Wireless charging pads are growing in popularity. A charging pad allows you to set your mobile device on a flat surface to recharge, no plugging in required, eliminating the common tangle of charging cords. But if you’re like most people and have a couple of mobile devices that need charging, a standard charging pad isn’t enough. That’s where a double wireless charging pad enters the picture.

These dual pads have two separate spaces for charging two devices at one time. A double wireless charging pad may be just the step up you need to begin using this cool technology.

Whether you want to charge smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or other mobile battery-powered devices, you can find out everything you need to know about double charging pads in our shopping guide. If you’re ready to buy, check out our top picks, too.

All wireless pads – single, double, and triple – work in a similar manner. The wireless charger transfers electrical power from the charging pad to the battery using electromagnetic induction. This works through a copper coil inside the device and the pad. Even though the coils don’t touch, they must be very close together and perfectly aligned to pass electrical power between them.

Charging speed

Even though all the double wireless charging pads use the same technology, there are a few things to consider regarding charging speed.

• Watts: Charging speed is determined by the number of watts the two devices can support for wireless charging. More watts means faster charging. Most units are limited to 9 watts or less. Currently, the maximum provided by certain charging pads and phones is 15 watts, but this is not common. Some devices gain extra watts through firmware upgrades; for example, the Apple iPhone X went from a maximum 5 watts for wireless charging to 7.5 watts when iOS 11.2 was released.
  
  Many people choose to purchase a dual wireless charging pad that has more watts than they currently need. If the mobile device they’re using upgrades the wattage it can support, it can then take advantage of the higher-wattage charging pad.

• Fast Charge mode: Using this extra wattage is called Fast Charge mode. However, the speed of this technology differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. The technology is still being refined, so expect Fast Charge to continue to improve over the next few years.

• Case: Most wireless charging pads can charge a device’s battery through a protective case. The charging process will go more smoothly if the case is thin. Devices with metal cases have the most problems using wireless charging pads. You may need to remove the case to properly use the pad.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a double wireless charging pad.

Qi compatibility

The Qi standard enables double wireless charging pads to work with many different mobile devices. As long as both the charging pad and the mobile device support Qi, they will work together for wireless charging. The Wireless Power Consortium manages the Qi standard.

Compatibility with the Qi standard must be built into the device at the time of manufacture. It’s not something you can add later. If you have an older phone or charging pad, you may have heard of PowerMat technology. This is an older wireless charging standard that was in competition with Qi. However, the industry has made Qi the primary standard now.

Indicator light

You’ll appreciate having an indicator light on your double wireless charging pad. This light tells you that the coils in the devices and the pad are properly aligned so that charging can start. Without an indicator light, you may think the devices are charging when they aren’t. You could then have a dead battery just when you need your device most.

Wire

Despite the name “wireless” and the fact that you’re eliminating charging wires by using a double wireless charging pad, there is still one wire attached to this device. The wireless charging pad must be plugged into a wall outlet to receive electrical power.

Convenience vs. speed

People like the convenience of setting their smartphones on a charging pad versus taking the time to plug in charging cables. However, a charging cable is still faster and more reliable than a wireless pad for charging the batteries in your devices.

Inexpensive: The least expensive dual wireless pads cost between $20 and $40. Don’t expect many extra features on these devices.

Mid-range: For more expensive models, expect to pay between $40 and $75.

Expensive: A few models cost $75 to $100. Pricier double wireless charging pads have features like indicator lights or an extra port for plugging in a third device. They may have a vertical charging area, so a smartphone can charge while standing up, making it easier to see the screen. Some have Fast Charge capabilities or features aimed at working specifically with smartwatches, too.

• Check compatibility. When buying a double wireless charging pad, make sure it’s compatible with your device and battery. However, the pad doesn’t have to be the same brand as your device.

• Opt for a charging pad with an indicator light. If you want to be certain your device is connected and charging properly, make sure the double wireless charging pad has an indicator light.

• Opt for a charging pad with a temperature sensor. Some double wireless charging pads contain a sensor that shuts them down if they overheat. This will protect your mobile device from damage if the wireless pad were to short-circuit, for example.

• Opt for a charging pad with silicone. Some charging pads have a coating of anti-slip silicone that helps hold the tablet or smartphone in place while it’s charging.

• Use your device while it’s charging. You can use your phone or other device even it’s on the wireless charging pad. You can’t lift it off the pad, but you can still access the screen, send texts, or make calls.

• Don’t worry about heat. During the charging process, you may notice that the charging pad and device get warm. As long as the device or pad isn’t too hot to touch, a little heat during this process is normal.

Dual wireless charge pads are becoming more common. Beyond the choices in our matrix, here are some pads that deliver extra features. The Samsung Wireless Charger Duo is a little pricey, but it has one vertical charging side, which makes it easier to see and use your smartphone while it’s charging. If you own both a smartphone and a smartwatch, the ZENS Dual 10-Watt Charging Pad with Watch Charging is an interesting option. It has a post that extends from the dual smartphone charging pad to charge a watch. When you want something a little different, how about a wood laminate charger? The faux wood-grain surface of the SmartElite Universal Double Wireless Charger may complement your office or home décor better than black or white plastic.

Q. I have an older phone. Can I upgrade it to work with wireless charging?

A. Because wireless charging requires a certain type of hardware, older phones cannot be upgraded. You must have a device that has wireless charging compatibility built into it. However, some companies make devices that plug into the USB port, through which you can wirelessly charge. Of course, this doesn’t eliminate the clutter of cords.

Q. What are some cool features in dual wireless chargers?

A. We’re seeing some chargers that have vertically aligned charging pads on one or both sides. This allows you to easily see and use your smartphone as it charges. Some double chargers are shaped specifically to hold a smartwatch on one side and a smartphone on the other. Some even have a port on the edge so you can charge a third device through a cable.

Q. Are there disadvantages to double wireless charging pads?

A. Not any significant ones. These devices don’t cost a lot, but they do cost a bit more than single wireless pads. They work well for anyone with multiple mobile devices. However, the biggest problem is that it sometimes can be difficult to line up the devices properly on the pad. And a wireless charger doesn’t quite match the charging speed of charging over a wire.