All sorts of products are headed toward being wireless. And, luckily, that is the case with car phone chargers too! Especially when you’re driving, user-friendly, hands-free devices are the way to go, which is why we’ve rounded up the 10 best wireless car chargers. Plus, with a wireless car charger, you don’t need to worry about having to untangle and store annoying cords and charging cables.
Why Should I Get One Of The Best Wireless Car Chargers?
Most wireless car chargers plug into either the 12v cigarette lighter or USB port in your vehicle. So with a single plug-in, you’re able to charge all kinds of wireless charging enabled phones. Whether you’re a rideshare driver trying to accommodate your guests or just someone who likes an easy way to charge a variety of family or friends’ phones, a wireless car charger is a wonderful addition to your vehicle.
Wireless car chargers are capable of charging many newer smartphones, even when they are in most cases. With a wireless charger, you won’t need to fiddle around with unplugging and replugging your phone, which should also reduce distracted driving. Along with that, wireless car chargers double as cellphone holders, allowing you to easily use your phone as a GPS without taking your eyes off the road.
Types Of Wireless Car Chargers
When deciding which one of the best wireless car chargers to purchase, it’s important to know about a few features. First, wireless car chargers are typically made to be mounted on the dashboard/windshield, the car vent, or the cupholder.
With a dashboard/windshield mount, you’ll be able to attach the charger using suction cups to either the windshield or the top of the dashboard. This placement puts the phone in your direct line of sight without obstructing your view. If you are using your phone as GPS, a lot of dash/windshield mounts work so that you can orient the screen either horizontally or vertically. Just like radar detectors, there are laws in certain states regarding whether or not you can mount items on your windshield so be sure to check your local regulations before purchasing a windshield mount.
A car vent mount is, you guessed it, installed on your car’s air vent. One thing to consider is this placement will block some airflow in your car. On an especially cold or hot day, you’ll likely want all the air you can get, so be aware of this potential downside to a vent mount. If you do opt to have a wireless car charger that is installed on the car vent slat, be extra careful when installing the mount or moving it around. Car vent slats are not typically very strong, so you may accidentally damage them if you aren’t careful.
While the least common option, there are some wireless phone chargers that are installed into the cupholder. Generally, they can contract and expand to fit inside most cupholders. Depending on where your vehicle’s cupholders are located, this may or may not be an ideal option for you. Also, keep in mind that this option will decrease your functional cupholder space.
Next, there are two main types of grips for wireless car chargers — a magnetic grip or a tension-grip cradle. A magnetic grip is definitely the easier option when it comes to detaching and reattaching your phone to the charger. It’s important to note that you’ll need to attach a metal plate to the back top or bottom of your phone case in order to use a magnetic grip. The metal plate should come included with the charger along with instructions on how to install it.
A tension-grip cradle has arms on either side that loosen and tighten to fit your phone. Typically, there is also a bottom bracket for the phone to rest on for added security. There is usually an easily accessible button that you press in order to tighten or loosen the arms and more easily move your phone back and forth. Unlike a magnetic grip charger, depending on the design, you may need to use both hands to operate a tension-grip cradle.
The 10 Best Wireless Car Chargers On The Market Today
Below, we’ve highlighted the best wireless car chargers that are reliable and easy to use. Along with that, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding wireless car chargers. And when purchasing a wireless car charger, always be certain that it fits the specifications of your particular car and smartphone model.