Wireless Charger Buyer's Guide
USB cords are some of the most useful accessories for our mobile devices, but for people with multiple devices especially, having to carry multiple phone cords around can be a bit of a bother. This is especially so when you consider how fragile these cords very often are. Also, we all know how annoying having to frequently unplug and plug our phone back into a power source can be. If you can relate to any of these, you should consider getting a wireless charger.
What are Wireless Chargers?
As you must have guessed from the name, a wireless charger, also referred to as an induction charger, is a device that lets you charge your smart phone’s battery, or the battery of any other devices that you own that support wireless charging, without you having to plug the phone into a power source using cables. Typically, a wireless charger operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Energy is transferred in the form of an alternating electromagnetic field from an induction coil on the wireless charger to a receiver coil on your smartphone. The receiver coil then converts the energy into electrical energy that is used to charge your smartphone's battery. For wireless charging to work, the charger and your device typically have to be close to each other, and correctly positioned.
Why Should I Buy A Wireless Charger?
The most obvious reason why buying a wireless charger might be a good idea for you is the convenience it offers. But aside from this, wireless charging means you can do away with those very easily damaged phone cords. It means you no longer have to deal with a malfunctioning cord, and although you may still need your phone cord for data transfer and things like that, the reduced use means your cords can last much longer. Also, your phone's USB port is in much less danger of wear-and-tear damage over time with a wireless charger. You should note that wireless chargers function for more than just smartphones - devices like wireless headphones and smartwatches can also be charged using one.
What Factors Should I Consider Before Buying a Wireless Charger?
Getting a wireless charger that works well for your device and suits your particular needs is important. But knowing which one fits this description isn't always the most straightforward task. With so many different brands, boasting very different features, and made by different manufacturers, making a choice can be very difficult. Although we have provided you with a list of the best induction chargers available, we recognize that such lists are rarely ever sufficient to make informed decisions, and so, we'll walk you through the features you need to pay attention to before you buy a wireless charger.
Is It Compatible With Your Mobile Device?
The Qi standard is the most widely used method for mobile charging, but it isn't the only method. Other standards like MagSafe and PMA also exist. And so, you should make sure whatever charger you are looking to get works with the same standard as the device you are looking to charge.
How Fast Does It Charge Your Mobile Device?
There's almost nothing more annoying than a near-dead phone that takes forever to charge. With this in mind, getting a charger that juices your device up as soon as possible is of great importance. To do this, you have to pay attention to the charger's power rating, or wattage, and your phone's maximum wireless charging speed. Wireless chargers typically come with ratings that range from 5-10 watts, and mobile devices usually offer wireless charging speeds that range from 7.5 watts for iPhones to 10 watts for some Android devices. A 10-watt charger will charge faster than one of 5 watts. And so, for the best experience, it is better to get a charger that at least matches the maximum speed your device offers.
How Many Devices Do You Intend To Charge Simultaneously?
If you own multiple devices that can be charged wirelessly, you can purchase a model that can charge multiple devices at the same time. This can help you save time and resources, as you do not have to purchase multiple chargers.
OEM or Third-Party Wireless Chargers?
A wireless charger by your phone's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is likely to give you a better user experience, especially for devices that support fast charging. Third-party wireless chargers tend to cost less and offer a wider range of features than the OEM ones. When buying third-party wireless chargers, however, you shouldn't just settle for whatever's cheapest; a bad charger might not work as well, and may very well cause damage to your device. You should try as much as possible to balance the price and the functionality. The easiest way to do this is to pay attention to the brand, and reviews by users of that particular product.
Pads or Stands?
Wireless chargers come in either of 2 common designs, flat pads or angled. Although the design doesn't have anything to do with its functionality really, it may have a lot to do with compatibility and ease of use. For example, an angled charger can make it easier for you to use your device without having to take it off the charger, while a flat pad charger is probably more suited to bedside use.
How Much Does It Cost To Buy Wireless Chargers?
Wireless chargers can cost anywhere between $10 to $600 (seriously, although we won't recommend any of those here), depending on the brand, size, power rating, and other features.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to buy OEM wireless chargers for my devices?
A: No, you don't. Although those often offer better functionality than third-party wireless chargers, as long as the charger you own is compatible with your phone, has a high enough power rating, and is manufactured by a reputable manufacturer, then there shouldn't be any problem.
Q: Does wireless charging work with a phone case?
A: This depends on how thin the case is and what material it's made from.
Q: Are wireless chargers faster than regular chargers?
A: The charging speed of a wireless charger can be comparable to that of regular, wired chargers. The speed of wireless chargers depends on factors such as their wattage and their compatibility. For phones that offer fast charging, OEM wireless chargers are likely to offer faster speeds.