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Wireless charging is not almost as cool as it sounds. It’s not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charging pad—and it doesn’t charge your smartphone any faster than if it’s plugged in with a good cord. However, I am always disappointed when I do try a smartphone which does not support. I’ve gotten used to putting my phone 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 over 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have picked the good from the bad (there are definitely bad ones) and have identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and construction materials that you have options, including stands, pads, wireless batteries, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guidesincluding the The best Android phones, The best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers, The best MagSafe chargers, The best iPhones, The best Samsung Galaxy S24 casesand The best iPhone 16 cases.
Updated January 2025: We have 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 have models that do, so research your phone model first. You will usually see “Qi wireless charging” (the default) or simply “wireless charging” if it is. Phones that support the the latest Qi2 standardit carries the Qi2 logo and has a ring of magnets 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. Unfortunately, this does not always apply in reverse, as we discovered with the 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 charge through cases, unless it’s a particularly thick case. Check the product list – usually there is a case thickness limit 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 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 charge their respective phones faster than others, but if you’re looking for speed, it’s better to stick with a cord. Wireless charging is best for desks or nightstands when you’re not actually using your phone or in a rush to charge.
What is Fast Wireless Charging Speed?
The last one MagSafe and Qi2 chargers it 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 is worth noting that, even where the phones support them, the maximum charging rates are reached only some time (the charging rate is automatically adjusted to preserve the health of the battery). Many older iPhones are capped at 7.5 watts for wireless charging and many older Android phones are capped at 10 watts. We’ve included the maximum wireless charging rate in the specs table for each entry. Remember that the loader also requires the correct cable and the power adapter to charge at its maximum rate.
Is wireless charging safe to use?
There is no definitive evidence that it is harmful. You may worry that your cell phone battery could degrade faster with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for cell phone batteries, stipulating how much a battery can be charged and how much it can be discharged. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you plug it into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits cannot be overridden. There is no risk of overcharging your phone by leaving it on a wireless charger all night.
How do I keep my phone battery healthy?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent optimal battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or fully discharging the battery will degrade it a little faster, and regularly oscillating between full and empty will shorten its life. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and cell 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 a battery replacement on that time scale, it’s not worth worrying too much about how often or when you charge your phone.
