Other Wireless Chargers Worth Considering
Although the chargers above are our top recommendations, several other wireless chargers are worth considering. These models offer unique designs, extra features, sustainable materials, or specialized charging capabilities for different setups and budgets.
Photo: Simon Hill
Krafted Couch Wireless Charger, $52: This sofa arm wireless charger is a clever solution if you frequently misplace your charging pad. It is designed to hang over the arm of a couch and includes a magnetic Qi2 charger with a generous 6.6-foot (2-meter) cable. However, the prongs may not grip securely on velvet or other slippery upholstery, and the charger can slide out of position. The silicone surface also looks fairly basic. If one of the available colors complements your furniture, it can be a convenient charging option for a living room.
Nimble Apollo Wireless Charging Pad, $19: The Nimble Apollo is an affordable and environmentally conscious wireless charger. Its recycled silicone surface helps prevent your phone from sliding, although it can attract dust and lint. The charger uses recycled materials throughout, including post-consumer plastic and metal alloys, while the packaging is plastic-free. iPhone 12 and newer models with MagSafe can align magnetically with the pad for more consistent charging. It is not as fast as a standard MagSafe charger, but it is an excellent low-cost Qi-compatible option for eco-conscious shoppers.
Einova Eggtronic Charging Stone, $70: Made from solid marble or natural stone, the Einova Charging Stone is one of the most stylish wireless charging pads available. Its minimalist design has no distracting LEDs, making it particularly suitable for a bedroom or living room. The charger can easily be mistaken for a decorative stone or drink coaster, which helps it blend into a home interior. Keep the cable hidden for the cleanest look, and use a protective phone case because the hard surface could scratch an unprotected phone.
Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station, $88: The Baseus Nomos is a useful desktop charging station for anyone who needs to power multiple devices. It includes a tilting magnetic charging pad, a retractable USB-C cable, three USB-C ports, and one USB-A port. Consider it if you like a compact magnetic charger but need more connectivity and charging capacity than a standard wireless charging stand.
Rapport London Formula Wireless Charging Tray, $475: The Rapport London Formula is an exceptionally expensive Qi wireless charger, but its premium construction sets it apart. The lacquered gray tray features a soft-touch fabric interior designed to protect your phone and smartwatch from scratches. It also provides space to store several watches while charging compatible Android phones reliably without excessive heat. This is an attractive luxury accessory, but the high price makes it difficult to recommend unless design and craftsmanship are your top priorities.
iOttie iOS Wireless Duo, $80: The iOttie Wireless Duo combines a cloth-wrapped charging stand with a second rubberized charging pad for another device, such as wireless earbuds. The stand supports both portrait and landscape orientations, although the secondary pad can interfere when the stand is positioned horizontally. It includes a cable and power adapter, making it a good value. Charging speeds reach up to 15 watts for Pixel phones, 7.5 watts for iPhones, and 10 watts for other Android devices. The front LEDs are bright, so it may not be ideal for a bedside table.
Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat, $120: The Journey Alti Play is a desk mat with built-in wireless charging. A Qi2 magnetic charging puck sits on the left side for your smartphone, while a separate 5-watt charging area powers wireless earbuds. RGB lighting runs throughout the mat and can be controlled with two buttons for changing colors and lighting patterns. The rubber underside keeps the mat stable, and the surface works well for mouse movement, but the Lycra material feels less premium than expected. Journey also sells desk mats made from different materials for shoppers who prefer another finish.
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Photo: Simon Hill
Zens Liberty Wireless Charger, $150: We tested the Glass Edition, which displays 16 overlapping copper charging coils beneath the surface. The result is eye-catching, and the visible coils make phone placement easier. The charger can power two devices simultaneously at up to 15 watts each, while the standard version uses a wool-fabric surface. However, the Zens Liberty is expensive and relatively bulky. Its cooling fan can be audible, and the Pixel 6 Pro became noticeably hot during testing, although it charged iPhones and AirPods without problems.
Courant Catch: $75 for Two Essentials: The Courant Catch combines an elegant design with dual-device charging. Its Belgian linen-wrapped surface gives it a premium appearance, especially in the camel color, and rubber feet help keep it from sliding. It is well suited for charging two sets of wireless earbuds near an entryway or on a desk. However, the five internal charging coils require precise placement, so check that the indicator light is on before walking away. A color-matched USB-C cable is included.
Xiaomi Mi 80-W Wireless Charging Stand, $80: This is one of the fastest wireless charging stands we tested, but it is primarily worthwhile for Xiaomi phone owners. With a Xiaomi 13 Ultra, it reached up to 50 watts, while some compatible Xiaomi models support even higher speeds. Most other smartphones charge below 10 watts on this stand. Its distinctive sail-shaped design combines a white triangular section with a clear acrylic base, a phone-support groove, and a rear cooling fan. The USB-C port and charging indicator are located on the back.
Does my phone support wireless charging?
Not every phone supports wireless charging, so check your model’s specifications before buying a charger. Look for “Qi wireless charging,” “Qi2,” “MagSafe,” or “wireless charging” in the product listing.
Qi2-compatible phones typically include a magnetic alignment ring similar to Apple’s MagSafe system. Qi2 chargers can charge many older Qi phones, although charging speeds may be lower. Some phones are “Qi2 Ready,” meaning they need a compatible magnetic case to use Qi2 alignment and charging features.
Can I use a wireless charger with a phone case?
Most wireless chargers work through a standard phone case. Very thick, metal, or poorly aligned cases can reduce charging performance or prevent charging entirely, so check the charger’s stated case-compatibility limits.
MagSafe and Qi2 chargers work best with magnetic cases. A magnetic case can also improve alignment on compatible chargers, even if your phone does not support every Qi2 feature.
Is wired charging faster than wireless charging?
Yes. A wired charger is usually the fastest way to recharge a phone. Wireless charging is more convenient for a desk or nightstand, especially when you want to place your phone down without connecting a cable. For maximum speed, use a USB-C cable and a compatible power adapter.
What is considered fast wireless charging?
Most MagSafe and Qi2 chargers deliver up to 15 watts, while newer Qi2 25W chargers can support up to 25 watts on compatible phones. Some manufacturers offer faster proprietary wireless charging, but only for specific phone models. Older iPhones often support up to 7.5 watts, while many older Android phones are limited to 10 watts.
Actual charging speeds vary throughout the charging cycle because phones automatically reduce power to manage heat and protect battery health. The charger, cable, power adapter, and phone must all support the desired speed.
Is wireless charging safe?
Wireless charging is generally safe when you use a compatible, reputable charger. Phones include built-in safeguards that regulate temperature, charging speed, and battery capacity. It is safe to leave a phone on a wireless charger overnight because the phone will stop or reduce charging when necessary to prevent overcharging.
How can I maintain my phone battery’s health?
For long-term battery health, avoid exposing your phone to extreme heat and try to keep the battery between roughly 20 and 80 percent when practical. Frequently charging from empty to full can contribute to faster battery wear, but modern phones automatically manage charging to reduce degradation. If you replace your phone every few years, battery aging should not be a major concern.
What are the disadvantages of wireless charging?
The main disadvantages are slower charging, greater heat generation, and lower energy efficiency compared with wired charging. Standard Qi chargers typically deliver around 60 to 75 percent efficiency, while Qi2 chargers may reach approximately 75 to 80 percent. Wired charging is generally more efficient, often reaching 85 to 95 percent.
How we test wireless chargers
We test each wireless charger for at least one week with multiple phones, including recent iPhone and Pixel models as well as older devices. During testing, we measure charging speed when possible, assess magnetic alignment, evaluate heat and stability, and inspect the design for everyday use on a desk or nightstand.
We also test extra charging pads, USB ports, included cables and adapters, indicator lights, cooling fans, and any special features. This approach helps us identify the best wireless charger for different users, budgets, phone models, and charging setups.
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