Why this ten dollar IKEA donut is the best charger you will ever buy

Let’s be real for a second: buying phone chargers is usually about as exciting as buying socks. actually, scratch that—cool socks exist. Chargers? They are usually just boring white pucks or cheap plastic rectangles that feel like they might melt your nightstand if you look at them the wrong way.

But IKEA—yes, the place where you go for meatballs and stay because you got lost in the lighting department—just dropped a new accessory that honestly makes charging feel kind of fun again.

It’s called the VÄSTMÄRKE. Don’t ask me how to pronounce it. Let’s just call it the “Donut Charger” for now, because that’s exactly what it looks like. And the best part? It costs ten bucks.

Here is why this little red piece of silicone is about to replace that overpriced white cable you’ve been nursing for three years.

It’s a Charger, But Also a Fidget Toy

Most wireless chargers have one job: sit there and push electricity into your phone. The VÄSTMÄRKE does that, obviously, but the design team clearly had some extra coffee during the brainstorming session.

The charger looks like a bagel or a donut that’s been turned inside out. It’s made of this red silicone that gives it a super distinct look compared to the sleek, cold aluminum stuff we usually get from big tech brands.

But here is the kicker: the back pops out.

You know those PopSockets that everyone had in 2018? This charger basically has one built-in. You can unfold the silicone ring to create a grip. This means you can slap the charger onto the back of your iPhone (or compatible Android), stick your fingers through the loop, and keep doom-scrolling on TikTok without the fear of dropping your phone on your face.

If you have ever tried to use your phone while it’s attached to a standard MagSafe puck, you know it’s awkward. The cable gets in the way, the puck slides around—it’s a mess. This thing actually gives you something to hold onto. It’s a tiny design tweak, but it makes a massive difference.

The Cable Management We Deserve

Can we talk about wires? I hate them. You hate them. My cat loves them, but that’s beside the point.

The problem with portable magnetic chargers is that when you aren’t using them, you have this loose, spaghetti-noodle cable just flailing around in your bag. It gets tangled with your keys, it gets knotted, and it eventually frays.

IKEA fixed this in the most satisfying way possible.

Because of that “donut” shape I mentioned, you can actually wind the USB-C cable around the body of the charger and tuck it away. The silicone design acts as its own storage unit. When you’re done charging, you just wrap it up, and it becomes a neat, self-contained little puck.

No more cable spaghetti. No more fishing around in your backpack trying to untangle a three-foot cord from your headphones. It’s clean, it’s organized, and it’s surprisingly clever for something that costs less than a fast-food lunch.

Specs That Actually Keep Up

Usually, when you see a $10 price tag on a tech accessory, you assume the specs are going to be trash. You expect slow charging speeds or magnets that couldn’t hold a paperclip, let alone a Max-sized phone.

Surprisingly, the VÄSTMÄRKE isn’t slacking here.

It supports Qi2 charging standards. If you aren’t a nerd about charging protocols, that basically means it’s fast, efficient, and plays nice with the latest devices. It’s fully magnetic, so it snaps right onto iPhones with MagSafe.

And for my Android friends? You aren’t left out. It works with Google’s Pixelsnap magnets too. So if you’re rocking a newer Pixel, this thing will latch on just as well.

The “Fancy” Version (If You Have $25)

If the red donut vibe is a little too playful for your minimalist aesthetic, or if you just have way too much stuff in your pockets, IKEA released a sibling product that’s a bit more “grown-up.”

For $25, there’s a tabletop version of the VÄSTMÄRKE. It’s shaped like a bowl.

Imagine a little valet tray where you dump your keys, wallet, and loose change at the end of the day. Now put a charging column in the middle of it. That’s the vibe. It’s designed to sit on your entryway table or your nightstand. You hang your phone on the center pillar to charge, and the bowl catches all your other debris.

It even has built-in lighting, because apparently, everything needs a glow-up these days. It’s practical, discrete, and still cheaper than buying a dedicated charging stand from the big electronics stores.

IKEA is Actually Trying with Tech

This release is part of a bigger shift we are seeing from the Swedish furniture giant. They aren’t just dabbling in tech anymore; they are trying to integrate it into the furniture itself.

You might remember they used to have a huge partnership with Sonos (RIP to that collaboration as of May 2025). They made some cool lamps that doubled as speakers and picture frames that played music. Since they split up, IKEA has been flying solo, and honestly? They seem to be doing fine.

They’ve been pushing hard on Matter support—which is the industry standard for making sure all your smart home gadgets talk to each other without needing a computer science degree. They’ve released new Bluetooth speakers, sensors, and smart remotes.

The strategy seems to be: “Make tech that doesn’t look like tech.”

Most gadget companies want their stuff to look futuristic and shiny. IKEA wants their stuff to look like… well, home. They want the charger to feel like a coaster. They want the speaker to look like a lamp. It’s a softer, friendlier approach to the smart home, and I am here for it.

Should You Buy It?

Look, it is ten dollars.

In a world where Apple charges you $19 for a polishing cloth (yes, that’s real), finding a functional, well-designed, magnetic wireless charger for a tenner is a steal.

It solves the messy cable problem. It gives you a better grip on your phone. It looks cute on a desk.

If you need a spare charger for your travel bag, or if you just want to replace that frayed white cable that’s been hanging on for dear life, go grab the VÄSTMÄRKE. Just don’t try to eat it, no matter how much it looks like a gummy candy.

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Disclaimer: Prices mentioned were accurate at the time of writing. Availability might vary depending on how many people realize this thing is actually awesome and buy it out.

• Tags:
• Wireless Charging
• Gadgets