You may be thinking: “Surely there’s not that much to consider when buying a wireless charger?” – but after testing over 25 wireless chargers, I can tell you that not all chargers are made equal.
Wireless chargers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from palm-sized charging pads to nightstand-nabbing multi-device chargers. That’s great news for those who are looking for something to meet specific requirements – but it also makes it hard to know where to start when you’re looking to buy.During my testing, I’ve definitely found that what makes a good charger might not be as clear-cut as you’d think.
Naturally, fast charging for juicing up the best phones is an important factor when considering the best wireless chargers, so I test charging speeds – but much like a car, impressive speeds aren’t worthwhile if it starts breaking down or if bits start falling off. This is why I put each wireless charger through its paces in five key areas, focusing on factors such as build-quality, efficiency, and value.
I’ve hand-picked my favorites from the top performers to suit different needs, ranging from simple stands, to in-car wireless chargers, to multi-device Apple-focused wireless charging stations.
My top wireless charger pick for most people
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3 ways this wireless charger beats the others I tested
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✅ It offers easy and versatile charging: The cradle-style design of the INIU I212 charger makes it quick and easy to put your phone on charge without needing to worry about MagSafe-compatible accessories.
✅ It’s got moves: While other wireless chargers of this style are typically limited to one viewing angle, the INIU can be angled back up to 90 degrees, so you can still use it as it charges, whether you’re having a video call or reading a recipe.
✅ It won’t burn a hole in your pocket: Thanks to its low price, simplicity, and satisfying charging speeds, the INIU I212 is a cost-friendly wireless charging solution.
My top 3 wireless charger picks for other needs
ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock)
Whether you want to mount your phone to a vent or the dash, I found that this lightweight car charger offers great stability and a reliable hold as it keeps your phone topped up.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand
A top choice for any Apple devotee, this 3-in-1 charging station boasts the fastest iPhone charger I’ve tested to date, and juiced up my Apple Watch satisfyingly quick, too.
ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger
This compact charging pad stands out from the crowd thanks to its reinforced power cord, offering protection against cable fatigue – which is great, because it can be used flat, or will stay magnetically attached to Qi2/MagSafe devices while you use them.
Why you can trust my judgement
Cesci Angell
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I’m a staff writer at TechRadar focusing on product reviews, so it’s literally my day job to while away the hours testing and examining products, comparing them to the competition to see whether they’re as good as advertised.
Whether it comes to DIY, cleaning my car, or charging my devices, I’m always determined to find products that’ll prove to be the most efficient, durable, and cost-effective. I also enjoy making life easier for others wherever possible, meaning I’m happy to perform testing, scrutinize finer details, and delve into the specs, so you don’t have to.
I’ve spent over 50 hours testing the charging speeds of these wireless chargers, and countless more incorporating each of them into my everyday life to assess how convenient, durable, and easy to maintain they were, creating a new testing system to help me build this easy guide.
Before I joined TechRadar, I spent many years working in roles that involved extensive product testing and thorough technical evaluation to ensure materials and constructions remained stable and reliable throughout a product’s lifespan. As a result, I’ve been known to get a little too in-depth in my evaluations at times, but I’m confident I’ve found the sweet spot between sharing everything you need to know and boring you to tears.
I know as well as anyone the disappointment when purchasing a product that looked great on paper, only to find it doesn’t live up to expectations, so I’m here to save others from the same fate with my experience testing the best wireless chargers here.
The 5 things I test in wireless chargers
Charging speeds
Kicking things off with the most obvious testing procedure on the list, each wireless charger is tasked with fully recharging an iPhone 13 Pro, which has a battery capacity of 2,600mAh, as well as a Xiaomi 14, which has a battery capacity of 4,610mAh. I use a MagSafe-compatible case when charging the Xiaomi on any MagSafe-specific chargers to ensure alignment and efficient charging, but I charge without it when testing standard Qi chargers.
If I’m reviewing a charger with an Apple Watch charging module, I monitor the time it takes to fully recharge my Apple Watch Series 9. I make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when conducting each test, and use the same devices each time to ensure the testing data is as comparable between chargers as possible.
Stability & configuration
One crucial aspect I scrutinize in every wireless charger is how reliable its hold on my device is. If you’re anything like me and have a habit of playing Russian roulette by not organizing a protective case for your new phone in time, or never quite getting around to backing up the 16,000-plus photos in your library, a secure charging base is crucial. You need to feel that a light brush or wobbling the table isn’t going to send your phone plummeting to its doom.
That being said, it can also prove inconvenient if the magnetic hold is so strong that it takes substantial effort to rotate or remove a phone from a charger, so I’m always looking for that sweet spot in between.
Configuration is another key consideration, as it’s important to find a charger design that’s most compatible with your needs. You may be certain you want a 3-in-1 charger, for instance. But would you rather something light, foldable, and compact to use in different spaces, or something sturdy with adjustable viewing angles and visibility of all your devices at once? I test to see whether the design of these devices actually works for its intended purpose, or whether things are too tight or hard to reach.
A prime example of a charger that’s neither travel nor viewing-friendly is the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock), due to the fixed angle of the phone charging module and the out-of-the-way positioning of the Apple Watch charger. However, it’d make a good solution for those who want a multi-device desktop charger that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Cable & adapter
Not the most exciting of elements, I grant you, but some manufacturers can be a little cheap when it comes to including charging cables that are actually long enough to reach a power outlet even if one isn’t right nearby, and the inclusion of a power adapter varies between products.
This in itself isn’t always the end of the world – many of us have spare adapters lying around – but it pays to scrutinize some of the finer print when purchasing a high-speed wireless charger, because these may require adapters with a higher output than you have available in order to reach their advertised charging speeds. If you plug them into your old iPhone adapter from years ago, you’ll wonder why things are going so slowly. I always take this into account when making my judgments.
Build quality & materials
It doesn’t matter how cheap a wireless charger is: if the hinges are too loose to maintain the desired angle, or integrated cables lack reinforcement, it’s a poor investment. I might find cheap-feeling materials to be more forgivable for the right price, but there can’t be rough edges or gaps in the construction.
Although practicality and performance are the key components of a great wireless charger, it’s beneficial to factor in the aesthetics too, especially if you’ll be taking it out with you regularly, or if it needs to be incorporated into your carefully curated desk setup. This is why I’ll throw up a flag if it looks like a charger is constructed from cheap materials. And I’ll happily point out if the charger comes in a range of colors, because why settle for black if you can have pink? …Just me?
Here at TechRadar, we believe it’s important to celebrate, challenge, and highlight more sustainable tech choices, especially during our Sustainability Week, where we share news, insights, tips, and tricks on subjects like recycling, buying pre-loved devices, and improving the life expectancy of your tech.
In this guide, I’ve shown appreciation when a brand opts to include sustainable approaches in the manufacturing process, whether that’s reducing the carbon footprint, using fully recyclable packaging, or incorporating recycled materials into products in a mindful way.
Durability & cleaning
Another reason I incorporate wireless chargers into my real-world routine when I test them is to see how well the build quality and finish stand the test of time. Compact and foldable wireless chargers are regularly transferred between my home, the office, and on journeys or vacations to see how they fare when being thrown into different bags and used on different surfaces.
I look out for signs of fingerprints, scratching, and scuffing along the way. This can range from materials that remain close to perfect no matter what I threw at them, to ones that were permanently marked the moment my nails made contact.
How convenient they are to clean became a recurring niggle for me with certain chargers, too. Naturally, anything that is situated out in the open is going to collect dust, and for some chargers it’s a simple case of giving them a quick dust. But based on my testing I’m now forever wary of silicone-style materials, as they have real trouble letting go of their dust-particle friends and can’t just be quickly cleaned.
The 8 wireless chargers I recommend, and why
The best wireless charger for most people
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The low-down
While it feels a little unusual to name a fairly basic Qi-certified wireless charger as the best for general-purpose use, it’s undeniable that the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger performs very well for the price. It makes the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t have specific requirements and simply wants a charging stand that’ll charge a Qi-compatible iPhone or Android at a satisfactory speed.
When I reviewed the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger at the beginning of 2025, it had a list price of $32.99 / £26.99, and it’s often discounted on the INIU website bringing the cost down to $21.99 / £21.99 at the time of writing, but for those in the UK, the biggest saving can be found at Amazon, where you can pick one up for just £17.99. So if you’re looking for a straightforward charger, I highly recommend the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, thanks to its pocket-friendly cost and overall performance, which you can learn more about below.
The specifics
The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger isn’t a lightning-fast charger by any stretch of the imagination. This didn’t come as a surprise, as it’s only equipped with older Qi-certified tech; however, the charging speeds of 138 and 136 minutes it delivered when I tested it with an iPhone and Android make it on par with, and in some cases even a little faster than, some of the Qi2 chargers I’ve tested, making it a pleasingly efficient charger for the price.
Stability & configuration
The I212 proved to be sturdy enough over the time I used it as my primary desktop charger, and has continued to prove a reliable charger for my colleague Harry Padoan since my review. While I prefer the reassurance and efficiency of magnetic chargers, the I212 has proven to be a convenient communal charger, with the bonus of adjustable viewing angles without needing MagSafe-compatible accessories.
As happy as I was with the I212 wireless charging stand overall, the 3.3ft / 1m power cable that came in the box inevitably left me wanting more. In addition, there was no power adapter included in the purchase, so that’s an additional cost to consider if you don’t happen to have a USB-A power adapter with a minimum output of 18W lying around already.
Build quality & materials
Aside from the surface of the I212’s base, which is a textured black plastic commonly used in cheaper chargers, the build quality looks good for the price. The metal stand provides a sturdy support for the charging cradle, and the hinge joint that connects the two moves smoothly while still maintaining whatever angle I adjust it to.
Durability & cleaning
As is the case with any black wireless charger that’s left out on a surface, the I212 collects a bit of dust over time. For the most part, this is easily rectified by wiping it down with a dry cloth, with just the silicone surface at the bottom of the phone cradle proving a little stubborn. Unfortunately, the textured black plastic on the surface of the base and the charging area has a habit of picking up fingerprints, and doesn’t give them up easily. I found that I could get most of them off with an alcohol wipe and some elbow grease, but some were still faintly visible.
As things stand, it’s not that easy to find an efficient charger that can power up both compatible iPhones and Androids in good time. Factoring in the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger’s charging performance with the convenience of the cradle design makes it an excellent all-rounder, and more than worthy of its low price tag.
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Charging speed score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
The best car wireless charger
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The low-down
The ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) is a must-have accessory for iPhone users who would benefit from a battery top-up on their travels. It has a list price of around $40 / £33.99 on the ESR website, but it looks to be available for a discounted cost regularly. And the same is true at Amazon, with the price dropping to just $20 / £22 on occasion, making it an absolute steal.
While it proved a bit of a dust and fingerprint magnet, I was really impressed with the reliable hold provided by the Halolock charging pad and how easy it was to adjust the viewing angle. Taking this reassuringly stable design and the choice of sturdy fixtures into account, awarding the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) the title of best wireless car charger felt like a no-brainer, especially considering the satisfyingly low price.
The specifics
Unlike testing the other wireless charger formats, it wouldn’t be practical or particularly eco-friendly to have my car running for the duration of a full recharge, so I observe the level of charge achieved in half an hour of my commute to work instead. I was happy with the charging performance of the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger, as it charged the iPhone 13 Pro to 40% in those 30 minutes, which is satisfyingly speedy.
Stability & configuration
ESR generously provides two different mounting options for the Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger, one being a dashboard anchor with a reliable 3M adhesive pad, the other a vent clip with a stabilizer. While the clip attachment is on the stiff side, it had a satisfyingly strong grip once in place. The magnetic attachment kept a firm grip on my phone, and the little stabilizing arm on the underside did a great job, even when contending with the bumpiest of roads on my commute. Unfortunately, the cable position proved a little obstructive when I wanted to adjust my stereo or temperature settings, but this is pretty unavoidable when you’ve got a cable trailing between the power port and the charger, unless you get some cable clips involved.
The Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger came with a 3ft / 1m long USB-C to USB-C charging cable in the box, which was plenty long enough to reach my awkwardly located auxiliary power outlet that’s hidden away in my center console. As my phone only has this outlet and a USB-A port, I needed to source an adapter to fit, but this was fair enough considering the low price of this charger.
Build quality & materials
The charging pad is satisfyingly lightweight and connects to the dashboard or clip mount using a ball joint attachment. It was really easy to push the ball of either mount into the simple screw collar on the back of the charging pad, and the attachment format made it easy to reposition my phone as needed, while still staying in place throughout my journeys. The ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger is nicely made for the price; the matte black plastic has a soft texture to it, and there are little details like the gloss channels running around the outer edge of the charging module that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Durability & cleaning
Thanks to its reliable build quality, the Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger continued to prove robust over the duration I tested it, and I didn’t encounter issues with any of the moving parts. The matte black plastic showed the dust up a bit, but it didn’t show fingerprints. On the other hand, the shiny surface of the charging area was much more prone to showing fingerprints, especially when caught in the right light, and its darker color showed the dust up even more. Fortunately, the whole charger was easy to dust off and wipe down, so this wasn’t problematic.
I would be satisfied enough with the performance of the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (Halolock) when paying the full list price, but I’d be thrilled if I’d only paid the discounted prices that come up on the ESR website and at Amazon. So I’d recommend making sure you catch one of those deals for maximum satisfaction.
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Charging speed score: |
4 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
4 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
4 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
The best Apple 3-in-1 wireless charger
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The low-down
This charger definitely stands out on a crowded desktop with its quirky but convenient tree-like configuration, with high magnetic pads for the iPhone and Apple Watch, and a flat pad on the base for something like AirPods. While it may take up more space than technically necessary, the wide base of this Anker 3-in-1 charging station means it’s reassuringly stable, and the layout of the charging modules makes it easy to place devices and collect them up again.
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand has a list price of $110.99 / £89.99 / AU$199.95 on the Anker website, and can also be purchased at Amazon. The cost looks to have gone up on the Anker US website since I originally reviewed the 3-in-1 Stand; however, at the time of writing, there’s a $31 coupon available, bringing the cost down to a reasonable $80. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for deals at Amazon, too, as the price occasionally drops in both the US and the UK.
It didn’t take long for this 3-in-1 stand to prove itself worthy of a place in this buying guide when I first started testing it, especially when it proved one of the fastest iPhone chargers I’ve tested to date. Its spot was cemented by the fact that it’s still going strong and proving just as efficient six months later.
The specifics
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand proved impressively speedy when charging the iPhone 13 Pro, taking just 98 minutes to recharge it fully, making it the fastest out of the 25-plus wireless chargers I’ve tested with the same device. It did very well on the Watch-charging front, too, taking 64 minutes to charge my Series 9 Apple Watch to 100%.
Stability & configuration
Clearly not designed to be hidden away, this charger will make a statement on your nightstand or add a little shine to your desktop decor, provided you have the room for the rather chonky 5.5 x 5.5 inches / 140 x 140mm circular base. If you do, and you’re looking for a charger that makes it effortless to pop your devices on charge and pick them up again, then this 3-in-1 charging station is one to seriously consider. The perfect pairing of the sturdy base and the satisfyingly strong hold of the MagSafe-compatible Qi2 charging module meant I had no concerns leaving my iPhone to charge on the Anker 3-in-1 Stand. Despite this strong grip, it was still easy to rotate my iPhone to change the orientation. The only thing I would add to this stand is the ability to adjust the angle of the iPhone charging module, as this would make life a little easier when scrolling through emails or doing other admin tasks while I’m at my desk.
As has been the case with the other higher-end Anker chargers I’ve tested, the MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand comes with a 40W USB-C wall adapter in the box and a 5ft / 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable. I always appreciate an included adapter as it not only means I can get a charger up and running straight out of the box, but it also saves me having to hunt for an adapter powerful enough for the wireless charger to perform efficiently.
Build quality and materials
This 3-in-1 charging station comes in a choice of two colors, Shell White and Black. The metallic finish looked to a high standard on the black sample I tested, and the black plastic had a nice surface texture, a clear upgrade from the rougher finish of cheaper chargers. In terms of build quality, it definitely feels like you’re getting your money’s worth with this 3-in-1 stand. It feels appropriately weighty, and the branch-like stand and its offshoots to the charging modules feel sturdily fixed in place.
Durability & cleaning
Even after months of regular use, the finish of the 3-in-1 Stand still looks good, but this is a stand that requires a little upkeep to keep it looking neat and tidy. The chrome effect of the stand can easily show fingerprints, though a quick buff with a cloth soon rectifies this. While the large circular base seemed to stay largely fingerprint-free, it does have a tendency to collect dust and fibers. Fortunately, the majority of the stand is easy to wipe clean, although dust inevitably clings to the silicone-like material of the Qi AirPods charging pad.
With a list price of $110.99 / £89.99 / AU$199.95, this is by no means a budget wireless charger. That being said, it’s a robust and well-made charging station that feels well worth the pennies spent, if a speedy and steadfast charger’s what you’re in the market for. Having said that, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for discounts from Anker or Amazon before you make a purchase, as I’ve seen the price drop by around $30 / £10 / AU$60 on occasion, making this 3-in-1 stand even better value for money.
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Charging speed score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
The best pad wireless charger
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The low-down
The ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger would make a good choice for anyone who wants to charge their phone wirelessly without sacrificing surface space. It’s also a convenient choice for those who don’t want to take a break from screen time when their phone battery starts to run low, as the charging module of the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger measures around 2 inches / 59mm across, so it was satisfyingly easy to pick up my phone to reply to messages without having to take my phone off charge, as long as your phone is Qi2 or MagSafe.
The list price of the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger is around $32 / £26 on the ESR website, but this seems to change occasionally. I’ve seen ESR offer discounts fairly regularly, with the price reduced to $24.99 / £21.24 at the time of writing, and the price generally tends to be lower at Amazon, especially when there’s a limited-time deal on.
I chose the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger as the best charging pad in part because it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to hold, but mostly due to the impressively durable power cord – something not often seen at this price point.
The specifics
While the iPhone charging speed was fairly average, taking 128 minutes, I was impressed with the performance of this Qi2 pad when it came to charging our Xiaomi 14 in a MagSafe case, as it delivered a full recharge in 193 minutes, proving much faster than the other Qi2 chargers I’ve tested.
Stability & configuration
Despite its dinky size, the Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger turned out to have a pleasingly strong grip, ensuring reliable alignment and keeping hold of my phone even if I picked it up by the power cord. Its small and simple design made it easy for me to pick my phone up, and continue scrolling as it recharged. What I will say, though, is that if handheld comfort is top of your wishlist, I’d suggest looking at the ergonomically shaped Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad instead.
For me, the biggest selling point of this little charger was the amount of cable reinforcement on offer despite the low price point. The 5-foot / 1.5-meter USB-C power cable is encased in a braided nylon sleeve and has plastic reinforcements at each end, which should significantly increase the lifespan of the cable. This is especially important as the cable is fixed to the pad; it remove the flexibility (so to speak) of swapping for a longer cable, but adds more strength for the cable it has. The Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger doesn’t come with a wall adapter, though that’s hardly a surprise considering the price. It only requires one capable of a 20W output, which you may already have lying around, or they’re easy to pick up at Amazon.
Build quality and materials
This mini wireless charging pad has a really nice finish for the price. The charging module mostly comprises plastic with a metallic finish, topped off with a super glossy charging surface. While the charging pad itself doesn’t feel like it has much substance, it survived unscathed after many days in my workbag. As mentioned, the braided power cable is great quality, particularly at this price point.
Durability & cleaning
Although lightweight and a little hollow-sounding, the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger fared well considering it often had to bear the depths of my work bag. This is particularly good going considering the power cable isn’t removable, but this is where the high-quality braiding and additional support at either end of the cord make such a big difference to cable longevity. While the finish looks good fresh out of the box, the metallic base of the pad inevitably falls victim to scuffs and scratches from everyday use. Aside from this, though, it stays looking smart enough, bar the typical fingerprints on the glossy surface, which are easy to buff off.
I’d happily recommend the Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger at its full list price, but considering I’ve seen the price dip as low as $17.99 / £20 at Amazon, it could make a considerable bargain for anyone looking for a reliable little charger with a durable power cord.
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Charging speed score: |
4 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
4 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
The best travel wireless charger
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The low-down
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad instantly caught my attention with its quirky design and proved to be an efficient little charger. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants a convenient 3-in-1 charger that can be packed up in a matter of seconds, whether you’re taking it to the office every day or want a space-saving charger to take on vacation.
This travel-friendly charger is available from Anker and Amazon at a list price of $89.99 / £89.99, but discounts are offered from both retailers at times; for example, the price has been reduced to $71.99 / £74.99 as I write this. I chose this novel little charger for its good charging speed and super compact format, but if you’ve got a little more luggage space to spare, and prefer an adjustable stand, then I’d recommend taking a look at the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set instead.
The specifics
One of the main reasons I’m recommending the 3-in-1 foldable pad over other travel chargers is the charging speeds. It took just 116 minutes to recharge an iPhone 13 Pro, and 63 minutes to charge up my Apple Watch Series 9 – both impressive speeds when compared with the performance of other compact wireless chargers such as the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger.
Stability & configuration
I always appreciate a bit of novelty, and I really liked the convenience and satisfying process of folding this little charger up, taking just moments to go from charging three devices to fitting neatly in the palm of my hand. The magnets proved reliably strong, keeping the charger together in the dark and treacherous depths of my bag. These impressively strong magnets did mean I had to take care when removing my devices, though, to avoid scraping the base of the charging models across the tabletop. Helpfully, Anker has designed the 3-in-1 Foldable Pad in such a way that it can double as a phone stand, so it’s just a simple case of snapping the Apple Watch charging module onto the back of the iPhone, and voila. The caveat here is that a phone can only be in a landscape position, and the angle isn’t adjustable, but it’s perfect for putting an iPhone into StandBy mode on your nightstand.
As one would hope for the price, Anker provides a 40W power adapter with the 3-in-1 Foldable Pad, along with a 5 ft / 1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable, which I found plenty long enough not to be restrictive when choosing where to charge my phone.
Build quality and materials
This foldable charging pad is impressively compact and lightweight for a well-performing 3-in-1 charger. It has a quirky design aesthetic somewhere between a macaron and a flying saucer, adding a bit of novelty while making it easy to pop in a pocket, too. The macaron theme is definitely most apparent if you opt for one of the cute pastel colors over black or white; I was a little sad I didn’t have a pink one to test, but the white model is attractive enough. The texture of the matte surface feels lovely and soft, despite being made of hard plastic, while the silicone straps look good quality and make it easy to fold the charger up. I am pleased to say that Anker has kept sustainability in mind with this patented design, as the outer casing is claimed to be made with plastics composed of 75% post-consumer recycled material.
Durability & cleaning
Despite my concerns about the back of the charging modules dragging across surfaces, no permanent damage occurred in my time using the 3-in-1 Foldable Pad. The areas in contact with dusty surfaces could get dirty quickly, but the markings wiped off easily, and their prominence was likely exaggerated by the white color of my sample. The hard outer shell, Apple Watch charging puck, and soft surfaces of the charging pads were easy to dust off, but the silicone straps proved a little trickier due to the nature of the material and the ribbed design. Though it wasn’t too noticeable on the white model, the straps proved a bit of a lint and dust magnet, so that might be worth keeping in mind if you’re interested in the black option.
With a list price of $89.99 / £89.99, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad is an investment. But it’s a worthwhile one, considering the material quality, charging speeds, and overall convenience it delivers, plus its pocketable size could eliminate the need for a second charger in the office. To get the most bang for your buck, I highly recommend holding out for a discount, as I’ve been seeing some good deals coming up from Anker and Amazon, with both reducing the cost to $71.99 / £74.99 at the time of writing.
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Charging speed score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
The best 2-in-1 Apple charger
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The low-down
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe is a convenient and versatile charger for iPhone and Apple Watch owners that helpfully doubles as a wireless earbud case charger too.
This 2-in-1 charging dock is available in a choice of two neutral colors at a list price of $119.99 / £109.99 / $204.95 from Belkin, but is also available to purchase at Apple and Amazon.
During my time testing and writing this guide, Belkin released an updated Qi2-certified version of this charger, called the BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with Qi2. It looks physically identical to the MagSafe model, but the main advantages of this update are that the Qi2 tech makes it a more versatile charger, and it performed better when tested, charging the iPhone 13 Pro faster than the previous model by 17 minutes.
It’s already on sale at Amazon UK, and will be available for purchase on the Belkin site shortly, but won’t launch in the US until a little later. So for now, I’m keeping the previous model in the guide, since it’s the most widely available – but I’ll update in the future when the new model has settled in.
I chose the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe for its steadfast design, convenient configuration, and satisfyingly speedy Apple Watch charging performance.
The specifics
While the MagSafe charging pad didn’t perform as well as expected, taking 142 minutes to get our iPhone 13 Pro up to 100%, the Apple Watch charging module proved to be the fastest I’ve tested to date, taking just 58 minutes to fully charge my Apple Watch Series 9.
Stability & configuration
I found the 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe to be satisfyingly stable when in use on both my desk in the office and on my nightstand at home, thanks to its non-slip base and hefty 1 lb / 450g weight. I was impressed with the solid fixing of the Apple Watch charging puck holder that extends from the back of the stand, which is the sturdiest I’ve encountered to date. I appreciated the adaptability of the charging pad, firstly because it could be used to charge AirPods or an iPhone, and secondly because it gave me the freedom to angle my phone by up to 70 degrees, something so simple yet invaluable to me as this meant I could pass the Face ID check and view my notifications without needing to touch it. It also enables compatible iPhones to go into StandBy Mode. While my personal preference is to have visibility of my devices as they charge, the placement of the Apple Watch charging module around the back of the charging stand keeps it out of the way and takes up less working space.
The 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe has a fixed USB-C power cable that’s reinforced with braiding, and comes with a 30W power adapter included. I usually prefer removable cables as they make life easier and reduce wear and tear when packing chargers away, but I’m happy to make an exception in this case, as this weighty charger is clearly best suited to be a permanent fixture on a work surface.
Build quality and materials
I liked how every element on the 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe appeared premium and well-finished. The silicone material that covers the vast majority of the stand felt super soft to the touch, and the reflective, metallic plastic elements proved aesthetically pleasing. Even the visible surface of the Apple Watch charging puck had a satisfying soft matte finish.
Durability & cleaning
While the silicone outer material looked and felt nice, it was apparent from the moment I removed the protective wrapping that it was going to be tricky to keep it looking dust-free, as fibers from the packaging made a beeline for the charcoal surface. It’s not quite as noticeable on the Sand model, fortunately, but in either case, it’ll take more than a quick wipe over to remove the dust once it’s made itself comfortable. But dust aside, the silicone material proved to be both fingerprint and scratch-resistant over the weeks I used it. The only element that was susceptible to fingerprints was the super shiny Apple Watch charging puck holder, though the smooth surface made it quick and easy to wipe clean.
At a list price of $119 / £109 / $204, there’s no denying the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe is a pricey charger. It’s worth the investment, though, as it’s a conveniently compact example of a reliably sturdy desktop charger, plus it boasts fantastic build quality and premium-feeling materials. You can maximize the value by keeping an eye out for deals from Belkin and Amazon, or by purchasing from Apple if you’re in the UK, as they’re retailing it at a lower list price of £99.95.
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Charging speed score: |
4 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4 / 5 |
The best 2-in-1 charger for earbuds
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The low-down
The UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station is a compact charging solution comprising an easy-to-position Qi2 phone charging module and a Qi charging module for compatible earbud cases that’s quick and easy to fold down and tidy away.
It has a list price of $49.99 / £39.99 and can be purchased from UGreen and Amazon. As I write this, UGreen and Amazon US are offering the UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station for $43, and there’s a limited time deal knocking a generous 25% off at Amazon UK, so I’d recommend shopping around before you purchase.
I chose this particular 2-in-1 charger because its configuration and three charging outputs make it a versatile choice, plus it charged up our iPhone 13 Pro in good time for the price.
The specifics
The iPhone charging speed on offer from the UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station is good for the price, taking 125 minutes to fully charge the iPhone 13 Pro. At 280 minutes, it wasn’t the fastest at charging up our Xiaomi 14, but it still does the job if you’re not looking for the fastest wireless Android charger.
Stability & configuration
The UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station consists of a base housing a Qi charging pad and a Qi2 charging module that are connected by an adjustable arm. It offers a great level of versatility, even at its most compact, as the Qi2 pad can be used to charge compatible smartphones or earbud cases, and the 5W USB-C output on the right-hand side of the base means it could power a smartwatch charging module too. While the compact footprint of this 2-in-1 charger meant it didn’t feel like the sturdiest I’ve tested when I used it unfolded as a stand, it stayed firmly upright despite my antagonism, so I had no concerns about overall stability. I had plenty of choice when it came to positioning my phone, as there were hinges at either end of the arm, which were stable enough to maintain my chosen angle; however, the phone would wobble slightly whenever the screen was touched. The non-slip base did a good job of stopping it from scooting about on the desk, whether I was using the charger folded down or as a stand, but thanks to its light weight, it was still easy to slide along the desk whenever I needed to move it. It was also really easy to change the orientation of my phone – perhaps a little too easy, as I could move my phone with the slightest touch – but it made putting my iPhone into StandBy Mode effortless.
UGreen recommends an input of 30W or over for the best charging efficiency, but there’s no power adapter included with the UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station, so this is an additional cost to consider. There are plenty of power adapters available at Amazon that’ll fit the bill, such as the Belkin BoostCharge Pro GaN Dual Wall Charger 45W. A USB-C charging cable is included, but it’s on the short side at just 3.3 feet / 1 meter long, which could prove a little restrictive for some people.
Build quality and materials
The UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station only comes in one colorway, combining matte black, metallic graphite, and glossy silver. The build quality was fine for the price, but I discovered that one edge of the charging module and the surface of the charging pad flexed a little if pressed. This didn’t prove an issue, but it’s clear this isn’t the most robust charger out there, so you’d need to be mindful of this when packing it away.
Durability & cleaning
I appreciated the lack of silicone on the visible surfaces of the 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station, as the smooth surfaces made it really easy to dust. The metallic graphite colored edging didn’t show any signs of wear during the time I used the charger, staying fingerprint-free and resisting scratches, even when I got clumsy trying to plug cables in. Two elements that didn’t fare so well in the fingerprint department were the high-shine arm and the surface of the Qi2 pad, as both picked up fingerprints whenever they were touched. The fingerprints on the arm were easy to wipe away, but it took an alcohol wipe to tackle the ones on the Qi2 pad due to the nature of the material. The mechanisms of the 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station showed no signs of fatigue despite being adjusted regularly; however, it didn’t take long for the Qi2 charging pad to show signs of wear, with shiny scuff marks becoming visible in places. This wouldn’t be visible when a phone’s in situ, but it’s something to think about if aesthetics are important to you.
The UGreen 2-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Foldable Fast Charging Station is a versatile little charger for the price, thanks to the multi-functional Qi2 pad and the 5W USB-C output, and it delivered a good iPhone charging speed, too. Just make sure to shop around before you purchase to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
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Charging speed score: |
4 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
3.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4 / 5 |
The best wireless charger power bank
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The low-down
If you’re looking for a fully wireless solution with plenty of charging power to keep your phone topped up on the go, then you’ll like the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim). It’s slim for a 10,000mAh battery, and offers up to 15W wireless charging power, or 30W when charging via USB-C.
It’s listed for $74.99 / £69.99 / AU$139.95 on the Anker website, where the occasional promotional deal or discount is applied, such as the £14 / AU$30 coupon that’s on offer as I write this. The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) can be found at Amazon, too, and has been subject to a limited-time deal every now and then, bringing the cost down as low as $62.99 in the US at times, and £55.99 frequently at Amazon UK.
Aside from the satisfyingly slim profile, I picked this power bank for its quick iPhone charging, quality build, and versatility, as the Qi2 charging tech meant I could easily charge my Motorola Moto Buds+ on the go, too.
The specifics
The Slim power bank took just 110 minutes to recharge the iPhone 13 Pro, putting it in the same league as some of the fastest wireless desktop chargers I’ve tested. In terms of Android charging, it delivered a more average performance, refuelling the Xiaomi 14 in 271 minutes. I prefer a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity when I’m taking one out and about, because, as you might expect, they last noticeably longer than smaller 5,000mAh models, and the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) was no exception. How many full charges you can get out of it will depend on your phone, and I often used it for quick top-ups, but Anker states that it can charge an iPhone 15 Pro 1.8 times.
Stability & configuration
I was really pleased with the strength of the magnetic attachment on the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim); it kept a strong grip on my phone, so I never had any concerns about it dropping to its doom. The rear panel of the power bank was really soft to the touch, which, combined with its curved edges, made it pleasantly comfortable to hold. While it’s not exactly a featherweight at 7.05 oz / 200g, it’s pretty light for a 10K battery, weighing less than many of the best power banks we’ve tested. If a lighter weight is the priority, I’d recommend looking at a 5,000mAh model, such as the Anker 621 Magnetic Battery. With a depth of just 0.58 inches / 14.7mm, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is a streamlined example of a 10,000mAh power bank, to the point where I can almost use it one-handed, which is an achievement, because I have smaller-than-average hands. The one element I missed was an integrated stand, which would have made life easier when I wanted to watch content hands-free, but I understand it being omitted when the goal was to make the power bank as slim as possible.
It isn’t commonplace to get an adapter with a power bank, so it’s no surprise that the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) doesn’t come with one. It does come with a short 23.6 inches / 0.6m USB-C to USB-C cable.
Build quality and materials
The Slim power bank has the high-quality finish I’ve come to expect from an Anker product. The matte UV finish on the rear panel made it look and feel more premium than the generic black plastic of cheaper models, and the metal outer frame meant the power bank felt satisfyingly robust. I tested the black model of the MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim), but it also comes in white, and soft pastel colors, Natural Green, and Pink Aura. I like how the metal frames are color coordinated, and have a delicate and aesthetically pleasing bright silver strip around the edge of the liquid silicone charging pad (with the exception of the white model, which has a silver frame). As well as the materials being of great quality, Anker has taken a more eco-conscious approach with the MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) by using materials with 75% post-consumer recycled content, something I hope to see more of in the future.
Durability & cleaning
Even after days buried at the bottom of my work bag, I was able to quickly blow most of the lint off, along with the odd crumb. The soft silicone-textured charging surface was a little trickier to dust off and had a few small scuffs from its ordeal, but it fared surprisingly well and was easy to clean compared to the silicone areas of some other chargers. I was impressed with the durability of the outer casing of the power bank, which stayed smudge and scratch-free, despite not having the easiest of rides. The only damage it suffered was a scratch from the sharp corner of the marble block I was photographing it on, and even that is only noticeable when it catches the light.
The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is worth the high price tag considering it offers versatility and speedy iPhone charging all packed into a high-quality, slim-line case. This value is magnified considerably if you can take advantage of the generous price drops from Amazon, so definitely keep an eye out for those.
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Charging speed score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Stability & configuration score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Cable & adapter score: |
4 / 5 |
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Build quality & materials score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Durability & cleaning score: |
4.5 / 5 |
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Value score: |
4.5 / 5 |
Comparison charts for our chargers
In the graph below, you can click the names of the devices we used to test the charging times to turn them on or off in the results, so you can see just the charging results for the iPhone, if you prefer.
All the chargers I tested for this guide
What I learned about buying wireless chargers from my testing
Not all chargers are made equal
It’s easy to assume that one 15W wireless charger will provide the same results as another, but I quickly learned that speed and performance can vary vastly, even between models from well-known manufacturers. This difference can be down to a number of factors, such as the charging technology used and the overall build quality of the charger. Different chargers can have different power requirements too, something that can catch people out when an adapter doesn’t come included, especially if the wattage required is hidden in the small print.
Most Android users are missing out on efficient wireless charging
Though most chargers in this guide are capable of refueling a wireless chargeable Android, many big-name manufacturers are yet to fully embrace Qi2 technology at the time of writing. The good news is that Qi2-certified chargers are backward compatible, so I could test Android phones still rocking the original Qi tech, but because Qi2 chargers charge Qi devices at a reduced output, the resulting charging speeds were slow.
Some material finishes will never stay clean long-term
It didn’t take me long to realize that some chargers require a lot more upkeep than others to keep them looking presentable. Regardless of cost, some material finishes are just far less forgiving than others when it comes to showing fingerprints, with some proving almost impossible to fully clean.
Dust also proved a regular frustration, especially because many chargers come in dark colors, with materials proving to be irresistible to dust. This isn’t too much of a pain in many cases; however, some charger designs with silicone elements or raised edges around charging modules make efficient dusting a surprisingly time-consuming process.
Read the full article here
