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 cellphone down, however it’s additionally surprisingly versatile. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a modern charging pad in your nightstand, a stand that retains your cellphone 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, holding your cellphone powered up on the go with out the trouble of cables to plug in. With so many handy choices, it is simple to see why extra individuals 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 simple to search out wi-fi energy charging pucks which are quick or transportable, however not often each — and positively not as well-considered as Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad. Its extraordinarily compact design not solely presents 15W MagSafe charging (plus Qi charging when flat), however features a kickstand that permits you to watch movies whilst you energy up. Add an extended 6.6ft braided cable and this is a perfect charger whether or not you’re touring or catching up on TV exhibits.

The emphasis on MagSafe-compatible might make the Belkin BoostCharge much less interesting for Android units, and a greater possibility for Apple units. Nevertheless, that is designed particularly as a cellphone charger relatively than an Apple Watch charger, or multi-device charger. Nonetheless, it’s a particular step up from Apple’s extra reasonably priced however easier MagSafe Charger. And importantly, you’ve 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

Should you simply want the fundamentals, Anker’s 315 Wireless Charger presents vital worth from a widely known title. It tops out at 10W (7.5W for iPhones), doesn’t embrace 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 it’s a must to purchase an adapter, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a higher deal. This charger works nicely 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 simple to get a great 15W charger when you’re keen to pay. Belkin, nevertheless, is among the few that guarantees really stable 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 maintain your cellphone steady, and twin charging coils allow you to use the gadget whereas watching a video in panorama mode. It’s also possible to simply keep watch over your cellphone’s battery stage.

There’s no MagSafe or different device-specific charging optimizations on this one in 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 a great 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, notably if you need 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 stops your gadget 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 fastidiously. Some variations don’t embrace an influence adapter, and a few shops promote for lower than the official $80. Should you can rating a great deal, although, this is a perfect approach to cost your Galaxy gadget whereas offering a transparent view of the always-on show, permitting you to verify your cellphone’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 embrace an influence brick and makes use of a microUSB cable relatively 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 may well cost whereas your cellphone is in panorama orientation, too – an added bonus to this cellphone charger. You would possibly need to have 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 prime.

$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 cellphone you’ve proper now. Resist that urge — that is an adjunct you’ll in all probability use with smartphones and different units, and also you don’t need to change it each time you purchase a brand new handset. As a substitute, take into consideration the telephones you’re seemingly to make use of down the highway. Should you’re positive you’ll use iPhones for a very long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible charger shall be sooner and extra handy. Should you use Android telephones or suppose you would possibly change sides, nevertheless, you’ll need a extra common design.

You’ll additionally need one thing that accepts quite a lot of gadget sizes. Sure wi-fi charging stations don’t work nicely with the iPhone 13 mini or different notably small telephones, as an example. Should you suppose you could change cellphone sizes sooner or later, a pad charger is a wiser alternative. With that mentioned, you’ll nonetheless need to take note of any doubtlessly limiting design options, comparable to distinguished cradles and lips.

Additionally, think about wi-fi chargers with modular elements. When you’ll have to take a position solely in a single firm’s ecosystem, this provides you room to develop as your gadget wants change. You possibly can add a charger for a second cellphone or smartwatch, and a few methods even supply modular batteries to produce energy on the go. Simply you’ll want to have a look at a multi-device charger if there’s an excellent probability you’ll broaden your setup sooner or later.

The place and the way will you utilize your charger?

Odds are that you’ve got a particular use case in thoughts in your charger. You might have considered trying it by your bedside for a fast cost within the morning, or in your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You would possibly even maintain it in your bag for handy journey charging as a substitute of cumbersome energy banks. Should you intend to put your charger on a nightstand, you’ll often need a pad. With a stand, even a dim always-on show can show distracting while you’re making an attempt to sleep. You might also need a wi-fi charging pad in case your cellphone will sit on a low desk, because it is perhaps simpler to seize in a rush. Have a look at compact fashions if area is tight.

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

Wi-fi charging efficiency

Though wi-fi charging is often slower than its wired equal, pace and wattage are nonetheless essential concerns. A fast charger can provide sufficient energy for an extended evening out within the time it takes to vary outfits.

Generally, 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 instances. Whereas many fashions can ship energy by means of a fairly thick case (sometimes 3mm to 5mm), you’ll often 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 correct cellphone. 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 may make sense when you’re loyal to 1 model. Remember to get a charger that also works nicely with different producers’ smartphones, although, as you don’t need to change your accent (or endure sluggish speeds) when you change manufacturers.

High quality and field contents

When you’ve chosen the shape issue and efficiency ranges that meet your wants, you’ll need to think about the match and end. You’re seemingly going to make use of your wi-fi charger every single day, 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 maintain your cellphone in place. The bottom ought to be grippy or weighty sufficient that the charger gained’t slide round. Should you’re shopping for a stand, verify that it gained’t tip over or wobble.

Take note of what’s included within the field. Some fashions don’t embrace energy adapters, and will even ask you to reuse your cellphone’s USB-C charging cable. What might appear to be a cut price might show costly if it’s a must to 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 prone to break or tangle.

You’ll additionally need to take into consideration the minor conveniences. Standing lights are helpful for indicating right cellphone placement, however a very shiny mild might be distracting. Ideally, the sunshine dims or shuts off after a sure time period. And whereas we warning towards lips and trays that restrict compatibility, you should still need some boundaries to stop your gadget falling off its perch on the charging station.

By now, you must know what to search for. Whereas it might be unimaginable 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 cellphone case?

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

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

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

Do cords cost your cellphone sooner?

Most frequently, wired charging shall be sooner than wi-fi charging. Nevertheless, wired charging additionally is dependent upon what the charging cable’s pace 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 sooner than a wi-fi charger.