Wi-fi charging is much less environment friendly than plugging in a wire, however it’s actually handy — particularly while you add magnets. Most individuals who’ve an iPhone 12 or later and desire 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 cheaper than MagSafe-certified ones, and there are a lot of extra choices. And in contrast to MagSafe, Qi2 is an open customary. 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) at the moment are being changed by Qi2.
Except you will get an important deal or you might have an iPhone 16, the one MagSafe-certified charger nonetheless price 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 price contemplating for as soon as.
There’s little cause 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 an everyday Qi charger.
Confused? Try the desk beneath summarizing these charging velocity nuances, and browse on for our favorites of the Qi2 and MagSafe pucks, stands, 3-in-1 chargers, and battery packs we’ve examined to date.
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 12 months
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 the only option for homeowners of the newest iPhone. It’s nice to see sooner wi-fi charging, however it does imply you’re once more incentivized to purchase Apple’s puck over cheaper, extra extensively out there Qi2 choices.
For as soon as, there’s good cause to contemplate the Apple puck. It’s Qi2-certified in addition to MagSafe, so it’ll work with non-Apple Qi2 gadgets 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 might be smaller and cheaper than Apple’s USB-C chargers. Nomad’s particularly has a good, flat design.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 charging puck total
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, optionally available / Guarantee: Two years
Any Qi2-certified charger will cost any MagSafe iPhone at 15W (aside from the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which high out at 12W). Should you simply desire 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 consists of an AC adapter and Apple doesn’t, it’s extra like $40 cheaper. Except you might have an iPhone 16 and really need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.
Anker’s dependable previous magnetic Qi charger (mannequin 313) was our go-to advice for a protracted whereas, and the 7.5W charger remains to be positive 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 12 months
The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wi-fi Charging Stand makes an important 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 many of the globe. Its aluminum and faux-leather building can be substantial sufficient, and its design elevated sufficient, to be the primary 3-in-1 charger in your desk when you’re again residence. (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 embody prong adapters. Additionally, its lighter construct makes it straightforward to unintentionally choose up the entire charger while you simply meant to seize your cellphone and provides it extra restricted articulation for residence desktop use. It’s finest suited to frequent vacationers who don’t wish to pack up their residence charger earlier than each journey.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 3-in-1 stand for residence
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m (completely connected) / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: Two years
As soon as once more, the Belkin “tree” towers over all others in terms of a 3-in-1 for residence use. The newest model fixes a few of our minor grievances from its predecessors whereas adopting the Qi2 customary. 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 a wide range of angles. Its nylon-wrapped USB-C cable isn’t removable, however not less than it’s about 5 toes 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 and feels good, the newest Nomad Stand One Max is a superb residence charger. It’s modern and minimal, largely steel and glass, and in contrast to the earlier mannequin, it fees 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 it’s important to additionally price range for a 30W energy adapter.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 desk charger
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 shops on the again, with as much as 67W charging between them. Absolutely utilized, yeah, it’s gonna seem like 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 occurring.
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 too can cost from its USB-C port should you desire. 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
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 3.3ft / 1m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One 12 months
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 individual 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 price contemplating
Now that Qi2 is extensively out there, it’s a secure wager that you simply’re not less than getting one thing respectable 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 continuously testing items from the likes of Anker, Belkin, Casetify, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, Ugreen, Zens, and ESR. If there’s a Qi2 charger from one in every of them that looks as if match in your specific wants and your price range it’s seemingly price a shot. When doubtful, know the retailer’s return coverage and the producer’s guarantee if it finally ends up not being to your liking.
Replace September twenty seventh: Overhauled article with all new picks based mostly on up to date MagSafe (for iPhone 16) and Qi2 requirements.