AN INCREASING number of smartphones today support wireless charging, providing an alternative and practical alternative to charging cables.
To help you navigate this new technology and choose the best option for you, we have selected the 10 best wireless chargers you can buy in 2021.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a wireless charger for your smartphone, first of which are compatibility and charging speed.
Generally speaking, wireless chargers are slower than their wired counterparts, but there are some exceptions.
Also, as a general rule of thumb, Qi-certified chargers should be compatible with both iOS and Android devices, but most of them support 10W charging for Android phones and 7.5W charging for iPhones.
in addition, you should consider whether the charger of your choosing features landscape or portrait positioning, in case you want to watch films or keep an eye on your notifications while charging.
Finally, some wireless chargers have extra features, such as backing up your files, or charge multiple devices at the same time.
1. Mous Limitless 3.0 Wireless Charger Pad
- Mous Limitless 3.0 Wireless Charger Pad, £79.99 on Mous – buy here
Like all the accessories in the Limitless family, the Wireless Charger Pad is a stylish, solidly-built device.
It features magnetic, AutoAlignPlus Technology with Limitless 3.0 cases, and with a 15W output, it allows for the fastest wireless charging technology you can find right now.
The device can also charge phones in non-magnetic cases, but only if the case itself is particularly thin.
We have tried the Charger Pad for about a week, and we were surprised of how sturdy it feels and how compact it is.
In fact, the device is smaller than most wireless chargers today (80mm x 80mm) and its elegant, Walnut design merges flawlessly with more traditional desk setups and furniture.
A nice touch from Mous, the Limitless 3.0 Wireless Charger Pad comes with several plug adaptors, respectively for the UK, US and Canada, Europe and China.
It is also powered by a male-to-male USB-C cable, which is great in case you want to plug it directly into your laptop or charge your smartphone with another smartphone.
In addition, the device features an Aramid Fibre variant for a more rugged feel and design.
2. SanDisk iXpand Wireless Charger
- SanDisk iXpand Wireless Charger, £89.99 on Amazon – buy here
A quite unique wireless charger, the SanDisk iXpand not only keeps your smartphone juiced up but can also back up your photos.
We have tested the device for a week, and found it quite an interesting concept.
Essentially, you'll have to install the Ixpand app on your phone, then grant it permissions to access the photos on your device and connect to your home WiFi.
The process is then quite straightforward: place your phone on the wide surface of the charger, and it will simultaneously back up your photos and charge your phone.
This is a 10W charger, so it's not the fastest out there, but not many devices support 12W or 15W wireless charging yet, and the backup feature encourages you to leave your phone charging for a bit longer anyway.
The only noticeable downside of this charger is the fact it is powered by an outlet plug instead of a USB cable, so you won't be able to use it in conjunction with a dock, for example.
The device can be connected to your laptop or MAC while being plugged to the power socket, however, using a regular USB micro cable. By doing so, you'll be able to access your backed up photos from your computer as well.
The SanDisk iXpand Wireless Charger is available in 64, 128, and 256GB variants.
3. Moshi Sette Q dual wireless charging pad
- Moshi Sette Q dual wireless charging pad, £89.95 on Moshi – buy here
The Moshi Sette Q dual wireless charging pad is a good option if you routinely have to charge multiple wireless devices.
We have tested the pad for two weeks, and we are rather pleased with it.
First of all, the device comes with a 10-year warranty card inside, which goes to show how confident Moshi are about their technology.
From a design perspective, this is a large charger, not designed for the road, but to blend in with your office or house furniture almost flawlessly.
The top of the Sette Q looks like fabric, and it's very good for grip, preventing your devices from slipping away from the charging surface.
The charger's rubber '+' signs indicate where the coil charging centres are, helping you to intuitively place your devices in the correct spots for charging.
The Moshi Sette Q can wirelessly fast charge (15W) two smartphones at the same time, plus one more device (5W) via the USB-A power output.
It, therefore, needs to be powered via the included USB-C to USB-C cable via a 45W power adaptor, which is sadly not included in the box.
Despite this, however, the Moshi Sette Q is truly a unique wireless charger in its own right, and it's definitely worth considering if you need to charge more than one wireless device at the time.
4. Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand 10w
- (AD) Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand, £19.99 on Amazon – buy here
Belkin's Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand is easily one of the best wireless you can get for your money.
The round dish design allows for both landscape and portrait charging, and the device comes with a wall adaptor and a 4 ft cable.
This wireless charging Stand is compatible with Qi-enabled devices, including various iPhone and Samsung models.
It is also available in a 15 W variant, for a faster charge of latest flagship smartphones.
5. Apple MagSafe Charger
- (AD) Apple MagSafe Charger, £26.99 on Amazon – buy here
Released together with the iPhone 12, the MagSafe Charger is a unique wireless charger that magnetically attaches itself to the back on your devices.
To utilise the charger, you'll have to plug in a USB-C cable into it, and then the cable into a fast wall adaptor (minimum 18W), which is not included with iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.
While this makes the Apple MagSafe Charger rather expensive, it is also the only way to have 15W wireless charging on iPhone devices.
The charger also works with AirPods Pro and AirPods (without the magnetic perks), but not with Apple Watches.
6. Logitech Powered 3-in-1 dock
- Logitech Powered 3-in-1 dock, £180 on Amazon – buy here
This stylish and expensive wireless charger is the dream of any Apple owner.
The stand and the pad can respectively provide 10W wireless charging, while the Apple Watch connector is 5W
Of course, you can also use the Logitech Powered 3-in-1 dock to charge Samsung or other Android devices, but unless you have an Apple Watch, you'll be missing out on some of the charger's features.
Still, if you own multiple Apple devices, this wireless charger may be the right one for you.
7. Nanami Fast Wireless Charger
- Nanami Fast Wireless Charger, £16.14 on Amazon – buy here
This inexpensive device is capable of providing up to 10W Fast Wireless Charging, and is compatible with all Qi-Enabled smartphones.
The Nanami charger is available in white or black versions and features a LED light strip indicating whether your phone is charging (green) or not (blue.)
The charger works whether your phone is in landscape or portrait positions, and features overcharging and over-temperature protection.
It can also support most phone cases not thicker than 5mm.
8. Choetech Dual Wireless Charger
- Choetech Dual Wireless Charger, £23.79 on Amazon – buy here
As the name implies, Choetech's Dual Wireless Charger can charge two devices simultaneously at 10/7.5W, automatically selecting the correct power depending on the device.
These include Samsung smartphones and iPhone, as well as AirPods and any other Qi-supported devices.
The charger also features built-in dissipation holes at the bottom to avoid overheating.
Like most wireless chargers, the Choetech Dual Wireless Charger is powered by a USB-C cable connected to a fast charger wall adaptor.
9. Anker PowerWave Charger
- Anker PowerWave Charger, £19.99 on Amazon – buy here
Anker is well known for its efficient chargers and power banks, and the PowerWave makes no exception.
This light and fast wireless charger weighs only 110 grams and can charge Qi-devices at 10W.
As most chargers in this list, the Anker PowerWave Charger allows for charging of smartphones both in a vertical and horizontal position.
It is also case-friendly up to 5 mm.
10. Mophie Powerstation Hub
- Mophie Powerstation Hub, £58.09 on Amazon – buy here
If you are looking for a portable charger that also doubles as a traditional wired, the Mophie Powerstation Hub may be the one for you.
In fact, beyond the wireless charging capabilities, this device also offers a USB-C and dual USB-A port to charge your older devices (or your new ones faster.)
The Mophie Powerstation Hub also features built-in AC power prongs, to quickly recharge its 6000 mAh battery.
Given its price range, this hybrid charger is versatile enough to be ideal for a variety of scenarios and devices.
Did you enjoy our roundup of the best wireless chargers? Then make sure to check out our pick of the best solar power banks you can buy right now.
Looking for a traditional power bank instead? Here are the best ones for your money.
For additional tech recommendations, have a look at our Sun Selects Technology page.
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