10 Best Wireless Chargers UK 2024 | UK Filmmaker Reviewed
What was once a cool concept that only existed in sci-fi is now a handy and convenient way to charge your devices. With wireless chargers, you don’t need to mess about with tangled cables, just simply pop your iPhone or Android onto the charger and you’re set. No matter if you’re working at your desk during the day, or recharging your phone during the night while you sleep, a wireless charger is the perfect fuss-free option.
Wireless chargers are getting more and more affordable nowadays but there’s still a lot of overwhelming options to choose from. This article will explain all the features of a wireless charger and recommend our top 10 from popular brands like Anker, Belkin and Logitech, all available from Amazon, John Lewis and Argos.
Quick List - Top Wireless Chargers
Jani is a professional photographer and filmmaker from Finland with over 15 years of experience in both fields. He has studied at some of the best schools and universities across the globe, leading him to become an expert in creative industries. Today he is the creative director and the owner of JP Harrow Portraits that specialises in portraiture for same-sex couples and families in London, UK.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Photographer Jani Ahonen
- How to Choose a Wireless Chargers in the UK
- If You’re an iPhone User, Your Charger Will Need to Be Qi-Enabled1
- Choose a 5 - 15 Watt Charger for a Faster Charge2
- Flat or Standing? Consider Whether You Intend to Use the Device While It Charges or Prefer to Leave It Alone3
- For Frequent Commuters, Portable Wireless Chargers Are Ideal for Charging When You Don’t Have Access to a Power Supply4
- Look For Chargers That Can Penetrate up to 5 mm if You Have a Protective Case on Your Phone5
- If You Need to Charge Multiple Phones and Accessories, Opt For a Multi-Device Charging Station6
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Wireless Chargers Better Than Wired?
- Are Wireless Chargers Safe for Battery?
With Specialist Consultation From Photographer Jani Ahonen
Jani is a professional photographer and filmmaker from Finland with over 15 years of experience in both fields. He has studied at some of the best schools and universities across the globe, leading him to become an expert in creative industries. Today he is the creative director and the owner of JP Harrow Portraits that specialises in portraiture for same-sex couples and families in London, UK.
If you're looking for an expert in portrait photography, filmmaking, drone flying or anything else technical, make sure to visit Jani's website JP Harrow Portraits for quotes and direct contact, or follow him on Instagram.
How to Choose a Wireless Chargers in the UK
- Go For a Qi-Enabled Charger if You Use an iPhone
- Pick a Charger Between 5 to 15 Watts for a Faster Charge
- Choose a Flat or Standing Charger Depending on if You Plan to Use the Device While It Charges or if You Would Leave It Alone
- Opt For a Portable Wireless Charger if You Commute Frequently
- Select Chargers That You Can Penetrate up to 5mm if Your Phone Has a Protective Case
- Get a Multi-Device Charging Station if You Need to Charge Multiple Phones and Accessories
If You’re an iPhone User, Your Charger Will Need to Be Qi-Enabled
The first thing to understand is that there are two main standards of wireless charging: Qi and PMA. Qi is by far the more popular format of the two, which is why you will see most wireless chargers saying they are ‘Qi-enabled’. Think of it like the Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD battle, where Qi is Blu-Ray and PMA is HD-DVD.
Although having a Qi-enabled charger is not always essential, it’s important to note that the latest iPhone models only support Qi. Be sure to check in the description when you’re buying, just in case you happen to have your eyes on a non-Qi enabled charger!
As a regular consumer, you don't really need to worry about wireless charging technologies since almost all wireless chargers out there today use Qi technology exclusively.
Apple, in particular, has been a strong advocate of Qi wireless charging ever since they announced iPhone 8 back in 2017. So if you own an iPhone newer than iPhone 8, you can safely charge them with any Qi charger out there.
Choose a 5 - 15 Watt Charger for a Faster Charge
Wireless chargers are measured in watts and range between 5-15 watts, although they can go higher. Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the faster your device will charge - but also the more expensive the charger will usually be as well.
But be aware that although this is a good rule of thumb, it’s not always the case. iPhones, for example, only go up to 7.5 watts for wireless charging. After all, there’s no point spending lots of money on a 30-watt charger if it won’t even work on your device!
If you are buying a wireless charger matt or device that doesn’t come with a power charger, it is essential to read the instruction manual. While you can technically use any USB charger with these wireless charging devices, some phones might have different requirements for the power wattage - iPhones in particular.
Hence check the manual and buy an appropriate charger for it. This way, you ensure your wireless charging will work without issues, and there is no risk of overheating.
Flat or Standing? Consider Whether You Intend to Use the Device While It Charges or Prefer to Leave It Alone
Flat Chargers Are Great for Desktop or Nightstand Charging While You Work or Sleep
The flat style is the most common style of wireless charger, they come as a mat or pad that you can easily just place your phone onto. This is great for having at your desk or nightstand as you can just leave your phone and not have to worry about anything. The downside to these is that you’re not able to use your phone easily if you’re charging it flat.
Flat wireless chargers are perfect for charging your phone overnight. Simply position your phone on the centre of the charging mat, ensure you hear the device-specific charing sound, and you are done!
Once you get used to charing your phone like this, plugging your phone in via USB or Apple Lightning cable every night and morning feels very old-school and inconvenient!
Pick a Standing Charger if You Need to Use Your Phone Whilst It’s Charging
If you wanted to watch videos on your phone while charging, a standing wireless charger is your best bet. These types of stands are ideal for this as you don't need to worry about having to angle your headphone cables (if you have any) at an awkward angle while you watch something.
But be sure to check if you can change the orientation of the charger though, as some are portrait only while others can alternate between portrait and landscape.
Standing chargers are excellent for living rooms and kitchens since you can continue charging your phone while doing other things and still see if you get a message from someone.
However, not all chargers have adjustable height or tilting mechanisms, which means their normal charging position might not be ideal for watching movies.
For Frequent Commuters, Portable Wireless Chargers Are Ideal for Charging When You Don’t Have Access to a Power Supply
Your third option is a portable wireless charger. This is great for on the go, especially if you find yourself without a socketed power supply when you’re out and about! But bare in mind that these can be slower than the other options, and if you’re not planning on going out, it can be unnecessary for just using at home.
While portable wireless chargers can be great and convenient, they are not very efficient in delivering electricity. This is simply due to technical limitations. They cannot charge your phone as quickly as a regular power bank or by plugging your phone into the mains.
So if you need a quick charging feature, you should stick with a standard power bank and regular USB or Lightning cable combo.
Look For Chargers That Can Penetrate up to 5 mm if You Have a Protective Case on Your Phone
Depending on the style of your phone case, they might not be compatible with your wireless charger. Particularly if you have a wallet-style case where you carry your cards, a metal case or just a very thick plastic case, these can all block the charger from working.
Generally, wireless chargers work with phone cases around 3mm thick. If you have a thicker case and don’t want the hassle of taking your case off each time, some chargers can even penetrate cases up to 5mm thick.
Most smartphone cases will work just fine with wireless chargers but bear in mind that a case is ultimately an extra layer slowing down the electricity transmission. In other words, your phone might charge faster without a case. The only way to see if your phone will work with a wireless charger is to test it yourself or read other customer reviews of that case.
If You Need to Charge Multiple Phones and Accessories, Opt For a Multi-Device Charging Station
The final thing to consider is the size of your charger and whether you need to charge multiple devices. There’s no use buying a single charger when you live with a partner and you’re both fighting to take turns using it!
Some chargers can charge two phones at a time whereas others allow you to charge your AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time too. If you want a fully integrated wireless charging system, this is the way to go.
You will likely be just fine using one wireless charger if you live by yourself. However, if you have multiple people in the same household who need to charge their phones simultaneously, investing in a bigger charging mat can be a good investment.
Just note that not all sharing mats can simultaneously charge two similar devices such as phones. So check the limitations of the charger that you are looking to buy since many of them can charge a phone, a watch and even headphones simultaneously but cannot charge two phones at the same time.
10 Best Wireless Chargers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MEISO Wireless Charging Phone Stand | | 2-In-1 Folding Charger Stand for Movies and Video Calls | |
2 | Moshi Otto Q Wireless Charger | | Felt Charging Mat With Additional Safety Features | |
3 | Anker PowerWave Wireless Charger | | Wireless Stand Charger for All Phones and Cases | |
4 | Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Dock Charger | | 3-in-1 Wireless Charging for All Your Apple Devices | |
5 | Samsung Wireless Battery Pack | | Fast-Charging Wireless Battery Pack That’ll Fit In Your Pocket or Bag | |
6 | Logitech Charging Stand | | Logitech Charging Stand Optimised for iPhones | |
7 | Beetop Dual Wireless Charger | | A Dual Fast Wireless Charger With Universal Compatibility | |
8 | Juice Wireless Charger Puck | | An Affordable Wireless Charger for iPhone and Samsung | |
9 | Trswyop Wireless Power Bank | | Portable Wireless Charger That Can Charge Up to 4 Devices on the Go | |
10 | Pixel Stand | | Turn Your Google Pixel Into a Hands-Free Assistant While Charging |
2-In-1 Folding Charger Stand for Movies and Video Calls
Meiso offers a fully versatile wireless charging option with this 2 in 1 charger that combines a stand and a flat mat. You can put your phone on the stand and check your messages or even video chat, whilst you have your Airpods on charge below.
This secure and stylish design is completely adjustable and compact. Not only can you adjust the orientation from portrait and landscape, but you can also adjust the height and angle of your device too. Plus, you can fold it up and easily transport it with you for easy wireless charging wherever you go.
Felt Charging Mat With Additional Safety Features
Additionally, this charging pad has foreign object detection, disabling charging if a metal object is detected. This ensures fast and safe charging for all your devices, with minimum risks.
Wireless Stand Charger for All Phones and Cases
This wireless stand charger is ideal if you have a larger phone case, as it has a case capability of up to 5 mm - that's the thickest availability for standing chargers on our list. It also has an anti-slip surface and an internal cooling fan to prevent over-heating.
The PowerWave is a simple, no-frills charger and is one of the more budget-friendly standing chargers on our list. If you're looking to find a decent wireless charger without breaking the bank, this is our suggestion.
3-in-1 Wireless Charging for All Your Apple Devices
Another wireless charger that is optimised for Apple, except this one can charge all your different devices. This 3 in 1 dock features a stand for your iPhone, a magnetic charging module for your Apple Watch and finally a spot for your Airpods.
Whether you're charging overnight while you're sleeping or during the day while you're working, this dock is optimised for Apple devices at an output of 7.5 Watts. This means it'll charge your devices up to 25% faster than other non-optimised wireless chargers.
Fast-Charging Wireless Battery Pack That’ll Fit In Your Pocket or Bag
For a fast-charging portable charger, no matter what device you have, you might want to consider the Samsung Wireless Battery pack. In a lightweight, slim and ergonomically-friendly design, you will never be left without a way to charge your phone.
Not only can you charge a device wirelessly, but you can also charge another device via a cable, which means you are free to give your friend a helping hand too. The ultimate wireless portable charger option on our list!
Logitech Charging Stand Optimised for iPhones
This Logitech charger is Qi-certified and is optimised by delivering an output of the maximum 7.5 W for iPhones, although it also supports other Qi-enabled phones at 5 W. With a sleek and stylish design, this charger is a great addition to your home.
A Dual Fast Wireless Charger With Universal Compatibility
This flat-style wireless charging pad incorporates five coils to create a larger charging area, which improves charging efficiency. On the surface, a you can rest assure your device will be safe on its non-slip material.
Dual charging and universal compatibility means you will be able to charge two devices at a time, whether that's you and your partner's phone, or even your wireless earbuds as they're compatible with AirPods and Galaxy Buds too.
An Affordable Wireless Charger for iPhone and Samsung
If you're looking for an affordable wireless charger within a budget, this Juice Wireless Charger Puck comes in at just under £10. Compatible with iPhones and Samsungs, it also comes in 4 stylish colours: black, white, aqua and hot pink.
In an effort to limit the number of accessories and reduce waste, Juice only supplies a small micro USB cable, but no plug or mains charger with the body. This may be a downside if you have to buy an additional cable or plug!
Portable Wireless Charger That Can Charge Up to 4 Devices on the Go
For an affordable, portable wireless charger, the Trswyop is a pretty great option. This charger can charge up to 4 devices at a time - 1 wirelessly and 3 via the wires attached to the charger.
This portable battery pack allows multiple devices to be fully charged whilst on the go. However, weighing in at 348 grams, some reviews commented that it can be a bit bulky which could impact your decision to buy this.
Turn Your Google Pixel Into a Hands-Free Assistant While Charging
If you have a Google Pixel 3 or 4, this sleek wireless charger is perfectly optimised for you. Coming in a minimalist white colour, this charger will turn your Pixel phone into a hands-free assistant. You can use Google Assistant to do things like checking the weather and your travel information and display your favourite photos like a digital picture frame.
Even if you don't have a Google Pixel, this charger works on all Qi-enabled devices so you can share with the whole household. But it is a very high price point if you have other types of devices you'd like to charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wireless Chargers Better Than Wired?
Yes and no - it all depends on how you look at this. If you want to charge your phone as quickly as possible, then charging your phone via regular USB or Lightning cable is still your best option. This is simply because wireless chargers sold today cannot transfer electricity as fast as a standard cable.
Are Wireless Chargers Safe for Battery?
Yes, they are. All modern smartphones that support wireless charging are smart enough to communicate with wireless chargers and tell them how much power they need and when to stop. So as long as your phone supports wireless charging, you can safely use it with the most common wireless charging devices out there.
Top 5 Wireless Chargers
No. 1: MEISO｜Wireless Charging Phone Stand
No. 2: Moshi｜Otto Q Wireless Charger
No. 3: Anker｜PowerWave Wireless Charger
No. 4: Belkin｜3-in-1 Wireless Dock Charger
No. 5: Samsung｜Wireless Battery Pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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