Imagine not having to fiddle with charging cables anymore. That’s the magic of wireless chargers. Going wireless not only frees up space and makes it easy to charge your phone, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a stylish charging pad for your nightstand, a stand to prop your phone on your desk, or a foldable charger for travel, there’s a wireless charger designed to fit your lifestyle. Some products also work as car chargers, allowing you to keep your phone powered on the go without the hassle of plugging in a cable. With so many convenient options, it’s easy to see why more people are ditching their wired chargers and embracing the ease of wireless.
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Best Wireless Chargers of 2024
Engadget
Maximum output: 10W |Cable length: |Box contents: Base, battery
There’s no shortage of portable wireless chargers, but it’s hard to find one that fits perfectly on your desk or in your bag. The Otterbox OtterSpot system is our top pick simply because it is so versatile. The base unit is stable, comes with a power adapter, and is compatible with a variety of smartphones. But it really shines when you want to leave the house. Up to three 5,000mAh portable batteries can be purchased and optionally stacked and charged on top of the base, acting as a fully wireless charger on the go. These batteries can also power wired devices via the USB-C port.
It’s not the fastest charger considering its 10W output, and it’s expensive at typically $55 just for the base (though it’s down to $38 as of this writing). However, if you really want a station that you can use anywhere, OtterSpot is a great choice that can grow with your needs.
$100 at Otterbox
Engadget
Maximum output: 15W | Cable length: 6.6 feet | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable
It’s easy to find wireless power charging packs that are either fast or portable, but rarely both. And it certainly doesn’t get as much consideration as Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro portable wireless charger pad. It has an extremely compact design that not only allows for 15W MagSafe charging (and Qi charging when flat), but also includes a kickstand so you can watch videos while it’s powered on. Adding a 6.6-foot long braided cable makes it an ideal charger while traveling or watching TV shows.
The emphasis on MagSafe compatibility makes Belkin BoostCharge less appealing for Android devices and potentially a better option for Apple devices. However, this is specifically designed as a cell phone charger, not an Apple Watch charger or multi-device charger. Still, it’s a clear improvement over Apple’s more affordable yet simple MagSafe charger. And importantly, you can choose to purchase Belkin accessories with a power adapter ($80) or without a power adapter ($60).
$50 at Belkin
anchor
Maximum output: 10W | Cable length: 4 feet | Box contents: Charging pad, microUSB cable, welcome guide
If you just need the basics, Anker’s famous 315 wireless charger offers great value. It has a maximum output of 10W (7.5W for iPhone), doesn’t come with a power adapter, uses a microUSB cable instead of a USB-C cable, and costs just $15. Even if you need to buy an adapter, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better one. This charger works well with a variety of devices, including AirPods Pro.
$15 on Amazon
belkin
Maximum output: 15W | Cable length: 4 feet | Box contents: Charging stand, USB-C cable
There’s a lot of competition in the wireless charging station space, and it’s easy to get a good 15W charger for the money. But Belkin is one of the few companies that truly promises solid value. At $45, the BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand is cheaper than some alternatives, even though it includes a power adapter. A bottom lip keeps your phone stable, and dual charging coils allow you to use your device while watching videos in landscape mode. You can also easily monitor your phone’s battery level.
It does not have MagSafe or other device-specific charging optimizations for Apple devices. Also, like many wireless charging stands, this one doesn’t officially support the iPhone 13 mini or similar small devices. But other than that I have nothing to complain about. It’s an affordable and practical power solution, and comes with an included USB-C cable for your convenience.
$33 on Amazon
Engadget
Maximum output: 15W | Cable length: 5.9 feet | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable
There aren’t many great options for wireless chargers that use Samsung’s fast power delivery technology, especially if you need a stand. Thankfully, Spigen’s charger does the job. It provides 15W to all Samsung Galaxy phones that support ultra-fast wireless charging, and is a well-made (albeit modest) perch that prevents your device from slipping. Universal form factor works with other smartphones, but does not specify that it will work with Apple devices.
I would like to shop carefully. Some versions do not include a power adapter and some stores sell them for less than the official price of $80. However, if you score well enough, this is the ideal way to charge your Galaxy device while clearly viewing the always-on display, allowing you to check your phone’s battery at a glance.
$60 on Amazon
anchor
Maximum output: 10W | Cable length: 3 feet | Box contents: Charging stand, microUSB cable, welcome guide
Anker’s strength in pad chargers also applies to stands. The 313 wireless charger has a maximum output of 10W (5W for iPhone), doesn’t include a power brick, uses a microUSB cable instead of a USB-C cable, and costs $20. Purchasing an adapter can still cost less than alternatives with comparable performance. You can charge your mobile phone even if it is turned sideways. This is an additional advantage of this mobile phone charger. You can consider competitors for less than $40 with adapter, but otherwise it’s hard to beat the 313.
$16 on Amazon
What to look for in a wireless charger
You’ll want to buy a wireless charging pad that’s optimized for the size and features of your current phone. Resist that urge. This is probably an accessory you use with your smartphone or other device, and you don’t want to replace it every time you buy a new phone. Instead, think about the cell phone you might use in the future. If you’re sure you’ll be using your iPhone for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible charger is faster and more convenient. However, if you use an Android smartphone or are likely to switch to one, you’ll want a more universal design.
You will also need something that is compatible with different sized devices. For example, certain wireless charging stations don’t work well with the iPhone 13 mini or other particularly small phones. If you think you might change the size of your phone someday, using a pad charger is a wise choice. That said, you should pay attention to features that can limit your design, such as prominent cradles or lips.
Also consider wireless chargers with modular components. You only have to invest in one company’s ecosystem, but this gives you room to grow as your gadget needs change. You can add a charger for a second phone or smartwatch, and some systems even offer modular batteries for powering on the go. If you are very likely to expand your setup in the future, be sure to consider a multi-device charger.
Where and how do you use your charger?
You probably have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You can also keep it by your bedside for quick charging in the morning or on your desk for notifications at a glance. Instead of a bulky power bank, you can keep it in your bag for convenient charging while traveling. If you place your charger on your nightstand, you will usually need a pad. With a stand, a dimly lit always-on display can be a distraction when you go to sleep. You may also need a wireless charging pad if you place your phone on a low table, where it can be easily accessed in a hurry. If space is tight, consider a compact model.
At your desk, you may want to use the stand to quickly check alerts or make video calls. Need something more travel-friendly? A pack or similar simple design that easily provides wireless power to your phone or other devices is usually the best choice. You may also need a charger with a battery (modular or built-in) when camping or when you don’t have an outlet nearby. Some products are available as magnetic wireless chargers, perfect for seamlessly attaching to compatible devices.
wireless charging performance
Wireless charging is typically slower than wired charging, but speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can provide enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change clothes.
In general, a 15W charger is fast enough for most situations, and you’ll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to get that level of performance out of your iPhone. That said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough to power it up overnight. If anything, you need to worry more about case support. Many models can be powered through a reasonably thick case (usually 3 mm to 5 mm), but you may come across examples that only work with bare phones.
If you have the right phone, there are some unique chargers that can break the 15W barrier. For example, Google’s 2nd generation Pixel Stand delivers up to 23W to your Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro. If you love one brand, an optimized design like this makes sense. However, be sure to get a charger that works well with smartphones from other manufacturers, so you don’t have to change accessories (or endure slowdowns) when you change brands.
Quality and box contents
Once you’ve selected the form factor and performance level that meets your needs, you’ll need to consider fit and finish. Since you’re likely to use your wireless charger every day, small differences in quality can make the difference between joy and frustration.
If your charger doesn’t use MagSafe compatible technology, rough surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to hold your phone in place. The base should be non-slip or heavy enough to prevent the charger from sliding off. If you buy a stand, make sure it won’t tip over or wobble.
Pay attention to what’s inside the box. Some models do not include a power adapter and you may be asked to reuse your phone’s USB-C charging cable. What looks like a good deal can be expensive if you have to buy more just to use it. Also, some cables and chargers are better than others. USB-C chargers are future-proof, and braided cables are less likely to break or get tangled.
Small conveniences should also be considered. Status lights help indicate the correct placement of your phone, but lights that are too bright can be distracting. Ideally, the light will dim or disappear after a certain amount of time. Also, while we are careful about lips and trays that limit compatibility, some type of barrier may be needed to prevent devices from falling from their charging station perches.
By now you should know what to look for. It’s impossible to test every charger, but after trying many models, we have a few favorites.
Wireless charger FAQ
Will the wireless charger work if I have a phone case?
Many wireless chargers will work even if you leave the case on your phone. In general, cases up to 3mm thick are compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should refer to the manufacturer’s guide to make sure your case is supported.
How can I check if my phone supports wireless charging?
Checking your phone’s specifications will tell you whether your phone supports wireless charging. You may come across terms such as “Qi wireless charging” or “wireless charging compatible.”
Will using a cord help my phone charge faster?
In most cases, wired charging is faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on the speed of the charging cable and how much power it is designed to transfer. Fast charging cables that can transmit up to 120W of power will be faster than wireless chargers.
