Wireless charging is a technology that offers unparalleled convenience and a hassle-free experience. It allows your phone to be powered up without the need for cables. With a plethora of options available, choosing the best wireless charger can be a daunting task. This guide will delve into wireless charging, how it works, and what features to look for when buying a wireless charger. We will also recommend some of the best wireless chargers in the UK that you can buy right now, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
What is wireless charging, and how does it work?
Wireless charging is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power from a charger to a device without any physical contact. The charger is plugged into a power source with a transmitter coil that creates a magnetic field. The device has a receiver coil that picks up the magnetic field and converts it into an electric current that charges the battery.
The cornerstone of wireless charging is the Qi standard, developed and maintained by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), an industry group of over 200 companies. The Qi standard ensures that wireless charging is universally compatible, supporting most smartphones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and other wireless charging devices. You can verify if your device is Qi-certified on the WPC website.
Wireless charging is a technology that offers unparalleled convenience and a hassle-free experience. It allows your phone to be powered up without the need for cables. But with many options available, how do you choose the best wireless charger? This comprehensive guide, designed to make you feel well-informed and confident, will walk you through wireless charging, how it works, and what features to look for when buying a wireless charger. We will also recommend some of the best wireless chargers in the UK that you can buy right now, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
What are the drawbacks of wireless charging?
While wireless charging offers convenience, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. These include:
- Speed: Wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging, primarily if your device supports fast charging. The speed of wireless charging depends on several factors, such as the charger’s power output, the distance between the charger and the device, and the alignment of the coils. The maximum power output of Qi wireless chargers is 15W, but most devices can only receive up to 10W or 7.5W. Wired chargers can deliver up to 30W or more.
- Efficiency: Wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging, meaning some energy is lost. This can result in more heat generation and higher electricity consumption. Wireless chargers also consume some power when not in use unless they have an intelligent feature that detects when a device is placed on them or removed from them.
- Compatibility: Wireless charging may sometimes fail to work well, especially with metal objects or magnetic accessories that interfere with the magnetic field. You may have to remove them before placing your device on the charger. Wireless charging may also not be compatible with some devices with irregular shapes or sizes.
What features should I look for when buying a wireless charger?
When shopping for a wireless charger, you should consider the following features:
- Power output is a crucial factor to consider when buying a wireless charger. The higher the charger’s power output, the faster it can charge your device. However, checking whether your device can support the charger’s maximum power output is essential. For instance, iPhones can only charge at 7.5W wirelessly, so purchasing a 15W charger will make a slight difference. A compatible power adapter is also essential to deliver enough power to the charger.
- Wireless chargers come in two main types, each with its advantages. Pads are flat surfaces that you place your device on top of. They are usually compact and easy to carry around. On the other hand, stands are angled surfaces that hold your device upright. They are generally more significant and more stable. They also allow you to use your device while charging, such as watching videos or making calls. Understanding these types can help you choose the charger that best suits your needs.
- Coils: The coils are the parts of the charger and the device that create and receive the magnetic field. The number and size of the coils affect the charging efficiency and alignment. Some chargers have multiple coils that cover a larger area and allow more flexibility in positioning your device. Some devices have smaller coils that require more precise alignment with the charger.
- Indicators: Indicators are lights or sounds that show when your device is charging or fully charged. They can help you avoid placing your device incorrectly or leaving it on the charger for too long. However, some indicators may need to be brighter or louder according to your preference, especially at night. Consider looking for a charger with adjustable or dimmable indicators or one that can turn them off completely.
- Extras: Some wireless chargers have extra features that can enhance your charging experience, such as:
- Fast charging: Some chargers, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, can deliver a higher power output to devices that support fast wireless charging. This can reduce the charging time significantly but may also generate more heat and require a compatible power adapter.
- Cooling fan: Some chargers have a built-in fan that cools down the charger and the device during fast wireless charging. This can prevent overheating and improve your device’s battery life, but it may also make some noise and consume more power.
- Foreign object detection: Some chargers have an intelligent feature that detects if there is any metal or magnetic object on the charger that could interfere with the charging process. This can prevent damage to the charger or the device but may also cause false alarms if you have a metal case or a magnetic accessory.
- Multiple device charging: Some chargers can charge more than one device at a time, such as a phone and a smartwatch or two phones. This can save space and money but may also reduce each device’s charging speed and efficiency.
What are the best wireless chargers in the UK?
When shopping for a wireless charger, you should consider the following features:
- Power output is a crucial factor to consider when buying a wireless charger. The higher the charger’s power output, the faster it can charge your device. However, checking whether your device can support the charger’s maximum power output is essential. For instance, iPhones can only charge at 7.5W wirelessly, so purchasing a 15W charger won’t make a significant difference. Additionally, using a compatible power adapter is essential to deliver enough power to the charger. Design: The charger’s design affects its usability and portability. There are two main types of wireless chargers: pads and stands. Pads are flat surfaces that you place your device on top of. They are usually compact and easy to carry around. Stands are angled surfaces that hold your device upright. They are generally more significant and more stable. They also allow you to use your device while charging, such as watching videos or making calls.
- Coils: The coils are the parts of the charger and the device that create and receive the magnetic field. The number and size of the coils affect the charging efficiency and alignment. Some chargers have multiple coils that cover a larger area and allow more flexibility in positioning your device. Some devices have smaller coils that require more precise alignment with the charger.
- Indicators: Indicators are lights or sounds that show when your device is charging or fully charged. They can help you avoid placing your device incorrectly or leaving it on the charger for too long. However, some indicators may need to be brighter or louder according to your preference, especially at night. Consider looking for a charger with adjustable or dimmable indicators or one that can turn them off completely.
- Extras: Some wireless chargers have extra features that can enhance your charging experience, such as:
- Fast charging: Some chargers, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, can deliver a higher power output to devices that support fast wireless charging. This can reduce the charging time significantly but may also generate more heat and require a compatible power adapter.
- Cooling fan: Some chargers have a built-in fan that cools down the charger and the device during fast wireless charging. This can prevent overheating and improve your device’s battery life, but it may also make some noise and consume more power.
- Foreign object detection: Some chargers have an intelligent feature that detects if there is any metal or magnetic object on the charger that could interfere with the charging process. This can prevent damage to the charger or the device but may also cause false alarms if you have a metal case or a magnetic accessory.
- Multiple device charging: Some chargers can charge more than one device at a time, such as a phone and a smartwatch or two phones. This can save space and money but may also reduce each device’s charging speed and efficiency.
What are the best wireless chargers in the UK?
Based on our research and reviews, here are some of the best wireless chargers in the UK that you can buy right now:
- Best budget MagSafe charger: Apple MagSafe charger | £45
- If you have an iPhone 12 or later, you can use the MagSafe feature to attach a magnetic wireless charger to the back of your phone. The Apple MagSafe charger is the official charger from Apple that delivers up to 15W of power to your iPhone. It also works with older iPhones that support Qi wireless charging at a lower speed of 7.5W. The charger has a simple and elegant design, with a white circular pad and a USB-C cable. It also has an LED indicator that changes color depending on your phone’s charging status. The charger is compatible with most cases with MagSafe or thin enough to allow magnetic attachment. However, it would help if you bought a separate power adapter that supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) to use the charger.
- Best cheap wireless charger: Anker PowerWave Pad | £16
- If you are looking for an affordable and reliable wireless charger, you can’t go wrong with the Anker PowerWave Pad. This charger delivers up to 10W of power to compatible devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, and up to 7.5W to iPhones. It has a sleek and compact design, with a black circular pad and a micro-USB cable. It also has a blue LED ring showing when your device is charging or fully charged. The charger is compatible with up to 5mm thick cases but not with metal, magnetic, or accessories. It also comes with an 18-month warranty and friendly customer service from Anker.
- Buy now from Amazon.
- Best wireless charger for Pixel owners: Pixel Stand | £69
- Consider the Pixel Stand as your wireless charger if you have a Google Pixel phone. This charger delivers up to 10W of power to your Pixel phone and unlocks some exclusive features that enhance your phone’s functionality. For example, you can use your phone as a digital photo frame, a smart speaker, a sunrise alarm clock, or a personal assistant while on the stand. You can also access Google Assistant by speaking or squeezing your phone. The stand has a minimalist and elegant design, with a white oval base and an orange rubber pad. It also has an LED indicator showing when your phone is charging or fully charged. The stand comes with a USB-C cable and a power adapter.
- Buy now from the Google Store.
- Best for charging phone and watch: Samsung Wireless Charger Duo | £44
- If you have both a Samsung phone and a Samsung smartwatch, you may want to get the Samsung Wireless Charger Duo. This charger can charge both devices simultaneously, saving you space and time. The charger has two pads: one for your phone and one for your watch. The phone pad delivers up to 9W of power to compatible devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, and up to 7.5W to iPhones. The watch pad provides up to 2.5W of power.