Wireless charging is not almost as cool as it looks. It’s not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charger—and it won’t charge your smartphone any faster than plugging it in with a good old cord. However, I am always disappointed when I test a smartphone it doesn’t support it. I’ve gotten into the habit of putting my phone on a rug every night, and fishing for a cable in the dark feels like a chore. It’s pure convenience more than anything else.
Having tested over 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have sorted the good from the bad (there are definitely bad ones) and identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and construction materials to choose from, including stands, pads, cordless batteries, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Discover our others buying guidesincluding the Best Android Phones, Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe chargers, Best iPhones, Best Samsung Galaxy S24 casesAnd Best iPhone 16 cases.
Updated 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 offer models that do, so research your phone model first. You’ll usually see “Qi Wireless Charging” (the default) or just “Wireless Charging” if that’s the case. Phones that support latest Qi2 standardare branded with 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, although they may charge at a slower rate. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always apply the other way around, as we discovered with the HMD horizon (the first Qi2 Android phone) which cannot be charged with the majority of Qi chargers.
Do wireless chargers work with phone cases?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge in cases, unless it’s a particularly thick case. Check the product listing: there is usually a limit on case thickness in millimeters. Phones can get hot when charging wirelessly, so don’t worry if your phone is really hot when you pick it up. Most smartphones have limits so they will no longer accept a charge if they get too hot.
Yes, cords will charge your phone faster
Some manufacturers like Apple and OnePlus make wireless chargers that charge their respective phones faster than others, but if you’re looking for speed, you’re better off sticking with a cord. Wireless charging is ideal for desks or nightstands when you’re not really using your phone or are in a hurry to charge it.
What is fast wireless charging speed?
The last 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 when phones support them, maximum charging rates are only reached occasionally (the charging rate is automatically adjusted to preserve battery health). Many older iPhones are limited to 7.5 watts for wireless charging and many older Android phones are limited to 10 watts. We’ve included the maximum wireless charging rate in the specifications table for each entry. Remember that the charger also requires the correct cable and a power adapter to charge at its maximum rate.
Is wireless charging safe to use?
There is no definitive proof that it is harmful. You may be worried that the phone battery will degrade more quickly with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safety limits for phone batteries, stipulating how much a battery can be charged and how far it can discharge . No matter what charging source you use, whether you plug it into a wall adapter or use a wireless charger, these limits cannot be exceeded. No risk of overcharging your phone by leaving it on a wireless charger overnight.
How can I keep my phone battery in good condition?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent for optimal battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or completely discharging the battery will degrade it slightly 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 or three years or don’t mind paying a modest fee for battery replacement over that time, it’s not worth worrying too much about how often or when. you charge your phone.
