Wi-fi charging is much less environment friendly than plugging in a wire, however it’s actually handy — particularly once you add magnets. Most individuals who’ve an iPhone 12 or later and need a magnetic charger ought to get a Qi2 charger. Any Qi2-certified charger will cost a MagSafe iPhone at as much as 15W — simply as quick as MagSafe on any cellphone however the iPhone 16. Qi2 chargers are additionally inexpensive than MagSafe-certified ones, and there are lots of extra choices. And in contrast to MagSafe, Qi2 is an open commonplace. There’s just one Qi2-compatible Android cellphone proper now — the HMD Skyline — however we count on Google, and perhaps Samsung, so as to add Qi2 to telephones in 2025.
Qi2 provides some much-needed simplicity to the magnetic charging ecosystem. The choices that after consisted of MagSafe-certified chargers (made or licensed by Apple, able to 15W charging on iPhones) and “MagSafe-compatible” chargers (made by third events, able to 7.5W charging on iPhones) are actually being changed by Qi2.
Except you will get a terrific deal or you have got an iPhone 16, the one MagSafe-certified charger nonetheless value contemplating is Apple’s new puck. The 16-series iPhones can cost at as much as 25W on the brand new charger and the brand new charger solely. The brand new charger can be Qi2-certified, so it’s value contemplating for as soon as.
There’s little motive to get a “MagSafe-compatible” charger until you’re an Android person with a magnetic cellphone case. These authentic Qi telephones fall again to 5W charging on Qi2 however can cost at as much as 10W with a daily Qi charger.
Confused? Take a look at the desk beneath summarizing these charging velocity nuances, and skim on for our favorites of the Qi2 and MagSafe pucks, stands, 3-in-1 chargers, and battery packs we’ve examined up to now.
Finest for iPhone 16 and 16 Professional
Certification: MagSafe, Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 25W (iPhone 16), 15W (Qi2) / Cable size: 6.6ft / 2m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: no / Guarantee: One yr
Whereas Qi2 is as quick as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 by 15, Apple has moved the goalposts with the iPhone 16 technology. The brand new telephones can cost at as much as 25W with the up to date MagSafe Charger — making it your best option for house owners of the newest iPhone. It’s nice to see quicker wi-fi charging, however it does imply you’re once more incentivized to purchase Apple’s puck over cheaper, extra broadly out there Qi2 choices.
For as soon as, there’s good motive to think about the Apple puck. It’s Qi2-certified in addition to MagSafe, so it’ll work with non-Apple Qi2 units ought to these materialize. And the corporate has lastly added a model with a 2m / 6.6ft cable as a substitute of solely providing a too-short 1m / 3.3ft one. Get the longer one. You’ll additionally want an AC adapter because it doesn’t include one. Each Anker and Nomad, amongst others, have choices which are smaller and cheaper than Apple’s USB-C chargers. Nomad’s, specifically, has a good, flat design.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 charging puck general
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, elective / Guarantee: Two years
Any Qi2-certified charger will cost any MagSafe iPhone at 15W (apart from the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which prime out at 12W). Should you simply need a primary puck, we like Anker’s MagGo Qi2 wi-fi charging pad. Its five-foot cable is shorter than the 6.6-foot one on Apple’s new MagSafe charger, however it’s additionally $20 cheaper. When you think about that Anker contains an AC adapter and Apple doesn’t, it’s extra like $40 cheaper. Except you have got an iPhone 16 and actually need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.
Anker’s dependable outdated magnetic Qi charger (mannequin 313) was our go-to advice for a protracted whereas, and the 7.5W charger remains to be fantastic for in a single day use should you rating one supercheap. However most individuals ought to spend the additional $10 and get a Qi2 puck.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 3-in-1 charger for journey
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: One yr
The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wi-fi Charging Stand makes a terrific journey charger for individuals who hit the street with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It folds up flat and compact sufficient to simply slip right into a bag or carry-on pocket, and it features a 45W energy plug with prong adapters that cowl a lot of the globe. Its aluminum and faux-leather development can be substantial sufficient, and its design elevated sufficient, to be the primary 3-in-1 charger in your desk when you’re again house. (There’s additionally a 2-in-1 model with out the Apple Watch charger, which is equally good however doesn’t include an AC adapter.)
Honorable point out:
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: Two years
Anker’s folding 3-in-1 is smaller and extra compact than the Satechi — it’s extra like a bar of cleaning soap than a bar of chocolate — however it doesn’t embrace prong adapters. Additionally, its lighter construct makes it simple to by accident decide up the entire charger once you simply meant to seize your cellphone and offers it extra restricted articulation for house desktop use. It’s greatest suited to frequent vacationers who don’t wish to pack up their house charger earlier than each journey.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 3-in-1 stand for house
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m (completely hooked up) / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: Two years
As soon as once more, the Belkin “tree” towers over all others in relation to a 3-in-1 for house use. The most recent model fixes a few of our minor grievances from its predecessors whereas adopting the Qi2 commonplace. It now makes use of an included 36W USB-C energy adapter as a substitute of a big plug with a barrel connector, and the elevated Qi2 mount can tilt your cellphone in quite a lot of angles. Its nylon-wrapped USB-C cable isn’t removable, however at the very least it’s about 5 ft lengthy.
Honorable point out:
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 6.6ft / 2m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: Two years
Should you don’t thoughts getting somewhat spendy for one thing that simply appears to be like and feels good, the newest Nomad Stand One Max is a superb house charger. It’s modern and minimal, largely metallic and glass, and in contrast to the earlier mannequin, it expenses an iPhone horizontally with out blocking the Watch charger — allowing use of StandBy mode. Its greatest drawbacks are its non-tiltable cellphone mount and the truth that, along with its excessive price ticket, you must additionally price range for a 30W energy adapter.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 desk charger
$100
A Qi2 pad on the entrance and a celebration within the again, with three AC retailers and 4 USB ports. It may ship as much as 67W by a single USB-C port or divided between its two USB-C and two USB-A ports. Learn our MagSafe / Qi2 charger shopping for information.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: 12V AC / AC adapter included: Hooked up / Guarantee: Two years
Employees opinions on this orb are, frankly, divided, however I had it on my desk for some time, and I miss it. This Demise Star-looking factor has a Qi2 pad on the entrance and two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and three AC retailers on the again, with as much as 67W charging between them. Absolutely utilized, yeah, it’s gonna appear to be a cable octopus, however it’s good to have one thing in arm’s attain that may cost your cellphone, your laptop computer, and no matter else you’ve acquired happening.
Finest Qi2 battery pack
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: as much as 15W / Cell capability: 25.41Wh (6,600mAh) / Connector sort: USB-C / Guarantee: Two years
This folding Qi2 battery pack doubles as a cellphone stand and has 6,600mAh capability, which is greater than sufficient to totally cost even an iPhone 16 Professional Max. You may also cost from its USB-C port should you want. It’s not the slimmest Qi2 battery, however it’s sturdy sufficient to carry the cellphone in panorama mode with out toppling, which is good.
Finest Qi2 automotive mount
A compact, versatile Qi2 charger for vent and sprint mounting. Learn our assessment.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 3.3ft / 1m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One yr
The Verge’s Thomas Ricker likes this compact Qi2 automotive charger. It may be both vent- or dash-mounted, and it’s cheap, although you’ll have to produce your personal energy adapter. There have been many extra Qi2 automotive mounts launched since he examined this, and we have now a couple of extra within the queue, however this one’s good!
Different chargers value contemplating
Now that Qi2 is broadly out there, it’s a protected wager that you simply’re at the very least getting one thing first rate if it’s Qi2-certified and it’s from a good model. Whereas our best-ofs above don’t cowl each single make and mannequin of charger on the market, we’re regularly testing models from the likes of Anker, Belkin, Casetify, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, Ugreen, Peak Design, Zens, and ESR. If there’s a Qi2 charger from considered one of them that looks like an excellent match in your specific wants and your price range, it’s doubtless value a shot. When unsure, know the retailer’s return coverage and the producer’s guarantee if it finally ends up not being to your liking.
Replace, October tenth: Adjusted pricing and eliminated a notice about Amazon’s Prime Huge Deal Days.