Guide to wireless chargers
What are the pros and cons of wireless charging?
Wireless charging offers numerous benefits but also has some drawbacks. Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if wireless charging is the right choice for you and your devices.
First, let's review the pros of wireless charging:
- Convenience: Wireless chargers save you the need to plug and unplug your device, so all you need to do is simply place it on the charging pad to charge.
-
Universal compatibility: Most wireless chargers use the Qi standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches from various manufacturers.
-
Reduced wear and tear: Without a physical connection using USB-C and USB-A cables and wall chargers, the charging port has less wear and tear, potentially increasing your device's lifespan.
-
Clutter-free space: Wireless chargers help reduce cable clutter, providing a neater and more organized environment.
-
Increased safety: Many wireless chargers have built-in safety features, such as overheating protection and short-circuit prevention, for a safe charging experience.
Now, let's review some of the cons of wireless charging:
- Slow and inefficient charging: Wireless charging is generally slower and less energy-efficient than wired charging due to power loss during the charging process, especially compared to fast-charging technologies.
-
Limited mobility: While your device is charging wirelessly, you can't move it around as freely as possible with a cable, which isn't ideal if you want to use your phone while charging.
-
Device incompatibility: Not all devices support wireless charging, so remember to check compatibility before investing in a wireless charger.
-
Additional costs: Wireless chargers are usually more expensive than traditional chargers. If your device doesn't natively support wireless charging, you may need to purchase a compatible case too.
What is the best wireless charger and wireless car charger?
The market is flooded with wireless chargers, some of better quality and others less. A good quality Qi charger has over-voltage and overcharge protection, making it safe to use. We recommend researching the market and choosing chargers of good quality from reliable manufacturers. Low-quality wireless chargers offer slow charging speeds and pose several risks to your devices and your safety.
When considering which wireless charger is best for you, these are some of the things you should look out for:
- The type of charger you need: The most common wireless chargers in the market now are pads, stands, portable chargers, and car chargers. A pad is ideal for placing on a nightstand, while a stand is perfect for a work desk. The portable option is best for those people who are always on the go, and the car charger is best for those who spend many hours on the road.
-
The charging speed you want: First-party chargers offer the fastest charging speeds. Some third-party chargers also offer fast charging capabilities, but that's mainly for flagship devices.
-
The number of wireless devices you want to charge: For those of you with multiple wireless devices other than smartphones, such as earbuds and a smartwatch, purchasing a dual or trio charging pad may be more convenient for charging your different devices even simultaneously.
-
Read the reviews: Read through user-submitted reviews. Keep in mind that some can be paid or sponsored. Also, ensure the reviews match the product you're looking at.
-
Check the return policy: Familiarize yourself with the product's return policy. Some devices offer a limited return window; others only offer a limited time to get a replacement and don't offer any refunds.
There are several wireless charger manufacturers. Belkin, for example, is one of the pioneer brands. Aside from Belkin, Samsung has its own wireless chargers with fast charging capabilities.
To help you choose the perfect charging solution for your needs, we've created a list of some of the top wireless chargers and wireless car chargers available on the market.
Best wireless chargers:
-
AT&T 15W Magnetic Charging Pad: This wireless charging pad is the ideal companion for your Apple devices, including the iPhone 12 series and newer, iPhone SE 3rd Gen, iPad Air 5th Gen, iPad 9th Gen, Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (2022) 40mm or the 44mm Watch version. It offers top-notch charging efficiency for devices compatible with MagSafe, while its incorporated magnets maintain your device's alignment on the pad, thus accelerating and regularizing the charging process. Plus, its advanced safety mechanisms protect your phone from overheating, guaranteeing complete safety for both you and your devices.
-
AT&T 15W Wireless Charging Pad: This compact wireless charger powers up your Qi-enabled devices at a speed that's up to 40% faster than other standard wireless chargers (up to 15W on select devices). Its sleek design does away with the need for cumbersome wires and allows for charging even with your phone case on (also with official MagSafe cases), ensuring convenience without compromise. The package comes with a charging pad and a USB C cable included.
-
OtterBox 3 in 1 Charging Station: This cutting-edge 3-in-1 MagSafe standing wireless charging station efficiently energizes all your Apple devices in a single, elegant, and compact stand. Simply attach your iPhone to the wireless charging stand and position your AirPods case at the base. The stand also charges your Apple Watch, establishing itself as an all-inclusive solution for your Apple gadget needs. With a 15W MFi-Certified MagSafe module ensuring a speedy charging process, it's an ideal choice for both home and office environments.
-
AT&T 15W Premium Wireless Charging Pad: This wireless charger energizes all your Qi-enabled devices up to 40% quicker than many conventional wireless chargers. Its soft pad surface promotes a dependable and steady charge each time. You can simply position your device on the stand, either in portrait or landscape orientation, without the need to take off your case. The package includes a USB-C wall charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
-
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Vent Mount with MagSafe: In terms of the best wireless car charger, this simple and easy-to-use device is a strong runner-up. It features the MagSafe, ensuring it's compatible with iPhone and Android devices such as Samsung, Google, and Motorola. The MagSafe allows you to place and remove your phone with one hand. It safely attaches to the vent and delivers up to 10W of charging power. It can easily be oriented to allow your phone a portrait or landscape view. The box includes a 3.9-foot/1.2-meter detachable USB-C cable but you should also be aware that it doesn't come with a 20W USB-C PD 3.0 car power supply.
Are wireless chargers compatible with all cell phones and devices?
Wireless chargers aren't universally compatible with all cell phones and devices. Yet, most modern smartphones and devices that support wireless charging use the Qi (pronounced "chee") standard, allowing them to be compatible with a wide range of wireless chargers.
To determine if your device is compatible with wireless charging, you should:
-
Check your device's specifications or user manual to see if it supports wireless charging.
-
Look for the Qi logo on your device or its packaging, which indicates compatibility with the Qi standard.
-
Visit the manufacturer's website for more information on your device's charging capabilities.
If your device doesn't natively support wireless charging, you may be able to purchase a compatible case or adapter that adds this functionality. Always ensure that any accessories you buy are compatible with your specific device model and adhere to safety standards.
How do I enable wireless charging on my cell phone or device?
To enable wireless charging on your cell phone or device, follow these steps:
- Check compatibility: First, ensure that your device supports wireless charging. Refer to your device's user manual or specifications, look for the Qi logo, or visit the manufacturer's website for more information.
-
Position the device: Place your device on the wireless charging pad or stand, aligning it with the charging coil. Some chargers have markings or indicators to help you find the correct alignment. If your device has a case, ensure the case is compatible with wireless charging and isn't too thick, as this could interfere with the charging process.
-
Power up: Connect the wireless charger to a power source using the provided cable and adapter. Ensure the charger is plugged into a wall outlet or other suitable power source.
-
Begin charging: Once your device is correctly positioned on the charger, it should automatically begin charging. You may see a charging icon or notification on your device's screen, or the charger may have an LED indicator to confirm that charging has started.
More articles and information
Shop wireless chargers
Looking for the best wireless charger for your cell phone or device? Browse options.
