Best Wireless Charger for 2024

Global NewsXMarch 27, 2024Last Updated: March 27, 2024

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Does my phone support wireless charging?

Starting with the iPhone 8, all new iPhones feature wireless charging, though only the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series models have Apple’s MagSafe feature that allows for faster charging with Apple-certified MagSafe chargers.

Many but not all new Android smartphones, particularly more premium models, also support Qi wireless charging (top wireless charging speeds vary from Android smartphone to smartphone with 15-watt wireless charging currently being the fastest available). It’s easy to confirm whether your phone supports wireless charging: Just consult the CNET review, or check out the specs on the manufacturers’ websites.

What is the best Qi wireless charger?

Virtually all wireless chargers uses Qi wireless charging technology, which has become the de facto standard for wireless charging. So all the wireless chargers on this list should also be considered the best Qi wireless chargers.

Can I use a wireless charger with a phone case?

Yes, you can — as long as your case isn’t too thick. But the majority of phone cases today are compatible with wireless charging. For iPhone users, any MagSafe-enabled case will definitely work for wireless charging.

What is considered fast wireless charging?

Fast wireless charging starts at 10 watts with current maximum speeds hitting 15 watts for certain Android smartphones and Apple-certified MagSafe chargers that tend to cost more. Many standard wireless chargers top our at 7.5 watts for iPhones. Note that you will need a wireless charger that is capable of fast charging and an AC adapter with enough power (we recommend 20 watts or more) to achieve fast charging.

Is wireless charging safe for my device?

Yes. But ideally you should use a wireless charger from a reputable brand to ensure best results. Sometimes your phone may heat up a bit while charging. You should only start to get concerned if it truly gets hot (remove your device from the charger if it does get hot).

Which is the fastest wireless charger available?

While phones like the Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 11 now offer much-improved wireless charging (at 45 or 80 watts, respectively), the fastest wireless chargers still top out at 15-watt charging speeds. To get that speed you’ll need a smartphone paired with a compatible charger — and as we’ve noted above, Android phones are generally more compatible with higher-speed chargers than iPhones, which require MagSafe-certified chargers.

What is the best wireless charger for iPhone?

The best wireless chargers for iPhone are official Apple-certified MagSafe wireless chargers because they offer the top wireless charging speeds (15 watts). But they tend to be significantly more expensive.

How we chose chargers to test

In an effort to find the best wireless chargers, we choose to look at a wide range of products from top manufacturers of wireless chargers, which includes companies like Anker, Belkin and Mophie. We also look at value options from less-known brands that make wireless chargers.

How we test wireless chargers

We test wireless chargers with a primary focus on design, features and performance.

We judge design based on aesthetics and how easy it is to find a sweet spot for wireless charging (if you place your phone on a pad or on a stand, does it automatically start charging or do you have to adjust its placement?).

We judge features based on what extra features a pad, stand or wireless charging station might. This includes how many devices it can charge at the same time, is a power adapter included, does have a magnetic element (and how strong the magnets are) and does it have additional wired charging options (a USB-C out port).

For performance, we mainly look at whether a wireless charger can deliver the wireless charging speeds it promises, especially 15-watt fast charging speeds. We also test whether a wireless charger can charge smartphones with thicker cases on them.

Source: CNET