We live in a connected world. In particular, the impact of the coronavirus on all facets of life shows how much we rely on connectivity. From telecommuting and work from home solutions to simply relying on video chats to remain connected to family and friends, we need our devices. As a result of this constant drain, batteries start to wear down, so how do we remain in touch? Wireless chargers and USB charging docks fit seamlessly into your home office and keep your devices charged while you worry about your work/life balance.
Best Wireless Chargers
As the movement to work from home continues, we rely on our cell phones for communicating with colleagues, customers and vendors. So, we need to keep our mobile devices charged in order to make it through the day. To help, here are some of the best wireless chargers on the market.
Why wireless chargers?
Simple, the best wireless chargers work with multiple devices and no cords! For example, you can use the charging stand to stay informed of notifications. Conversely, busy work and personal lives mean you don’t always have time to plug in your charger, so these wireless charges help navigate these interruptions. Finally, keep in mind that the best wireless charges are Qi chargers, which are the industry standard and work with all major smartphone providers.
Below are Digital Examiner’s list of the best wireless charging stands and USB charging docks.
Belkin BoostUp Wireless Charging Stand
The Belkin BoostUp Wireless Charging Stand routinely rates as the best overall wireless charger on the market. Why? This wireless charger provides more power and less hassle. For example, the charger features 10W of power (vs the standard 5W) and remains compatible for phones with cases up to 3mm thick. Plus, the stand allows you to charge your devices in landscape or mobile! Additionally, at less than 4 ounces, this wireless charger is great for travel or moving around the house. Of course, the Belkin BoostUp does cost more than the average wireless charging stand.
Basic Info
- Power: 10W
- Size: 4.3 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
- Weight: 3.88 ounces
Top Wireless Charging Stand
Anker PowerWave 15
The Anker PowerWave 15 charger provides a high level of power, but comes with a little bulky and heavy design (compared to other leading wireless chargers). However, the Anker PowerWave includes an 18-month warranty, along with an internal cool fan that prevents devices from overheating and an anti-slip surface that protects your devices. As a result, this wireless charger provides ample power and safety features, but lacks a smooth design. For consumers looking for performance that don’t care about aesthetics, then this might be the charger for you!
Basic Info
- Power: 10W
- Size: 4.3 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
Powerful Charger with Great Warranty
Mophie Powerstation Hub
The Mophie Powerstation Hub differentiates itself in the wireless charger market because it offers a battery pack vs specific device charger. There are some trade-offs with a large batter. For example, the hub powers up to 4 devices simultaneously (and includes multiple USB ports), which is the main benefit. Conversely, the charger only leverages 5W of power and is fairly expensive. As a result, the Mophie Powerstation Hub offers the best use case for families or work trips that require multiple people needing a wireless charger at the same time.
Basic Info
- Power: 5W
- Size: 33 x 11.8 x 33 inches
- Weight: 17 ounces
Best Battery Pack Powered Charger
Nanami Fast Wireless Charger
For a no thrills, yet powerful wireless charger, the Nanami Fast Wireless Charger provides quick (and fast charging). Although, for the fastest charging speeds, you need an additional adapter. However, the Nanami charger works with the leading smartphone manufacturers (Apple and Samsung), works in landscape or portrait and features a LED shut off that doesn’t disrupt your sleep. Finally, this charger is low cost, which means it might provide the most bang for your buck of all the best wireless chargers on the market.
Basic Info
- Power: 10W
- Size: 5.3 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
Fastest Wireless Charger
Choetech Dual Wireless Charger
For a more universal charging device, the Choetech Dual Wireless Charger utilizes a large pad, which powers multiple phones and other devices at the same time. For example, the Choetech charger powers two phones at the same time and AirPods. However, the larger pad makes moving the charging pad around a bit more difficult, which may or may not offset the ability to charge two devices at once. Additionally, the charger is a pad, which means no stand or the ability to charge a phone in landscape or portrait mode. Finally, the Choetech charger includes an 18-month warranty, so consumers can rest assured that the company stands by this product.
Basic Info
- Power: 10W
- Size: 4.8 x 3.9 x 3.6 inches
- Weight: 6.6 ounces
Best Multi-Device Wireless Charger
Best USB Charging Docks
Similar to wireless charges, USB charging docks help reduce the clutter in your home or office. The best USB charging docks include multiple ports capable of charging various devices. From phones and smartwatches to tablets and laptops, you need a reliable power station that keeps your devices charged and ready to go!
Amazon Basics 10 Port USB Wall Charger
For most of us, we simply want a highly functioning USB charger that powers lots of devices and ideally doesn’t cost much. So, the Amazon Basics USB Wall Charger fits the bill and remains one of the best USB charging docks on the market. The no frills device includes 10 USB-A ports that provides up to 60W of power. Plus, the charging dock includes a relatively long 5 foot cord, which helps find a decent location to provide a charging hub at home or in the office.
Basic Info
- Power: 60W
- Ports: 10
- Cord: 5 Feet
Best Value USB Dock
Vogek 6-Port USB Charger
The Vogek 6-Port charger offers a nice utilitarian hub that provides a decent aesthetic, while yielding full speed charging. Plus, the Vogek charger remains fairly sleek and small, which makes it easy to carry and ensure all of your devices are charged throughout the day. However, the standout feature of the Vogek USB dock remains the smart charging technology that identifies each device and provides the right power for that specific device.
Basic Info
- Power: 60W
- Ports: 6
- Cord: 4.6 Feet
Beautiful USB Charging Dock
Wyness 6-Port Desktop Charging Station
The Wyness charging hub features a sleek cylindrical design that packs some power via its VoltageBoost smart technology. As a result, the USB charging dock yields some fast charging performance thru their proprietary charging technology. For example, the charging dock claims to power up to 6 devices up to 80% in 30 minutes. Plus, the charging station remains compatible with most major devices and a variety of safety features.
Basic Info
- Power: 30W
- Ports: 6
- Cord: 5 Feet
Powerful USB Dock
Xcentz USB Charging Station
The Xcentz USB charging station supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which makes it stand out from other docks. Additionally, the charging station supports USB-A and USB-C devices, along with a rubber base that prevents the station from moving while plugging and unplugging your devices.
Basic Info
- Power: 48W
- Ports: 5
- Cord: 4 Feet
Best USB Charging Station Supporting Quick Charge 3.0
Nomad USB Charging Hub
For an aesthetically pleasing USB charging dock, many feel the Nomad USB Charging Hub leads the market. Plus, the charging dock includes 5 ports split between 2.4A ports and the standard 1A port. Additionally, the Nomad remains compatible with Apple and Android devices, but lacks rapid charging. However, the Nomad includes the necessities and above average look (but at a higher price point), which makes this charging hub right for those that take pride using beautiful products.
Basic Info
- Power: 27W
- Ports: 5
- Cord: 3.9 Feet