Not too long ago, people would need cables to connect many of their everyday items like speakers, keyboards, headphones, phones, and so on – however, those days are gone.

In terms of convenience, wireless charging is unbeatable. Just drop your phone on the charging surface and leave. Gone are the headaches and worries of managing cables that inevitably get lost or broken.

Wireless charging hasn’t just been enhanced as a technology but has also been adopted by most prominent brands in the form of pop-up outlets.

They create pop-up outlets majorly to charge any of your mobile devices and power food-related appliances. With the capability to charge from the plug with USB-A and USB-C charging ports and a wireless QI charging top, there are several options to power multiple devices simultaneously.

It might be overwhelming to know the best wireless outlet that’s suitable for your needs with the numerous options available on the market. And so, with convenience and effectiveness in mind, we have compiled a list of the 5 best pop-up wireless outlets you can choose from.

Buying guide for

Best Wireless Outlet

Here is what to look for when choosing a wireless outlet for your home.

Construction – Shape, Size, Style:

Similar to how phones come in different styles, designs, and sizes, the same applies to wireless chargers. They design wireless chargers depending on how you intend to use them and the number of devices you want to charge. By knowing this, you get to choose one that fits your purpose.

Aesthetical preference:

Ensure you look for as many designs as possible before deciding which to buy. The charging pad of some wireless chargers is made of glass, while some are designed with fabric and others like plastic, leather, etc. Select the one that best fits your taste and rock it!

Brand reputation:

Brand reputation is an essential thing to look out for when buying a wireless charger or anything at all. If before or after checking all the features of the wireless charger and it checks all the required boxes, you want to ensure it’s from a reputable brand in the wireless charger industry.

QBA Direct is a manufacturer of electrical devices, focusing on different sockets, power strips, multi-outlet extenders, desk power units, and OEM products for years.

What To Look For When Buying Wireless Outlets

Follow these tips, and you will get a wireless charger that you love and will last you a long time.

Charging speed: 
Some phones can power wirelessly at a maximum speed of 15W, while some will only charge at 5W, 7.5W, 9W, 10W, etc. Irrespective of the maximum wireless charging speed of your device, make sure whichever wireless charger you want to buy supports equal or higher wattage.

Connector/Cable type:  
Some manufacturers use distinct proprietary cables, while others use the regular standard connector cables such as USB-C and Micro-USB. When purchasing a wireless charger, it is advisable to go for brands with standard connectors as they are easy to replace in a situation where they get broken, stolen, damaged, or misplaced.

Supported standard: 
The two known wireless charging standards are Powermat and Qi. Though the companies behind both standards have merged, making future wireless chargers support both standards, some wireless chargers still support only one standard. This makes it essential to inspect what wireless charging standard your device supports before purchasing a wireless charger.

Do Pop-Up Wireless Outlets Exist?

Several brands now make pop-up outlets for countertops that combine the benefit of wired and wireless charging pads. The invention is relatively new and can be installed in several other residential applications besides the kitchen.

Pop-up outlets are an ideal alternative that can be hidden on the counter where they are less noticeable. You can also locate them in the bottom of your cabinets, where they are concealed when not in use but pop down when needed.

Are Pop Up Wireless Outlets Worth It?

Pop-up outlets are easy to install and manage compared to traditional outlets. They are also easily accessible anytime you need them.

They design pop-up wireless outlets to charge most electrical devices such as your laptop, cookers, phone, and fridge, among others. In addition, they remove the need for unnecessary cables running all over the kitchen when installed on the countertop.

How Does A Wireless Outlet Work?

Technically, the principle behind wireless charging is the transfer of energy by two moving coils. The first coil is inside the wireless charger that will be plugged into an outlet.

When electricity gets to the coil, it produces an electromagnetic field with an alternating current (AC). When the second coil (like from the inside of your phone or other devices) enters that field, it completes the circuit and transforms it into a direct current (DC) that charges its battery.

Though wireless outlets are relatively new, the philosophy behind them, known as “inductive charging,” began in development during the late 1800s by Nikola Tesla. Exposing your devices to electromagnetism may seem dangerous; however, the Qi standard has properties that protect it.

How Efficient Is Wireless Outlet Charging Compared To Conventional Wired Charging?

You may be wondering what makes wireless outlets so popular. Is it more efficient than conventional wired charging?

With wireless charging, you don’t need to fiddle with cables, unlike wire charging. Also, it reduces the wear and tear on your devices and allows several devices to charge simultaneously rather than going around with all kinds of cables. It offers a safer way to transfer power to your phone. Plus, wireless charging looks so much neat.

However, wireless charging is less efficient and slower compared to wired charging. It also usually makes your phone overheat, which can damage your battery. Lastly, a wireless outlet is slightly expensive compared to common cables.

Could Wireless Outlets Ever Replace Electrical Outlets?

Some people believe that wireless charging can never replace wired charging if the technology is not improved. It’s difficult to control electromagnetic fields in free space.

Presently, wired charging is more popular than wireless charging as the popularity of wireless charging is just growing. This technology is still in its infancy and may not be as developed as wired charging.

But, mobile devices are growingly adopting wireless technology, and soon wireless charging will become just as popular as wired charging. Tired of cables and want to go wireless? Here are our recommendations for the best wireless outlets.