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Wireless charging, also referred to as Qi charging or Qi technology, was first introduced in 2008. Its popularity has grown tremendously since the bad boys of smartphones, Samsung and Apple, begun incorporating the technology into their devices.
Though the chargers themselves typically cost slightly more than cable types, with a wireless charger you no longer need to struggle with endless cables for different devices; one charger fits all. There is less wear and tear on the USB port of your device, and you can still use your phone as it charges with many of the designs – they look pretty cool too!
With endless choice, how do you know which of the best is the best? Well, that depends on your requirements. We’ve taken a good look at the different types on the market and reviewed a handful of the best and fastest chargers. Since the majority of them only work with Qi-compatible phones, we’ve included an option for non-compatible phones.
So, without further ado, let us get stuck in!
First up, at a more affordable end of the scale, we have this sleek and stylish charging pad; these designs will add a touch of class to your nightstand or coffee table. Due to its circular saucer look, resembling the flying object in ice hockey games, these types are often categorized as pucks.
Weighing in at 1.44 ounces, 5 millimeters thick, and 100 millimeters in width, it’s the slimmest of its kind. Constructed from durable aviation-grade aluminum, it’s built for travel and small enough for a snug fit in one of your laptop pockets.
The TOZO W1 is available in six different colors: black, royal blue, light, and dark grey; also, a mirror design with gold and silver finishes. In addition to that, it has a color-changing LED light feature built into the top of the pad, to let you know when it’s powered and ready to charge, it is charging, or it has fully charged your device by displaying different colors. Its mirror panel and CNC technology offer charging at least one hour faster than wireless chargers made from plastic, using three charging modes:
However, it requires a 2.0 and 3.0 adapter for fast charge modes, which you’ll need to purchase separately.
Next, we head towards the middle of the pricing spectrum with the 3-in-1 wireless charging station by WIMO. This delightful piece of gadgetry supports ultra-fast charging for your iPhone, Air Pods, and Apple Watch.
Though the focus here is on Apple products, it charges Samsung Qi-enabled devices too. The built-in safety features include short circuit protection, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection. WIMO is modern, compact, comes in black, and is an attractive decorative feature to your home or office. It won’t take up much room on your table or wherever you decide to put it.
WIMO is user-friendly and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.
This time it’s a 4-in-1 charging station. We can’t get enough and decided on one that’s made space for the Apple Pencil. The thing with stand-based wireless chargers is, there are a lot more of this type available on the market as they are the most versatile.
Powlaken’s charging station is foldable, adjustable, and affordable (priced slightly less than WIMO and slightly more than TOZO W1). Its smooth and sleek design is available in four colors: black, blue, grey, and white.
It’s lightweight, 8.4 ounces, so you’ll hardly feel it in your travel bag, nor will it take up much room with dimensions of 7.05 x 6.14 x 1.26 inches. The magnetic metal support plate can either lie flat to become a charging pad – or rotate for vertical or horizontal phone charging, allowing you to use your phone while it charges comfortably.
If your phone case is less than or equal to 5 millimeters/0.23 inches, you won’t need to remove it before charging. It includes all the standard safeguards against overheating, overcurrent, overcharge, and overvoltage.
This retro and simple-looking wireless charger stand looks cool and will enhance any area it’s placed. It supports vertical and horizontal charging and has a discreet LED light on the front that will light up when you’re charging your phone.
You can continue making/receiving calls, send text messages and do whatever you want – from any angle, as it charges without interruption. The YUWISS Z23 line is available in white, black, and rose gold. The rubber cushion underneath it keeps it in a sturdy position and prevents it from and scratching your surfaces. Weighing in at nothing at all and with dimensions of 15.99 x 8.99 x 1 inches, taking it with you on your travels shouldn’t be a problem.
It uses 7.5 watts and 10 watts power output for Samsung and iPhone fast charging modes – faster than regular wireless chargers. For this, it requires a QC 3.0 adapter, not included as part of the kit. It supports through the case charging for cases within 5 millimeters or 0.19 inches like rubber case, hybrid case, plastic/TPU/PC cases, etc. The “Multi-functional Intelligent Protect Technology” delivers safety features such as temperature control, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection. All this for a very affordable price similar to the TOZO W1.
The ZeeHoo wireless car charger is perfect for those of us who frequently forget to check our phone juice situation before heading out. Though a little pricey, this car charger is worth every penny, and here’s why.
For all Qi-enabled devices, it matches the power output range of 5-15 watts for a “Qi Fast Charging Mode,” only available with regular wireless chargers. This requires a QC 3.0 car charger adapter, which, again, you’ll need to purchase separately. Once your phone is fully charged it will automatically turn off the power to prevent damage to your phone through overcharging.
It will charge through phone cases with a thickness of 60-80 millimeters. To ensure your phone is always at eye level, the kit includes strong suction cups to securely clamp it to your dashboard or windscreen, also clips to attach it to your dashboard air vents. You can effortlessly rotate your phone 360 degrees for a vertical, horizontal, or angled view. The “Smarter Automatic Sensor” design allows for automatic clamp and release of your phone in the cradle. Once you’re ready to remove your phone from the cradle, you do so by simultaneously pressing the two-side buttons.
The “Built-in Super Capacitor” is an upgraded feature that allows you to clamp or release your phone 2 -3 times whilst your car is off.
This simple yet sophisticated fast wireless charger can be pushed down to use as a charging pad or slid and pushed upwards to become an angled stand. Its futuristic sexy design in black with premium leather-looking material gives off an executive vibe.
The 9-watt power output can fast charge any Qi-enabled device, with 1.8x more power than standard wireless charging. It has a built-in fan to disperse the heat generated during fast charging. The LED indicator multi-colored lights keep you in the loop by letting you know things like when the device is not properly aligned with the charging pad. It displays a different colored faint glow for different communications, at a petite size with dimensions of 4.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches and 1 pound in weight.
Why stop at one wireless charger stand when you can have two! Priced around the middle of the spectrum, the two-pack Anker charger stands are a great option should you want a charger for upstairs and downstairs, or one for your home and office.
For best Samsung and iPhone fast charging results, a quick charge 2.0 or 3.0 adapter is required, which unfortunately isn’t included. You’ll have the option to still use your phone, either vertically or horizontally without disturbing its charge. There’ll be no need to fumble around removing your phone’s case before charging since these stands support through the case charging for plastic, rubber, and TPU, etc. cases – anything less than 5 millimeters thick. The Anker charger stands come in black, are 6.91 x 4.86 x 3.07 inches, and weigh 7.8 ounces, each.
And for one more charging station, we love these types for their versatility and look. The 3-in-1 by JoyGeek is priced slightly higher than the ones that we’ve looked at so far and for a good reason. It comes ready to fast charge your iPhone and Samsung gadgetry with a QC 3.0 adapter.
From empty, your phone’s battery can be completely charged in 2-3 hours – faster than other charging stations of similar design. The through case charging feature allows for charging through 6 millimeters or 0.24 inches thick casing. It’s capable of charging two phones at the same time, as the back-charging pad can also be used for phones as well as ear-phones.
It uses a three-light indicator system displayed at the bottom to let you know the current charging mode. The light automatically goes out after 20 seconds, offering minimal disturbance. The back of the stand is equipped with heat dissipation holes to prevent the device from overheating when charging your devices together. The silicone, electrostatic-proof coating makes it soft to the touch.
The silicone mat on the bottom provides stability, and the front and back rubber mats keep your devices in place and prevent scratches. The JoyGeek weighs in at 0.64 ounces with dimensions of 5.55 x 4.88 x 2.91 inches, making it smaller than other 3-in-1 wireless Apple charging stations. It’s easy to travel with and looks elegant wherever it resides in your home or office without taking up much space.
The Nillkin Qi wireless charging receiver patch offers fast wireless charging for non-compatible devices. This inexpensive and clever little thing works by plugging the patch into the USB port of your phone, then sticking the tag onto the back of your phone and placing it tag-down on the wireless charger. This particular one is compatible with some models for the following phones:
And all other non-compatible Qi smartphones with a Micro USB Type-A charging port. It’s been constructed for endurance and heat, moisture, and corrosion resistance. The bright gold-plated plug is scratch-resistant and more waterproof than other receiver tags. Its specs are 4.13 x 0.08 x 1.89 inches and 0.317 ounces.
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