Inductive charging station test 2023

Modern Smartphones and Tablets can now work almost wirelessly: They connect to the Internet via WLAN, send music via Bluetooth to a connected loudspeaker box or connect to the television via screen mirroring. However, there is still one cable that seems unavoidable for many mobile phone owners: the charging cable. In the meantime, however, as the owner of a modern mobile device, you can also discover a suitable alternative on the market: Both in electronics stores and in online shops you can find a wide variety of inductive charging stations that allow wireless charging of Smartphone and Tablet make possible. But how does such a charger actually work and can you really charge any cell phone with it? In our large shopping guide, we answer all the important questions about purchasing an inductive QI charging station.

The best wireless chargers at a glance

Inductive charging station: How does it actually work?

An inductive charging station is a wireless alternative to the classic charging cable, which connects the cell phone or tablet to the socket and thus provides the power supply. The Inductive charging station, on the other hand, is a kind of base that is often circular, but sometimes also in the form of a cuboid. The respective mobile device only has to be placed on this surface to automatically supply it with fresh energy. Such a charging station, which is sold commercially under the name QI charging station, conceals modern technology in the form of electromagnetic induction, which is similarly familiar from an inductive hob.

A special coil is installed in the charging station through which the alternating current required for charging flows. This contributes to the fact that a kind of magnetic field is built up around the charging pad, which forwards the current to the mobile end device (in our example we are concentrating on a smartphone). There is also such a coil in the smartphone itself. If this now comes close to the magnetic field built up in the charging station, the current is transferred from the charging station to the coil of the smartphone, which in turn forwards it to the built-in battery. So that the charging station does not have to maintain the magnetic field permanently, most devices are equipped with a special detection system. This detects whether a smartphone is currently nearby and whether it needs power at all.

How is the charging station itself powered?

So one Inductive charging station can set up its circuit, of course, it must also be operated with electricity itself. This is usually done with a simple mains plug that is connected to a standard socket, but many devices also have an alternative USB cable. The latter can be easily plugged into a free USB port, which is available on a PC or laptop, for example. That's how you can own yours Use the inductive charging station conveniently at work and place the smartphone on the designated surface when the battery level is low. This eliminates the need to search for a connection cable, which is always in a different place than expected anyway. If the charging station is also permanently connected to the PC or laptop, there is no need to constantly plug and unplug a USB charging cable, which can lead to wear and tear on the sensitive plug-in components over time.

What are the advantages of an inductive charging station?

We have already briefly mentioned an important advantage of an inductive charging station: you can charge your mobile device with new energy in no time without having to search for the required connection cable first - which, conversely, also prevents annoying cable clutter. Another important advantage lies in the fact that you can charge any compatible mobile device with a QI charger. So from now on you no longer need a suitable cable for your smartphone and another cable for a tablet or a fitness bracelet that may be available - which creates a Inductive charging station proves to be an excellent all-in-one solution.

Of course, the visual aspect also plays a major role with an inductive charging station, because it just looks cool when you can put your smartphone on it and don't have to plug it into the socket with an ugly cable first. The vast majority of QI chargers also emit a colorful LED light when charging, which is also nice to look at. However, inductive charging stations are also interesting for operators of restaurants, bars, hotels, fitness studios, airports or similar public facilities: If these are made available in large quantities in the respective home, customers can easily supply their mobile devices with new energy here - completely without a charging cable and without any stress. An empty battery on the go could be a thing of the past from now on if more locations rely on wireless charging in the future.

Do inductive charging stations also have disadvantages?

Of course, like all modern inventions, inductive charging stations also have their disadvantages. First and foremost is the fact that the mobile end device cannot be used while it is being charged because it has to be placed permanently on the charging pad. On the other hand, if you charge a smartphone using a classic charging cable, you can continue to use it comfortably while charging, provided the connection cable is long enough.

In most cases, inductive charging is also significantly slower than the classic variant. In the meantime, retailers are offering inductive charging stations with so-called fast charging technology, but these are still quite expensive to buy compared to the simple models - which means that they are not profitable for all smartphone owners. Of course, it's also annoying that you can't charge every smartphone with a modern QI charger. So you need a special mobile device that is QI compatible - which is the case with more and more models.

The advantages and disadvantages of an inductive charging station at a glance:

Recognize QI-compatible end devices

Even if you might think that inductive charging of mobile devices is still in its infancy, the opposite is actually the case: more and more well-known manufacturers of smartphones and tablets have discovered the convenient possibility of power supply for themselves and are also integrating it into their in-house devices: For example, market leader Samsung has been using inductive charging since the Samsung Galaxy S6, and Apple has been on board since the iPhone 8. Before you buy a new smartphone or tablet, you should still check whether it is a QI-enabled device. You can recognize this relatively easily from a certified QI logo, which is located on the packaging. If you are not sure whether your existing device supports QI, you can easily find out by going to the homepage https://qi-wireless-charging.net/check/ with your device, where you will immediately find a corresponding answer to your question is provided.

Also important to know:

Many manufacturers of modern smartphones still rely on elegant aluminum backs. Although these look very nice, they are not necessarily suitable for inductive charging, since the electromagnetic oscillations are shielded too much by the material. In order for the inductive charging of the device to work smoothly, it should be equipped with a back made of plastic or glass.

You should consider these criteria when buying an inductive charging station

If you are looking for an inductive charging station, you should definitely consider a few important criteria so that you can enjoy your new charging station as much as possible in the near future. We have summarized here for you exactly what these are.

1. The charging power of the charging station

Even if you might think that all inductive charging stations have roughly the same charging speed, the exact opposite is the case: there can be massive differences from device to device, so you should deal with them before making a final purchase. Ideally, you should opt for a device that is equipped with fast charging, i.e. so-called fast charging. With such an option, manufacturers advertise devices that come with a power of between 10 and 20 watts - while classic versions usually have a value of 5 watts. However, it is important that the existing smartphone is also equipped with fast charging technology - and the USB port to which the charger is connected should also be able to handle such speeds so that fast charging is possible.

Unfortunately, however, manufacturers of inductive charging stations often promise values ​​that cannot be achieved in practice. This is almost common practice with technical devices, which is why it is best to take a quick look at some product reviews on the Internet before making a purchase in order to avoid nasty surprises.

2. The design of the charging station

Before you go for the first one When deciding on an inductive charging station, you should take a look at the design of the respective model. The charging station should have a sufficiently large storage area, especially for larger smartphones or tablets, on which the device can be positioned without the risk of accidentally falling. As a rule, such devices are delivered with a rubberized surface, which practically has optimal slip resistance for the device placed on it - on the other hand, it is better to refrain from smooth surfaces. The number of coils installed and their distribution below the charging surface is also important for the design of the charging station: the lower the central alignment, the lower the charging speed. Ideally, you should therefore opt for a device in which the entire storage area is evenly equipped with coils.

3. Auto power off

Not all inductive charging stations are equipped with an intelligent automatic switch-off. However, this is highly recommended, as the loading process is automatically terminated when 100% is reached. Without an automatic switch-off, the charging station would continue to supply the mobile phone with electricity, which of course also increases energy consumption.

4. Additional USB port

Actually one should Inductive charging stations are used to charge your mobile device without a cable. However, it can prove to be an advantage if it is nevertheless equipped with a built-in USB port: Since the charging station usually only offers space for storing one device, the port can be used to charge another device at the same time. For example, a friend can easily charge their cell phone with fresh energy.

5. Loudness and optics

Unfortunately, while some inductive charging stations do their job as quietly as a whisper, some models are not. Working noises such as buzzing, humming or whistling are usually particularly noticeable on quiet nights, so you should definitely find out about the noise level of the charging station before you buy it - especially if it is not only supposed to work during the day. At the same time, pay attention to the look of the charging station: Many devices are equipped with integrated LED lighting, which some manufacturers do not come across as particularly discreet. In a darkened room, a brightly lit charging station can deprive some buyers of their well-deserved sleep, and the LED lighting can also distract from work in the early evening hours Desk turn. Of course, you don't have to do without cool LED lighting entirely - it just shouldn't be too bright.

6. Heat development

The heat development also plays a part Inductive charging station plays an important role. The vast majority of devices from well-known manufacturers do not even begin to get warm, but particularly inexpensive devices do. Some of these "cheap devices", which usually come from the Far East, even tend to overheat, which can be very dangerous if used unattended. Despite the lower price, you should stay away from such devices.

What is the best way to clean an inductive charging station?

Also one Inductive charging stations should of course be cleaned from time to time, as dirt and dust settle on them. It is best to use a simple duster for this task to remove dust deposits. If the dirt is coarser, we recommend a soft cloth that can be slightly moistened – but should never be completely wet. However, you should refrain from using aggressive cleaning agents, as these can permanently damage the sensitive surface of the charging station.

Conclusion

Inductive charging stations are a clever invention for supplying your own smartphone, tablet or other compatible end device with new energy completely wirelessly. Inexpensive models are available from around 20 euros, only no-name products from the Far East are even cheaper. However, you should stay away from the latter, as they tend to generate a lot of heat and are not equipped with certified safety standards. We therefore recommend that you take a look at high-quality charging stations from well-known manufacturers such as Samsung, Logitech, Anker or Huawei, which you will enjoy for a long time thanks to their excellent workmanship.