The best wireless chargers for 2021 will use the Qi standard compatible with any modern iPhone, Samsung phones, Google Pixel 4, OnePlus 8 Pro, and every major smartphone that supports wireless charging. That part is easy.
What’s harder is deciding which is the best wireless charger for you. They all have different designs, prices, and power delivery specs. We’ve tested the top products on the market to find out the ups and downs of each, along with our personal recommendations, to give you final answers – and a variety of choices, too.
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We’ve tested these wire-free chargers with various phones, smartwatches like the Apple Watch, and other rechargeable devices to see if they also charge those – not all do. We also note charging rates in wattage for smartphones, which might juice up some devices faster depending on their maximum wireless charging rating.
1. Belkin BoostUp Wireless Charging Stand
Nice-looking, convenient, uncomplicated
Pros
- Quality matte rubber + glossy plastic.
- Helpful “arms” couch phones.
Cons
- Not the fastest charging
The Belkin 10W is a step up in design and charging power – both of which are noticeable. That charging rate refilled 16% on our iPhone or any smartphone XS Max in 30 minutes.
The Belkin 10W has styled glossy plastic with matte rubber for the flat charging surface, as well as the ‘arms’ keeping your phone from sliding off the surface. It tangibly feels higher-quality, and in the solid black color, looks a bit more refined than cheaper chargers.
Whether you like pads or stands is more up to personal taste, but we enjoy the usefulness of keeping your device upright to check the time and scroll through notifications. It only charges phones, though – no smartwatches or tablets.
2. Apple MagSafe Charger
Fast speeds with an uncomplicated interface
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Fast speeds
Cons
- Not exactly wireless
The Apple MagSafe Charger is best known as the new recommended method for charging the latest iPhone 12. It uses the smartphone’s magnets to align properly, so you get the fastest charging speeds possible.
It doesn’t feel entirely wireless as you basically have the magnetic charger clipped to the back of your phone, but it’s far less fiddly than using an actual charging cable.
While you’ll get the most out of it in conjunction with an iPhone 12, it also works with older Apple devices and even Android phones too. If you need the official solution, this is the one for you.
3. Apple MagSafe Duo
Expensive but highly portable
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Can charge multiple devices
Cons
- Expensive
The MagSafe Duo is one of the more portable chargers out there for smartphones, easily folding together for added convenience. You can use it to charge your iPhone and your Apple Watch or AirPods at the same time, which is very useful for avid Apple fans.
However, the MagSafe Duo is pricey, to say the least, at $129/£129/AU$199, not including a wall adapter, plus it’s not the fastest at charging as you’ll get either 11W or 14W charging depending on the wall adapter you purchase.
Still, if portability is everything, the MagSafe Duo certainly has the form being incredibly simple to pocket at a moment’s notice.
4. Anker PowerWave 15 with Quick Charge 3.0
A classier pad-style charger
Pros
- Classy metal pad + braided cord
- 15W faster charging
Cons
- Just one color
The Anker 15W is one of the faster chargers on our list for this low price, though only some leading Android phones will be able to notice the difference. For instance, in our 30-minute test, an iPhone XS Max only regained 10% – respectable but not tuned for Apple’s phones. This isn’t a surprise, given the latest iPhones haven’t been confirmed to charge above 10W.
The Anker 15W has a bit more of an industrial look than most of its peers, with a metal casing and rubber foot. It’s one of the few on our list that dispenses with plastic for refined material, which is a nicer aesthetic for your desktop.
5. Aukey 10W wireless charger
Fast speeds with the right plug
Pros
- Low key design
- Capable of 10W charging
Cons
- LED annoying at night
This affordable wireless charger can juice up compatible Samsung phones with its full 10W power when using the (not supplied) Quick Charge 2.0 or 3.0 wall charger brick. iPhones will have to settle for 7.5W, though that’s still faster than the 5W wired brick charger that still ships with every iPhone except the 11 Pro.
Its three coil design means you don’t have to fuss about placing your phone down, with a charge picked up consistently. Your glass phone won’t slide around either, thanks to the pleasant soft TPU coating.
6. Belkin Wireless Charging Dock
A combo dock for iPhone and Apple Watch owners
Pros
- Nice design
- Handy option for Apple Watch owner
Cons
- Expensive
The Belkin Wireless Charging Dock is a rarity in the wireless charging world: it can juice up both your phone and your Apple Watch simultaneously. Most chargers can’t service Apple’s smartwatch, and this product throws in a standard phone/device charger, too.
The stand is classy off-white, like most of Belkin’s charger range. The pill-shaped base has a matte finish, and the rounded, upright phone stand on the left side has a devoted lip for your device to rest in. The circular watch nub looks much like the charger that comes with the Apple Watch, including the magnet that clips the smartwatch in place.
7. Native Union Dock Wireless Charger
The best stand
Pros
- Attractive design
- Compact and trendy in various way
Cons
- No power adapter
This is one of the prettiest wireless chargers I’ve come across, especially in the rose color. The large circular fabric looks nice (and won’t scratch your phone), plus the steel base and silicone grips prevent it from wobbling or sliding around. I really like that the LED is on the back of the charger. It emits a very faint glow in a dark room, enough to make sure it’s charging, but not so distracting I had trouble sleeping. That’s something I can’t say for the many other wireless chargers with blaring lights on the front. You can charge in landscape or portrait orientation. The only downside? No power adapter is included, but you do get a 6.5-foot-long USB-A to USB-C cable.
The Bottom line
Wireless charging isn’t nearly as cool as it sounds. It’s not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charging pad—and it won’t charge your smartphone faster than plugging it in with a good ol’ cord. Despite this, I’m always disappointed when I test a phone that doesn’t support it. I’ve gotten used to simply plopping my phone down on a pad every night, and fishing for a cable in the dark feels like a chore. It’s a pure convenience more than anything else.
