them on their desks to keep an eye on the mobile devices while they are charging.
Having a locked cabinet provides an extra level of security for you to store tablets with confidence. If security is a major concern in your school, it is helpful to use a padlock and a chain to secure a locked cabinet to something bolted down.
If you follow these three evaluation steps, it will be easier to choose a charging station and storage system that meets your needs. It is interesting to see how education changed over the last 100 years in this article. In the past, no one expected that every student would carry a tablet and a smartphone like they do today.
Best iPad Charging Stations and Storage Systems
The list below, which is followed by the reviews, is divided into three categories: 1) charging station racks; 2) charging stations, and; 3) charging storage systems.
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Best for teachers who only charge a few devices at the same time. Great Option!
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Perfect for teachers who limit their charging to eight iPads at a time. My Top Pick!
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For Teachers who charge iPads frequently. |
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Good choice for teachers who want to have easy access to the devices. |
Amazon → |
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For teachers who need a cart that moves from classroom to classroom. |
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Has universal compatibility for teachers to store and charge 12 devices. |
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This is the cart needed by teachers who move around between classrooms. |
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For teachers to store and charge 32 devices at once. |
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The next section includes my reviews, which highlight the features of each choice. I share the pros and cons honestly to help you decide which one of these items is a solid choice for your needs.
The three categories of products are organized into non-powered charging racks, charging stations, and charging stations with a storage solution or a mobile cart. A teacher needs to use the cables for each device and plug them in if using a rack to organize them. More convenient is using a charging station that has a power strip. For security, teachers use a lockable storage solution. For mobility, teachers can use a charging cart.
Charging Station Racks
Charging station racks are used to organize multiple devices with their cables. These racks do not come with any cables and are not powered.
1. Prosumer’s Choice
Prosumer’s choice offers an eco-friendly product made from sustainable natural bamboo.
Features
This rack is an all-in-one smartphone/tablet organizer. It keeps power strips and cables of up to 11 inches in length out of sight. It transforms messy cables into an elegantly organized charging rack to store them neatly.
Pros
- This attractive rack is nice and stable.
- Holds up to five electronic devices in place for simultaneous charging, including cell phones and tablets.
- There is plenty of room in the tray to hold the cables.
- Racks are removable to accommodate devices in a thick case.
- Manufactured in a socially responsible way.
Cons
- This unit is not powered and requires the separate purchase of a power strip.
- Some teachers find it inconvenient to use the students’ cables.
- Dividers may not fit securely.
Best for: Teachers who only charge a few devices at the same time.
In this video, produced by Prosumer’s Choice, you can see this rack in use.
This rack is very attractive for a teacher’s desk.
Buying Options
Charging Stations
Charging stations that have power are more convenient. If they have smart charging, they will provide the correct charging power needed for each device.
2. Unitek
The Unitek unit comes in an attractive white color.
Features
The power for this model provides up to 2.4 amps per port. There is enough power for about eight iPad devices. If you plug in 10 devices to charge them, the power is reduced, and it takes longer to recharge each device. It also has two QC 3.0 ports that charge your devices in a bit more than 30 minutes.
Pros
- Has built-in safety features for surge protection, to prevent overcharging, and reduce overheating.
- The dividers are removable to accommodate thicker devices.
- 2 QC 3.0 charging ports which double the efficiency of the charging process.
- BC 1.2 smart charging technology provides up to 2.4 amps per port.
- Charges up to 8 iPad devices.
Cons
- Cables are not included.
- Dividers do not attach securely to the base.
Best for: Teachers who limit their charging to eight iPads at a time.
In this video, produced by Geek Street, there is the unboxing of the Unitek charging station followed by the reviewer’s comments.
The video shows that it comes with five charging cables, but this is no longer correct.
Buying Options
3. Alxum
The Alxum iPad charging station is a 108 watt, 10-port phone docking station and organizer with adjustable dividers and smart IC technology.
Features
This unit can charge ten devices simultaneously (cell phones and tablets) and provide up to 2.4 amps of power to each slot. It comes with 11 pieces of high and low brackets that can accommodate multiple devices of different thicknesses. You can use the baffles to set a suitable width for any device in a thick case.
Pros
- Smart charging technology protects your devices from damage caused by overcharging or short circuits.
- Surge protection keeps your devices safe while charging.
- Charging automatically stops when a device is fully charged.
- Can simultaneously recharge up to 10 iPhones or up to eight iPads.
- This unit works with all global electrical systems from 100V to 240V.
Cons
- Cables must be purchased separately.
- No cord management for longer cables.
- May make a buzzing sound when operating.
Best for: Teachers who charge iPads frequently and need reliable device charging.
Buying Options
Charging Storage Systems
These storage systems can also recharge the devices.
4. Belkin
The Belkin store and charge system has a unique design that makes it easy to put multiple devices in the system.
Features
The system allows the recharging of ten devices at the same time. It comes in a nice gray color that fits in well in any classroom. It is designed for iPhones, tablets, and up to 13-inch laptops.
Pros
- Offers equipment protection up to $15,000 in value for a charging station’s malfunction.
- Built-in cable management reduces clutter.
- Fits devices that are in cases up to 1.18 inches thick.
- Easy access with an open design.
- Offers easy wireless syncing because wireless signals are not obstructed.
Cons
- Slots are too small for devices in thicker cases of greater than 1.18 inches thick.
- Set up is a little difficult.
- It is a bit of work to organize cables properly.
Best for: Teachers who want to have easy access to multiple devices being charged.
This video, produced by Belkin, shows how to use the charging station.
It is interesting to see how to open this charging unit, set it up, and manage the cables.
Buying Options
5. Pearington
The Pearington charging cart works with iPad devices of any screen size.
Features
This sturdy cart is easy to move around on its caster wheels, with two of them that lock in place. The cart is very stable, and the handles are easy to grip. The open slots and removable dividers allow any size device screen or thickness. This model has the ability to charge up to 16 devices simultaneously.
Pros
- The charging slots are padded and the dividers are removable.
- Cable management clips are built-in.
- The caster wheels roll across most surfaces smoothly.
- This cart is designed for use in schools
- It has built-in surge protection.
Cons
- Assembly is required.
- Does not provide security.
- A bit low to the ground at only 30 inches tall.
Best for: teachers who need a cart that moves from classroom to classroom.
Buying Options
6. Kensington
The Kensington lock and charge station is a universal system that can charge a MacBook, iPad, Samsung Galaxy tablet, Chromebook, and laptops (up to 14 inches).
Features
This unit has a sturdy metal frame that can withstand tough classroom use. The security door uses a standard padlock or Kensington keyed cable locks (sold separately) to store tablets safely. There is a built-in industrial-grade surge protector. The built-in cable management system keeps cords nicely organized and reduces clutter.
Pros
- The portable design fits on any standard AV cart, that is typically used in a school environment.
- There is plenty of room for the storage of many power adapters.
- Can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously.
- Comes in classic black.
- It has plenty of ventilation for heat dissipation to prevent overheating.
Cons
- Door may not close well.
- Portability also means the entire box can be stolen if not guarded.
- The metal gets warm when the box is full of devices that are charging.
Best for: This product is available with the secured door, or without a door, for teachers who do not need security.
This video, produced by Kensington, shows the features of this charging station.
This is a nice compact unit for charging up to 12 devices.
Buying Options
7. Line Leader
The Line Leader is a large, mobile charging cart that charges up to 16 devices simultaneously.
Features
This item handles laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, and smartphones. It is very stable and has a low center of gravity, so it will not tip over easily. It has four non-marking caster wheels and an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to use.
Pros
- This product offers easy mobility to move from classroom to classroom.
- It has plenty of ventilation to keep devices from overheating while being charged.
- It has a built-in power strip to charge up to 16 devices simultaneously.
- It is designed to be kid safe.
- It has plenty of room for cord management.
Cons
- Does not have much room.
- Takes a bit of practice to load and unload.
- Requires a bit of assembly.
Best for: This is the cart needed by teachers who move around between classrooms.
Buying Options
8. Pearington
The Pearington mobile charging and storage cart is the largest solution that I reviewed and can handle up to 32 devices at once.
Features
This portable cart has 30 padded bays and an extra shelf that allows two more devices for a total of up to 32 devices, which can charge simultaneously. The charging bays accommodate laptops that are up to 13 inches in screen size. It works with iPads, Chromebooks, tablets, and other laptops.
Pros
- The charging bay dimensions are 12.7 inches high by 1.5 inches wide.
- The four caster wheels make it easy to roll around, even over rough surfaces, and when fully loaded.
- It has plenty of ventilation openings to prevent overheating while the devices are charging.
- Both the front and rear doors open and can lock with a key for extra protection.
- It has built-in surge protection.
Cons
- Assembly instructions may be missing.
- Sometimes pieces are missing.
- Requires full assembly.
Best for: Teachers who have to charge many devices at the same time and need the security of a locked cabinet that is portable.
Buying Options
Many teachers cannot afford an expensive charging station, so they may need to make one. In this video, produced by Xueming Yu, you can see how to create a charging station on your own as a do-it-yourself project.
Here are some other “must-haves” to consider.
Other Must-Haves
Here are my recommendations for other items that you may need.
1. Multiple Charger
You may want to buy a multiple charger for the charging racks that do not come with one.
- The RAV charger has six, fast-charging, USB ports.
- The King Future charger has ten, fast-charging, USB ports.
It is always nice to have some spare charging cables.
2. Cables
Besides the common USB cables for other devices that you may have, special Lightning cables are used for Apple products such as iPhones and iPads.
- This is a ten-pack of seven inch Lightning cables for Apple devices.
You may need a protective case that is sturdy and yet not too thick.
3. Protective Case
A protective case keeps an iPad from being as easily damaged, especially if a student drops it.
- The SEYMAC case fits an iPad 8th/7th Generation that is 10.2 inches. It comes with a soft strap and portable shoulder strap. It also has a 360-degrees rotating kickstand to hold it at a nice viewing angle.
Useful Links
- 14 classroom storage ideas for the busy teacher
- How fast charging really works
- 4 ways to charge a phone when the power’s out
- How to charge your electronic devices overseas
Summary
There you have all my reviews and suggestions. I tried to include the best choices that I could find for each category. I hope you found the reviews interesting and helpful. For interstring reading, if you want to explore E-learning vs. Virtual Learning, read my article here.