Ikea has never been shy about experimenting with form, but its latest wireless charger might be one of the strangest-looking accessories the company has released yet.
The new VASTMARKE wireless charger is a bright red, doughnut-shaped puck, and while it looks more like a novelty desk toy than a charging accessory, there’s more going on here than first impressions suggest.
Priced at just $9.99, the VASTMARKE supports the Qi2 standard, meaning it works with recent iPhones as well as Google’s latest Pixel 10 devices, including the Pixel 10 Pro.
Built-in magnets also make it compatible with MagSafe and Google’s newer PixelSnap system, allowing phones to snap neatly into place rather than sliding off mid-charge. For the money, that alone makes it a surprisingly capable option.
The real appeal, though, lies in what Ikea doesn’t immediately advertise. That doughnut-shaped top isn’t just a design flourish; it hides two genuinely useful features.
Flip the top section over, and it becomes a built-in phone grip, functioning much like a PopSocket and giving your fingers somewhere secure to rest while holding your phone. It’s an unexpectedly practical touch, especially for something this small and inexpensive.
The second hidden trick is cable management. The hollow centre doubles as a place to wrap and store the attached USB-C cable, with the outer shell closing neatly over it once you’re done. It keeps desks and bedside tables tidy in a way many chargers, even far pricier ones often overlook.
That said, the design won’t be for everyone. The charger currently appears to be available only in bright red, which feels more playful than neutral. A few more colour options would make it easier to blend into different setups, particularly minimalist desks or bedrooms.
The VASTMARKE charger can be ordered directly from Ikea’s website, though buyers should note the company’s $35 minimum for delivery, which may influence whether it’s worth picking up on its own or bundled with other purchases.
Odd-looking it may be, but Ikea’s Qi2 charger proves that thoughtful design doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag, even if it does look a little unusual while doing it.
