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Mat chargers a convenient option for cellphones

Consumer Reports tests mat chargers, which can charge multiple cellphones at a time without plugging them into a wall.

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With so many cellphones per household, many people are looking for an easier option than plugging in all those cords.

Consumer Reports tested four wireless charging mats, which charge cellphones without plugging them to a wall.

Tests show the iPhone charges in about the same time as a wall charger. Some mats for Android phones took a little longer, but not much.

To work, the phone needs wireless charging capability. Newer models have it, but others need a special case.

Overall, Consumer Reports says the pads are a great way to make charging easier.

"You come home at the end of the day, you plop your phone on this device, you don't have to look for a charger,” said Gerard Catapano of Consumer Reports. “You can just drop it on there, and in a couple of hours your phone is charged. And you can charge multiple phones at the same time."

For iPhones, testers recommend the Duracell Powermat for $70. It charges up to three phones at a time in two to two-and-a-half hours.

For Androids, the fastest mat tested was the $75 Energizer Inductive Charger, which can charge two phones wirelessly at a time.

 

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