The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)
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Wireless charging isn’t nearly as cool as it sounds. It's not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charging pad—and it won't charge your smartphone faster than plugging it in with a good ol’ cord. Still, I'm always disappointed when I test a smartphone that doesn't support it. I've gotten used to plopping my phone down on a pad every night, and fishing for a cable in the dark feels like a chore. It's pure convenience more than anything else.
After testing more than 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have sorted the good from the bad (there are certainly bad ones) and have identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and build materials that you have options, including stands, pads, wireless battery packs, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guides, including the Best Android Phones, Best 3-in-1 Apple Wireless Chargers, Best iPhones, Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Cases, and Best iPhone 15 Cases.
Updated August 2024: We added chargers from Rapport London, Belkin, Peak Design, and Casetify, a couple of honorable mentions, and a new avoid section.
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A Note on Charging Speed and Compatibility
You’ll see “Compatible with iPhones and Android phones” under each slide, and that means the charger has a standard charging speed of 7.5 watts for iPhones or 10 watts for Android phones (including Samsung Galaxy phones). If it charges faster or slower, we'll indicate it. We've tested these with multiple devices, but there's always a chance your phone will charge slowly or won’t work because the case is too thick or its charging coil doesn't align well with the charger.
- Photograph: Anker
The Best Wireless Chargers (and Cheapest!)
Anker PowerWave Pad and StandAnker’s pad and stand prove you don't need to spend much for wireless charging. They're both made from plastic with a rubbery finish on the bottom to prevent slips and slides, though it's not too grippy. A tiny LED lights up blue when it’s charging and flashes to indicate there’s a problem. We prefer stands over pads, because you can easily see your phone notifications, but Anker’s pad is so cheap you could grab a few to scatter around your home. Both come with a 4-foot MicroUSB cable, but you have to supply the power adapter. That’s not a big surprise at this price. Most importantly, they'll charge your phone every bit as capably as many other options in this guide.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
- Photograph: Nomad
The Best Pad
Nomad BaseIf you have an iPhone with MagSafe, you should get the Base One Max, which is officially certified to dish out the maximum 15 watts needed for fast charging on iPhones. If not, the standard Base here (which still has MagSafe support) will recharge MagSafe and non-MagSafe iPhones at 7.5 watts and Android phones up to 15 watts. There's an integrated 2-meter USB-C cable in the box but no power adapter (I like this Nomad 20-watt one).
The pad itself has a metal chassis with piano-black glass surrounding the wireless charging pad. It's hefty, so it won't slide around on a desk.
Compatible with iPhones, fast 15-W charging for Android phones.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Qi2 Charger
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad (Qi2)It is early days for the new Qi2 standard, but in a nutshell, it adds MagSafe-style magnetic charging and promises a 15-watt charging rate. Few phones beyond Apple’s MagSafe lineup (iPhone 12 and later) work with the magnets today, but Qi2 is backward compatible. You can put any Qi-certified phone on a Qi2 charger, though it may not charge at the maximum 15-watt rate. This doesn't necessarily work the other way, as we found with the first Qi2 Android phone, the HMD Skyline, which cannot charge with most older Qi chargers. This simple pad from Anker sticks well, has a durable aluminum casing that stays relatively cool, and has a 5-foot USB-C cable permanently attached.
Fast 15-W charging for Qi2-certified Android phones and MagSafe iPhones.
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Great MagSafe Stand
Nomad Stand (Qi2)Practical and good-looking, this wireless charging stand is Qi2 certified. It’s a weighty mix of metal and glass in black or white, with padding in all the right places. You can pick up or place your phone one-handed, and the stand doesn’t slide around or topple easily. It has a ring of powerful magnets to hold your MagSafe iPhone or Qi2-certified Android phone in portrait or landscape orientation (handy for StandBy mode) and can charge at up to 15 watts. You get a nice braided cable in the box (USB-C to USB-C) but will need a 20-watt charger, which is a bit cheeky at this price.
Fast 15-W charging for Qi2-certified Android phones and MagSafe iPhones.
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- Photograph: iOttie
Best Car Charger
iOttie Wireless Car ChargerDon't fiddle with cables again, even in the car. This versatile car mount from iOttie comes in two flavors, a suction cup for the dashboard/windshield or a CD/vent mount that clips into place. Adjust the height of the feet so your phone is always in the sweet spot for charging. The arms close around your phone automatically when it hits the trigger on the back of the mount, so you can place your device one-handed. (A release bar extends on either side so you can take your phone out again.) The mount has a MicroUSB port to plug in the supplied cable; just stick the other end in your car’s power socket. It handily includes a second USB-A port you can use to charge another phone. Read our Best Car Phone Mounts and Chargers guide for more recommendations.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
★ MagSafe alternatives: Got an iPhone with MagSafe? The iOttie Velox Wireless Charging Car Mount ($47) is a minimalist option that slots into an air vent and has strong magnets to keep your iPhone securely in place. We also really like Peak Design's MagSafe Vent Mount ($100), which stays securely in place and comes with a USB-C cable. It's just too expensive.
- Photograph: Nimble
An Eco-Friendly Charger
Nimble Apollo Wireless PadThe silicone surface of this wireless charger easily accumulates dust and lint, but that might not matter to you if you're shopping for the most eco-friendly charger. It's made of recycled silicone, the texture of which helps keep phones from sliding off the surface. The rest of it is made with postconsumer plastic and alloy, and even the packaging is plastic-free. Better yet, if you have an iPhone 12 or newer with MagSafe, the magnets inside the Apollo will keep your iPhone aligned perfectly for more efficient charging, even if they're not as strong as normal MagSafe wireless chargers. It also comes with a 20-watt charging adapter and cable, which is great value.
Compatible with iPhones, fast 15-W charging for Android phones.
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best for the Nightstand (and Pixel Phones)
Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen)Chances are you don't want too many LEDs in your face when you're sleeping. The LED on the second-gen Pixel Stand briefly lights up when you place a phone on it and disappears quickly. This charger is best paired with a Google Pixel smartphone because it enables extra perks, like turning your Pixel into a sunrise alarm clock that sees the screen glowing orange right before your alarm starts to ring, mimicking the sunrise. You can also convert your phone into a digital photo frame with Google Photos albums populating the screen, and have it trigger Bedtime Mode, which turns on Do Not Disturb and makes your screen gray to help you put your phone down. There's a built-in fan to keep your device cool as it fast-charges; it's audible in a quiet room, but you can turn the fan off in your Pixel's settings to keep it silent. It comes with a cable and adapter.
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 overpriced. The good news is that 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.
Compatible with iPhones, fast 23-W (Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro), 21-W (Pixel 6, 7, and 8), and 15-W charging for Android phones.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Qi2 and MagSafe Charger for Travel
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)Many chargers bill themselves as ideal travel companions, but Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 is perhaps the most compact I’ve tested when folded flat. Despite its size, this travel charger can charge up your iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts, has a second pad for AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and sports a fold-out Apple Watch charger. The box includes both a USB-C cable (around 5-foot) and a wall adapter. Only MagSafe iPhones and Qi2-certified Android phones have the magnets needed to use this as a stand, but I had no trouble charging an older Android phone by angling it back (Qi2 is backward compatible).
Fast 15-W charging for Qi2-certified Android phones and MagSafe iPhones.
★ An alternative: Mophie's 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe ($150) is another nice option that folds up to be super compact, and it includes a fabric case, along with the cable and charging adapter. It will fast-charge iPhones at 15 watts, and this updated model includes fast-charging support for the Apple Watch.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger
Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging StandAh, the holy Apple trinity. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods (or honestly, any kind of earbuds with a wireless charging case), you'll love this T-shaped Belkin stand. It's a Qi2 and MagSafe charger, so it'll suspend your magnet-enabled iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15 as if it's floating in midair (and charge it at the fastest 15-watt speed). The Apple Watch will stick to its little puck, which can fast-charge the Apple Watch Series 7 or newer (not the SE), and you can recharge your earbuds at the base. It's excellent. Belkin has a pad version if you'd like, but it takes up more room and isn't as fun as the tree (what I call the stand). Find more options in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers guide.
Fast 15-W charging for iPhone 12 or newer, and Qi2 Android phones, made for Apple devices.
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A Stylish 2-in-1 Charger
Courant Mag:3 ClassicsCourant makes some of the prettiest wireless chargers out there, and my new favorite is the Mag:3 Classics/Essentials. I tried it in leather, but you can also save some cash with the linen version. There are two chargers here, but you can't fit two phones side by side. It's instead meant to be for one smartphone and one wireless earbuds case. I've used it with the iPhone 15 and AirPods Pro with no issues—the left charger is MagSafe-compatible and the right side is a Qi charger, and they both work with non-Apple products too. I've tested it with a Pixel phone using a MagSafe case and Google's wireless earbuds and it all juiced up accordingly. I love that there's room to add your tchotchkes. It's my dedicated sunglasses spot.
It comes with a cable and power adapter. There's an additional 10-watt USB-C port to charge another low-power device nearby too.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A Slim Folding Stand
Peak Design Mobile Wireless Charging Stand (Qi2)Adoption of the Qi2 standard (offering MagSafe-style magnetic alignment for wireless charging) is proving slower than expected, but this nifty folding charger from Peak Design could be the perfect bridge. It is a slim, aluminum, hinged Qi2 wireless charging stand that folds flat, but Peak Design also offers magnetic cases for the top Samsung, Google, and Apple phones. I tested with the Pixel 8 case ($50), and it let me stick my Pixel 8 on the stand in portrait or landscape orientation. It charges phones at up to 15 watts and comes with a 6.6-foot USB-C cable and three adhesive clips to keep it neat.
You need a 20-watt power adapter (I like this teeny tiny Anker charger at $14). Peak Design has a whole ecosystem of magnetic accessories, including a stand wallet, a tripod for mobile photography, and wall, bike, and car mounts. They are pricey, but everything I have tried is top quality and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Fast 15-W charging for Qi2-certified Android phones and MagSafe iPhones.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A Wooden Pad
Kerf Wireless Charging BlockWireless chargers are usually plastic and rarely blend in with their surroundings, but Kerf’s chargers are covered with 100 percent natural and locally sourced wood. Choose from 12 wood finishes, from walnut to padauk, and each will come with a cork base to prevent slips. Starting from $50, these chargers can get expensive if you opt for rarer woods. You have the option of engraving it. You can choose whether to get a cable and power supply ($25 extra), which is a nice way to prevent electronic waste if you already have those.
Compatible with iPhones, fast 15-W charging for Android phones.
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A Hybrid Charger
iOttie iON Wireless DuoThis dual-charging system looks pretty—I like the fabric-wrapped stand—and you can charge another device on the rubberized charging pad next to it. The stand can be used in portrait or landscape, though in the latter orientation it'll block the pad. I use the pad to top up my wireless earbuds, but I wouldn't use this iOttie on a nightstand, because the LED on the front can be glaring. A cable and adapter are included, which makes it a good value.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
- Photograph: Samsung
For Samsung Galaxy Farers
Samsung Wireless Charger TrioIf you have a recent Samsung Galaxy Watch smartwatch, then this is an excellent triple wireless charger to add to your home. You place the watch on the circular dip; I used it near my front door for several months and it charged the Watch4 (and the older Watch3) with zero issues.
The Trio is attractive, has LEDs that light up quickly, and comes with a 25-watt wall charger and USB cable. My partner and I usually drop our wireless earbuds cases next to the watch. I don't need to be too precise—the six coils inside give you some flexibility as to where you place them. If you only need the watch charger and space for one other device, it comes in a Duo version, or you can pick up the standard pad. Just remember, it only supports the models specified above. Several customer reviews mention it not working with older Galaxy watches.
Compatible with iPhones, slower 5-W charging for Android phones, fast 9-W charging for Samsung phones.
- Photograph: Oakywood
A Charger and Headphone Stand
Oakywood Headphone Stand with Wireless ChargerWant to kit out your work-from-home setup? Conserve space and use a headphone stand that can also wirelessly charge your phone. Oakywood's 2-in-1 has a base made from your choice of solid walnut or oak, and it looks gorgeous. Place your phone on it and it'll recharge just as well as any other charger on this list. The steel stand makes for a nice place to hang up your cans when you're done for the day. If you don't care for the stand but like the look of the charger, the company sells a version with just the pad.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
★ Another alternative: The Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger ($80) is a shiny, sleek, and sturdy headphone stand with a Qi wireless charging pad for your iPhone or AirPods. It has magnets in it so it's great for anyone with a MagSafe Apple product. There's also a USB-C port to charge up a second device.
- Photograph: Einova
A Marble Charger
Einova Eggtronic Charging StoneEinova’s Charging Stone is made with 100 percent solid marble or stone—you can choose from a variety. Every single pick in this guide looks very much like a wireless charger, but I've had visiting friends ask if this one is a drink coaster. (I'm still figuring out whether that's a good or bad thing.) It has zero LEDs, perfect for bedrooms; just try to hide the cable to truly make it blend into your home. We recommend putting a case on your phone when using it with this charger, as there's a risk of scuffing up the back with these harder surfaces.
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
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A Wireless Battery
Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power StandWhen you're out and about, finding a wall outlet to plug in your charger and phone can be tricky. Use a battery pack instead! Better yet, use one that supports wireless charging. This 10,000-mAh model from Satechi has enough power to recharge a phone more than once, but it has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. You can flip up the wireless charger to use it as a stand as it juices up your phone—I've tested it with a Pixel 7, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and iPhone 14 Pro, and they all managed to recharge, though not fast. Behind the stand is a spot to recharge your wireless earbuds case (if it supports it), and you can plug a third device in via the USB-C port. There are LEDs at the back to see how much battery is left in the bank.
5-W charging for iPhones and Android phones.
★ For MagSafe iPhone owners: Anker's 622 Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger ($45) magnetically sticks to the back of MagSafe iPhones, and there's a built-in kickstand so you can prop your phone up anywhere. It has a 5,000-mAh capacity, so it should fully recharge your iPhone once at the very least. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more.
Best Docks for MagSafe iPhones
Anker MagGo Charging AccessoriesThese Anker products are some of my favorite iPhone wireless chargers at the moment. The orb-shaped MagGo has recently been updated with Qi2 support and includes several USB-C and USB-A ports plus AC outlets on its back, doubling as a power strip and a MagSafe wireless charger for any iPhone that supports the feature. The MagGo 623 can magnetically hold your iPhone at an angle on your desk and recharge it, and the circular base behind the angled top can also simultaneously juice up wireless earbuds.
But my favorite is the MagGo 633, which is a charging stand that doubles as a portable battery. Just slide out the battery to take it with you on the go (it'll stick to your MagSafe iPhone magnetically), and slot it back in when you're home. You can charge your iPhone on it as the power bank recharges itself. Ingenious. The base also can recharge wireless earbuds too. Sadly, the 633 seems to be out of stock quite often.
Made for iPhones and Apple devices.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best for Travel
RapidX Modula 5 Modular Wireless Charging SystemThis modular system from RapidX is great for couples or families, because it is compact and can wirelessly charge two phones at up to 10 watts each. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. The pods snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can buy additional phone pods and an Apple Watch pod. You only get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will need a more powerful adapter if you plan to add pods. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)
Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A Cute Magnetic Charger
Casetify Magnetic Wireless ChargerMost wireless chargers are dull in the design department, so I appreciate Casetify’s range of Magnetic Wireless Chargers that come adorned with fun artwork. My daughter loves this cat design, but there are hundreds to choose from (more than 600). Technically, this is a Qi charger with MagSafe, so it will align perfectly with MagSafe iPhones and charge at 7.5 watts, but it can also charge any Qi phone at up to 15 watts. I tested with a Pixel 6 and a Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and you have to align it carefully, but it works just fine. The charger is super slim and comes with a lovely, 3.3-foot, permanently attached, black and white, braided USB-C cable, but you will need a power adapter (I like this tiny Anker charger at $14).
Compatible with iPhones and fast 15-W charging for Android phones.
- Photograph: Belkin
Best for Apple Watch
Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple WatchIt may top our Best Smartwatches guide, but the Achilles heel for the Apple Watch is battery life. This sleek charging pad comes in black or white, charges any Apple Watch, and folds flat for easy travel. While it’s not quite as compact as I would like, you can use the dial on the underside to adjust it for your Apple Watch size, and there’s cable management for the included 4-foot USB-C cable. It also supports Nightstand mode and fast charging for the latest Apple Watches. You just need a 20-watt wall charger to pair it with.
Made for Apple Watch.
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
A Face-Tracking Stand
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKitAt first glance, a face-tracking stand for your iPhone seems superfluous, and the price is going to turn many folks off, but Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro won me over quite quickly. Pair your iPhone (it's only made for iPhones since it relies on Apple’s DockKit technology), pop it on the MagSafe pad, and fire up the camera app to have the dock track your face as you move around to keep you in the frame. It is pretty good at tracking and can almost silently turn through 360 degrees and tilt up or down through 90 degrees. You can outrun it if you try, but at a regular walking pace, it keeps up. This dock is great for content creators or if you want to have a FaceTime call while you work in the kitchen, but it also supports tons of third-party apps, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Even better, this dock has a battery inside that’s good for up to five hours, and there’s a standard 1/4-inch thread on the bottom for attaching a tripod. Oh, it’s also a MagSafe wireless charger (up to 15 watts). It comes with a 5-foot USB-C cable and a 30-watt power supply.
Fast 15-W charging for iPhone 12 or newer, made for Apple devices.
Zens Liberty Wireless Charger. Photograph: Simon HillHonorable Mentions
Other Good Wireless ChargersThere are a lot of wireless chargers. Here are a few more we like, but for one reason or another don't warrant a place above.
- Rapport London Formula Wireless Charging Tray for $450: Yes, this is an obscene price for a Qi wireless charger. You can probably make a version for a fraction of the cost. But Rapport's build quality is quite nice, with a lacquered grey box and a soft-touch fabric inside to keep your watches and phone scratch-free. It reliably recharged several Android phones without making them too warm, all while offering storage for a few watches. It's attractive, but you have to have cash to burn at this price.
- Belkin BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand for $59: This Qi2-certified stand has a magnetic pad that can lay flat to charge older phones or fold out to act as a stand for MagSafe iPhones and other Qi2 phones in portrait or landscape orientation (handy for StandBy mode). It charges at up to 15 watts and comes with a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a power supply.
- Casetify PowerThru 2-in-1 Charging Stand for $102: If you want a charger for your MagSafe iPhone and AirPods (or other earbuds), this one from Casetify is a decent pick. It has a squared-off base with an indent for AirPods, a metallic rod, and a slightly adjustable MagSafe pad for your iPhone that charges at 7.5 watts. I don’t love the visible logo around the pad or the options with basketball courts and other designs for the base, and it has a bright LED.
- Apple MagSafe Charger for $32: Apple's MagSafe charger is quite basic. Since the charger magnetically stays attached to MagSafe iPhones, you don't have to worry about accidental misalignments causing you to wake up to a dead device. But the cable isn't very long and there's no charging adapter.
- Nomad Stand One Max for $180: This is a very elegant if expensive Qi2-enabled 3-in-1 wireless charger that has juiced up my iPhone 15, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro with no trouble. It doesn't include a charging adapter, which is silly, but you'll get 15-watt fast charging for the iPhone and fast charging for the Apple Watch. The watch strap tends to get in the way of the AirPods, but this is a minor gripe.
- Courant Catch:2 Essentials for $90: Wireless chargers should look nice. You shouldn't settle for anything less! This Courant dual charger oozes luxury with its Belgian linen-wrapped surface (especially in the camel color). I've used it by my front door to recharge my partner's and my wireless earbuds for two years. The rubber feet prevent it from shifting around, but even if there are five coils in this pad, you should try to be precise when you put your device down to charge and make sure the LED lights up to double-check. It comes with a color-matching USB-C cable.
- Xiaomi Mi 80-W Wireless Charging Stand for $100: By far the fastest wireless charger we have tested, this stand is only worth considering for Xiaomi phones (it seems to charge most other phones at 10 watts or below). I tested with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which tops out at 50 watts (some Xiaomi models can go higher). The unusual sail shape combines a white triangular section with a clear acrylic base that has a subtle groove to hold your phone in place and a gap underneath for the exhaust grill from the noisy fan. The USB-C port and LED indicator are on the back.
- Zens Liberty Wireless Charger for $100: I tested the Glass Edition ($150) of this wireless charging pad, and it looks stunning with the 16 overlapping copper coils on display (the standard version has a woolen fabric top). It can charge two devices simultaneously at up to 15 watts apiece, and there’s an optional Apple Watch add-on ($24). As stylish as it is, the price is too high. Because you can see the coils, placement is never an issue, but it’s a bulky charger, the fan is audible at times, and while I had no problem charging my iPhone or AirPods, my Pixel 6 Pro got very warm on this pad.
Photograph: Simon HillDon’t Bother
Wireless Chargers We Don’t LikeThey can’t all be winners. Here are the wireless chargers we don’t like.
Raycon Magic Mat Pro for $40: I love the idea of a mouse mat with a wireless charging spot for your phone, but the execution here is terrible. The spot is finicky to find, it can’t cope with thick cases, and my Xiaomi 14 Ultra would not charge at all (the camera bump is too big). Raycon says the fake leather is waterproof, but I found it a dud as a mouse mat and uncomfortable to rest my arm and hand on.
Photograph: Native UnionYour Charging Questions, Answered
FAQDoes my phone support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging, but most brands have models that do, so look up your phone model first. You'll usually see "Qi wireless charging" (the default standard) or simply "wireless charging" if it does. 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 backward compatible, so Qi phones can be charged on Qi2 chargers, though they may charge at a slower rate. Sadly, this does not always apply the other way round, as we discovered with the HMD Skyline (the first Qi2 Android phone) which cannot be charged with the majority of Qi chargers.
Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge through cases, unless it's a particularly thick case. Check the product listing—there's usually a case thickness limit in millimeters. Phones can get hot when charging wirelessly, so don't worry if your phone is really warm when you pick it up. Most smartphones have limits to stop accepting a charge if they get too hot.
Yes, cords will charge your phone faster.
Some manufacturers like Apple and OnePlus make wireless chargers that recharge their respective phones faster than others, but if you're looking for speed, you're better off sticking with a cord. Wireless charging is best for desks or nightstands when you're not really using your phone or in a rush to recharge it.
What's a fast wireless charging speed?
We said this at the beginning of our guide, but you'll see “Compatible with iPhones and Android phones” under each slide, and that means the charger has a standard charging speed of 7.5 watts for iPhones or 10 watts for Android phones (including Samsung Galaxy phones). The latest MagSafe and Qi2 chargers can go up to 15 watts, and there are a handful of proprietary wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge even faster. It's worth noting that, even where phones support them, the maximum charging rates are only reached some of the time (the charging rate is automatically adjusted to preserve battery health).
Is wireless charging safe to use?
There's no definitive evidence that it's harmful. You may worry the phone's battery might degrade faster with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for phone batteries, stipulating how much a battery can be charged and how far it can discharge. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you plug into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits can’t be overridden. There’s no risk of overcharging your phone by leaving it on a wireless charger all night.
How do I keep my phone's battery healthy?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent for optimum battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or fully discharging the battery will degrade it slightly faster, and regularly swinging between full and empty will shorten its life. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and phone batteries are more reliable than ever. If you switch phones every two to three years or don’t mind paying a modest fee for a battery replacement on that timescale, it’s not worth worrying too much about how often or when you charge your phone.
