The Best Wireless Charging Pads

Although wireless charging technology has been out for a while, expensive price points and unfounded myths about the technology kept wireless charging out of the mainstream for some time. However, those days are done. Today, wireless charging pads can be purchased for an affordable price and are compatible with a wide range of top smartphones and wireless earbuds.

Buying Guide for Wireless Charging Pads

Why buy a wireless charging pad?

Wireless charging pads are a convenient option for many since they can be used to quickly and safely charge a wide variety of smartphones (and other devices like smartwatches, in some cases). Additionally, using a charging pad may save your phone’s charging port a lot of wear and tear over time when compared to wired charging. Many people also find wireless charging more convenient since they can simply drop their phone on their charging pad instead of hunting space for the right charging cable.

What should you look for in a wireless charging pad?

• Qi Charging Standard: You’ll want to look for wireless charging pads that are Qi-enabled. Qi is the current standard for wireless charging and is universally compatible with any device that supports wireless charging. Thankfully, Qi charging pads have become very affordable over the years, even as the chargers have become more powerful and efficient over time.
• Design: Be sure to select a design that is right for you. A wireless charging pad should be easy to use so that you can drop your phone on it for a quick charge without the need for any awkward guesswork or having to find the perfect position. Some charging pads can even charge multiple devices at once or are designed to charge your phone as well as a smartwatch.
• Wattage: A wireless charging pad’s wattage should also be considered in order to make an educated purchase. Newer smartphones tend to be designed to handle more wattage from wireless chargers, allowing for a faster charge. Thus, buying a 10-watt wireless charger is a better idea than a 5-watt charger since these will give your phone a much speedier charge, assuming your smartphone can utilize the extra wattage.

Will wireless charging pads work when your phone is in its case?

While many phone cases are built fully compatible with wireless charging pads, some will need to be taken off for your phone to charge. In general, most thin cases don’t cause problems with wireless chargers. However, thick wallet-style cases and similarly thick cases can potentially slow down your phone’s charge time or refuse a connection with the wireless charger altogether. That being said, most brands of phone cases will let you know whether their product is compatible with Qi wireless chargers.

Our Picks for the Best Wireless Charging Pads

Pros: This Qi-certified wireless charging pad from Yootech is an excellent choice for those seeking something budget-friendly and dependable. This charger provides up to 10 watts of charging power to compatible phones and conveniently shuts off its LED light when charging your device so that you can get some sleep. To sweeten the deal, it also offers several style options so that you can find the perfect design for your space.

Cons: Like most wireless charging pads, this one comes with a USB cable instead of an AC power adapter. With this in mind, you will need a powerful USB wall plug in order to take advantage of quick charging. That being said, the USB cable that comes with this product is a little short, so it can potentially have issues reaching your desk or nightstand if it’s not located near an outlet.

Bottom Line: In terms of charging speed and dependability, it doesn’t get much better than this, especially at this product’s price point. That being said, if you don’t already own a decent USB wall plug, this will increase the cost of your investment. Luckily, the plug that comes with most modern smartphones from brands like Samsung and Apple should be perfect for achieving a maximum charge speed.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a wireless charging pad for your vehicle, the POLMXS Wireless Charger is your best bet. This charger is constructed with a grippy rubber material that helps your phone stay put even when you’re driving on winding mountain roads. It’s also perfectly sized to accommodate a wide variety of vehicles, whether you choose to place it in the cubby area or center console. Factoring in its powerful 10-watt charging and long power cord, this is a wireless charging pad that will exceed the needs of most.

Cons: While this charging pad’s rectangular design will make it simple for most to find the “sweet spot” in order to charge their phone, those with very large phones may have some trouble. This is especially true if your smartphone is even larger than the charger itself.

Bottom Line: A great wireless charging pad can make an amazing addition to your vehicle, and this one checks off all the necessary boxes for convenient in-car use. That being said, due to this product’s design, it may be worthwhile to measure your device before you buy so that you can make sure it will be a good fit.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a practical and stylish way to keep your desk in order and charge your phone at the same time, this desk organizer with wireless charging capabilities will be just what you need. It allows you to wirelessly charge your cell phone while keeping your everyday desk items, such as pens, pencils, wallets, keys, and stationery, organized and easily accessible. It’s made of durable, handmade, high-quality PU leather in two possible color options, adding not only to its overall quality but its aesthetic appeal as well. This wireless charger is designed to ensure that you don’t have to fiddle around with your phone to find the charging sweet spot, and it will automatically stop charging once your phone is fully charged. As a bonus, it offers fast-charging capabilities of up to 10W for Samsung Galaxy and 7.5W for iPhone.

Cons: Inconsistent charging is a common complaint with this wireless charger. It’s also possible that your phone’s case may interfere with the charging process, either causing the charging to stop working or your phone to charge much more slowly.

Bottom Line: This wireless charging nightstand organizer offers convenience, organization, quality, and smart design all in one product. It allows you to charge your phone without extra cords cluttering your workspace and provides ample space for your office supplies.

 

Pros: This wireless charging trio is a reliable and convenient charging solution for Samsung device owners. With its ability to charge multiple devices at once, compatibility with various Samsung devices, and the option to charge devices with cases on, it eliminates the need for multiple charging cords and clutter– no need to worry about various charging cables getting tangled up with each other. The sleek and stylish design adds to its appeal as a great addition to any workspace or home. It charges devices relatively quickly and is well-built and durable for long-term use.

Cons: You may notice some difficulty in getting your devices to line up properly on the charging spots, which makes it difficult to charge multiple devices at once. It is also not compatible with all Samsung devices, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.

Bottom Line: If you have multiple compatible Samsung devices and value the convenience of charging multiple devices at once, then this multicharger may be a good fit for you. Overall, this may be a good investment for those who own multiple Samsung devices and prioritize convenience, but users should consider its limitations before purchasing.

 

Pros: Very few wireless charging pads can be described as beautiful, but the TOZO W1 Wireless Charger’s design is a sight to behold. This slim and sleek wireless charger features gorgeous LED indicator lights to tell you when your phone is charging and when it’s fully charged. This charging pad also can quickly charge certain phones at 10 watts, but you will need to provide a compatible phone and quick charge wall adapter to unlock its true charging speed.

Cons: This might not be an ideal charging pad for light sleepers to use when charging their phone at night since its LED lights stay on while it is powered up. There isn’t a switch to turn them off. That being said, its lights aren’t particularly bright, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue for those who don’t require a pitch-black room to sleep.

Bottom Line: Thankfully, the TOZO W1 is more than just eye candy and actually competes with the heavy hitters in terms of performance and reliability. However, its LEDs (as sleek as they look) represent an unfortunate design decision, making this a more suitable product for one’s living room than their bedroom.

Final Thoughts

When wireless charging pads first hit the market, their lack of charging speed and expensive price tags kept them out of the hands of many prospective users. However, as the technology behind wireless charging has become more efficient, reliable wireless charging pads have gotten much more affordable, making it a fantastic time to go wireless.