Wireless charging is not available almost as cool as it sounds. It’s not exactly wireless—the cable runs from the outlet to the charging port—and it won’t charge your smartphone any faster than plugging it in with a good cable. However, I’m always disappointed when I test a smartphone that doesn’t support it. I’ve gotten used to dropping my phone on the pad every night, and fishing for a cable in the dark feels like a chore. It’s more simple than anything else.
After testing over 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have sorted the good from the bad (there are definitely some bad) and identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and materials to choose from, including stands, pads, wireless battery packs, and models that double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guides, including Best Android Phones, Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe Chargers, Best iPhones, Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Cases , and Best iPhone 16 Cases.
Updated January 2025: 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 many brands have such models, so check your phone model first. You’ll usually see “Qi wireless charging” (the most common) or simply “wireless charging” in that case. Phones that support the latest Qi2 standard, have the Qi2 logo and have a magnetic ring for easy alignment (like Apple’s MagSafe). Qi2 is backwards compatible, so Qi phones can be charged on Qi2 chargers, although they may charge at a slower rate. Sadly, this doesn’t always work the other way around, as we found out with the HMD Skyline (the first Qi2 Android phone) that can’t be charged with most Qi chargers.
Do Wireless Chargers Work With Phone Cases?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge through cases, unless it’s a 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 hold it. Most smartphones have limits to stop charging when they get too hot.
Yes, Cables Will Charge Your Phone Fast
Some manufacturers like Apple and OnePlus make wireless chargers that charge their phones faster than others, but if you want speed, it’s better to stick with a cable. Wireless charging is best for desks or nightstands when you’re not actually using your phone or are in a rush to recharge it.
What is the Speed of Wireless Charging?
The latest MagSafe and Qi2 chargers can go up to 15 watts, and there are a number of wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge even faster. It should be noted that, where the phones support it, the maximum charge rates are only reached sometimes (the charge rate is adjusted automatically to preserve battery life). Most older iPhones are rated at 7.5 watts wireless charging and most older Android phones are rated at 10 watts. We’ve included the maximum wireless charging rate in the detail table for each entry. Remember that it is charging and needs the correct cable and power adapter to charge at its maximum rate.
Is Wireless Charging Safe to Use?
There is no conclusive evidence that it is harmful. You may be concerned that a phone’s battery might drain quickly with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for phone batteries, stating how far the battery can be charged and how far it can go. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you connect to a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limitations cannot be overcome. There’s no risk of overcharging your phone by leaving it on a wireless charger overnight.
How Do I Keep My Phone Battery Healthy?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent for maximum battery life. Keeping your phone fully charged or completely draining the battery will slow it down a bit faster, and constantly cycling 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 replace phones every two to three years or don’t mind paying a small battery replacement fee at that time, you shouldn’t worry too much about how often or when you charge your phone.