If you spend hours working on your laptop or desktop computer every day, a wireless charging stand is a helpful accessory to have on your desk. You can place your phone in the charging stand without having to fiddle with cords or hunting for wall outlets, freeing up floor space and making it less likely that you will trip over loose cords.
What to Know Before Buying Wireless Charging Stands for Office Desks
Wireless charging stands are typically designed to charge smartphones using an electromagnetic field and an induction charger. They can also double as phone holders or mounts that allow you to FaceTime or participate in video meetings. Here are a few things to consider before buying a wireless charging stand.
- Wireless charging stands feature a flat surface that allows you to prop up your smartphone while it charges. Some offer a holder that holds your phone in place during charging.
- Wireless charging stands for phones can also charge Apple Watches, fitness trackers, headphones - and other compatible devices.
- Wireless charging stands are rated according to the amount of wattage they deliver to connected devices. Higher-wattage stands deliver quicker charging.
Which Devices Can You Charge With a Wireless Charging Stand?
Wireless charging devices are generally used to charge batteries in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and electric toothbrushes via magnetic induction and can deliver up to 5W of power. However, newer standards can deliver higher wattages. These battery-operated devices must be compatible with the wireless charger in order to transfer energy. This usually requires a transceiver in the device and an induction charger that delivers energy wirelessly through radio frequency (RF) signals.
The latest standard developed by the AirFuel Alliance is called Resonant Wireless Charging and can charge several devices at the same time from a distance of up to a couple of meters. This technology can already be found in charging pads that can charge several smartphones placed randomly on the surface at the same time. The technology is also being implemented in the automotive sector and is expected to allow electric cars and other EVs to be charged wirelessly. In the future - the same technology could be used to charge drones.
Stand vs. Pad: Which Wireless Charger Should You Choose?
If you want to charge your smartphone on a wireless charger, you have two main types of chargers to choose from: a stand or a pad. Although both charge your phone using the same wireless technology, the main difference between the two is that a stand props up your smartphone at an angle so that you can see the screen. This allows you to use your phone while it's charging. It can also be used to prop up your phone for video calls, watching videos, or viewing maps while driving.
A charging pad - however, lays flat, so your phone remains horizontal. Pads tend to be cheaper than stands, but unless you enjoy looking at your phone upside down, they're mostly limited to charging your phone when you're not using it.
Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Wireless Charging Stands
Wireless charging standards: Wireless chargers should comply with at least one industry standard - such as the Wireless Power Consortium's Qi standard or the AirFuel standard. Make sure that the standard the charger uses is compatible with the device you want to charge. Note that not all devices support the latest versions of the standards. Check your device's compatibility before purchasing a wireless charging stand.
Charging speed and wattage: Check how much power the wireless charging stand can deliver. Newer standards and chargers with higher wattage allow for faster charging speeds.
Magnetic alignment: Some wireless charging stands use magnets to keep your phone in place on the charger. This includes all MagSafe chargers from Apple. Although not all wireless chargers use magnetism to improve alignment, ones that do tend to work better.
Higher-end models often have improved features, such as faster charging, better build quality, or design - though you can find capable models at any price point.
Are There Potential Health Risks Associated With Wireless Chargers?
The FCC sets limits for public exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), which includes Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits. However, these limits only apply to wireless chargers operating above 100 kHz and 300 kHz, respectively.
