The modern marvel of wireless phone charging can now easily be introduced into your car easily and safely with the a wireless car charger. Smartphones are an essential part of the in-car entertainment experience, offering access to podcasts, streaming and even doubling as a sat navs.
And what could be worse than a dead battery? Whether we’re talking about your mobile or EV car, it’s nearly guaranteed to ruin your day. Thankfully, the former can be avoided in most cars; simply plug your phone charger into a USB slot (most new cars come equipped with one) and charge away.
This presents a new issue: you’ll be constantly plugging and unplugging your phone which is a bit of a faff. And while a good phone holder will mean you can charge and use your phone as a sat nav, it’s still a bit fiddly. This is where wireless charging can be really useful. We’ve found the best wireless car chargers on sale, perfect for your next commute.
The best wireless car chargers at a glance:
The best wireless car chargers
Tested Ryan Gilmore – This has become my go-to wireless phone charger because it’s sleek and provides ample power to my mobile phone. The magnet is strong enough to hold my iPhone 13 in place with no concern and everything works really effectively. The only issue I’ve found is the plastic clip which, while sturdy, is a little reluctant to detach, annoying if you need to move the ESR for any reason.
Pros
- Secure design
- Value
Cons
- Stubborn clip
The best powerful wireless charger
The included 12V socket with dual USB-C ports is a handy addition, espeically in older cars without charging ports.
Tested Ryan Gilmore – A noticeably more powerful option compared to the standard ESR Halolock, this 15W retains the best parts of the standard ESR but provides quicker charging. The CryoBoost feature ensured my phone never became too hot while charging and there was a noticeable improvement in how quickly it charged my phone. Perhaps its the larger size, but the major downside to this device was the occasional rattle that would occur if there was no phone mounted on it.
Pros
- Excellent overall quality
- Quick and cool charging
Cons
- Occasional rattle
The best budget wireless car charger
Rrp: £32.99
Rrp: £32.99
Pros
- Simple design
- Safe for charging
Cons
- Not the most advanced option
The best suction wireless car mount
Pros
- Very well made
- Versatile
Cons
- Make sure to mount it legally
The best dashboard mounted wireless car charger
Rrp: £31.59
Rrp: £31.59
Pros
- Adjustable base
- Powerful wireless charging
Cons
- Requires a smooth dashboard to mount
Best simple wireless car charger
Rrp: £41.97
Rrp: £41.97
Pros
- Quality build
- Dependable wireless charger
Cons
- Clip could be improved
The best wireless car chargers: FAQs
Why you need a wireless car charger
Obviously, it is illegal to hold a phone while you are driving. It’s an automatic £200 fine and a whopping six points on your license. In some cases, you can be disqualified from driving and receive a £1000 fine.
It is however legal to operate a phone so long as you aren’t holding it. Most smartphones have voice commands (like Siri or Alexa Auto) you can use. So long as you don’t hold it you’re allowed to use it. That is why a phone holder is such a good idea to own.
Which phones support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging. Your phone needs to be Qi compatible in order to be able to be charged wirelessly. Most modern smartphones come with wireless charging but it’s best to double-check with your phone’s manufacturer.
Some older phones support Qi through special phone cases. In any case, it’s worth checking before purchasing a wireless car charger.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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