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When Nikola Tesla successfully transmitted electricity through the air in the late 1800s, he dreamed of a wireless electrical grid. While that hasn’t happened, the “Tesla Coils” patented in 1897 helped enable wireless charging for your smartphones and other devices. The best wireless phone chargers have standardized Qi (pronounced “chee”) charging, which works by creating a magnetic field with the use of induction coils, modeled after Tesla’s design. Those coils act sort of like an antenna transmitting energy. Meanwhile, Qi-equipped devices have a built-in coil that is capable of capturing that energy, like a receiver, and turning it into useful power. If all that sounds complicated, we’re with you. Fortunately, finding the best wireless phone charger to meet your needs is much easier: just read on for our top picks!
- Best overall: Anker PowerWave II Pad
- Best for iPhones: Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
- Best for Samsung devices: Samsung Wireless Charger Trio
- Best stylish: Courant Catch:3 Essentials
- Best car charger: iOttie Wireless Car Charger
- Best 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.
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
Reliable Power
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 W
- Number of devices: 1
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 0.55 inches
Pros
- Anti-slip design
- Smart charging based on your devices power needs
- Universal 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
Sleep and Recharge
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: 7.5W
- Number of devices: 3
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.51 x 2.6 inches
Pros
- Nightstand-friendly design
- Charges multiple devices at once
- Optimal 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
Three’s Company
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: 12W
- Number of devices: 3
- Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 10 inches
Pros
- Fast charging capability
- LED light to indicate charging
- Seamless 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 stylish: Courant Catch:3 Essentials
Why it made the cut: This wireless charging station and catch-all tray blends seamlessly into your decor.
Specs
- Wattage: 10W
- Number of devices: 1
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 x .6 inches
Pros
- Compatible with Android and Apple
- Weighted so it won’t slip
- Comes in leather and linen options
Cons
- Only charges one device at a time
Have you ever lost your wireless headphones only to discover that they’re uncharged once found? Solve both of those problems with one stylish product. This combo wireless charger and catch-all tray from Courant comes in either Italian leather or Belgian linen, which adds an elevated flair to your entryway or bedside table. However, this wireless charger isn’t just a pretty face. It’s smart too, thanks to Qi certification for 10W charging and a three-coil large charging area for easy, fast alignment. It’s Blue Angel certified, meaning you won’t have to worry about its impact on the environment. Although it can only charge one device wirelessly, it comes with an additional USB-A port to charge additional devices. If you’re looking for a design-forward, “looks more expensive than it is” wireless charger, the Courant Catch:3 Essentials is for you.
Best car charger: iOttie Wireless Car Charger
An Auto Sensing Car Mount
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: 10W
- Number of devices: 1
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.15 x 5.91 inches
Pros
- Universal compatibility
- Auto-sensing features
- Adjustable 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
Power Up on a Budget
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 W
- Number of devices: 1
- Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.59 x 4.48 inches
Pros
- Multiple charging modes
- Affordable cost
- Multiple charging orientations
Cons
- Can only charge one device at a time
For a third of the price of some of the other best wireless phone chargers on the market, this Yootech wireless charger presents a powerful option. The wireless charging stand will supply 7.5W to Apple devices, 10W to Samsung devices, and 5W to other Google phones and Qi-equipped picks. More than 11,000 raters on Amazon give this sleek, though somewhat basic-looking wireless charging stand an average rating of 4.6 stars.
What to consider when buying the best wireless phone chargers
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.
FAQs
The fastest wireless phone charger depends, in part, on compatibility with a given device. For instance, Samsung wireless chargers offer fast-charging that delivers 15W of power, but that amount of power can only be delivered to select Samsung devices. Other manufacturers do the same thing. For instance, the iPhone 13 can accept fast-charging, but you’ll need a wireless phone charger that’s optimized for the model. Many of the best wireless phone chargers deliver roughly 10W of power, but some drop it to 5W. Many modern smartphones charge at between 5W and 10W, but the newest models, like the iPhone 13, push that capacity up to 20W.
You can absolutely leave your phone on the wireless charger overnight. In fact, some models are designed specifically for the nightstand. Belkin explains its wireless phone chargers trickle a charge that sends just a small amount of current to the battery when it dips below 100% to keep the device fully powered at all times. That means it’s perfectly safe to leave your phone on the charger for a long, long time.
If you plug in your phone and put it on a wireless charger it’ll simply charge as normal through the wired connection, as if it were sitting on a counter rather than a wireless charging pad. Samsung answered this question last year. That means you can’t charge faster by using both methods, nor can you do any damage to your phone.
Final thoughts on the best wireless phone chargers
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.
