This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
As if the hustle and bustle of life wasn’t enough of a grind, we can name two things that make life that little more stressful: a phone in desperate need of a charge, and a mess of tangled wires in every corner of your home. That’s why you need a wireless charger — a handy device onto which you can put your phone to charge (or indeed, any device) without the hassles of cables and wires everywhere.
In this day and age, with smart devices taking over our lives, a wireless charger is pretty much a necessity. And we’re impressed with the range of good quality charging mats and stands available.
But where to start? It’s hard enough choosing a smartphone, never mind a charger as well. That’s where we can help.
What are wireless charging mats and stands?
They’re pretty much as they sound. Wireless charging mats are literal mats, or little pads, that you can place your device onto. A stand will generally prop your device up. Charging mats are good for having on your desk or on a bedside table, so your phone or device is easily to hand. Wireless charging stands are especially good if you like to keep using your smartphone while it’s charging — because it’s upright — particularly if you're making video calls or streaming videos.
How does a wireless charger work?
Wireless chargers are nifty little gadgets. They have copper coils that create an oscillating magnetic field. This transmits a charge to any compatible device in range. Essentially, you can charge your device without having to connect it.
Which devices work with wireless chargers?
The short answer is smartphones, earbuds, and smartwatches. But which specific models? Most wireless chargers have universal compatibility, which is called “Qi certified”. Many of the most popular smart devices are Qi tech — Apple iPhones, the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy phones and buds, and Google Pixel devices. We’ve listed the general devices covered by each charger below, but always double check specific model compatibility before purchasing.
What is MagSafe?
This is a special piece of Apple tech. That doesn’t mean chargers that use MagSafe are official Apple products, thankfully, but it’s an Apple innovation. These chargers have magnets — hence the “Mag" — that pull the phone into the perfect position for optimal, fast charging of Apple devices. MagSafe chargers aren’t necessarily limited to Apple devices, however.
How fast are wireless chargers?
This is one area where some wireless chargers struggle. Often because they don’t come with an AC adapter (they may have a USB connection instead). For the fastest possible charging, invest in a decent adaptor too. If fast charging isn’t a priority, then it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
What is the best wireless charging mat or stand?
OK, so you’ve learned all there is to know about wireless charging. Now it’s time to make a decision. Only you can decide which charging mat or stand will suit you, but we’ve done some of the hard work by sifting through the available options and pulling together a list of the best products. Over to you.
These are the best wireless charging mats and stands for 2023.
MOKPR Car Charger
Best For Driving
- Devices: iPhones and Android smartphones
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: No
- Watts: Up to 15Q
The MOKPR Car Charger is ideal for anyone who spends a significant amount of time on the go and in their car. This wireless charger is made specifically for in-car usage — though feel free to use at home, at work, and anywhere else you might need to charge your phone, of course.
The charger has an auto-clamping action that opens when it’s connected to power and automatically grips your phone. There’s no fiddling around to keep it secure. It’s also built with a 360-degree ball mount, allowing you to angle your phone into the most comfortable, easy-to-read position.
It isn’t Qi certified, but it’s compatible with a wide range of smartphones, which is helped by a built-in sensor that identifies your phone and auto-adjusts to the optimum charging area. If you want really fast charging, however, buy some better cables — the ones included aren’t the best. But that’s a problem you’ll find with most affordable charging mats and stands.
ZUMSEY Foldable Travel Charger
Best For Travel
- Devices: iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, and more
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: No
- Watts: Up to 15W
It’s hard not to like this little bundle. The ZUMSEY Foldable Travel Charger isn’t the cheapest charger on our list, but it’s hardly extortionate. And what you get for the money is really impressive.
It’s small enough to easily slip into your bag — perfect for travelling or even just taking into the office or on a night out (you never know when you’ll be caught short of juice) – it folds out into three sections, so you can charge three devices at once. It also folds up into little stand — however you prefer to do your charging. A little carry case makes it even easier to take it with you.
It’s not technically Qi certified but it works for a wide range of devices. And it comes with a decent 15W adapter too, which is always a bonus.
Anker PowerWave
Best For Bedrooms
- Devices: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG phones, and Sony phones
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: Yes
- Watts: Up to 10W
Coming from Anker — one of the best brands in power bank and charging technology — you can fully rely on the performance of this PowerWave charging stand. It works with all Qi-compatible smartphones, including the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more. A built-in LED indicator will also let you know whether or not your device is properly aligned and charging.
One of the best things about this kind of charging stand is that it’s essentially multifunctional. You can set your smartphone on the stand and still use it for streaming or video calls and conferencing. You can also charge either vertically or horizontally (with most compatible smartphone models, at least), which is an added bonus — especially for streaming.
The charger is also super slim and compact — roughly the size of a coaster — making it easy to carry around with you. And you can choose from two different colour options: black or white. If you want Fast Charging, however, you’ll have to buy an additional AC adapter.
Belkin Boost Charging Pad
Best For Speed
- Devices: iPhone, AirPods, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: Yes
- Watts: Up to 15W
The Belkin Boost Charging Pad delivers optimal charging for a wide range of devices, with fast charging speeds for Apple, Samsung, and all other Qi-enabled devices. Indeed, for the money, it’s a nifty little charger.
This Belkin charging pad is tuned to deliver up to 15W of power to iPhone, Samsung, and Google smartphones — and 5W to all other Qi-enabled devices. And (unlike other chargers on this list) it comes with an AC adapter to deliver the maximum charging speeds.
The pad is engineered to minimise interference and protect phone functionality while charging. It keeps your phone secure with its non-slip surface and will also charge through lightweight plastic cases.
Some reviewers have noted that you need to place the phone in the exact position for it to charge, and the exact placement may take a little while to get used to. Fortunately, an LED indicator tells you when it’s charging correctly.
GIM Charging Mouse Pad
Best For Gaming
- Devices: iPhone, Samung Galaxy, and more
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: Yes
- Watts: Up to 10W
The GIM Charging Mouse Pad is built for gamers: An all-in-one solution that allows you to keep your phone nearby, and charged, while you get stuck into a serious session. It’s large too, so there’s room to place your gaming laptop right in the middle and still have space for your phone and mouse.
It has a non-slip rubber grip, so it won’t budge — even if your gaming gets intense. It’s also waterproof, so don’t worry about spillages.
We like the RGB lighting — there are various modes and lighting options — but there’s no doubt it’s a gamer style. If you’re buying for the office, consider whether it’s the kind of thing you want on your desk.
In terms of colour vibes, it also has a colour coded charging indicator. Your phone will show red, blue, or green (charging, standby, and fully charged). If there’s a downside, it’s the slow-ish charging — though that’s likely not a problem if you’re waging a lengthy campaign on the PC or laptop.
Native Union Drop Wireless Charger
Best For Style
- Devices: iPhone, AirPods, Samsung Galaxy, Galaxy Buds, Google Pixel, and more
- MagSafe: No
- Qi Certified: No
- Watts: Up to 10W
If you're going to replace your mess of cords with a wireless charger, you might as well make sure that charger looks as nice as possible, right?
Available in multiple colours, the Native Union Drop Wireless Charger delivers quick charging to achieve the true definition of form meets function.
It also comes with a matching charging cable that's braided and reinforced for both durability and pleasing aesthetics. Plus, it has a silicone tread pattern that not only looks good, but also provides a non-slip surface to secure your phone.
EXW 5-In-1 Charging Stand
Best For Apple
- Devices: iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy phone, Galaxy Buds
- MagSafe: Yes
- Qi Certifed: Yes
- Watts: Up to 15W
Apple users are usually all or nothing. It’s never just an iPhone. It’s the AirPods and Apple Watch too. It just makes sense to have everything in sync. Which is why this 5-in-1 MagSafe charger is a great addition to your collection.
Using MagSafe technology — which perfectly aligns device for optimal, speedy charging — this stand will charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once. In fact, it charges even more: A USB-A port allows you to connect a fourth device too. And if you pop it on your bedside table, it has a night light option. It really is the complete package.
As with other stands, you can stream or video call while your phone’s charging — and charge your phone either vertically or horizontally. Whatever’s best for you. And it’s not only for Apple users. It’s Qi enabled, which means you can charge any Qi devices, including Samsung Galaxy phones and Galaxy Buds.
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