External batteries are already an essential accessory, especially for those days that you know it will take you to return home and you will not have an easy time finding a plug to recharge your devices. Hence they remain so interesting and are constantly evolving. We see batteries with greater capacity, power, connections and even with an integrated wireless charging base . And it’s one of the last ones we want to talk about, are they worth it?
External batteries with wireless charging
When we think of external batteries, the normal thing is to do it in the classic power bank , with more or less capacity, to which we connect a cable that then goes to the device we want to charge, usually a smartphone. But with the proliferation of devices supporting the Qi standard, offering external batteries with a wireless charging base was the logical step to take.
This has been the case, and in the same way that the wireless charging bases you use at home , these alternatives allow you to charge a smartphone without resorting to any cable when we are away from home. The only requirement is logically that both devices must support the Qi standard .
So it seems like a good idea at first, but is it really worth paying the difference compared to a traditional external battery? That is the question we have asked ourselves and to answer you, so that you can also draw your own conclusions, you first have to know what we have taken into account.
Loading capacity and speed
Beyond any other aspect that may be important in decision making, the capacity and speed of wireless charging are two key factors for external batteries like these.
Having enough mAh capacity for our needs is important. Because it would be worthless to have one of these devices and that it is not capable of, at least, offering one or two complete charging cycles for our phone.
Then there is the issue of loading speed. The Qi standard is capable of charging at different speeds depending on the power. According to this data, and what the device itself supports, the charging time will be greater or less. As we are going to charge when we are away from home, we are interested in it taking as little time as possible.
Connections
Having the option of wireless charging is an extra, an addition that adds value, but it cannot imply sacrificing other aspects such as the usual connections that other external batteries already offer. Therefore, it is important to maintain USB A, USB C connectors and that these also offer the best version of the standard to have fast charging through the cable.
Design
The design of a Power Bank is something important. Not so much for the color or shape, but rather for aspects such as its dimensions, construction materials and robustness. In addition, if it is going to serve as a wireless charging base, what a minimum that offers an adequate experience when we use it like this, allowing the contact between the charging surface of the battery and the phone to fit easily and it does not slip.
Price
As with any other product, the higher the number of features, the higher its price. With batteries this also happens, not only the capacity in mAh affect the final price. There may be batteries with a lot of capacity that cost less than others because they do not include a USB C connector, fast charging support, etc. So you also have to assess it, if including this option is something that compensates or not the investment.
The user experience
Taking all these details into account, to assess whether they are worthwhile or not, one must also consider the user experience. When we think about how we use external batteries we all end up with the same mental image: battery in a pants pocket, jacket, backpack or bag connected to the phone by a cable while we continue using it on the street. So it’s important not to sacrifice physical connections in favor of wireless charging. If this is so, then we are already prepared to value the user experience.
Wireless charging has always been a charge for convenience , an option that provides user comfort. When you arrive at a cafeteria or make a stop, you can take out these types of batteries and place them just below the terminal so that it can charge. All without the need to connect and disconnect the cable when you arrive and when you leave. Nor if, during the stay, you need to look at your phone.
Therefore, that is the great advantage of this type of batteries, the comfort that they can bring in day to day. Not forgetting that some models can be used as a traditional charging base at home or the office.
The only downsides to these options are that they are typically more bulky devices than other non-Qi charging base options. Also that these weigh a little more, which can be impractical for day to day.
Otherwise, valuing everything, they are worth it. They turn out to be comfortable and being able to use them as a charging base when you get home or the office provides an additional extra. If they convince you by price, they are an option to consider and that can complete your backpack with essential gadgets.
External batteries with wireless charging recommended
Knowing that the external batteries with wireless charging base are an interesting product for all those users who have a compatible device, these are some of the best options you can find.
Poweradd Wireless Battery
External battery with wireless charging and USB A and two USB C connections (one only to charge the battery) plus capacity indicator through four LEDs. The total charging capacity is 10,000 mAh. Due to the design and quality of the materials, it is a recommended and durable option.
Muvit Wireless Battery
Battery with Qi charging base of 10,000 mAh capacity. Wireless charging is done at 1A and offers two USB A, micro USB, USB C and Lightning connections. An interesting option due to its versatility and that integrates a small panel where it displays information such as the remaining load capacity and data related to the output power in volts and amperage.
Wireless Bonai Battery
Similar to the first option, this battery with wireless charging base offers up to 12,000 mAh of capacity and three connectors: USB A, USB C and micro USB. Elegant design and metal body for greater durability during its daily use.
