Wireless charging is not the case almost as cool as it sounds. It’s not exactly wireless – a cable runs from the socket to the charging pad – and it won’t charge your smartphone any faster than if you plug it in with a good old cable. Still, I’m always disappointed when I test a smartphone that doesn’t support it. I’ve gotten used to putting my phone on a surface 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 last few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have sorted out the good from the bad (There are certainly bad ones) and have identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and construction materials to choose from, including stands, pads, wireless battery packs, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Check out our others Buying Guideincluding the Best Android Phones, Best 3-in-1 Apple Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe chargers, Best iPhones, Best Samsung Galaxy S24 casesAnd Best iPhone 16 cases.
Updated January 2025: We added chargers from Nomad, Zens, Baseus and UGreen.
Start with unlimited access to WIRED. Get world-class reports that are too important to ignore $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe today.
Does my phone support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging, but most brands have models that support it. So first search for your phone model. You’ll usually see “Qi Wireless Charging” (the default standard) or simply “Wireless Charging” if this is the case. Phones that support this latest Qi2 standardbear the Qi2 logo and feature a magnetic ring for easy alignment (just like Apple’s MagSafe). Qi2 is backwards compatible, so Qi phones can be charged with Qi2 chargers, although perhaps at a slower speed. Unfortunately, this does not always apply the other way around, as we discovered HMD skyline (the first Qi2 Android phone), which cannot be charged with most Qi chargers.
Do wireless chargers work with phone cases?
Yes, most wireless chargers can be charged through cases unless it is a particularly thick case. Check the product list – usually there is a limit on the case thickness 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 a limit that prevents them from accepting charging if they get too hot.
Yes, cables charge your phone faster
Some manufacturers like Apple and OnePlus make wireless chargers that charge their respective phones faster than others, but if you value speed, you’re better off going with a cable. Wireless charging is best for desks or bedside tables when you don’t really use your phone or are in a hurry to charge it.
What is fast wireless charging speed?
The latest MagSafe And Qi2 chargers Power can be up to 15 watts, and there are a handful of proprietary wireless chargers for certain phone models that can charge even faster. It should be noted that even where phones support them, maximum charging rates are only reached intermittently (the charging rate is automatically adjusted to conserve battery health). Many older iPhones have a wireless charging cap of 7.5 watts, and many older Android phones have a cap of 10 watts. We have listed the maximum wireless charging rate in the specifications table for each entry. Remember that the charger needs this too correct cable and power adapter for charging at maximum speed.
Is it safe to use wireless charging?
There is no clear evidence that it is harmful. You may be concerned that your phone’s battery will drain faster with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for phone batteries, determining how much a battery can be charged and how far it can be discharged. No matter what charging source you use, whether you connect a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits cannot be overridden. There is no risk of overcharging your phone if you leave it on a wireless charger all night long.
How do I keep my phone battery healthy?
Try to keep the battery level between 50 and 80 percent optimal battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or letting the battery drain completely will cause it to degrade a little faster, and regularly switching between full and empty will shorten its lifespan. Battery technology has improved in recent years and phone batteries are more reliable than ever. If you change your phone every two to three years, or you don’t mind paying a small fee for a battery replacement during that period, it’s not worth worrying too much about how often or when you charge your phone.
