Wireless charging is not almost as cool as this. It's not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charging pad—and it won't charge your smartphone any faster than plugging it in with a good ol' cord. However, I always fail when I try a smartphone that doesn't support it. I've gotten used to dropping my phone on a pad every night, and fishing for cable in the dark feels like a chore. It's pure convenience more than anything else.
After testing more than 100 products over the past few years, my colleague Simon Hill and I have sorted the good from the bad (some are really bad) and identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and build materials that you have options, including stands, pads, wireless battery packs, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guidesincluding Best Android Phones, Best 3-in-1 Apple Wireless Charger, Best MagSafe Charger, 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 have models that do, so find your phone model first. You'll usually see “Qi wireless charging” (the default standard) or simply “wireless charging” then. Phones that support latest Qi2 standardbear the Qi2 logo and have a ring of magnets for easy alignment (like Apple's MagSafe). Qi2 is backward compatible, so Qi phones can be charged with Qi2 chargers, although they may charge at a slower rate. Sadly, this doesn't always apply the other way around, as we discovered in 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 listing—there's usually 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 that stop charging if they get too hot.
Yes, Cords Will Charge Your Phone Faster
Some manufacturers like Apple and OnePlus make wireless chargers that recharge their phones faster than others, but if you're looking for speed, you're better off sticking with a cord. Wireless charging is best for desks or nightstands when you're not actually using your phone or are in a hurry to recharge it.
What is Fast Wireless Charging Speed?
The latest MagSafe and Qi2 chargers can go up to 15 watts, and there are some proprietary wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge faster. It is worth noting that, even where the phones support them, the maximum charging rates are only reached in a few hours (the charging rate is automatically adjusted to maintain 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 specs table for each entry. Note that the charger also requires correct cable and 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 be concerned that the phone's battery may be damaged more quickly by wireless charging, but manufacturers have set safe limits for phone batteries, which indicate how much can be charged. of a battery and how far it can discharge. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you plug into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limitations cannot be overridden. There's 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 for optimal battery health. Keeping your phone fully charged or fully discharged will deplete it slightly, and regularly swinging between full and empty will shorten its life. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and phone batteries are more reliable than ever. If you switch phones every two to three years or don't mind paying a modest battery replacement fee on that timescale, it's not worth worrying too much about how often or if when you charge your phone.
