Wireless charging no almost as cool as it sounds. It's not exactly wireless—a cord runs from the outlet to the charging dock—and it won't charge your smartphone any faster than plugging it in with the old cord. However, I am always disappointed when check smartphone that doesn't support it. I'm used to setting my phone down on a mattress every night, and finding the 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 (There are definitely bad ones) and identified the best wireless chargers. There are so many styles, shapes, and build materials that you have plenty to choose from, including stands, pads, wireless battery packs, and models that even double as headphone stands.
Check out our other buying guideincluding The best Android phones, Apple's best 3-in-1 wireless charger, The best MagSafe chargers, Best iPhones, The best Samsung Galaxy S24 casesAnd The 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 look up your phone model first. You'll usually see “Qi wireless charging” (the default standard) or simply “wireless charging” if available. Phone support Latest Qi2 standardcarries the Qi2 logo and has a magnetic ring for easy alignment (just 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 with HMD skyline (first Android Qi2 phone) cannot be charged with most Qi chargers.
Does the wireless charger work with phone cases?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge through a case, unless it's a particularly thick case. Check the product listing – there is usually a case thickness limit in millimeters. Phones can get hot when wirelessly charging, so don't worry if your phone gets really warm when you pick it up. Most smartphones have a limit that stops receiving charge if they get too hot.
Yes, the cord 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 going with a wire. Wireless charging is best for your desk or nightstand when you're not actually using your phone or are in a hurry to recharge it.
What is fast wireless charging speed?
latest MagSafe And Qi charger2 can go up to 15 watts, and there are some proprietary wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge even faster. It should be noted that, even if the phone supports it, the maximum charging speed is only occasionally reached (charging speed 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 speed in the spec sheet for each item. Remember that a charger is also required correct cable and power adapter for charging at full speed.
Is wireless charging safe to use?
There is no solid evidence that it is harmful. You may be worried that your phone battery may degrade faster when charging wirelessly, but manufacturers set safety limits for phone batteries, regulating how much the battery can charge and how far it can be discharged. . No matter what charging source you use, whether you plug into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits 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's battery healthy?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent clear Optimal battery health. Leaving your phone fully charged or fully discharged will cause the battery to degrade a bit faster, and frequently switching between full and empty will shorten the life of your phone. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and phone batteries are more reliable than ever. If you change your phone every two to three years or don't mind paying a modest fee for battery replacement during that period, you don't need to worry too much about how often or when you charge your phone.