Wires - who needs them, right? In the year 2019 the act of picking up a piece of wire and plugging it into a charge port is frankly more hassle than anyone should be expected endure. Fortunately, there's a solution. But before you rush out to buy the wireless charger of your dreams, there are a few things you should know.
In this guide we'll take you through our top tips for choosing a charger, as well as some of our favourites that are on the Australian market right now.
Qi wireless charging standard
You've probably already heard the term "Qi" associated with wireless charging. It's the wireless charging standard used by Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and basically every major smartphone manufacturer. Which means any Qi charger you buy will work for any of those phones.
But a wireless charger that doesn't use the Qi standard (unusual, but they're out there) will not work with an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc. That's why it's important to check the charging standard before you hand over your cash. The good news is most wireless chargers are Qi compatible, but it's always worth double checking.
Wireless charging wattage
Before you buy a wireless charger, you'll also want to check the wattage that it offers. This will influence the speed at which your phone can to charge when placed on the device.
As a rule of thumb, the lower the wattage, the slower the charging speed. But charging speed is also limited by the wattage your phone can absorb.
For example, if you buy a 15W charger for an iPhone that can only absorb 7.5W, your iPhone will charge at the speed of 7.5W. If on the other hand you buy a 5W charger for a 7.5W iPhone, your iPhone will charge at the speed 5W.
These days, most smartphones can charge wirelessly at between 7.5W-10W. Which means a 5W charger (generally cheaper) will not get you the maximum charge speed available.
The problem is, if you want to avoid paying too much by finding out the exact wattage your phone can absorb, you'll find this surprisingly difficult. Not all manufacturers disclose wireless wattage information on spec sheets.
That's why if speed of charge is important to you, we'd recommend choosing a charger made specifically for your phone, and preferably by a reputable brand like Belkin, Mophie, or your phone's manufacturer.
Best wireless chargers
Not sure which wireless charger you want, yet? Here are a few of our favourites to start your search.
Belkin BOOST UP Wireless Charging Stand
If you want to be able to get the most out of your phone, even when it's charging, the Belkin BOOST UP charging stand could be for you. The Qi charging stand allows your phone to rest upright or horizontally so you can still check messages, look at photos or even watch videos while it's charging.
The BOOST UP supports Apple, Samsung, LG, and Sony phones which means it could serve multiple people or guests in your home even if they have different phones, and be future-proof if you haven't decided which phone you want to upgrade to next. It's a 10W charger so it should charge any phone at a decent pace.
Buy it for AUD$109.95
Mophie Charge Force Powerstation
If you're in the market for a wireless charger and a battery pack for charging on the go, you can get two in one with the Mophie Charge Force Powerstation.
Of course, it's Qi standard and the 6,000mAh battery should be good for two full charges before it needs to be plugged in. And an extra USB port in the side means it can charge two phones simultaneously: one wirelessly, and one the old-fashioned way. The one trade-off for choosing the Mopshie Powerstation is it can charge wirelessly at only 5W. But the freedom of portability could well be worth it.
Buy it for AUD$119.95
Pallo Woody Desktop Monitor Stand with Integrated Wireless Charger
Furniture that can also wirelessly charge your devices is something we expect to see more and more available of over the next few years. But if you want to get a taste of that future today, you could consider picking up the Pallo Woody Desktop Monitor Stand.
While it is only a 5W charger, the convenience of being able to top up your phone while it idles on your desk should more than make up for the slower charge speed. Its Qi standard should be able to support all major smartphones with wireless charging capabilities.
Buy it for AUD$99
Belkin BOOST UP 5W Charging Pad
If you just want a good charging pad that doesn't cost the earth, it'd be hard to go wrong with the Belkin BOOST UP 5W pad. Yes, it won't charge as fast as some of the other choices on the market, but it will get the job done for pretty much any phone with Qi charging capabilities.
Note that the power adapter is not included.
Buy it for AUD$39.95
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
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