How to Choose a Wireless Charger

The biggest factor to consider is whether the charger will work with your devices

What to Know

  • Only purchase a wireless charger that adopts the Qi standard.
  • Check if your smartphone supports wireless charging.
  • Pick a charger with a high wattage rating for the fastest charging performance.

This article teaches you how to choose a wireless charger for your smartphone as well as other devices and what to look for when buying one.

How Do I Choose a Wireless Charger?

While picking out a wireless charger is pretty simple at heart, here's a look at how to do so appropriately.

Compatibility

Check that your smartphone can be charged wirelessly. Most of the latest smartphones support this function. To confirm, check your phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website.

Look for a wireless charger that supports the Qi charging standard for maximum efficiency and compatibility.

Power

Check the power wattage. Different smartphones use different wattage. While not all of them will support up to 10W for fast charging, it makes sense to buy a wireless charger that offers 10W or 15W charging so it's future-proofed.

Look at how the wireless charger connects to a power source. Does it come with a wall adaptor, or does it use micro USB or USB-C to take power? It's important to consider how you plan on plugging it in.

Wireless Charger Brands

Pick a reliable brand. Brands like Anker, RAVPower, Mophie, Belkin, and Samsung are good options. Apple's MagSafe Chargers are also well-regarded but only work with Apple products. Avoid unknown brands with low review ratings.

Does It Matter Which Wireless Charger I Use?

If you purchase a wireless charger from a reputable brand, you can expect that it has undergone rigorous testing and is safe to use.

It's also essential to pick a wireless charger that fits into your home aesthetic. Some are charging pads placed on your desk or a shelf, while others can charge your phone at an angle so you can still see its display at all times. Some can even be used as a nightstand, doubling as an alarm while charging.

What Do I Need to Know About Wireless Chargers?

It's essential to consider a few other factors about wireless chargers before you buy one. Here's a look at some key facts.

  • Your case shouldn't affect it. Many phone cases allow for wireless charging, but it's worth checking to ensure your preferred case doesn't interfere with wireless charging. Removing a case each time you want to charge is a pain.
  • Wireless chargers work with more than just phones. If you have wireless earbuds with a charging case that supports wireless charging, you can also place the charging case on your wireless charger.

Do All Wireless Chargers Work the Same?

No. Crucially, some wireless chargers use different standards to Qi, and it's best to stick to Qi. That's because it's been adopted by most phone manufacturers and also typically offers over-voltage and overcharge protection, so they're safer, too. 

It's also important to check the wattage of your wireless charger. The higher the wattage, the faster the phone charges.

FAQ
  • Is it safe to leave my phone on a wireless charger overnight?

    Most phone manufacturers do not recommend leaving your phone connected to the charger overnight or for long periods of time after it has a full charge. There are several ways to extend your phone's battery life.

  • Are some wireless chargers faster than wired ones?

    Yes. The fastest wireless chargers are faster than some older wired chargers, but overall, wired charging is more efficient and therefore faster.

  • Can a cheap wireless charger damage my phone?

    Probably not. So long as you purchased the charger new from a reliable retailer, and you're sure that it's compatible with your phone, then you have nothing to worry about.

  • Are there disadvantages to wireless charging?

    With wireless charging, you usually have to wait longer for a full charge. Wireless chargers tend to be more expensive, and you can't use your phone while it's charging.

  • Does the heat from my wireless charger damage my phone?

    Probably not. Most wireless chargers have built-in protections to prevent overheating. As a precaution, don't leave your phone on the charger longer than necessary.

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