If you’re filled with horror at the mere idea of your phone running low on battery, then it’s crucial that you’ve got a phone charger ready to get, wherever you may be. When you’re in a car, the best way to keep your smartphone topped up is with a dedicated car-based charger - that way, you are legally allowed to use its voice functions and sat-nav while you drive.
To keep things neat and tidy in your car, we’d recommend a wireless charger. Superior to standard wired chargers, these make charging your phone super easy - all you need to do is make sure your phone is touching the contact patch (oh, and that the phone supports wireless charging). If this sounds like something you need, read on to see our picks for the best wireless car chargers.
Why use a wireless car charger?
Holding a mobile phone while driving is illegal, and results in an automatic fine of £200 and six penalty points. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty can be increased to a maximum fine of £1,000 and a driving ban.
Now, place that mobile phone into a phone holder, and you’re able to use voice control assistance, like Siri, Google Assistant and Bixby, and operate a phone’s sat-nav application.
So, we use a wireless phone charger and not just a phone holder? Well, you can if you want. However, awireless charger will give you the chance to keep the phone juiced up without needing cables trailing across your dashboard and air-conditioning controls. You can just get in your car, place it in the clamp and away you go.
The best wireless phone chargers for cars:
The Xiaomi Mi 20w charger offers twice the power of most of its competition and sits comfortably as our top recommendation. Along with a sleek design, the Mi carries the following: clamps that automatically grip the phone; efficient cooling (that actually works); wireless charging works at a distance of 4mm, so it will work through phone cases; and the clamps open to a maximum width of 81.5mm, which is wide enough for most smartphones. The only negative here is that it doesnu2019t rotate - youu2019ll need to remount the charger to turn the phone 90-degrees. Pros: Excellent power and secure phone grip Cons: Canu2019t be rotated
While it isnu2019t as fast or high-tech as the Xiaomi model, the Belkin Boost Charge is solid and reliable. There are very few parts to go wrong, it delivers 10w of charge and can be rotated to landscape with ease. It has a charging distance of 3mm, which is good for slimmer cases and provides an additional USB port with its 12V plug. Pros: Well made and easy to rotate Cons: Not as powerful as the Xiaomi
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The form of the Scosche Wireless Car Charger is very well thought out. It uses a powerful magnet to hold your phone in place, which results in a more stable mount. The charger mounts to your caru2019s interior via a suction cup, which is great for versatility. It delivers 10w of power, which considering the price isnu2019t the best. However, itu2019s well-built and robust, and the versatility of mounting will appeal to those who like their device on the windscreen. Pros: Robust and well designed Cons: Expensive
If you are looking for your charger to u201cbe-easyu201d, then this wireless option has you covered. The Beeasy Wireless Car Charger sits on the dashboard and holds a smartphone in landscape orientation, proving 7.5W of electricity to your device. So long as your phone fits, thereu2019s little to go wrong here - though, in time, the adhesive may loosen. Also, thicker cases may need to be removed. Pros: Easy to use Cons: Low wattage
If you'd rather your phone be out of sight while driving, consider this. This pad will make sure your phone stays put when charging (with up to 10w of power) thanks to the anti-slip mat and borders that stop your phone from sliding away under the seat. Just make sure you have a sufficiently flat surface to place it, or it won't be as effective. Pros: Keeps phone safe, charged and out of the way Cons: Limited phone compatibility due to fixed size
Another simple charging pad for wirelessly charging your phone, we like how the rubber base (which prevents any slipping), the simple design and the fact it features a clever foreign object detector that will identify non-phone metal touching it. It offers up to 10w fast charging. It also features an automatic cut off when it gets too hot, which is a great feature. Pros: Small and effective Cons: Not good for rough roads
How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging?
If your phone is from 2019 onwards, it should be equipped with Qi wireless charging. For example, anyone with a Samsung Galaxy S6 or newer, or Apple iPhone 8 or newer, should be fine. Some older smartphones can be made compatible with a Qi-enabled phone case. If in doubt, it's a safe bet to check with your phone's manufacturer before committing.
If you're still running your old Nokia 3320 then I doubt it'll support wireless charging (but the batteries in those things last forever anyhow).