Best overall: Anker PowerWave II PadBest for iPhones: Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad Best for Samsung devices: Samsung Wireless Charger TrioBest car charger: iOttie Wireless Car ChargerBest budget: Yootech Wireless Charger
How we selected the best wireless phone chargers
We compared over 50 wireless phone chargers and narrowed them down to these select few by comparing cost, wattage, compatibility, design, and user impressions. While all our picks have the end function of providing wireless power to your phone and devices, they vary in price point and form factor so you can find the right charger for you. From affordable car chargers to keep you powered on the go all the way to premium models perfect for bedside fueling or office work, you can outfit your space with the gadgets you need to keep fueled day-in and day-out.
What to consider when shopping for the best wireless phone charger
While you don’t have to be an electrical engineer to find the best wireless phone charger, here are some important factors to keep in mind.
What’s the wattage?
Most smartphones power up wirelessly at between 5 and 10 watts. However, some models, especially newer phones like the iPhone 13, can push the pace to 20 watts. When searching for the best wireless phone charger, the fastest charging speeds will come from finding Qi chargers that can match the capacity of your phone. So if your phone can charge at 10W, but your wireless charger can only reach 7.5W, you won’t reach top speed. It’s also important to note that some of the best wireless phone chargers work better with some devices than they do others. Smartphone brand can make a difference but so can model type, since newer phones tend to be equipped with faster charging capabilities.
The ins and outs of ups and downs
Wireless phone chargers can lie flat or stand tall. They can also mount in your car. Wireless charging stands tend to work well if you want to be able to use your phone while it’s charging, while flat wireless chargers may give you the option of charging more devices at once. Some wireless charging pads include stands for smartwatches that stand in such a way that you can use your smartwatch as an alarm clock. You could also use your smartphone for a similar purpose with a wireless charging stand. A wireless phone charger for car use affixes to your windshield or dash and plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet or USB ports so you can power up from the road.
Was it made for you?
Some wireless car chargers are made of wood, others recycled material, others marble. Some wireless chargers have fabric finishes or leather layering. Some wireless chargers are even invisible. There’s no doubt a charger to match your style. But most wireless chargers look more like the pieces of technology they are, featuring plastic casing over the coils.
The best wireless phone chargers: Reviews & Recommendations
From the desk to the dashboard, here are the best wireless phone chargers for a power boost wherever you need it.
Best overall: Anker PowerWave II Pad
Why it made the cut: Anker is known for its reliable tech, and this pick is no different—it’s equipped with fast-charging capabilities and universal compatibility to suit any phone. Specs:
Wattage: 15 WNumber of devices: 1Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 0.55 inches
Pros:
Anti-slip designSmart charging based on your devices power needsUniversal compatibility
Cons:
Can only charge one device at a time
No need to fumble with the charging pad or adjust your phone 20 times to produce power—the Anker makes refueling your device effortless with PowerWave tech and an antislip silicone ring to keep your phone secure. This pick is also equipped with Smart Charging, which seamlessly changes between 5W, 7.5W, 10W, and 15W modes depending on your unique device. No need to scour the specs to be sure it’ll suit your specific phone, as this automatic mode will do the heavy lifting for you. The PowerWave is also compatible with all Qi-enabled phones, so whether you’re camp Android or Apple it’ll charge regardless.
Best for iPhones: Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
Why it made the cut: For those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, this pick is optimized to charge multiple devices in one go. Specs:
Wattage: 7.5WNumber of devices: 3Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.51 x 2.6 inches
Pros:
Nightstand-friendly designCharges multiple devices at onceOptimal for Apple products
Cons:
Not the fastest option available for iPhone 12 and newer
Apple users who want technology accessible from the nightstand should consider the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad, which has space for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods and can even charge through a case that’s 3 millimeters thick. The Apple Watch holder is angled to best take advantage of Apple Nightstand Mode, which essentially lets the watch double as a nightstand alarm clock. The Mophie 3-in-1 delivers 7.5W of power via Qi charging technology, though it’s optimized for iPhone 11 and older, so iPhone 12 or 13 users may want to consider a wireless phone charger like the Apple MagSafe Charger for a faster boost. Mophie says its wireless charging pad, while designed for Apple products, does offer universal wireless charging that’s compatible with other Qi-charging devices. Prefer something more sculptural? This tree-like MagSafe-equipped Belkin 3-in-1 fast-charging solution lets you suspend an iPhone 12 or 13 plus an Apple Watch in any orientation. But if you’re not an iPhone customer, this Mophie Wireless Charging Pad may be better—plus it’ll fit an extra device.
Best for Samsung devices: Samsung Wireless Charger Trio
Why it made the cut: Fuel all your Samsung devices with this pick—outfitted with fast charging modes to refuel in a pinch. Specs:
Wattage: 12WNumber of devices: 3Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 10 inches
Pros:
Fast charging capabilityLED light to indicate chargingSeamless design
Cons:
Not compatible with other brands
This Samsung Wireless Charger can hold up to three devices so you can power up all your products in one place. Plus, it’s designed with six coils so you can put your device nearly anywhere on the pad and it’ll charge, so you don’t have to worry about lining anything up. Nor do you have to work too hard to figure out how much juice you have, thanks to built-in LED lights that show your power level. The Samsung wireless charger works with devices from a variety of manufacturers, but with fast-charge compatible devices—like the Samsung Galaxy Note phones 10 and up—it’ll work even better, supplying up to 15W of power.
Best car charger: iOttie Wireless Car Charger
Why it made the cut: This affordable pick can mount any type of phone with its auto-sensing mount system for easy, hands-free charging. Specs:
Wattage: 10WNumber of devices: 1Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.15 x 5.91 inches
Pros:
Universal compatibilityAuto-sensing featuresAdjustable pivot
Cons:
Only charges one device
When you’re driving, you don’t want to be fiddling with your phone. But if you’re out of power and rely on your phone’s GPS navigation in order to reach your destination, you have to recharge somehow. This wireless phone charger for car use features a proximity sensor that will open the arms to grab hold of your phone when it gets near. Then the Qi wireless charging system will supply up to 10W of power to an Android phone and up to 7.5W to iPhones. The suction cup mounting promises a secure hold to your windshield or dashboard, with two telescoping knobs enabling the perfect fit, and side buttons supplying a one-touch release of your device.
Best budget: Yootech Wireless Charger
Why it made the cut: With multiple charging modes to suit different devices, this affordable pick is versatile enough to suit any phone. Specs:
Wattage: 10 WNumber of devices: 1Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.59 x 4.48 inches
Pros:
Multiple charging modesAffordable costMultiple charging orientations
Cons:
Can only charge one device at a time
Final thoughts on shopping for the best wireless phone charger
Perhaps someday Tesla’s wireless electrical grid will be possible. But, for now, he’s at least helped us to be able to power our smartphones without cords. The best wireless phone chargers will meet your phone’s full charging potential and provide a power boost when and where you want it. That concept isn’t exactly electromagnetism.
