There’s a good chance that you now own some gadget that supports wireless charging, whether it’s an iPhone or Android phone, wireless earbuds, or a smartwatch. Multi-device Wireless chargers It can help to have them all running in one place, without the need for a bunch of wires cluttering up your space. There are dozens of these accessories available today, and we tested a handful of the most popular models. Below you’ll find our top picks for the best wireless charging stations, as well as some tips on how to choose the right station for your needs.
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Best wireless charging pads
Belkin
It doesn’t get much better than Belkin’s more advanced wireless charger model if you’re an Apple fan. High quality BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 pad Provides 15W MagSafe charging for your iPhone, fast charging for Apple Watch and space for AirPods Pro or other earbuds with Qi-compatible cases. The base is heavy, covered in rubbery plastic, and includes a discreet status light for your earbuds. Most importantly, it supports more devices than you think. Although the Pro Pad uses MagSafe, the horizontal design allows you to charge almost any phone at low speeds. We also have to give Belkin kudos for one of the most convenient Apple Watch chargers we’ve seen. Not only does it work horizontally and vertically, but it includes a knob to adjust to different sizes and third-party modes.
This is quite large compared to some 3-in-1 chargers, so it’s not the best choice for a nightstand. Consider its counterpart’s smaller footprint, BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger With MagSafe 15W, if you have an iPhone 12 or later. You also won’t find USB ports, and the indented earbud pad rules out a second phone. However, it’s easily worth the $150 asking price.
- Supports three devices simultaneously
- Supports 15W MagSafe charging for iPhone
- It can be adjusted to support different Apple Watch models
Logitech
There are many high-quality chargers to choose from, but Logitech 3-in-1 powered docking station It offers some features that help it rise. It takes up relatively little space, and the rubberized horizontal and vertical chargers deliver up to 10W while holding your devices tightly, so you and your partner can get the most out of it.
However, it has some limitations. The vertical stand is not well suited for iPhone 13 mini and other small phones. And while the floating stand works with most Apple Watches, heavier watches tend to sag (like the author’s steel Series 5 with a leather strap) and may not charge properly. If those aren’t issues, the $130 would be well spent.
- Compact design
- Supports three devices simultaneously
- The vertical dot supports up to 10W of power delivery
- The vertical dot is not the best for small phones
Deny
You can find a lot of affordable 3-in-1 chargers. However, few offer as much money as Anker 533 wireless charger stand. It offers an adjustable angle 10W vertical stand and lets you charge your Apple Watch either horizontally or vertically. There’s also a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box, so you won’t have to buy an aftermarket block (or rely on proprietary cables) to get started.
The limitations stem mostly from cost-cutting measures. You probably won’t have room for a second phone. Like some chargers we’ve seen, the Apple Watch stand is a make-your-own cable that only supports older USB-A connections. The cable that came with the Series 8 or SE will not work here. However, at $58, the 3-in-1 wireless charging stand is a good deal.
- At a reasonable price
- Supports three devices simultaneously
- 10W adjustable vertical charging point
- A 20W power adapter is included in the box
- You must bring your own cable to charge your Apple Watch
iMovie
The 2-in-1 field is highly competitive and makes it difficult to pick an absolute winner. but, Mophie dual wireless charging pad It hits many of the right marks. It can charge two Qi-certified devices at up to 10W each, making it a great choice for a household that uses two phones. The rubber-textured cloth surface should keep your tools steady, and status lights will confirm their accurate placement. There’s also a USB-A port to connect your watch charger or other wired device.
Complaints are few. You won’t be able to charge at 15W, and we’d prefer to use USB-C instead of USB-A. However, it’s a safe option at $80, and worth purchasing over less expensive options.
- It can charge two devices simultaneously, both with 10W power
- Attractive design
Samsung
Multi-device chargers from phone manufacturers tend to be either compromised or highly proprietary, however Samsung fast charger duo (sometimes known as the 15W Duo Fast Wireless Charger) bucks that trend. It’s small and provides high-speed charging for a single phone and accessory, whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy Watch or earbuds from another manufacturer. The status lights will dim at night, and change color to indicate that the batteries are full.
This won’t help households with two phones, and Samsung only guarantees 15W charging for some of its own phones (Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S20 and later). You’ll also need to pay attention to which version you buy, as there are different types with and without a power adapter in the box. Both are not cheap at $90 and $70 respectively. This remains a stylish charger for nightstands and travel, although the pads aren’t device-reliant enough.
- Supports 15W charging
- Compact design
- Only the power adapter is included with some variations
iMovie
There are few wireless chargers that are designed with more than one person in mind, however Mophie 4-in-1 wireless charging pad He is the most rounded of the group. The pad can handle up to four devices wirelessly at 10W, including two phones and two accessories. There’s also a spare USB-A port for charging previous Apple Watch models (using the included stand and your own cable) or wired items. The fabric surface, precise device drawers and indicator lights will also take the puzzles out of charging.
This charger is giant compared to most, and you may find it limiting if your home has more than one Apple Watch or accessories that don’t fit into smaller charging pads. However, Mophie offers great value for $150. The 4-in-1 does more than some 3-in-1 chargers at this price, and doesn’t have the compatibility issues with competitors like Nomad’s Base Station Pro.
- Supports up to four devices simultaneously
- Attractive design with indicator lights makes it easy to use
- Big footprint
- You must bring your own cable to charge your Apple Watch
Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device?
It won’t be a surprise to know that your choice of smartphone affects your choice of wireless charger. Only iPhone owners will need to take this into consideration Apple watch Compatibility. Likewise, you’ll need an Android phone if you expect to run a device Galaxy watch. Buy an iPhone 12 or later and you can attach your phone magnetically with MagSafe, while the latest Android phones often have some form of Qi fast wireless charging.
However, it’s not just about getting the fastest charger. You should think about what you might buy in the future. Don’t buy a dual-device charger if you have an iPhone and AirPods, but are eyeing an Apple Watch. And if you think you might move to an Android mobile phone (or vice versa), you’ll want something more general that doesn’t lock you into any one ecosystem.
Some chargers include stands, trays and other features that are significantly optimized for specific products and may not account for changes from year to year. Some vertical stands are too long for small phones such as iPhone 13 miniFor example. Although you can never guarantee that a phone or watch will be fully functional next year, it’s worth buying something that’s likely to last.
Having said all that, don’t be afraid to get a charger with vendor-specific features if you’re fiercely loyal to one brand. Apple isn’t expected to abandon MagSafe anytime soon, and Samsung will likely continue making Galaxy Watches for a while.
How to choose the best wireless charging pad for your needs
Even without a charging cable to worry about, you’re probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. It may sit on your nightstand or your desk. However, not everyone buys a charger just for themselves; You may want to use one as a shared station for you and your partner.
If the charger is going to sit on your nightstand, you’ll likely want a compact, stable unit that won’t swallow up all your free space or get stuck on the floor (and if it falls, one that’s sturdy enough to survive). You may also prefer a flat phone panel so you’re less likely to be kept awake by your screen. The Apple Watch and some other smartwatches can act as mini alarm clocks, so you may want a vertical charging option for any wristwatch.
However, at a desk, you may need a vertical phone holder so you can check notifications. Will the charger sit on a low table? Horizontal charging pads may make it easier to pick up your devices quickly. Travel chargers should have the pads folded or protected while in your bag. And yes, aesthetics are important. You may want something beautiful if it is likely to sit in a lavish room where guests will see it.
For vehicles, consider using a wireless car charger if you frequently need to charge your device on the go. These chargers combine convenience and functionality, ensuring your phone stays powered while you’re on the go and taking calls at the same time.
If it’s a shared charging station, you’ll need something with multiple public surfaces, and you’ll probably have to forgo charging more than one hour at a time. In those cases, consider a few of the 4-in-1 wireless chargers on the market, or models with USB ports.
Wireless charging speed and performance
It’s no secret that wireless charging is usually slower than wired charging, and running multiple devices adds a new problem. Since these chargers often support a wide range of devices, you’ll have to forget about the faster, device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus, and Samsung.
This does not mean that these devices will be slow, but there is not much difference between them in terms of charging speed. As a general rule, the fastest multi-device chargers tend to reach 15W for phones. And you’ll need an Apple MagSafe charger if you want to get the full 15 watts on your iPhone.
It’s rare to find a really slow example, mind you. Even some of the more affordable options we’ve seen will recharge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and 5W for other devices is more than enough. If you’re just docking at night or while working, speed won’t make much of a difference. Just make sure whatever you buy is sturdy enough for a phone in a box. Some chargers may also include an AC adapter or require one to increase their performance.
The quality of the wireless charging pad, the contents of the box and the small details
The difference between a good charger and a great one often boils down to a few details. You won’t always need to pay extra to get them, but it may be worth spending a larger amount to avoid frustration for years to come.
A textured surface such as plastic or rubberized fabric will reduce the chances of your expensive gadgets slipping out of their charging points. The base must have sufficient grip and weight so that the charger does not easily move from its place. Any floating or vertical stands should be sturdy – move away from them if there is any swaying.
You will also need to write down what is in the box. Some chargers don’t come with power adapters, and we’ve seen several models whose Apple Watch “holders” are just a holder for your existing charging pad. Be sure to find out if a wall charger or other components are included to avoid disappointing surprises.
Then there are useful touches like status lights to confirm correct placement, although you’ll need to make sure they dim or turn off after a certain period of time. And while it’s still true that stands and drawers can limit compatibility, you want your devices to stay where you put them. Shelves and lips can prevent your phone or watch from sliding. Oh, and be careful of floating smartwatch stands, as heavy watches may dangle.
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