There’s a good chance you own some gadgets that support wireless charging, such as an iPhone or Android smartphone, wireless earbuds, or a smartwatch. A multi-device wireless charger lets you power all your devices in one place without the need for a bunch of space-cluttering cords. There are currently dozens of these accessories, and we tested a bunch of the most popular models. Below you’ll find our picks for the best wireless charging stations and advice on how to choose the right one for your needs.
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best wireless charging pad
belkin
If you’re an Apple fan, there’s nothing better than Belkin’s latest wireless charger model. The high-quality BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 pad provides 15W MagSafe charging for your iPhone, fast charging for your Apple Watch, and space for AirPods Pro or other earbuds with a Qi-compatible case. The base is heavy and covered in rubberized plastic, with discreet status lights for the earbuds. More importantly, it supports more devices than you think. The Pro Pad uses MagSafe, but its horizontal layout allows it to charge almost any phone at low speeds. I’d also like to give kudos to Belkin for one of the most convenient Apple Watch chargers I’ve ever seen. It not only works horizontally and vertically, but also has knobs that can be adjusted to fit different sizes and third-party cases.
It’s quite large compared to some 3-in-1 chargers, so it’s not the best choice for a nightstand. If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, consider the smaller footprint of our compatible product, BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W. I also can’t find a USB port, and the recessed earphone pads prevent me from using a second phone. Still, it’s well worth the $150 asking price.
Pros Supports 3 devices at once Supports 15W MagSafe charging for iPhone Adjustable to support various Apple Watch models $100 at Amazon
logitech
There are many high-quality, high-end chargers to choose from, but Logitech’s Powered 3-in-1 Dock offers some features that go above and beyond. It consumes relatively little space, and the rubberized horizontal and vertical chargers provide up to 10W while gripping your device securely, so both you and your partner can charge.
However, there are some limitations. Vertical stand is not suitable for iPhone 13 mini or other small mobile phones. And while floating stands work with most Apple Watches, heavier ones (like this author’s Steel Series 5 with a leather link strap) tend to sag and may not charge properly. However, if those things don’t matter to you, the $130 is well worth it.
Pros Compact design Supports 3 devices at once Vertical Spot supports up to 10W power delivery Cons Vertical Spot is not ideal for small phones $110 on Amazon
anchor
There are many more affordable 3-in-1 chargers available. However, there are few that come close to the price of the Anker 533 Wireless Charger Stand. It features an adjustable 10W vertical stand to charge your Apple Watch horizontally or vertically. A 20W USB-C power adapter is also included, so you don’t have to buy an aftermarket brick (or rely on your own cables) to get started.
The main reason for the limitation is cost-cutting measures. You probably don’t have room for a second phone. And like some chargers we’ve seen so far, the Apple Watch mount requires you to bring your own cable and only supports older USB-A connections. The cables that came with the Series 8 or SE will not work here. However, at $58, this 3-in-1 wireless charging stand is a bargain.
Pros Affordable Supports 3 devices at once Adjustable 10W vertical charging spot 20W power adapter included in the box Cons Need to bring your own cable to charge Apple Watch $50 on Amazon
Moffy
The 2-in-1 field is highly competitive, making it difficult to pick an absolute winner. But Mophie’s dual wireless charging pad hits the mark in many ways. It can charge two Qi-certified devices at up to 10W each, making it ideal for households with two phones. A fabric surface with rubberized trim keeps the gadget stable, and a status light confirms precise placement. There’s also a USB-A port for connecting a watch charger or other wired hardware.
There are few complaints. It won’t charge at 15W, and USB-C is preferable to USB-A. Still, at $80, it’s a safe choice and worth buying over cheaper options.
Pro can charge two devices at the same time, both at 10W Attractive design $9 on Amazon
samsung
Multi-device chargers from cell phone manufacturers tend to be either compromised or proprietary, but Samsung’s Fast Charger Duo (also known as the 15W Duo Fast Wireless Charger) bucks that trend. It’s compact and can fast charge one phone and accessories, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch and earphones from other manufacturers. The status light also dims at night and changes color when the battery is full.
This doesn’t help households with two phones, and Samsung only guarantees 15W charging for some of its phones (Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S20 and newer). You should also be careful which version you buy, as some versions come with a power adapter and others don’t. Priced at $90 and $70 respectively, neither is cheap. However, this is still an elegant charger for your nightstand or travel, and the pad is sufficiently device-independent.
Pros Supports 15W charging Compact design Cons Power adapter only included on certain variants $48 on Amazon
Moffy
Few wireless chargers are made with multiple users in mind, but Mophie’s 4-in-1 wireless charging mat is one of the most complete of them all. This pad can wirelessly handle up to 4 devices at 10W, including 2 phones and 2 accessories. There’s also an extra USB-A port for charging previous Apple Watch models (using the included mount and proprietary cable) and wired items. The cloth surface, subtle device tray, and indicator lights also demystify charging.
This is a huge charger compared to most chargers, and you might find it limiting if you have multiple Apple Watches or accessories at home that won’t fit on a small charging pad. Still, Mophie offers great value for $150. The 4-in-1 has more features than some 3-in-1 chargers for its price, and doesn’t suffer from the compatibility issues of rivals like Nomad’s Base Station Pro .
Pros Supports up to 4 devices at once Attractive design with indicator lights makes it easy to use Cons Large footprint Must bring your own cable to charge Apple Watch $70 on Amazon
Will the wireless charging pad work with any phone or device?
It probably won’t be a shock to hear that your choice of smartphone will influence your choice of wireless charger. Only iPhone owners should consider Apple Watch compatibility. Similarly, if you want to power your Galaxy Watch, you’ll need an Android smartphone. When you purchase an iPhone 12 or newer, you can use MagSafe to magnetically attach your phone. Additionally, modern Android smartphones often include some form of fast Qi wireless charging capability.
However, it’s not just a matter of getting the fastest charger. You need to consider what you will buy in the future. If you have an iPhone and AirPods but are focused on the Apple Watch, don’t buy a charger for two devices. Also, if you’re thinking you might switch to an Android phone (or vice versa), you’ll want to get something more versatile and not tied to one ecosystem.
Some chargers include cradles, trays, and other features that are heavily optimized for a specific product and may not even account for year-to-year changes. For example, some vertical stands are too tall for small phones like the iPhone 13 mini. While you can’t completely guarantee that next year’s phone or watch will work, it’s worth buying one that’s likely to last longer.
That said, if you’re fiercely loyal to one brand, don’t be afraid to get a charger with vendor-specific features. Apple isn’t expected to discontinue MagSafe anytime soon, and Samsung may continue to make Galaxy Watches for some time to come.
How to choose the best wireless charging pad for your needs
Even if you don’t have to worry about charging cables, you’re probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. You can also place it on your nightstand or desk. However, not everyone buys a charger just for themselves. You may want to use it as a sharing station for you and your partner.
If you’re going to keep your charger on your nightstand, you’ll want a compact, stable unit that won’t take up all your free space or roll around on the floor (and be durable enough to survive if it falls). unit). You can also use a flat phone pad so you’re less likely to wake up because of the screen. The Apple Watch and some other smartwatches also double as small alarm clocks, so any wristwear may need a vertical charging option.
However, you may need a vertical phone stand at your desk so you can check your notifications. Do you place your charger on a low table? A horizontal charging pad may make it easier to access your device when you’re in a hurry. Travel chargers should be folded or otherwise protected from the pad when placed in a bag. And yes, aesthetics are important too. You might want something cute if it’s going to be in a fancy room where guests can see it.
For cars, consider a wireless car charger if you frequently need to charge your devices on the go. These chargers combine convenience and functionality to keep your phone powered while you navigate and make calls at the same time.
If you have a shared charging station, you’ll probably need one with multiple common surfaces, so you should probably refrain from charging more than one watch at a time. If that’s the case, consider some of the 4-in-1 wireless chargers on the market, or models with USB ports.
Wireless charging speed and performance
It’s no secret that wireless charging is usually slower than wired, and powering multiple devices introduces new problems. These chargers often need to support a wide range of hardware, so you’ll have to forgo the fastest device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus, and Samsung.
It’s not that these are slower, but there isn’t much difference between them in terms of charging speed. In general, the fastest chargers that support multiple devices tend to be up to 15W for mobile phones. If you want to take full advantage of the 15W on your iPhone, you’ll need an Apple MagSafe charger.
It’s rare to find truly slow examples, mind you. Even some of the most affordable options we’ve seen can charge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and 5W is plenty for other devices. If you just dock it overnight or at work, the speed won’t make much of a difference. Make sure whatever you buy is strong enough for your phone in a case. Some chargers may come with an AC adapter or may require an AC adapter for maximum performance.
Wireless charging pad quality, box contents and small details
The difference between a good charger and a great charger often comes down to the details. You don’t necessarily have to pay extra to get these, but it may be worth spending more to avoid frustration for years to come.
Textured surfaces like rubberized plastic or fabric reduce the chance of your expensive gadget slipping off the charging point. The base should have enough grip and weight so that the charger doesn’t easily slip out of place. Floating and vertical stands must be sturdy. Avoid if there is any wobble.
It’s also a good idea to take note of what’s inside the box. Some chargers don’t come with a power adapter, and in many models the Apple Watch “stand” is just a holder for your existing charging pack. Check to see if it comes with a wall charger and other components to avoid disappointment.
Additionally, there are useful features such as a status light to confirm correct placement, but you should make sure it dims or disappears after a certain amount of time. It’s true that cradles and trays can limit compatibility, but you want your device to stay where you put it. Shelves and edges prevent your phone or watch from slipping. Oh, and heavy watches can sag, so be careful if your smartwatch mount is floating.
