Desk mats are typically rectangular to ensure a good fit and a cohesive look on most desks. Some have rounded corners, and others feature a clean-lined aesthetic. Output: Wireless Charger (MagSafe Compatible)- 15W(Max) iPhone 7.5W(Max) Wireless Charging Earbuds/AirPods/Pro – 5W

The design of the ALTI having the charging pad positioned to the side of the work space makes the workflow more logical. All my key items – keyboard, mouse, phone and earbuds are all within easy functional reach. This charger still works great with other smartphones, you just won't be able to access many of those Pixel features. The biggest downside? Charging only works in portrait orientation. Oh, and it's definitely overpriced. The good news is the first-gen Pixel Stand is still available for much less; you can recharge your phone in landscape and portrait orientation, and I daresay it looks more interesting. That's because everyone is looking for modern desk accessories that can help them have an ergonomic workspace, and these pads are among them. They play a vital role in avoiding cord clutter and maintaining a sleek workspace where you can work comfortably. Why it made the cut: With so many wireless charging devices out there, having a charger built into your desk pad makes life easier. Otherwise, my grumbles with the ALTI are minor. The leather side isn’t all that great for fast and smooth mouse sweeps, which will bother gamers. And that’s unfortunate, as the leather side is the one I anticipate people using most often, as it’s easier to keep clean than the felt side, which can collect debris more easily.

Why it made the cut: People looking for an upgrade over the feel of their raw desk should stop here first. When it comes to compatibility, the JiffyPoint charger will work with any Qi standard phone. This includes any wireless-capable iPhone, Samsung phone, as well as most other major brands. This is thanks to the wide wattage support. When browsing options, consider what size you need. This should go without saying, but larger desks will generally require larger mats, and smaller workstations will need smaller ones. But most importantly, it should fit what you plan to place on top, such as a keyboard, mouse, charging station, or even a desktop monitor.

Coming from Anker — one of the best brands in power bank and charging technology — you can fully rely on the performance of this PowerWave charging stand. It works with all Qi-compatible smartphones, including the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more. A built-in LED indicator will also let you know whether or not your device is properly aligned and charging. The perfect desk mat will always vary depending on your personal preference. There are quite a few variations available in the market right now which will suit the clean aesthetic that you’d like to achieve for your workspace, as well as give you some extra cool features.

ZUMSEY Foldable Travel Charger

But there are also important differences we need to talk about. We’ll have to look at the physical design, and how they’re put together. We’ll have to evaluate the installation process, and see how simple it is. And of course, we’ll have to see if there are any extra charging features. After we’ve given all three chargers a thorough inspection, we’ll be able to make a fair comparison. Let’s begin! A few important design features to look into are the non-slip (for increased friction to prevent mat’s sliding), the double-side (for maximum use of both sides), and the water and scratch-resistant. These are only a few of the basic important design features to look out for. Other premium ones are the wireless charging and side rails—just to name a few. I run Android phones so I can’t test for MagSafe. The issue I found was it took a little effort to position an Android phone to make the connection. Not a fault of the ALTI as there are no magnets to guide it in on the Android side (although it seems the latest Qi standard will make progress on this front). This gets easier as I get more familiar with the positioning of everything.

The design is simple but it changed my work space far better than I could imagine. I love the felt surface but I do wonder how dirty it would get. Updated August 2023: We added chargers from Belkin, OtterBox, Xiaomi, Courant, and Nomad, removed some discontinued chargers, and updated prices.

Best Overall: JiffyPoint Invisible Wireless Charger

DRN would like to thank Journey for providing the review unit. Yeah I really like it (so do all my kids). Really. This one gets a Pulse Award! Congratulations Journey! The detachable side panel features two charging spots, denoted by the square (top) and circle (bottom). TYLER HAYES Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify the areas that will help choose the right kind of desk pad for you: Versatility The KINGFOM Desk Mat Pad is so large it can cover an entire regular-sized table with ease. It’s made to be very versatile and can be used as a writing pad, a conference mat, and, of course, as a computer desk pad. It comes in different sizes and colours, which allows it to accommodate various preferences. In fact, both sides of the mat can be used, as they have the same colour and surface quality. All you need to do is place your mobile phone on top of it while the desk pad’s cable is connected to its power source. Since this wireless charging desk pad is quite wide, it can easily accommodate your keyboard and mouse to ensure you work swiftly.