Article updated on October 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM PDT
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David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers Credentials
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
15-watt wireless charging pad from Belkin
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What is the best wireless charger overall?
Most phones -- whether iPhones or Android phones -- are able to wirelessly charge. However, rarely if ever will a new phone come with a wireless charger. With the best wireless charger, you won't have to worry about having a USB cable or AC adapter on hand, and you'll be able to keep your phone's battery level at 100% easily.
You've come to the right place, because we've tested a lot of wireless chargers, including Apple MagSafe wireless chargers as well as two- and three-in-one wireless charging docks and stations designed to charge multiple devices at the same time, including your Apple Watch and Apple's AirPods and AirPods Pro (or any earbuds with a wireless charging case). We've even got some picks for the best portable wireless chargers and best wireless phone chargers for cars.
Note that all the wireless chargers on this list use Qi wireless charging technology. However, some also support Apple MagSafe magnetic wireless charging, but note that only Apple-certified MagSafe chargers allow you to get the maximum 15-watt charging speed for iPhones.
All the products reviewed below have been tested by me or other CNET editors. We'll add more of the best Qi wireless chargers to list as worthy candidates hit the market. We also have a list of best cheap Qi wireless charging pads under $20 if you're just looking for budget Qi wireless chargers.
Best wireless chargers for 2024
Over the years, Anker has sold a few different budget Qi wireless charging pads. There's nothing terribly fancy about its 315 Wireless Charger, but it delivers up to 10-watt charging speeds for Android smartphones and 7.5-watt for iPhones and it does look fairly sleek with a slim design (it also has some grippy material on top so your phone doesn't slide off).
It's not a super fast charger, but it's fine for those who charge their phones overnight. A USB-C cable is included, but you will need to supply a power adapter (you'll want one that's capable of delivering 10 watts or more to get the higher charging speeds).
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The latest version of Belkin's wireless charging pad offers up to 15-watt fast charging (a power adapter and cable are included). Only certain Android phones are compatible with that 15-watt wireless charging speed, and the pad only charges iPhones at 7.5-watt speeds. It does have some rubber grips embedded into the slim puck to keep your phone from slipping of the pad.
The Anker 637 has a magnetic charging pad on one side and seven charging ports on the back: two USB-C, two USB-A and three standard AC outlets. The USB-C ports deliver up to a 65-watt charge when charging one device -- or 45- and 20-watt if charging two devices simultaneously. So yes, you can use it to charge most laptops that charge via USB-C.
For MagSafe-enabled iPhones, the wireless charging pad charges at 7.5 watts. You can only charge Android phones if you stick a metal ring accessory (sold separately) on the back of your device and place it in the right spot.
Available in black or white, the Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 wireless charging stand (2nd gen) charges your MagSafe-enabled iPhone at 15 watts, the fastest wireless charging speed available for iPhones. This second-gen model also offers the faster charging speed for Apple Watches with the new fast-charging capabilities starting with the Watch Series 7 -- that's a key convenience upgrade. A third wireless charging spot is available for charging any AirPods with a wireless charging case.
Belkin also makes this is a three-in-one wireless charging pad version, but I prefer this design. Alas, three-in-one MagSafe wireless charging products tend to be expensive and this model is no exception.
What's cool about Anker's 622 magnetic battery is that it's a wireless battery that has an integrated magnetic flap that converts into a stand. You won't get fast wireless charging from this 5,000-mAh battery (it charges at up to 7.5 watts) but it's slim and easy to carry around.
It charges via USB-C and if you use a USB-C to Lightning to charge your iPhone, it will charge at a faster rate of 12 watts. That's not as fast as what a 20-watt USB-C power adapter can deliver, but it's faster than 7.5 watts.
Note that Anker has updated this model to move the charging port to the side (from the bottom), so you can charge it while using it as a stand. That's a worthy upgrade worth the $10 premium versus the old version, which confusingly retains the same 622 model number.
The Anker 633 MagGo is a two-in-one charging stand that allows you to charge your phone (with a magnetic case) and earbuds (with a wireless charging case) at the same time. The key bonus feature is that the package includes Anker's 621 portable battery, which you can take on the go with you as a portable wireless charger. (It doesn't have an integrated kickstand like the Anker 622 portable battery.)
Note that even though this only offers up to 7.5-watt wireless charging speeds for iPhones, this is primarily designed for MagSafe-enabled iPhones. You can also use this with Android devices, but the case for your device would need to have a magnetic component to stick to the charger. The stand and battery are also available in black and light blue.
A 25-watt power adapter is included so this will have no trouble charging your smartphone and AirPods at the same time. You can also purchase Anker's 621 portable battery separately for $50 should the battery start to lose its charge over time.
You can pick up Apple's official MagSafe charger for around $40, or occasionally even $30 on sale. That said, this Belkin BoostCharge Pro charger pad costs a little more but has one key addition that makes it an attractive alternative: an integrated kickstand.
This is an official Made for MagSafe charger so it charges MagSafe-enabled iPhones at 15 watts, the fastest wireless charging speed available for iPhones. It's available in black or white. Alas, like Apple's MagSafe charger, it doesn't come with a USB-C power adapter so you have to supply your own (20 watts or higher is recommended).
Why would you pay $300 for a wireless charger? I'm not sure, but maybe you're loaded and want to own one of the most expensive -- and high-tech -- wireless charging pads out there. Oh, and Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform also works well (you can charge up to three devices on it at the same time), and it looks pretty fetching for a wireless charging pad.
Designed by the folks at Tesla -- yes, actual Tesla industrial designers designed it -- the Wireless Charging Platform is equipped with FreePower technology, which "charges your Qi capable devices such as phones or earbuds placed anywhere on its surface without precise alignment." In other words, stick your phone or buds (sorry, it doesn't work with the Apple Watch) anywhere on the charging pad and your device (or devices) will charge. A couple of years ago, Nomad developed a pricey wireless charging pad called the Base Station Pro with FreePower technology. But that's since been discontinued.
The Wireless Charging Platform truly is a platform (physically speaking) and has some heft to it, as it's constructed out of aluminum. It also has a detachable magnetic stand that allows you to lay it flat like a typical charging pad or prop it up an an angle, which most people will prefer. The top of the pad is covered in Alcantara, a durable suedelike material that can be wiped down with a damp cloth. And you'll probably want to do that from time to time, because this all-black device will attract some dust -- and show it.
A 65-watt power adapter is included, and this wireless charger can charge Android phones at up to 15W speeds (if they support 15W wireless charging). It took me a little less than two hours to fully charge a Google Pixel 7 from empty. Alas, iPhone charging speeds are capped at 7.5W (this isn't a certified MagSafe charger). However, it does charge iPhones more efficiently than many wireless 7.5 chargers, so it did charge my iPhone 14 Pro a little faster than some of the wireless charging pads on this list.
With a high-wattage cigarette lighter USB-C power adapter, there's nothing preventing you from using it in a Tesla (or another car for that matter), but this is really designed to be a desktop wireless charger.
If you're looking for a three-in-one wireless charging station but don't want to spend upwards of $100 for it, the Anker 335 foldable is a good option, though not necessarily the speediest charger. And you do have to supply your own Apple Watch charging puck to get your watch charged (there's a holder for the puck).
An 18-watt Quick Charge 3.0 charger is included that will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time (smartphone, Apple Watch and earbuds with wireless charging, for example) with a maximum wireless charging speed of 10 watts for smartphones (7.5 watts for iPhones). Its foldable design does make it suitable to pack for travel.
If you're looking for a bigger portable battery that charges your phone wirelessly, the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is an excellent option. It houses a 10,000-mAh battery that can charge an iPhone 14 around two times -- but it's still somewhat compact.
The magnet is strong, and I also liked that it has an integrated flip-out kickstand, so it converts into a stand. There's also an LED battery life indicator on back of the battery that tells you exactly how much juice the battery has left (you see the actual percentage). The Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is available in three color options, with the black version currently costing a few bucks less.
The Anker PowerWave 2 offers stand offers up to 15-watt charging speeds for Android devices that support fast wireless charging. The speed will dip for Android devices that only support up to 10-watt charging speeds and 7.5 watts for iPhones. You can prop your phone up horizontally or vertically in the charger. (Landscape mode is obviously good for watching movies or playing video games with an external game controller.) A power adapter is included.
Since this is an official MagSafe charger, the battery charges compatible iPhones at 15 watts, making this among the fastest wireless external battery chargers out there. It will also charge the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro models with MagSafe. If you to use a cable to charge your device, it can charge at 20-watt speeds via its USB-C port. You can also charge two devices at the same time.
Moshi makes some nice wireless charging products, including its Lounge Q Wireless charger stand that has "adjustable rails that let you position the charger to accommodate any device size for optimal efficiency." It's been out a while but is still one of the more attractive wireless chargers out there and can charge at up to 15-watt speeds for compatible Android devices. (iPhone speeds top out at 7.5 watts.)
I found that it charged phones with thicker cases on them. I also liked how I could adjust the stand to accommodate my phone for landscape or portrait viewing. Alas, this wireless charging stand is expensive and doesn't include a power adapter.
Belkin makes a MagSafe car-vent mount as well as the BoostCharge Pro, which is Apple-certified and wirelessly charges iPhones at up to 15 watts. And while this model -- the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger -- only charges iPhones at at up to 10 watts, but it's more affordable. Its USB-C cable is removable (it's integrated on BoostCharge Pro) and you get a 20-watt cigarette-lighter power adapter. I personally like a car power adapter with two USB-C ports so a passenger can plug in a cable and also charge his or her phone, but you can always opt to add that later.
If you don't mind going with a no-name brand like ZeeHoo, its wireless car charger has most of the features you want for phone charging, including autoclamping, a secure suction cup that can be installed on your car's air vent, windshield or dashboard. It has USB-C and up to 15-watt fast charging for Android phones that support it (iPhones are capped at 7.5-watt charging). This upgraded version has a sleeker design than the original and it costs about half the price of the iOttie. However, this wireless charger doesn't come with a cigarette lighter adapter -- only a USB-C cable. (Note that to get fast charging, you'll need a power adapter that supports it.)
This wireless car mount charger is one of the more popular generic wireless car chargers with an autosensing telescopic arm, and the original version I tried worked well overall, attaching securely to my car vent mount and giving my smartphone or Qi-enabled device a quick charge.
iOttie's "autosense" automatic clamping wireless car charger with a phone mount is one of the best out there. While it's pricey, we've seen some nice discounts on it recently. The Auto Sense Automatic Clamping Qi Charging Car Phone Mount is available in a dashboard mount version or a CD, cup holder and vent clip version (I tried the dashboard wireless charging mount). This wireless car charger mount has a nicely designed telescoping arm, a strong suction cup, and the wireless charging mount feature is compatible with most phone cases. You get 7.5-watt charging for an iPhone and 10-watt charging for Android phones, which is considered fast wireless charging.
This Qi wireless charger comes with a dual charging USB cigarette lighter adapter. My only gripe -- and it's a small one -- is that the included cable is Micro-USB and not USB Type-C. Once this Qi charger is plugged into the wireless car charging mount you can basically forget about it, but if the cable accidentally becomes unplugged (which does happen), it's easier to plug in a USB-C cable for phone charging, especially when you're driving.
Budget
Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a wireless charger. Value-priced chargers continue to improve, so you can find a decent wireless charger for less than $40. But if you're looking for a more premium model, you'll likely have to pay more than $50 and even more for MagSafe-certified chargers.
Charging speeds
Typically, wireless Qi chargers that are designed to charge both iPhones and Android smartphones offer faster charging speeds for Android devices with speeds capped at around 7.5 watts for iPhones. If you have an iPhone and want faster charging speeds, make sure to review the charging specs for iPhones before buying.
Mount type
Some wireless chargers include two- and three-in-one wireless charging docks and stations designed to charge multiple devices at the same time, including your smart watch and headphones. Be sure to consider your product ecosystem and whether these handy do-it-all wireless chargers align with your daily needs.
Power capacity vs. weight
Most baseline power banks now start at a 5,000-mAh capacity, which should give you at least one full charge for an phone. Chargers with 10,000 mAh or more are available, but they weigh more. That's of particular note if you plan on traveling with the charger in a purse, backpack or pocket.
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In an effort to find the best wireless chargers, we choose to look at a wide range of products from top manufacturers of wireless chargers, which includes companies like Anker, Belkin and Mophie. We also look at value options from less-known brands that make wireless chargers.
We test wireless chargers with a primary focus on design, features and performance.
We judge design based on aesthetics and how easy it is to find a sweet spot for wireless charging (if you place your phone on a pad or on a stand, does it automatically start charging or do you have to adjust its placement?).
We judge features based on what extra features a pad, stand or wireless charging station might. This includes how many devices it can charge at the same time, is a power adapter included, does have a magnetic element (and how strong the magnets are) and does it have additional wired charging options (a USB-C out port).
For performance, we mainly look at whether a wireless charger can deliver the wireless charging speeds it promises, especially 15-watt fast charging speeds. We also test whether a wireless charger can charge smartphones with thicker cases on them.
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Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station: Anker's MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station may not be as elegant looking as some 3-in-1 charging stations, but it's compact enough to be travel-friendly, is relatively affordable (many 3-in-1 wireless charging stations cost closer to $150) and also offers fast 15-watt Qi2 wireless charging for your iPhone. A 40-watt power adapter is included so you can charge your iPhone at top speed along with your AirPods and Apple Watch.
UGreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank: The UGreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is inexpensive, slim and features a soft-to-the-touch silicone rubber surface on the side of the battery that sticks to your MagSafe-enabled iPhone (it won't quite get you a full charge). It does heat a bit as it charges and only offers up to 7.5-watt wireless charging speeds, 15-watt fast charging is available if you charge with a cable via the USB-C port. How well it will hold up over time, I don't know, but if you're on a tight budget, it does the job and sometimes sells for as low as $20.
Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station: The Anker Magnetic Charging Station has a magnetic charging pad on one side and seven charging ports on the back: two USB-C, two USB-A and three standard AC outlets. The USB-C ports deliver up to a 67-watt charge when charging one device -- or 47- and 20-watt if charging two devices simultaneously. So yes, you can use it to charge most laptops that charge via USB-C.
Belkin MagSafe Wireless Charger with Kickstand: Belkin's MagSafe Wireless Charger with Kickstand is essentially a better version of Apple's own wireless MagSafe charger because it integrates a flip-out kickstand, allowing you to watch videos on your iPhone as you charge (or play games if you have a wireless game controller). It does charge at a speed of up to 15 watts and comes in three color options: black, white and blue. No power adapter is included (the cable is integrated into the charging puck).
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Does my phone support wireless charging?
Starting with the iPhone 8, all new iPhones feature wireless charging, though only the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series models have Apple's MagSafe feature that allows for faster charging with Apple-certified MagSafe chargers.
Many but not all new Android smartphones, particularly more premium models, also support Qi wireless charging (top wireless charging speeds vary from Android smartphone to smartphone with 15-watt wireless charging currently being the fastest available). It's easy to confirm whether your phone supports wireless charging: Just consult the CNET review, or check out the specs on the manufacturers' websites.
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Is wireless charging safe for my device?
Yes. But ideally you should use a wireless charger from a reputable brand to ensure best results. Sometimes your phone may heat up a bit while charging. You should only start to get concerned if it truly gets hot (remove your device from the charger if it does get hot).
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What is the best Qi wireless charger?
Virtually all wireless chargers uses Qi wireless charging technology, which has become the de facto standard for wireless charging. So all the wireless chargers on this list should also be considered the best Qi wireless chargers.
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Can I use a wireless charger with a phone case?
Yes, you can -- as long as your case isn't too thick. But the majority of phone cases today are compatible with wireless charging. For iPhone users, any MagSafe-enabled case will definitely work for wireless charging.
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What is considered fast wireless charging?
Fast wireless charging starts at 10 watts with current maximum speeds hitting 15 watts for certain Android smartphones and Apple-certified MagSafe chargers that tend to cost more. Many standard wireless chargers top our at 7.5 watts for iPhones. Note that you will need a wireless charger that is capable of fast charging and an AC adapter with enough power (we recommend 20 watts or more) to achieve fast charging.
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What is the best wireless charger for iPhone?
The best wireless chargers for iPhone are official Apple-certified MagSafe wireless chargers because they offer the top wireless charging speeds (15 watts). But they tend to be significantly more expensive.
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Which is the fastest wireless charger available?
While phones like the Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 11 now offer much-improved wireless charging (at 45 or 80 watts, respectively), the fastest wireless chargers still top out at 15-watt charging speeds. To get that speed you'll need a smartphone paired with a compatible charger -- and as we've noted above, Android phones are generally more compatible with higher-speed chargers than iPhones, which require MagSafe-certified chargers.
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