Our bedrooms have become technology hubs. Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, e-readers—the list of devices we keep by our bedside grows each year. Smart bedside tables have emerged to meet this need, featuring built-in USB ports, wireless charging pads, and sometimes even speakers and LED lighting. But with so many features available, how do you know which technology actually adds value and which is just marketing gimmick?
In this guide, we'll explore the various technology features available in modern bedside tables, help you understand what you actually need, and ensure you make an informed decision when choosing a smart nightstand for your bedroom.
USB Charging Ports
Built-in USB ports are the most common and arguably most useful technology feature in smart bedside tables. They eliminate the need for bulky charging blocks and keep cords tidy.
USB-A vs. USB-C
USB-A is the traditional rectangular connector we've used for years. USB-C is the newer, reversible oval connector that's becoming standard on newer devices. Ideally, choose a bedside table that offers both USB-A and USB-C ports, ensuring compatibility with current and future devices.
Charging Speed
Not all USB ports are created equal. Standard USB ports deliver 5 watts, which charges devices slowly. Quick Charge or fast-charging ports can deliver 18 watts or more, significantly reducing charging time. If fast charging matters to you, check the specifications before purchasing.
USB Port Specifications to Look For
- Port types: Both USB-A and USB-C for maximum compatibility
- Power output: 18W+ for fast charging capability
- Number of ports: At least 2 for charging multiple devices
- Location: Easily accessible from your bed position
Placement Considerations
Consider where the USB ports are located on the table. Ports on the top surface are easy to access but may create visual clutter. Ports on the side or back keep things tidier but may be awkward to reach. Some tables feature ports inside drawers, keeping everything hidden but requiring more effort to plug in.
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging pads built into bedside table surfaces offer a convenient way to charge compatible devices simply by placing them on the table.
How It Works
Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power from a charging pad to a compatible device. Most modern smartphones (iPhone 8 and later, most Android flagships) support the Qi wireless charging standard. Simply place your phone on the charging spot, and it begins charging—no cable required.
Charging Speed Considerations
Wireless charging is typically slower than wired charging. Standard Qi charging delivers 5-10 watts, while fast wireless charging can reach 15 watts or more. For overnight charging, speed usually doesn't matter since your phone has all night to reach full capacity. For quick top-ups, wired charging remains faster.
Compatibility and Placement
Ensure your devices are Qi-compatible before prioritising wireless charging. The charging spot needs to be precisely positioned—usually marked on the table surface. Cases, particularly thick ones, may interfere with charging. Some integrated wireless chargers struggle with devices that have the charging coil in non-standard positions.
Pros and Cons
The advantages of built-in wireless charging include no cable clutter on the tabletop, easy drop-and-charge convenience, and reduced wear on charging ports. The disadvantages include slower charging speeds than wired alternatives, devices must be precisely positioned, limited to Qi-compatible devices, and the charging area takes up surface space.
LED Lighting Features
Some smart bedside tables incorporate LED lighting, ranging from simple night lights to full RGB colour-changing systems.
Ambient Lighting
Gentle ambient lighting around the base or edges of a bedside table creates a pleasant glow without being harsh. This can serve as a night light for middle-of-the-night navigation or create atmospheric lighting for relaxation.
Adjustable and Colour-Changing Options
More advanced tables feature adjustable brightness and colour temperature. Some offer full RGB capability, allowing you to set virtually any colour. While fun, consider whether you'll actually use these features regularly—many people try them once and then forget about them.
Touch Controls vs. Remote/App Control
Lighting can be controlled via touch-sensitive areas on the table, remote controls, or smartphone apps. Touch controls are convenient but can accidentally activate. Remotes get lost. App control is powerful but requires pulling out your phone. Consider which control method suits your habits.
Questions to Ask About LED Features
- Can the lighting be turned off completely, or is there always a glow?
- Are warm, sleep-friendly colour temperatures available?
- How is the lighting controlled—touch, remote, or app?
- What happens if the smart features fail—does the table still function?
Bluetooth Speakers
Some high-end smart bedside tables incorporate Bluetooth speakers for music or white noise.
Sound Quality
Be realistic about expectations. Speakers built into furniture are unlikely to match dedicated audio equipment. They can be adequate for podcasts, sleep sounds, or casual music listening, but audiophiles will be disappointed. Read reviews specifically commenting on sound quality before purchasing.
Use Cases
Built-in speakers can be useful for playing sleep sounds or white noise, listening to podcasts as you fall asleep, gentle alarm sounds in the morning, and casual music while getting ready. They're less suitable for serious music listening or watching movies.
Consider Alternatives
A quality standalone Bluetooth speaker placed on a regular bedside table often offers better sound quality and more flexibility than integrated speakers. You can also upgrade or replace it independently if technology improves.
Smart Home Integration
The most advanced smart bedside tables connect to broader smart home ecosystems.
Voice Assistant Compatibility
Some tables integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This allows voice control of the table's features and potentially control of other smart home devices from your bedside.
Integration Considerations
Before investing in smart home-integrated furniture, consider whether it matches your existing ecosystem. An Alexa-integrated table won't work well if your home uses Google Home. Also consider longevity—will this smart integration still be supported in five years?
Evaluating Whether Smart Features Are Worth It
Price Premium
Smart bedside tables typically cost significantly more than comparable non-smart tables. Evaluate whether the features justify the premium. In many cases, a quality traditional table plus separate charging accessories costs less and offers more flexibility.
Durability and Longevity
Technology ages faster than furniture. A solid timber bedside table might last decades, but the USB-C standard could change, wireless charging technology could evolve, and smart features could become obsolete. Consider whether you're comfortable with tech features potentially becoming outdated while the furniture remains otherwise useful.
Repair and Replacement
If a smart feature fails, can it be repaired? With integrated technology, often the answer is no—or repairs cost more than replacement. Separate charging accessories can be replaced independently and cheaply.
The Simpler Alternative
For many people, a quality traditional bedside table paired with a separate multi-device charging station offers more flexibility at lower cost. You get exactly the features you need, can upgrade charging technology independently, and don't pay a premium for features you might not use.
Smart Feature Decision Framework
Consider smart bedside tables if: You value integrated aesthetics, have many devices to charge, and don't mind the price premium.
Consider traditional tables + separate tech if: You prioritise flexibility, value furniture longevity, or prefer specific charging solutions.
What Features Actually Matter?
Based on user feedback and practical considerations, here's our assessment of smart bedside table features:
Highly valuable: USB-A and USB-C charging ports offer practical daily utility for nearly everyone. These are worth prioritising.
Situationally valuable: Wireless charging is convenient if you have compatible devices and don't need fast charging.
Nice to have: Gentle ambient or night light features serve a practical purpose without being gimmicky.
Consider carefully: RGB lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and heavy smart home integration are features many people find they rarely use after the initial novelty wears off.
Final Thoughts
Smart bedroom technology can genuinely enhance your daily life—or it can be an expensive gimmick that adds little value. The key is honestly assessing your needs and habits. Do you actually need wireless charging, or would a simple cable suffice? Will you use those speakers, or is your phone's speaker adequate for your needs?
For most people, we recommend prioritising built-in USB ports (both A and C types) as the most universally useful smart feature. Beyond that, choose features that match your specific needs rather than being seduced by impressive-sounding specs you'll never use.
Remember that furniture should last longer than technology cycles. A beautiful, well-made table with basic or no tech features, supplemented by separate charging accessories, often proves more practical and economical in the long run than an all-in-one smart table with features that may become outdated.