Wireless charging is becoming increasingly popular among smartphone users, the lack of tangling wires and technological improvements have made them a hot commodity. More and more manufacturers are exploring the technology all the time and it may be on its way to becoming an industry standard.
Currently the Wireless Power Consortium estimates that 90% of consumers are aware of wireless charging technology with as many as 80% planning to purchase it in the future. A further 76% want phone manufacturers to include Qi technology in their devices.
The market for Qi charging has grown by 20% since 2013 and is expected to have grown by up to 120% by 2020, according to a report by the WPC.
There are vast numbers of chargers available on the market today, and finding the right one can be something of a headache, so take a look at CBR’s list of the best wireless chargers for Android!
1. Anker PowerPort Qi Wireless Charging Pad
The Anker PowerPort Qi Wireless Charging Pad is a wonderfully simple charging solution, for at home or at work. The 10W charger is capable of charging your mobile phone through the coil embedded inside the device, which is slim and easily transportable.
One of the benefits of this particular wireless charger is the LED lights around the side of the device which will let you know if the device is charging or not, with some other chargers it can be difficult to know for certain if they’re doing their job. Don’t worry though, the LED’s will turn off after ten seconds so it’s perfectly suitable to keep on your bedside table at night.
Unfortunately the device only operates with a single coil, meaning that the power to time ratio isn’t too efficient, and to maximise the result you’ll be better off going caseless. However, you would also be expected to pay slightly more for the increase in power, and price is definitely one of the advantages of this model.
The Anker PowerPort Qi Wireless Charging Pad is available from £14.99
2. Ikea NORDMÄRKE
The Ikea Nordmarke is an excellent addition to any homes wireless charging solution. It’s warm modern look means that it won’t look out of place in most homes, making it perfect to augment your coffee table or living room. The device also comes in different sizes that can charge more devices simultaneously, so if your family fights over the charger then the Nordmarke has you covered.
One of the disadvantages of the Nordmarke however, is its lack of portability. Whilst this won’t be a problem with the smaller models, the larger ones can get quite heavy. This is to ensure it doesn’t slip and slide around the table, but it’s not as convenient as other solutions on the market.
The Nordmarke is slightly more expensive than its competitors, but the multi charging capabilities of the larger models are definitely worth splashing out for, especially if sharing chargers is something that’s an issue in your home.
The Ikea Nordmarke is available from £30.00
Looking for something a little jazzier? Some of these next options could be for you!
3. TYLT VU
The TYLT VU is a slightly hipper alternative to other options on the market, its angular design and neon colour scheme give it a unique look, though it is also available in black if the neon is too much. The design is also not just for show, the 45 degree angle of the frame can be used to charge the phone, either landscape or portrait, and still give you a view of the screen without having to stand over it.
Now this is a three coiled model, which will greatly increase the charging speed, but that also makes it slightly more expensive than its competitors, and the design will definitely not be for everyone. The device also tends to generate rather a lot of heat, not to an unsafe degree, but enough so that some people may be put off.
Whilst its not the most practical charger on the market, the design and the mechanics of this wireless solution should be more than enough to convince some people of its worth, provided you don’t mind paying that little bit extra.
The TYLT VU is available from £40.00
4. Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand
The Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand is definitely one of the fastest chargers out there, it’s Samsung after all, and it’s compatible with Note 5 devices and above. The charger is fast, portable, and doesn’t require a wire, making it a must have for any Samsung user considering wireless charging.
Unfortunately, if you’re not a Samsung user then there’s no reason for you to buy in, as this charger has a lack of support for other handsets. The device also has some strikingly bright LED’s which make it less than ideal for bedside charging, and it’s only available in black and white.
For a Samsung customer there’s no reason to look any further, provided you don’t mind the bright lights, but if you’re using another brand of smartphone then there are plenty of other choices that will prove to be much more useful.
The Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand is from £27.00
5. Montar Air Car Mount
The Montar Air Car Mount is the solution for the charger on the go. This handy device hooks directly into the car and allows you to charge your phone on your commute without the hassle of cables flailing around the gear stick. Once you’ve got a taste of wireless charging at home, this is the logical next step.
The Montar Air Car Mount is more than fit for purpose, the stand can fit into just about any vehicle, either with it’s suction cup or by placing it in a cup holder or dashboard space. The charger also supports any smartphone up to 6 inches in size.
As versatile and handy as this device is though, the price is incredibly steep. It’s much more expensive than other devices on the market yet it still charges at the pace of a standard model. If you’ve got the money to spare or you’re desperate to charge in the car then this might be the model for you, otherwise there are plenty of others.
The Montar Air Car Mount is available from £50.00
