Malcolm Owen
One of the main features of the iPhone X is the ability to wirelessly charge the battery, but some of the options on the market are fairly expensive. AppleInsider rounds up some of the better value options on the market that you can buy right now.
If you are one of the lucky people to get an iPhone X just after launch, or if you've already acquired yourself an iPhone 8, it is likely you have considered taking advantage of their wireless charging capabilities. AppleInsider has compiled a list of low-cost wireless charging bases, which can be used to cheaply trial the technology, or can allow you to buy multiple chargers to place around your home and office.
It is worth remembering that wireless charging is not the most optimal way of providing power to the iPhone X, as it currently maxes out at 5W, though a future software update will bring it up to 7.5W. By comparison, charging via a wired connection is much faster than wireless, and in the right circumstances can take half the time to complete.
While the charging isn't quite as fast as a cabled connection, wireless charging is still an attractive option due to not needing to actually plug a cable in, as simply placing the iPhone X on the pad will commence the charging process. Also, the length of time it takes to charge doesn't really matter too much in some situations, such as on a bedside table overnight, making the quickness and ease of use more attractive than conventional charging.
An alternative to buying one of the following wireless chargers, Apple will also be releasing its own AirPower charging plate in the future, which will be capable of charging an Apple Watch, AirPods Wireless Charging Case, and a compatible iPhone at the same time. As the AirPower charging mat won't be arriving until 2018, it is probably worth acquiring one of these other cheap wireless chargers now instead of waiting for Apple's own offering to ship.
The Wofalodata Fast Wireless Charger is a solid Qi-compatible panel measuring 2.28 inches square, which offers both 5W standard charging and up to 10W fast charging. This charger also doubles as a stand, with an additional plastic shelf that keeps the iPhone propped up on the plate when it is upright, though it will apparently only charge smartphones like the iPhone X in a horizontal orientation when used in this configuration.
Supplied with a 2-foot microUSB cable for power, Amazon is selling this charger for $15.99.
If you want something that doesn't immediately stand out as a wireless charging station, consider the YUMUM Wood Wireless Charger. This classy Qi charger is encased in wood, with the only clues to its true nature being the engraved wireless charging symbol on the top and the microUSB connection on the side for power, with it also including fast charging and built-in protection mechanisms to avoid over- and under-voltage issues, overheating, and surges.
Supplied with a microUSB cable and advised to be used with a 2A adapter, the Yumun Wood Wireless Charger costs $13.79 on Amazon.
Want a cheap and simple charger? Monoprice's Wireless Charger is Qi compliant and has a clean appearance, resembling a thin white puck measuring 3.3 inches in diameter, 0.4 inches thick, and weighing in at 1.8 ounces. It only outputs power at 5V DC 1A, meaning it won't offer any fast charging capabilities, but it does include a blue "breathing" indicator light when it is charging a device, switching to a solid red when fully charged.
While it can't fast charge, it is still an attractive option at $9.99 with volume pricing lowering down to $9.74 each for more than two, making it a good candidate for those wanting to buy multiple wireless chargers.
An option for those on the move, the MobilePal Next-Generation Wireless Charging Power Bank combines together a wireless charging base with a portable battery. As a power bank, it includes a 10,000mAh battery which can be used to provide power at up to 2.1A via a cable attached to its USB port.
The built-in Qi charging pad offers wireless charging at up to 1A 5W, so it will not provide fast charging wirelessly. Notably, the same wireless charging coil can also be used to provide power to the battery pack, by placing it on another wireless charger connected to the mains, though it can also be charged by a cable.
Amazon is currently stocking the MobilePal Wireless Charging Power Bank, priced at $39.99.
The Choetech T511 Wireless Charger Pad is a 3.6-inch square and 0.3-inch thick Qi-compatible charger with a single LED indicator on the front. While it does not support fast charging, with it capable of supplying 1A 5W to a mobile device, the unit does benefit from having an anti-slip surface on the top, reducing the chance of the iPhone falling off the side once it's been place above the charging coil.
Available in black and blue options, the Choetech T511 Qi Wireless Charger Pad can be bought for $14.99 from Amazon.
Another option from Choetech is the Wireless Charger with Smart Lighting Sensor, which is a round 3.3-inch diameter coaster-style charger. Again, there is no fast charging support, but the unit does have a ring of indicator lights around the outside decorating the charger, with the lights automatically dimming to match the ambient light of the room it's placed inside, and a rubber grip on the top and bottom to hold the iPhone in place.
Amazon is selling the Choetech Wireless Charger with Smart Lighting Sensor for $14.99, in a choice of black and white casings.
Prolific accessories producer Anker's Wireless Charging Pad is a minimalist 2.6-inch diameter coaster that has an anti-slip rubber ring to keep the iPhone in place. Outputting 5V 1A to the device, it uses two indicator lights to show its charging status, including if the smartphone placed on top isn't supported, with it also including a power-efficient idle mode to prevent battery overcharging and energy wastage, as well as a temperature control that activates at 107 degrees fahrenheit.
Supplied with a 3-foot microUSB cable for charging, the Anker Wireless Charging Pad is priced at $18.99 on Amazon.
The RAVPower Qi Wireless Charging Pad stands the iPhone X upright on a non-slip rubberized base, with a single discrete LED informing users of the charging status. This unit uses two wireless charging coils, which allows for the iPhone to be oriented vertically or horizontally, allowing users to position it in relation to the apps they are using, while still charging the battery.
Offering a maximum output of 10W for compatible Qi devices, the RAVPower Qi Wireless Charging Pad is $19.99 on Amazon.
For those wanting a stand-style charger but without the plastic or silicone, the Yolike Fast Wireless Charing Stand is a good bet. This minimalist wood grain-decorated stand features two coils for both horizontal and vertical iPhone placement, and outputs at up to 10W, so it will support the incoming 7.5W software update for the iPhone X and iPhone 8.
Compatible with any Qi-enabled devices as well as the newest iPhones, the Yolike Fast Wireless Charging Stand is on Amazon priced at $17.99.
Andrew Orr
Christine McKee
Sponsored Content
Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Amber Neely
26 Comments
What explains these fairly remarkable price differenceswith the stuff that Apple sells in its store? Surely, just branding can't explain it? In fact most of these are cheaper than the standard Apple iOS device charging bricks. What's the catch?
Some of the ones above look wonderful, especially for the price. If it's really as good as the more expensive ones, I can see myself getting one each for the office, the study, the den, the bedroom...
Odd not to mention Ikea.
Not just stand alone Qi chargers ( including triple versions) but tables, lamps with them built in - think there's one kit so you can drill a hole in your table and fit one also.
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/wireless-charging/
I'm sticking with Mophie's version.