Wireless charging is not Almost as cool as it sounds. It's not completely wireless - a wire goes from the outlet to the charging pad - and it won't charge your smartphone any faster than plugging it in with a good cord. Still, I'm always disappointed when I test smartphones that don't support it. I'm so used to putting my phone on the mat every night that finding the cable in the dark feels like a chore. This is purely for convenience.
After testing more than 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I sorted out the good and the bad (and of course the bad) and determined the best wireless chargers. Choose from a variety of styles, shapes and materials, including stands, cushions, wireless battery packs, and even double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guides, including the best Android phones, best 3-in-1 Apple wireless chargers, best MagSafe chargers, best iPhones, best Samsung Galaxy S24 cases, and best iPhone 16 cases.
Update January 2025: We’ve added chargers from Nomad, Zens, Baseus, and UGreen.
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Does my phone support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging, but most brands have models that support wireless charging, so look for your phone model first. You'll usually see "Qi Wireless Charging" (the default standard), or simply "Wireless Charging" if available. Phones that support the latest Qi2 standard bear the Qi2 logo and have a ring of magnets for easy alignment (just like Apple's MagSafe). Qi2 is backwards compatible, so Qi phones can be charged using Qi2 chargers, but the charging speed may be slower. Unfortunately, the reverse is not always true, as we found with the HMD Skyline (the first Qi2 Android phone), which cannot be charged with most Qi chargers.
Can a wireless charger be used with a phone case?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge through a case, unless the case is particularly thick. Check the product listing - there is usually a housing thickness limit in millimeters. Your phone can get hot while charging wirelessly, so don't worry if your phone is really hot when you pick it up. Most smartphones have a limit that stops charging if they get too hot.
Yes, data cables will charge your phone faster
Some manufacturers, like Apple and OnePlus, make wireless chargers that can charge their respective phones faster than others, but if you're after speed, you're better off sticking to a wire. Wireless charging works best on your desk or bedside table when you're not actually using your phone or are in a hurry to charge it.
What is fast wireless charging speed?
The latest MagSafe and Qi2 chargers are capable of up to 15 watts, and there are some proprietary wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge faster. It's worth noting that even if the phone supports them, it can only reach the maximum charging rate at certain times (the charging rate automatically adjusts to keep the battery healthy). Many older iPhones have a wireless charging power limit of 7.5 watts, and many older Android phones have a wireless charging power limit of 10 watts. We've included the maximum wireless charging rate in each entry's spec sheet. Keep in mind that the charger also requires the correct cable and power adapter to charge at its maximum rate.
Is wireless charging safe to use?
There is no clear evidence that it is harmful. You may worry that your phone's battery's performance may degrade faster when charging wirelessly, but manufacturers set safety limits for phone batteries, regulating how much they can be charged and how far they can be discharged. No matter which charging source you use, whether you plug in a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits can't be exceeded. There's no risk of overcharging by leaving your phone on a wireless charger overnight.
How to keep your phone battery healthy?
Try to keep the battery charge between 50% and 80% for optimal battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or fully discharged will slightly speed up its performance, while regularly switching between fully charged and drained will shorten its lifespan. Battery technology has advanced in recent years, making cell phone batteries more reliable than ever. If you replace your phone every two to three years, or don't mind paying a small battery replacement fee during that time, you don't need to worry too much about how often or how long it takes to charge your phone.