I’ve spent years testing compact tech and optimizing small spaces, and one of the simplest upgrades I keep recommending is a well-designed bedside charging station. A multiport USB‑C hub can transform a tangled mess of cables and plug bricks into a tidy, reliable corner that charges phones, earbuds, a smartwatch, and even a tablet — without stealing closet or nightstand space. Below I walk you through my practical setup, the parts I use, and tips to keep things looking neat and working reliably.

Why a multiport USB-C hub is the best foundation

Most of us have gradually accumulated chargers: one for phone, one for tablet, another for earbuds, and a spare for guests. That means multiple wall adapters, different cable types, and a nightstand full of clutter. A multiport USB‑C hub with integrated power delivery (PD) solves that by centralizing power into a single, often compact, device.

I prefer hubs that offer at least one high‑wattage USB‑C PD port (45–100W depending on needs) plus several USB‑A or USB‑C downstream ports for phones and accessories. Features I look for:

  • True Power Delivery on at least one USB‑C port for tablets and fast‑charging phones.
  • Multiple 2.4A/3A ports for reliable charging of earbuds, smartwatches and other small devices.
  • Compact, low-profile design that fits behind or under the nightstand.
  • Good thermal design — hubs that run cool are safer for overnight charging.

    • What I keep on my bedside station

    Minimalism is about choice, not sacrifice. Here’s what I typically include (you can adapt):

  • Multiport USB‑C hub with PD (example: Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4 or Satechi 75W Dual Type-C)
  • Short, quality cables — typically one 30cm USB‑C to USB‑C, one 1m USB‑C to Lightning (or USB‑C depending on your phone), and one short USB‑A to USB‑C/Lightning for earbuds
  • Magnetic wireless charger or watch charger if you wear an Apple Watch or other Qi magnetic devices
  • A small cable organizer or silicon tray to keep connectors in place
  • A single outlet strip if you need one extra AC plug for a lamp

    • Choosing cables and accessories that keep clutter down

    Cables matter. Long, floppy wires are the fastest way to make even the tidiest setup look messy. I keep everything short and intentional.

  • Use 20–30cm cables for devices that sit on the nightstand — they’re long enough to use the phone but short enough to stay tidy.
  • Choose braided cable options for durability and to stop them from kinking.
  • If you use a magnetic wireless puck for your phone, pick one that has a flat puck design so it rests flush on a tray.
  • For watches, a compact puck (or an integrated 2‑in‑1 pad) prevents extra wires.

    • Placement and ergonomics

    Where you put the hub matters as much as what it is. I follow a few rules:

  • Place the hub where cords reach devices without stretching. Often this is at the back edge of the nightstand or installed underneath the shelf.
  • Keep the high‑wattage USB‑C port facing outwards for easy swapping of a tablet or laptop cable.
  • If your hub is a little chunky, hide it behind the nightstand or mount it with double‑sided velcro beneath the shelf. Many vendors ship compact hubs that can be strapped or screwed (if you like permanent fixes).

    • Cable management tricks I use

    Small tweaks prevent big tangles. These are my go-to tricks:

  • Velcro cable ties: I use them to create short loops and keep unused cable length coiled neatly behind the device.
  • Straight silicone cable clips: stick these to the nightstand surface to hold connectors in place so you can grab them easily at night.
  • A shallow tray or small catchall: keeps earbuds, a watch, and rings from wandering onto the floor — I like a low-profile leather or silicone tray.
  • Labeling: If you host visitors often, label the port (with a tiny sticker) so people choose the right cable and don’t unplug your tablet charger.

    • Power and safety considerations

    When you centralize charging, safety becomes more important because you’re drawing more power through a single adapter. I always check:

  • That the hub has short‑circuit, over‑current, and thermal protection (listed in the manual).
  • Use a proper wall outlet and avoid daisy‑chaining cheap extension cords under heavy load.
  • If you charge a laptop, verify the hub’s PD wattage — cheap hubs that say “65W” but split power poorly can leave your laptop trickle‑charging.

    • Simple setup guide (my step‑by‑step)

    Here’s the quick setup I follow when building a bedside station from scratch:

  • 1. Clear the nightstand and measure distances to outlets.
  • 2. Choose the hub and get short cables for each device.
  • 3. Mount or place the hub so ports are accessible and cables can be routed neatly.
  • 4. Stick cable clips on the nightstand edge for each cable’s resting spot.
  • 5. Coil any excess cable and secure with small velcro straps. Keep coiled cables under the tray or behind the hub.
  • 6. Label ports if necessary and leave one port free for a guest or temporary device.
    • ItemWhy I like itTypical placement
    USB‑C PD hub (60–100W)Central power source, charges laptop/tablet and phoneBack edge or underside of nightstand
    Short 30cm cablesNeat, usable, less visual clutterAcross tray to each device
    Silicone cable clipsHold connectors accessible, reduces dropsNear front edge of nightstand
    Small trayContain loose items, neat appearanceFront center for easy reach

    Brands and models I’ve tried

    I often test Anker for reliable, compact PD hubs — the Anker PowerPort Atom series balances size and power well. Satechi makes aesthetically pleasing hubs that fit modern nightstands and provide solid PD. For budget buys, Aukey and Baseus have options with enough ports and decent PD performance; I just check reviews for heat and watt distribution first.

    If you prefer wireless, the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Charger works well for MagSafe‑compatible phones, and some 2‑in‑1 pads combine watch and phone charging to reduce the number of cables. Pair those with a small multiport hub and you’ve essentially got a minimalist wireless+wired hybrid dock.

    Set it up once with intention — the right hub, the right short cables, and a couple of organizers — and your bedside can go from chaotic to peaceful. It’s a small upgrade that pays off every night when you slide your phone onto a puck instead of digging through a nest of cords.