Best wireless chargers 2020: stay juiced up for longer

This wireless charger is one of the priciest on this list but it offers more than just topping up your phone. The big selling point of this SanDisk iXpand pad is that it is not just a charger, but can also back up your photos, videos and contacts at the same time.

The files are automatically backed up to its app, and although the wireless charger can be used by multiple people, each person will get a separate profile to avoid your photos getting jumbled up. Plus, with a charging power of 10W, it’s on the faster end of the scale. There are two sizes available - 128GB and 256GB - so plenty of room for all your photos.

A couple of things to be aware of with this one. Firstly, it isn't the smallest base - it's actually bigger than most smartphones so that's worth bearing in mind if you don't have much room on your bedside table. And secondly, the purple light (that indicates it is charging) flashes to indicate that your phone is fully charged. While that in itself is helpful, the light can be a little annoying when you're trying to sleep.

If you use a Google Pixel device, your optimised wireless charging options are fairly limited, but Google’s own model will do the trick for you. Like other top-of-the-range stands, it supports portrait and landscape charging, saving you a few headaches if you’re the kind of person who still needs to use your phone while it’s charging. It supports non-Google phones, too, if an iPhone or Samsung-using friend is round your place and needs some emergency juice.

The Belkin Boost Up promises to deliver the fastest charging speed of any accessory of its kind, making it invaluable if you only have a little while to let your phone get back towards 100%. It is a bit heftier as a consequence. Leave your phone charging while you take a shower and it will be much healthier when you get out. Additionally, it will work without you needing to remove any lightweight phone cases.

You can get your hands on the Mophie Wireless Charging Base directly through the Apple site, and it is considered to be among the best options for users of the newer iPhone devices. It charges on contact, i.e. it gets going as soon as you place your device on top, while the LED display lets you know when it’s working, and will switch off as soon as you hit 100% so there’s no risk of over-charging.

If you're on a tight budget, or you're not sure that wireless charging is for you, then start with this simple and super cheap pad from RAVPower. It has special grooves on the underside to keep it stable on most surfaces, as well as overcharge, overcurrent, over voltage, and overheat safeguards. It's compatible with most Qi-enabled or Qi receiver-equipped devices, but check the specs before you buy.

At less than £20, the Anker wireles pad is significantly cheaper than a lot of the other options on the market, and could well be a preferable option for those of you on a budget. Why is it cheaper? Well, you need to pay extra if you want a wall-plug, but the microUSB socket allows you to use any old phone charger your have lying around. It’ll charge through your case, too, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list, but look! It’s a table! That charges your phone wirelessly! The FurniQi may not be your first choice if you’re on a budget, but if you need a new bedside table anyway then this is a neat way to double up. Also, it’s big enough that you can leave your book and glasses next to your phone when you’re ready for bed, without disturbing the charge.

If you want to actually use your phone while it charges, those pads requiring you to lay it flat might not be what you need. The Logitech stand, in contrast, ensures your device remains in a position that allows you to watch videos, check texts or even scroll Twitter while charging, with a position that’s more ‘reclining on an armchair’ than ‘flat on your back on a sun-lounger’. It’s tailored specifically to newer iPhone models, though – sorry, Android users.

While this is made by Samsung, it’s compatible with any Qi-enabled device, which is good news. The stand works with your phone in portrait or landscape mode, making is easy for you to watch Netflix shows while leaving your device on charge. Suddenly the whole process is less like waiting for a kettle to boil. It gives you up to 9W of charging power – most of the devices on this list are somewhere in the 7.5-10W range.

Hard Cider Labs has attracted masses of crowdfunding interest with its SliceCharge devices, and it’s easy to see why there has been demand. The SliceCharge 2 allows you to charge two phones simultaneously by placing them pretty much anywhere on the mat. You can also charge your phone(s) and Apple Watch at the same time if you’re running out of charge on the go. Their SliceCharge Pro is on the way, too.

A good budget option, the lightweight Luxsure Fast Wireless Charger works with all Qi-enabled phones, though it doesn’t have the luxury of working with multiple positions. If you just need your phone to charge quickly while at your desk, without worrying about using it at the same time, this will do the trick. It’s gold, too, so it’s easier to spot if you end up misplacing it.

The ESR charger is a solid option for those looking for a charging pad to use on the go, due to its slim and lightweight design, while the LED indicator – on while your phone charges – will switch off after a minute of inactivity, meaning you don’t have to worry about it disturbing your sleep. It offers 10W charging for a variety of Apple and Android devices, which is towards the upper end of the scale.