I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering batteries and chargers. I’ve been a science journalist for more than a decade, covering a wide variety of topics from particle physics to satellite remote sensing. Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, I’ve reported on surge protectors, rechargeable batteries, portable power stations, and more.

For this guide:

• I spent 86 hours researching 78 products and testing the 20 most promising among them.
• Contributor Nick Guy, who has spent more than a decade reporting on Qi chargers and other mobile accessories, tested numerous models for previous versions of this guide.

Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.

A wireless charger can be used to charge any electronic device with Qi (pronounced “chee”) capabilities, including all current iPhones, most Android phones, and many wireless earbuds, smart watches, fitness trackers, and other wearables. Rather than physically plugging in a cable every time your battery is running low, a wireless charger allows you to simply set down your device in the right spot to juice up.

The best Qi wireless chargers also have MagSafe and/or Qi 2.0 (Qi2) capabilities, using internal magnets to more precisely align your Qi-compatible device with the charging pad and form a firm connection. This lets you pick up and use your phone while it’s charging wirelessly, or you can toss it in your bag if you have a portable wireless charger. It also enables a more energy-efficient (and often faster) charge.

In ideal conditions, regular Qi chargers can reach outputs up to 7.5 W, while MagSafe and Qi2 allow you to get up to the maximum 15 W wireless charging speeds. (So far, however, no charger has reached full 15 W speeds in our testing.)

If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, or a set of AirPods or AirPods Pro from 2021 or later, you can take full advantage of MagSafe and Qi2 capabilities. (We expect to see a Qi2-capable Android phone soon.) You can also add magnetization to any Qi-compatible phone with a magnetic case or a ring-shaped adapter, though, due to the added resistance, these typically can’t achieve top wireless charging speeds.

To get the fastest possible charge, you still need to use a cable. Most basic USB wall chargers can charge an iPhone or Android device at least 30% faster than any Qi charger, and an 18 W or 20 W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger paired with the right USB-C cable can charge nearly 50% faster. So you need to consider—depending on the devices you have and what you use them for—whether sacrificing some power for the added convenience of wireless charging is a worthwhile trade-off.

If you’ve fully embraced the cord-free lifestyle, and you want to charge two or more Qi-capable devices simultaneously, we have a separate guide to multi-device wireless charging stations. We also have guides to the best wireless power banks and wireless car mounts for on-the-go charging.

We scoured the sites of major retailers, attended trade shows, and read online user and editorial reviews to find the most beloved and widely available brands. We then narrowed our testing pool based on the following criteria:

• Charging speed: We focused on chargers that can provide a fast charge to most phones. The latest Qi standard supports charging speeds of up to 15 watts (9 volts, 1.67 amps), but 7.5 W and 10 W chargers are still common. Since 5 W chargers are slower, we considered them only as a low-cost option, and we didn’t find any worth recommending.
• Design: This criterion includes not only how the charging pad looks but also the addition of extra features, such as charging-indicator lights, grippy MagSafe and/or Qi2 capabilities, and a built-in stand to watch movies or make video calls.
• Power source: For single-device wireless chargers, we preferred models with USB-C input because they can be easily paired with any sufficiently powerful USB-C wall charger (and some even come bundled with such a charger). We also considered models that come with their own proprietary wall charger, though cords with unique plugs are more difficult and expensive to replace.
• WPC certification: We gave preference to chargers that have been certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), an industry group with more than 220 members, including device manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung, accessory makers such as Belkin and Mophie, and others. For a charger to be certified by the WPC, it must be submitted to an authorized test lab and found to be both safe and in compliance with the Qi standard. If a wireless charger isn’t certified, that doesn’t necessarily mean the charger is unsafe or noncompliant, but it’s still prudent to choose something that has been verified.
• Brand reputation: We considered models only from companies that we knew had a good reputation for warranty coverage and customer support. Even if a charger is WPC-certified, you have no guarantee that it will never have a problem, and you should be able to get help if you need it.
• Price: The most expensive single-device charger we selected for testing was $100, but many sell for $30 or less and provide similar performance. We tested pricier options only if they could add an extra feature or capability that you don’t typically get with cheaper models.

We tested the performance of each Qi charger by putting each fully drained phone (we used an iPhone 15 and a Motorola Moto G) into airplane mode and then placing it on the charging pad. If a charger came with its own wall adapter, we used it. If a charger came with only a USB cable, we plugged it into a 20 W USB-C wall adapter.

We measured the phone’s battery level after 30 minutes and then again after an hour had elapsed. Any reputable Qi charger will fully charge a phone in a few hours (and certainly overnight), so we focused on differences in short-term charging. We also measured each charger’s power output using the Charger Master iOS app to verify these results.

Finally, we spent weeks using the top contenders on a daily basis, assessing the overall user experience for bedside, desktop, and (when it made sense to do so) on-the-go wireless charging. We considered each charger’s look, feel, ease of use, and build quality, and the efficacy of any extra features and included accessories.

Top pick

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe

The best Qi wireless charger

This wireless charging pad can fast-charge the iPhone 15 and other compatible devices. It doesn’t come with a wall adapter, but it has a long power cable, MagSafe support, and a built-in stand.

Buying Options

Buy from Amazon

We’ve tested dozens of wireless chargers, and the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe offers the best combination of key features: fast charging speeds, MagSafe compatibility, a built-in kickstand, and an elegant overall design. Plus, it’s affordable and made by a company we trust.

It charges devices quicker than competitors. Belkin’s charger is rated to deliver up to 15 W wireless charging speeds. Although it didn’t quite achieve those results in our testing, it still produced a faster charge than most models. In our charge tests, we measured up to 10.9 W, which was about 41% faster than with our upgrade pick from Zens.

It has MagSafe capabilities. Because it’s equipped with strong internal magnets, this charger can lock any MagSafe-compatible device firmly in place. This allows for more-efficient charging and reduces the risk of the device being accidentally knocked out of alignment. In our testing, our iPhone 15 snapped easily into place, began charging in under a second, and stayed securely on the charger when we picked up the phone to use it.

We saw similar results with a magnetic ring adapter and thin phone case over a 3rd Gen iPhone SE (which doesn’t have native MagSafe capabilities), but the connection wasn’t quite as strong. If you go that route, you should expect some sliding.

It has a built-in kickstand. If you like to prop your phone up for video calls or streaming your favorite shows, this charger has a small metal kickstand that can be easily flipped open for this purpose. And if you have an iPhone with StandBy Mode, you can use your phone as a desk clock, calendar, and more without running down the battery.

It has a sophisticated look and feel. Belkin’s charger has a streamlined shape, and it’s compact enough to slip into a pocket or cable organizer. Its USB-C power cable is 6.6 feet long, encased in braided-nylon fabric, and it has an attached silicone strap to keep the cable in a tidy coil for travel or storage. It weighs just 3.5 ounces (including the cable and cable tie), which is lighter than a mixed fruit cup.

It’s a safe buy. We’ve recommended numerous Belkin products over the years, and the company has consistently offered great customer support. If you have any issues with this charger, it’s backed by a two-year warranty.

It’s inexpensive. At this writing, our pick costs $40, making it one of the cheapest options we tested.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Compared with those of other models we tested, like our upgrade pick, the Belkin charger’s built-in kickstand isn’t the sturdiest. But it blends in seamlessly with the back of the charging pad, and it’s easy to use (if not entirely topple-proof).
• Since the input cable is permanently attached, you don’t have the option to swap it out for another (possibly better) cable. But on the upside, the built-in cable is long, ruggedly built, and powerful.
• It doesn’t come with a USB wall charger, so you’ll have to supply your own (but chances are good you already have one at home that will work).
• It’s not WPC-certified, but that’s true of many of our top contenders. Plus, it performed well in our testing, and it is made by a reliable brand.

Upgrade pick

Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger

A sturdier option for the nightstand or desktop

This wireless charger has MagSafe capabilities and a built-in phone stand that’s especially topple-proof. It comes with its own wall charger, but it’s on the bulkier side.

Buying Options

$60 from Zens

The Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger costs more than our top pick, charges a bit slower, and has a bigger footprint. However, it has an incredibly sturdy stand, so it’s a better option for watching a movie in bed or taking a video call at your desk. This charger is worth the splurge if you plan to park your wireless charger semi-permanently in one spot.

It’s slower than our top pick, but it’s faster than most other wireless chargers. Like the Belkin charger, this one is rated to output up to 15 W but fell short in our testing. Compared with the 10.9 W we measured with the Belkin, we saw 7.7 W with the Zens charger.

That means it will charge your devices a bit more slowly than our top pick, but you likely won’t notice the difference—especially if you’re primarily using it to charge your phone overnight or during the workday.

It has MagSafe capabilities. Like our top pick, this model has internal magnets to better align compatible devices on the charging pad, reduce slippage, and let you use your phone while it’s charging. In our testing, this feature worked just as well as it did in the Belkin BoostCharge Pro.

It’s heavy but sturdily built. This model is heavier than most single-device wireless chargers—it weighs just over half a pound, not including the wall charger. But that weight keeps it from sliding around on your table or desk, and it seems solidly built overall. It also has four small, rubbery feet for extra grip.

It has an especially topple-proof stand. Its round charging pad can be flipped up to form a stand for your phone, and it’s much more robust than the toothpick-esque kickstands that most models (including our top pick) have. You can also adjust the viewing angle, which is rare for these stands.

It has a hidden compartment. Zens charger has a small divot underneath that’s lined with a grippy material, which (when the stand is upright) can be used as a handy catch-all for small items like hairpins, rings, paper clips, or a set of earbuds.

It comes with its own wall charger (but it’s not our favorite). This model comes with its own wall charger, so you don’t have to supply your own, as you do with our top pick.

Unlike that of our top pick, this model’s cord can be removed from the base, so you can use it as a non-charging phone stand if you have a full battery and want more mobility. Plus, it’s one of the few options we’ve seen with swappable international plugs. So you can use it while traveling in the EU or UK without having to buy an extra adapter.

However, the included wall charger is on the bulkier side, and since it has a barrel-shaped DC connector—rather than, say, USB-C—you can’t easily replace it if you lose or break it. And since it doesn’t come with a cable tie, as the Belkin model does, the cord is more prone to tangling.

It’s pricey, but it offers extra peace of mind. As of this writing, the Zens charger costs $60, which is twice the price of our top pick. On the upside, though, it’s WPC-certified (our top pick and other top contenders are not). And its three-year warranty is longer than most, so you have even more time to reach out to the company if issues arise.

If our upgrade pick is unavailable, and you’re willing to spend a bit more on a similar model: Get the Peak Design Wireless Charging Stand. Like the Zens charger, it has MagSafe capabilities, and both are rated for up to 15 W wireless charging speeds (we measured 7.3 W in our testing, close to the Zens charger’s 7.7 W).

Made almost entirely of metal, it’s sturdily built and has a sleek look. A grippy layer of rubberized material over the charging pad keeps even non-MagSafe phones relatively stable while charging, and two strips of a similar material on the bottom of the unit provide extra grip.

Much like Zens charger’s version, this charger’s stand lets you adjust the viewing angle, and the base has a small indent to hold an AirPods case or other oft-misplaced objects. While nonessential, these features are especially handy for a stationary nightstand or desk setup.

The Peak Design charger doesn’t come with its own wall adapter, but a 6.6-foot USB-C cable is included in the box, as well as a few adhesive clips to help you reduce cord clutter. It lacks WPC certification, but it is made by a reputable brand with good customer support. This charger is a great alternative if the Zens model is unavailable, or if the price ($68 at this writing) drops significantly.

If you want more color options than you get with our picks, and if you don’t mind a model that’s more prone to smudges and backed by a shorter warranty: Get the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger. Like our picks, it has MagSafe capabilities, and it’s rated for up to 15 W wireless charging speeds (we measured 8.3 W, which splits the difference between our picks).

It’s super sleek and compact, so it’s ideal for travel. It’s also relatively sturdy, made mostly of aluminum. It has a small built-in kickstand, and it includes a 5-foot removable USB-C cable in the box (but no wall charger).

The glossy surface of the charging pad attracts fingerprints and other smudges easily, but it’s not overly noticeable. It also comes in more colors than most (white and light blue, as of this writing).

It’s not WPC-certified, and the one-year warranty is on the shorter side, but that should still be sufficient time to use it in your daily life and ensure you don’t have a dud. It’s also inexpensive: $33 at this writing.

This is not a comprehensive list of models we’ve tested. We have removed discontinued models and those that no longer meet our criteria.

The Anker PowerWave Stand is a former pick, but comparable options with magnetic wireless charging and/or more power are available for about the same price.

Anker’s PowerWave II Pad and PowerWave II Stand charge more slowly than competitors, and they come with a proprietary AC charger that you can’t replace as easily as a USB charger if necessary.

The Apple MagSafe Charger is sleek-looking and compact, but it charges at a slower rate than cheaper models we tested.

The Belkin BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand (WIB002) had inconsistent charging rates in our testing, and it offers no benefits over faster and/or cheaper options.

Belkin’s BoostCharge 10W Wireless Charging Pad (WIA001TT) and BoostCharge 10W Wireless Charging Stand (WIB001TT) performed well in our testing, but other models we tested offer magnetic wireless charging and/or more power for about the same price.

The Belkin BoostCharge 7.5W Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad (WIA005TT) performed well in our testing, but it has a non-removable cable, and other models we tested offer more power for about the same price.

The ESR HaloLock Magnetic Wireless Charger is a pad-style charger with built-in magnets, so if you’re using a MagSafe-capable phone, you don’t have to worry about misalignment. It was far slower than other chargers in our testing, though, hitting only a 30% charge after an hour. It also lacks a power adapter.

The Native Union Drop Wireless Charger and Nomad Base Station Stand both have a luxurious fabric exterior, but they’re only rated at up to 10 W, lack Magsafe/Qi2 functionality, and cost more than most models we tested.

The Nimble Apollo Wireless Pad is made of recycled materials, includes a 20 W wall adapter, and performed well in our charging tests. However, it costs more than chargers we tested with more power and/or WPC-certification.

The OtterBox 7.5 W Charging Pad for MagSafe has a similar range of features as our top pick, and at this writing both models cost the same. However, the OtterBox model has slightly slower charging speeds (we measured up to 6.2 W in our testing), and it lacks a built-in kickstand.

The OtterBox 7.5 W Charging Pad for MagSafe has a similar range of features as our top pick, and at this writing both models cost the same. However, the OtterBox model has slightly slower charging speeds (we measured up to 6.2 W in our testing), and it lacks a built-in kickstand.

The Zens Single Fast Wireless Charger Slim-line performed well in our testing, but other models with MagSafe/Qi2 support are available for about the same price.

Zen’s Built-in Wireless Charger 10W (ZEBI03W/00) and Built-in Wireless Charger 15W (ZEBI04W/00) can be installed permanently on a desk or table, so you can lay your phone almost completely flat on the tabletop. However, they lack Magsafe/Qi2 functionality and cost more than most models we tested. We also think most people would prefer a portable option for travel or even around-the-house use.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.