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.
