Wi-fi charging is much less environment friendly than plugging in a wire, nevertheless it’s definitely handy — particularly whenever 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 phone but the iPhone 16. Qi2 chargers are additionally cheaper than MagSafe-certified ones, and there are lots of extra choices. And in contrast to MagSafe, Qi2 is an open standard. There’s just one Qi2-certified Android telephone proper now — the HMD Skyline — however we count on Google and others so as to add Qi2 to telephones someday this yr.
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. There’s additionally a new “Qi2 Ready” certification for telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which requires a magnetic case for alignment however in any other case meets the charging customary’s spec.
Except you will get an important deal or you have got 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 motive to get a “MagSafe-compatible” charger until you’re an Android person with a magnetic phone case. The unique Qi telephones fall again to 5W charging on Qi2 however can cost at as much as 10W with a daily Qi charger, whereas Qi2 Prepared telephones can cost at as much as 15W when paired with the right magnet case.
Confused? Take a look at 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.
MagSafe / Qi2 Most cost charges
iPhone 16 and 16 Professional |
iPhone 12 – 15 |
Non-Qi2 telephones |
|---|---|---|
| As much as 25W | As much as 15W | 5W |
| As much as 15W | As much as 15W | 5W |
| As much as 15W | As much as 15W (12W for Minis) | |
| As much as 7.5W | As much as 7.5W | As much as 10W |
Qi2 or MagSafe certification
The Qi2 certification ensures not simply correct 15W charging, but in addition the energy and place of the alignment magnets. Anyone can slap a hoop of magnets round an affordable Qi coil and name it MagSafe-compatible, but when it isn’t licensed, you gained’t get greater than 7.5W charging from it, and there’s no assure that the magnets will probably be sturdy sufficient. MagSafe certification is okay too, however MagSafe chargers are usually dearer than Qi2, aren’t suitable with non-iPhones, and (except for the brand new one) aren’t any sooner than Qi2.
Does it embody the AC adapter? Is the cable lengthy sufficient? Can it cost multiple system?
Does the charger journey simply, or is it extra prone to reside in a single spot and by no means transfer?
Is it janky or refined? Does it have intelligent design parts or bonus options?
Does this charger supply a greater worth than most, or at the least justify its value?
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 kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: no / Guarantee: One yr
Whereas Qi2 is as quick as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 via 15, Apple has moved the goalposts with the iPhone 16 technology. The brand new telephones can cost at as much as 25W with the updated MagSafe Charger — making it your best option for house owners of the newest iPhone. It’s nice to see sooner wi-fi charging, nevertheless it does imply you’re once more incentivized to purchase Apple’s puck over cheaper, extra extensively obtainable 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 gadgets ought to these materialize. And the corporate has lastly added a model with a 2m / 6.6ft cable as an alternative 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, specifically, has a nice, flat design.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 charging puck total
$22
The most recent model of Anker’s magnetic MagGo charging pads helps 15W Qi2 and has a five-foot USB-C cable.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, non-obligatory / 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). When you simply desire a fundamental 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, nevertheless 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 really need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.
Anker’s dependable outdated magnetic Qi charger (model 313) was our go-to advice for a protracted whereas, and the 7.5W charger remains to be high quality for in a single day use for those who rating one supercheap. However most individuals ought to spend the additional $10 and get a Qi2 puck.
$21
This Anker magnetic charging puck has a five-foot USB-C cable and wirelessly fees an iPhone at as much as 7.5W.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 3-in-1 charger for journey
$130
The Satechi 3-in-1 has a sturdy aluminum body and folds flat for journey. Its included 45W energy adapter permits simultaneous charging of a Qi2 telephone, wi-fi earbuds, and Apple Watch (with fast-charging).
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: One yr
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 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 version without the Apple Watch charger, which is equally good however doesn’t include an AC adapter.)
$82
Anker’s Qi2-certified MagGo Wi-fi Charging Station unfolds to wirelessly cost a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, an Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods, all on the similar time.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: 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 — nevertheless it doesn’t embody prong adapters. Additionally, its lighter construct makes it straightforward to unintentionally choose up the entire charger whenever you simply meant to seize your telephone and offers it extra restricted articulation for house desktop use. It’s finest fitted 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
$91
The most recent model of Belkin’s 3-in-1 BoostCharge Professional stand makes use of Qi2 for 15W wi-fi charging and a refined design permitting the connected telephone to tilt. It additionally comes with a compact 36W USB-C energy adapter.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m (completely connected) / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: Two years
As soon as once more, the Belkin “tree” towers over all others in the case of 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 customary. It now makes use of an included 36W USB-C energy adapter as an alternative of a huge plug with a barrel connector, and the elevated Qi2 mount can tilt your telephone in quite a lot of angles. Its nylon-wrapped USB-C cable isn’t removable, however at the least it’s about 5 ft lengthy.
$56
A Qi2 pad on the entrance and a celebration within the again, with three AC shops and 4 USB ports. It might probably ship as much as 67W via a single USB-C port or divided between its two USB-C and two USB-A ports.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: 12V AC / AC adapter included: Connected / 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, nevertheless it’s good to have one thing in arm’s attain that may cost your telephone, your laptop computer, and no matter else you’ve obtained occurring.
$70
A 6,600mAh Qi2 energy financial institution with a hefty built-in stand. It’s larger than it must be however the stand is rather a lot sturdier than the flimsy kickstands on different magnetic energy banks.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: as much as 15W / Cell capability: 25.41Wh (6,600mAh) / Connector kind: USB-C / Guarantee: Two years
This folding Qi2 battery pack doubles as a telephone stand and has 6,600mAh capability, which is greater than sufficient to totally cost even an iPhone 16 Professional Max. It’s also possible to cost from its USB-C port for those who choose. It’s not the slimmest Qi2 battery, nevertheless it’s sturdy sufficient to carry the telephone in panorama mode with out toppling, which is sweet.
$22
A compact, versatile Qi2 charger for vent and sprint mounting. Read our review.
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 3.3ft / 1m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One yr
The Verge’s Thomas Ricker likes this compact Qi2 automobile charger. It may be both vent- or dash-mounted, and it’s cheap, although you’ll have to provide your individual energy adapter. There have been many extra Qi2 automobile mounts launched since he examined this, and we now have a number of extra within the queue, however this one’s good!
Different chargers price contemplating
Now that Qi2 is extensively obtainable, it’s a secure guess that you just’re at the 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 often testing items from the likes of Anker, Belkin, Casetify, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, Ugreen, Peak Design, Zens, and ESR. If there’s a Qi2 charger from one in all them that looks as if a great match to your specific wants and your price range, it’s possible 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, February fifth: Adjusted pricing / availability, eliminated the Nomad Stand One Max, and added a point out of the brand new Qi2 Prepared customary.