Which smartwatch charger is best?
Smartwatches are great devices for a host of technological things that weren’t possible a few years ago. By syncing it to your smartphone, you can view your emails, contacts and messages on your wrist. Your mobile phone never needs to leave your pocket.
However, a smartwatch is of little use if it runs out of power halfway through the day. That is why you should invest in a good charger. To make sure you have all the juice you need, the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is a great place to start.
What to know before you buy a smartwatch charger
Compatibility with the operating system
Just as you need to make sure your smartwatch is compatible with your mobile phone, you need to consider the charger. Not all smartwatch chargers can charge any device. Review the smartwatch’s technical specifications and find a compatible charger.
Wattage
The wattage of the smartwatch charger determines how quickly your device charges. If the wattage is too low, the smartwatch won’t fully charge overnight. Consider the wattage your smartwatch requires and get a charger that can fully power it while you sleep.
Magnetic vs. wireless charger
Smartwatch chargers generally come in two styles: magnetic chargers and wireless charging. The latter is efficient as you simply put your smartwatch on the pad or disc and it automatically charges. Magnetic chargers attach to your device and charge it through an electromagnetic field.
What to look for in a quality smartwatch charger
Ease of use
While it is fine to charge your smartwatch through a wireless pad or magnetic disc, the easiest method is through a charging station. These are designed to charge more than one item, and a good-quality smartwatch charger allows you to charge your timekeeper and your mobile phone at the same time.
Charging while keeping your smartwatch protected
Most users don’t want to damage their smartwatches, so they put them in protective cases or housings. A quality smartwatch charger should allow you to charge the smartwatch with the case on. Just keep in mind that it depends on the type of charger and the thickness of the protective housing.
Compatible cables
Not all smartwatches use the same cable to charge. For example, the Fitbit has a special charging cable that can’t be used with other devices. However, a quality smartwatch charger can charge a variety of devices. Whether it is a charging station or a small pad, it will be compatible with others.
How much you can expect to spend on a smartwatch charger
Affordable smartwatch chargers without frills can retail for as little as $15. Largely dependent on the maker and functions, top-tier smartwatch chargers can retail for as much as $150.
Smartwatch charger FAQ
Do you need to use the same brand charger as the smartwatch?
A. This is not always necessary but it might prolong the battery if you do. Reputable charger makers shouldn’t damage the battery, and you can safely use a brand that is different from your device.
Can wireless chargers impact pacemakers or other electronics?
A. Wireless chargers and magnetic chargers are known to interfere with medical implants such as hearing aids and pacemakers. When a magnetic smartwatch charger is in use, it should always be kept at least 3 feet away from any medical equipment or implants.
What’s the best smartwatch charger to buy?
Top smartwatch charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
What you need to know: If you have an Apple smartwatch and other accessories to charge, this is the perfect solution.
What you’ll love: This all-in-one charging solution can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time. It is compatible with all Qi-enabled iPhones, delivering 7.5 watts of power. It can charge devices that have a protective case of 3 millimeters or less.
What you should consider: It only works with Apple devices.
Top smartwatch charger for the money
Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable
What you need to know: This is an affordable and effective smartwatch charger for Apple devices.
What you’ll love: A no-frills option for those who want a simple charging device, the magnetic charger is small enough to disappear when in use, and it comes with a 1-meter-long cable. To use it, hold the charger to the back of the device and it snaps onto it with the strong magnet. If you are worried about safety, there are no exposed wires or contacts someone can touch. While it uses a USB port to charge from a wall plug, it is compatible with Mac computers to charge the Apple Watch.
What you should consider: The charger doesn’t come with a wall plug.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Charging multiple devices at once is a breeze with this combo bundle.
What you’ll love: With more charging coils than previous versions, aligning your device is easier. The wireless charger can charge your Samsung phone, but it has a dedicated pad for your smartwatch. It features an LED light that indicates when charging is complete.
What you should consider: Users have complained that it doesn’t come with an instructional booklet.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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