The perfect wi-fi chargers for 2024

Think about by no means having to fumble with a charging cable once more. That is the magic of a wi-fi charger. Not solely does going wi-fi clear up your area and make charging so simple as setting your telephone down, however it’s additionally surprisingly versatile. Whether or not you’re searching for a smooth charging pad to your nightstand, a stand that retains your telephone propped up in your desk or perhaps a foldable charger for handy journey, there is a wi-fi charger designed to suit your life-style. Some even double as a automobile charger, preserving your telephone powered up on the go with out the effort of cables to plug in. With so many handy choices, it is simple to see why extra persons are ditching their wired chargers and embracing the effortlessness of wi-fi.

Desk of contents

Finest wi-fi chargers for 2024

Engadget

Max output: 15W | Cable size: 6.6ft | Field contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable

It’s straightforward to seek out wi-fi energy charging pucks which can be quick or moveable, however not often each — and definitely not as well-considered as Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad. Its extraordinarily compact design not solely provides 15W MagSafe charging (plus Qi charging when flat), however features a kickstand that allows you to watch movies whilst you energy up. Add a protracted 6.6ft braided cable and this is a perfect charger whether or not you’re touring or catching up on TV reveals.

The emphasis on MagSafe-compatible could make the Belkin BoostCharge much less interesting for Android units, and a greater possibility for Apple units. Nevertheless, that is designed particularly as a telephone charger fairly than an Apple Watch charger, or multi-device charger. Nonetheless, it’s a particular step up from Apple’s extra inexpensive however less complicated MagSafe Charger. And importantly, you’ve got the selection of shopping for Belkin’s accent with ($80) or with out ($60) an influence adapter.

$50 at Belkin

Anker

Max output: 10W | Cable size: 4ft | Field contents: Charging pad, microUSB cable, welcome information

If you happen to simply want the fundamentals, Anker’s 315 Wireless Charger provides vital worth from a widely known title. It tops out at 10W (7.5W for iPhones), doesn’t embody an influence adapter and depends on a microUSB cable as a substitute of a USB-C cable, however it additionally prices solely $15. Even when you must purchase an adapter, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a higher deal. This charger works properly with numerous units, together with AirPods Professional.

$15 at Amazon

Belkin

Max output: 15W | Cable size: 4ft | Field contents: Charging stand, USB-C cable

There’s fierce competitors within the wi-fi charging stand area, and it’s straightforward to get an excellent 15W charger when you’re prepared to pay. Belkin, nevertheless, is without doubt one of the few that guarantees really strong worth. Its $45 BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand prices lower than some alternate options whereas together with an influence adapter within the field. The lip on the backside will preserve your telephone steady, and twin charging coils allow you to use the machine whereas watching a video in panorama mode. It’s also possible to simply regulate your telephone’s battery stage.

There’s no MagSafe or different device-specific charging optimizations on this one to your Apple units. And like many wi-fi charging stands, this doesn’t formally help the iPhone 13 mini and equally small handsets. However there’s in any other case little to complain about right here — it is a no-nonsense energy resolution at an excellent worth, and conveniently comes packaged with an included USB-C cable

$33 at Amazon

Engadget

Max output: 15W | Cable size: 5.9ft | Field contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable

There aren’t many nice choices for wi-fi chargers that use Samsung’s quick energy supply expertise, significantly in order for you a stand. Fortunately, Spigen’s charger is as much as the job. It delivers 15W to all Samsung Galaxy telephones that help Tremendous Quick Wi-fi Charging, and it’s a well-made (if unspectacular) perch that forestalls your machine from sliding round. The common type issue works with different smartphones too, although it doesn’t specify that it really works with Apple units.

You’ll need to store rigorously. Some variations don’t embody an influence adapter, and a few shops promote for lower than the official $80. If you happen to can rating an excellent deal, although, this is a perfect technique to cost your Galaxy machine whereas offering a transparent view of the always-on show, permitting you to test your telephone’s battery with a fast look

$60 at Amazon

Anker

Max output: 10W | Cable size: 3ft | Field contents: Charging stand, microUSB cable, welcome information

Anker’s sturdy worth in pad chargers additionally applies to stands. The 313 Wireless Charger tops out at 10W (5W for iPhones), doesn’t embody an influence brick and makes use of a microUSB cable fairly than a USB-C cable, however it’s additionally $20. You should purchase an adapter and nonetheless undercut the worth of some equally competent alternate options. It could actually cost whereas your telephone is in panorama orientation, too – an added bonus to this telephone charger. You would possibly need to take a look at competing merchandise in the event that they value beneath $40 with an adapter included, however the 313 is in any other case troublesome to high.

$16 at Amazon

What to search for in a wi-fi charger

It’s tempting to purchase a wi-fi charging pad optimized for the scale and options of the telephone you’ve got proper now. Resist that urge — that is an adjunct you’ll most likely use with smartphones and different units, and also you don’t need to exchange it each time you purchase a brand new handset. As an alternative, take into consideration the telephones you’re probably to make use of down the street. If you happen to’re certain you’ll use iPhones for a very long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible charger shall be quicker and extra handy. If you happen to use Android telephones or assume you would possibly swap sides, nevertheless, you’ll need a extra common design.

You’ll additionally need one thing that accepts quite a lot of machine sizes. Sure wi-fi charging stations don’t work properly with the iPhone 13 mini or different significantly small telephones, as an illustration. If you happen to assume you could change telephone sizes in some unspecified time in the future, a pad charger is a wiser selection. With that mentioned, you’ll nonetheless need to take note of any doubtlessly limiting design options, akin to distinguished cradles and lips.

Additionally, contemplate wi-fi chargers with modular parts. When you’ll have to speculate completely in a single firm’s ecosystem, this provides you room to develop as your gadget wants change. You’ll be able to add a charger for a second telephone or smartwatch, and a few methods even provide modular batteries to provide energy on the go. Simply make sure to take a look at a multi-device charger if there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll develop your setup sooner or later.

The place and the way will you utilize your charger?

Odds are that you’ve a particular use case in thoughts to your charger. It’s your decision it by your bedside for a fast cost within the morning, or in your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You would possibly even preserve it in your bag for handy journey charging as a substitute of cumbersome energy banks. If you happen to intend to put your charger on a nightstand, you’ll normally need a pad. With a stand, even a dim always-on show can show distracting while you’re attempting to sleep. You might also need a wi-fi charging pad in case your telephone will sit on a low desk, because it may be simpler to seize in a rush. Take a look at compact fashions if area is tight.

In your desk, you could desire a stand to rapidly look at alerts or make video calls. Need one thing extra travel-friendly? A puck or equally minimalist design is usually greatest, delivering wi-fi energy effortlessly to your telephone or different units. You might also need a charger with a battery (both modular or built-in) for tenting or each time an outlet isn’t close by. Some even come as magnetic wi-fi chargers, excellent for seamless attachment to suitable units.

Wi-fi charging efficiency

Though wi-fi charging is normally slower than its wired equal, velocity and wattage are nonetheless necessary concerns. A fast charger can provide sufficient energy for a protracted evening out within the time it takes to alter outfits.

On the whole, a 15W charger is greater than fast sufficient for many conditions, and also you’ll want a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that stage of efficiency from an iPhone. With that mentioned, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are quick sufficient for an in a single day power-up. If something, you’ll need to fear extra about help for circumstances. Whereas many fashions can ship energy by means of a fairly thick case (sometimes 3mm to 5mm), you’ll sometimes run into examples that solely work with bare telephones.

There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if in case you have the fitting telephone. Google’s second-generation Pixel Stand, for instance, delivers as much as 23W for a Pixel 6 Professional or Pixel 7 Pro. Optimized designs like this could make sense when you’re loyal to 1 model. Make sure you get a charger that also works properly with different producers’ smartphones, although, as you don’t need to exchange your accent (or endure sluggish speeds) when you swap manufacturers.

High quality and field contents

When you’ve chosen the shape issue and efficiency ranges that meet your wants, you’ll need to contemplate the match and end. You’re probably going to make use of your wi-fi charger on daily basis, so even small variations in high quality might make the distinction between pleasure and frustration.

In case your charger doesn’t use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like material or rubberized plastic usually tend to preserve your telephone in place. The bottom must be grippy or weighty sufficient that the charger gained’t slide round. If you happen to’re shopping for a stand, test that it gained’t tip over or wobble.

Take note of what’s included within the field. Some fashions don’t embody energy adapters, and should even ask you to reuse your telephone’s USB-C charging cable. What could appear to be a discount could show costly if you must purchase extras simply to make use of it. Additionally, some cables and chargers are higher than others. A USB-C charger is extra future-proof, whereas braided cables could also be much less more likely to break or tangle.

You’ll additionally need to take into consideration the minor conveniences. Standing lights are helpful for indicating appropriate telephone placement, however a very brilliant mild may be distracting. Ideally, the sunshine dims or shuts off after a sure time period. And whereas we warning in opposition to lips and trays that restrict compatibility, you should still need some limitations to forestall your machine falling off its perch on the charging station.

By now, it’s best to know what to search for. Whereas it might be unattainable for us to check each charger, we’ve tried quite a few fashions and have some favorites.

Wi-fi chargers FAQs

Do wi-fi chargers work if in case you have a telephone case?

Many wi-fi chargers do work when you depart the case in your telephone. Usually, a case as much as 3mm thick must be suitable with most wi-fi chargers. Nevertheless, it’s best to test the producer’s information to make sure a case is supported.

How do I do know if my telephone helps wi-fi charging?

Checking the telephone’s specification ought to let you know in case your telephone is suitable with wi-fi charging. You would possibly see phrases like “Qi wi-fi charging” or “wi-fi charging suitable.”

Do cords cost your telephone quicker?

Most frequently, wired charging shall be quicker than wi-fi charging. Nevertheless, wired charging additionally is dependent upon what the charging cable’s velocity is and the way a lot energy it’s designed to hold. A fast-charging cable that may transmit as much as 120W of energy goes to be quicker than a wi-fi charger.