Fuelling up your smartphone without the need to mess around with cables, a wireless charging stand might be the perfect addition to your desk or bedside table.

A wide range of new gadgets support the Qi wireless charging standard, meaning you can recharge them by simply resting them on a wireless induction plate. For Apple fans this includes the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS and XS Max. On the Samsung side of the fence, you've got most of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note handsets from 6 onwards. Plus you'll find wireless charging support in some smartphones from LG, Nokia, Sony, Huawei, Motorola, Google and others.

The upside of wireless charging is that you can slip your phone on and off the charger without needing to fumble around for cables in the dark. It's also handy on your desk, so you can quickly grab your phone as you come and go during the day. Many phone cases are compatible with wireless charging, so you don't need to remove the case before putting your phone on the charger.

The downside is that wireless charging is slower than plugging in a charge cable, so it takes longer to get back to full charge or to revive your phone if it's run completely flat.