With the best wireless chargers, you can ditch the endless collection of tangled cables for all of your devices since many are compatible with your phone, smartwatch and even your wireless earbuds. While a wired charger does have the benefit of offering fast charging speeds, wireless chargers are far more convenient. Some even allow you to power up multiple devices at the same time, making life just a little bit easier. Whether you\u2019re looking for a wireless charging stand or wireless charging pad, we can help you decide which is the best wireless charger to suit your needs. It\u2019s time to clear up the clutter and move into a future where wireless charging becomes your new best friend.<\/p>\n
Quick Overview<\/p>\n
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\n\nOtterbox OtterSpot Wireless Charging System<\/h3>\n
Best wireless charger pad overall<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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\n\nBelkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad<\/h3>\n
Best wireless charger pad – runner up<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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\n\nAnker 315 Wireless Charger (Pad), 10W Max Fast Charging – Compatible with iPhone 15\/14\/13 Series, Samsung S22, AirPods, Samsung Buds, Google Buds, and More – Wall Charger Not Included<\/h3>\n
Best budget wireless charger pad<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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\n\nBelkin Wireless Charging Stand – 15W Qi-Certified Charger Stand for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel & More – Charge While Listening to Music & Streaming (Power Supply Included)<\/h3>\n
Best wireless charger stand overall<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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\n\nSpigen 15W Super Fast Wireless Charger Stand – Designed for Samsung<\/h3>\n
Best wireless charger stand – runner up<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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\n\nAnker 313 Wireless Charger (Stand), Qi-Certified for iPhone 15\/15 Pro\/15 Pro Max\/14\/14 Pro Max, 10W Fast-Charging Galaxy S20, S10 (No AC Adapter)<\/h3>\n
Best budget wireless charger stand<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
See 1 more<\/a><\/div>\n
What to look for in a wireless charger<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the size and features of the phone you have right now. Resist that urge \u2014 this is an accessory you\u2019ll probably use with multiple devices, and you don\u2019t want to replace it every time you buy a new handset. Instead, think about the phones you\u2019re likely to use down the road. If you\u2019re sure you\u2019ll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, you\u2019ll want a more universal design.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also want something that accepts a variety of device sizes. Certain wireless charging stations don\u2019t work well with the iPhone 13 mini or other particularly small phones, for instance. If you think you may change phone sizes at some point, a pad charger is a wiser choice. With that said, you\u2019ll still want to pay attention to any potentially limiting design features, such as prominent cradles and lips.<\/p>\n
Also, consider wireless chargers with modular components. While you\u2019ll have to invest exclusively in one company\u2019s ecosystem, this gives you room to grow as your gadget needs change. You can add a charger for a second phone or smartwatch, and some systems even offer modular batteries to supply power on the go. Just be sure to look at a multi-device charger<\/a> if there\u2019s a very good chance you\u2019ll expand your setup in the future.<\/p>\n
Where and how will you use your charger?<\/h2>\n
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Pontus Wellgraf on Unsplash<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky power banks. If you intend to place your charger on a nightstand, you\u2019ll usually want a pad. With a stand, even a dim always-on display can prove distracting when you\u2019re trying to sleep. You may also want a wireless charging pad if your phone will sit on a low table, as it might be easier to grab in a rush. Look at compact models if space is tight.<\/p>\n
On your desk, you may prefer a stand to quickly glance at alerts or make video calls. Want something more travel-friendly? A puck or similarly minimalist design is typically best, delivering wireless power effortlessly to your phone or other devices. You may also want a charger with a battery (either modular or built-in) for camping or whenever an outlet isn\u2019t nearby.<\/p>\n
Performance matters, to a point<\/h2>\n
Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger<\/a> can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits.<\/p>\n
In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and you\u2019ll need a MagSafe charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, you\u2019ll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), you\u2019ll occasionally run into examples that only work with naked phones.<\/p>\n
There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Google\u2019s second-generation Pixel Stand, for example, delivers up to 23W for a Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro<\/a>. Optimized designs like this can make sense if you\u2019re loyal to one brand. Be sure to get a charger that still works well with other manufacturers\u2019 phones, though, as you don\u2019t want to replace your accessory (or endure sluggish speeds) if you switch brands.<\/p>\n
Quality, box contents and the little details<\/h2>\n
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Michael Soledad on Unsplash<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n Once you\u2019ve chosen the form factor and performance levels that meet your needs, you\u2019ll want to consider the fit and finish. You\u2019re likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in quality could make the difference between joy and frustration.<\/p>\n
If your charger doesn\u2019t use MagSafe, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger won\u2019t slide around. If you\u2019re buying a stand, check that it won\u2019t tip over or wobble.<\/p>\n
Pay attention to what\u2019s included in the box. Some models don\u2019t include power adapters, and may even ask you to reuse your phone\u2019s USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it. Also, some cables and chargers are better than others. A USB-C charger is more future-proof, while braided cables may be less likely to break or tangle.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain period of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station.<\/p>\n
By now, you should know what to look for. While it would be impossible for us to test every charger, we\u2019ve tried numerous models and have some favorites.<\/p>\n
Best wireless chargers for 2024<\/h2>\n
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Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>10W | Cable length: <\/strong> | Box contents: <\/strong> Base, battery<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no shortage of portable wireless chargers, but it\u2019s rare that you can find one which is as well-suited to your desk as it is your bag. The Otterbox OtterSpot system<\/a> is our top pick precisely because it\u2019s so versatile. The base unit is stable, includes a power adapter and accommodates a wide range of phone sizes. But it really shines when you want to leave home. You can buy as many as three 5,000mAh portable batteries that optionally stack on top of the base to recharge, and serve as completely wireless chargers on the go. Those batteries can power wired devices through USB-C ports, too.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t the fastest charger given its 10W output, and the base alone is normally expensive at $55 (though it\u2019s down to $38 as we write this). If you want a station you really can use everywhere, though, the OtterSpot is a top pick that can grow along with your needs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
$100 at Otterbox<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>15W | Cable length: <\/strong>6.6ft | Box contents: <\/strong>Charging pad, USB-C cable<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to find wireless power charging pucks that are fast or portable, but rarely both \u2014 and certainly not as well-considered as Belkin\u2019s BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad<\/a>. Its extremely compact design not only offers 15W MagSafe charging (plus Qi charging when flat), but includes a kickstand that lets you watch videos while you power up. Add a long 6.6ft braided cable and this is an ideal charger whether you\u2019re traveling or catching up on TV shows.<\/p>\n
The emphasis on MagSafe may make the Belkin BoostCharge less appealing for Android devices, and a better option for Apple devices. However, this is designed specifically as a phone charger rather than an Apple Watch charger, or multi-device charger. Still, it\u2019s a definite step up from Apple\u2019s more affordable but simpler MagSafe Charger. And importantly, you have the choice of buying Belkin\u2019s accessory with ($80) or without ($60) a power adapter.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
$50 at Belkin<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Anker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>10W | Cable length: <\/strong>4ft | Box contents: <\/strong>Charging pad, microUSB cable, welcome guide<\/p>\n
If you just need the basics, Anker\u2019s 315 Wireless Charger<\/a> offers significant value from a well-known name. It tops out at 10W (7.5W for iPhones), doesn\u2019t include a power adapter and relies on a microUSB cable instead of a USB-C cable, but it also costs only $15. Even if you have to buy an adapter, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
$12 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Belkin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>15W | Cable length: <\/strong>4ft | Box contents: <\/strong>Charging stand, USB-C cable<\/p>\n
There\u2019s fierce competition in the wireless charging stand space, and it\u2019s easy to get a good 15W charger if you\u2019re willing to pay. Belkin, however, is one of the few that promises truly solid value. Its $45 BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand<\/a> costs less than some alternatives while including a power adapter in the box. The lip at the bottom will keep your phone stable, and dual charging coils let you use the device while watching a video in landscape mode. You can also easily keep an eye on your phone\u2019s battery level.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no MagSafe or other device-specific charging optimizations on this one for your Apple devices. And like many wireless charging stands, this doesn\u2019t officially support the iPhone 13 mini and similarly small handsets. But there\u2019s otherwise little to complain about here \u2014 this is a no-nonsense power solution at a good price, and conveniently comes packaged with an included USB-C cable<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
$45 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>15W | Cable length: <\/strong>5.9ft | Box contents: <\/strong>Charging pad, USB-C cable<\/p>\n
There aren\u2019t many great options for wireless chargers that use Samsung\u2019s fast power delivery technology, particularly if you want a stand. Thankfully, Spigen\u2019s charger<\/a> is up to the job. It delivers 15W to all Samsung Galaxy phones that support Super Fast Wireless Charging, and it\u2019s a well-made (if unspectacular) perch that prevents your device from sliding around. The universal form factor works with other phone brands, too, though it doesn\u2019t specify that it works with Apple devices.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll want to shop carefully. Some versions don\u2019t include a power adapter, and some stores sell for less than the official $80. If you can score a good deal, though, this is an ideal way to charge your Galaxy device while providing a clear view of the always-on display, allowing you to check your phone\u2019s battery with a quick glance<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
$60 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Anker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMax output: <\/strong>10W | Cable length: <\/strong>3ft | Box contents: <\/strong>Charging stand, microUSB cable, welcome guide<\/p>\n
Anker\u2019s strong value in pad chargers also applies to stands. The 313 Wireless Charger<\/a> tops out at 10W (5W for iPhones), doesn\u2019t include a power brick and uses a microUSB cable rather than a USB-C cable, but it\u2019s also $20. You can buy an adapter and still undercut the price of some equally competent alternatives. It can charge while your phone is in landscape orientation, too – an added bonus to this phone charger. You might want to look at competing products if they cost under $40 with an adapter included, but the 313 is otherwise difficult to top.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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