Wi-fi charging is much less environment friendly than plugging in a wire, nevertheless it’s definitely handy — particularly if you add magnets. Most individuals who’ve an iPhone 12 or later (besides the 16E) and desire a magnetic charger ought to get a Qi2 charger. Any Qi2-certified charger will cost a MagSafe iPhone as much as 15W — simply as quick as MagSafe on any cellphone however the 25W-capable 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 normal.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25-series telephones are “Qi2 Prepared,” which suggests they don’t have the magnets, however they will cost as much as 15W on a Qi2 charger when paired with a Qi2 Ready magnetic case. Whereas it’s disappointing Samsung didn’t embody Qi2 within the telephones themselves, most individuals use a case, so this seems like a small worth to pay for entry to the massive ecosystem of Qi2 equipment. In case you use Android and just like the sound of Qi2, we anticipate Google and others to launch extra Qi2-compatible telephones someday this 12 months.
Qi2 provides some much-needed simplicity to the magnetic charging ecosystem. The choices that when 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 may get an incredible 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 as much as 25W on the brand new charger and the brand new charger solely. The brand new charger can also be Qi2-certified, so it’s value contemplating for as soon as.
There’s little cause to get a “MagSafe-compatible” charger until you’re an Android consumer with a magnetic phone case on a cellphone that isn’t Qi2 Prepared. The unique Qi telephones fall again to 5W charging on Qi2 however can cost as much as 10W with an everyday Qi charger, whereas Qi2 Prepared telephones can cost as much as 15W when paired with the correct magnet case and charger.
Confused? Try the desk under that summarizes these charging pace nuances, and browse on for our favorites of the Qi2 and MagSafe pucks, stands, 3-in-1 chargers, and battery packs we’ve examined up to now.
MagSafe / Qi2 Most cost charges
Charger kind |
iPhone 16 and 16 Professional |
iPhone 12 – 15 |
Non-Qi2 telephones |
---|---|---|---|
New Apple MagSafe / Qi2 charger | As much as 25W | As much as 15W | 5W |
Qi2 | As much as 15W | As much as 15W | 5W |
MagSafe-certified | As much as 15W | As much as 15W (12W for Minis) | lower than 5W (Apple being Apple) |
MagSafe-compatible / Qi with magnets | As much as 7.5W | As much as 7.5W | As much as 10W |
What we’re on the lookout for
The Qi2 certification ensures not simply correct 15W charging, but additionally the energy and place of the alignment magnets. Anyone can slap a hoop of magnets round an inexpensive Qi coil and name it MagSafe-compatible, but when it isn’t licensed, you received’t get greater than 7.5W charging from it, and there’s no assure that the magnets will likely be sturdy sufficient. MagSafe certification is ok too, however MagSafe chargers are usually costlier than Qi2, aren’t suitable with non-iPhones, and (except the brand new one) aren’t any sooner than Qi2.
Does it embody the AC adapter? Is the cable lengthy sufficient? Can it cost a couple of system?
Does the charger journey simply, or is it greatest left in a single spot to by no means transfer?
Is it janky or refined? Does it have intelligent design components or bonus options?
Does this charger supply a greater worth than most, or at the very least justify its worth?
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 12 months
Whereas Qi2 is as quick as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 by means of 15, Apple has moved the goalposts with the iPhone 16 era. 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 sooner wi-fi charging, nevertheless it does imply you’re once more incentivized to purchase Apple’s puck over cheaper, extra broadly accessible Qi2 choices.
For as soon as, there’s good cause 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 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 can 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
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, non-compulsory / Guarantee: Two years
Any Qi2-certified charger will cost any MagSafe iPhone at 15W (apart from the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which high out at 12W). In case 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, nevertheless 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 have got an iPhone 16 and really need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.
— 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 kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: One 12 months
The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wi-fi Charging Stand makes an incredible 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 development can also be substantial sufficient, and its design elevated sufficient, to be the principle 3-in-1 charger in your desk when you’re again dwelling. (There’s additionally a 2-in-1 version without the Apple Watch charger, which is equally good however doesn’t include an AC adapter.)
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 decide up the entire charger if you simply meant to seize your cellphone and offers it extra restricted articulation for dwelling desktop use. It’s greatest fitted to frequent vacationers who don’t wish to pack up their dwelling charger earlier than each journey.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Finest Qi2 3-in-1 stand for dwelling
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 with regards to a 3-in-1 for dwelling use. The newest model fixes a few of our minor grievances from its predecessors whereas adopting the Qi2 normal. 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.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: 12V AC / AC adapter included: Hooked up / Guarantee: Two years
Workers opinions on this orb are, frankly, divided, however I had it on my desk for some time, and after I despatched it again, I missed it sufficient that I purchased one. 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. Totally utilized, yeah, it’s gonna appear to be a cable octopus, nevertheless 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 bought occurring.
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 cellphone stand and has 6,600mAh capability, which is greater than sufficient to completely cost even an iPhone 16 Professional Max. It’s also possible to cost from its USB-C port in the event you desire. It’s not the slimmest Qi2 battery, nevertheless it’s sturdy sufficient to carry the cellphone in panorama mode with out toppling, which is sweet.
Learn our hands-on with the Anker MagGo Energy Financial institution (6.6K).
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 3.3ft / 1m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One 12 months
The Verge’s Thomas Ricker and I each like this compact Qi2 automobile charger. It may be both vent- or dash-mounted, and it’s cheap, although you’ll have to produce your personal USB-C energy adapter. I purchased the “CryoBoost” version, which has a cooling fan, since I reside in sweltering Texas. And since my automobile is historic and my outdated Bluetooth FM transmitter’s USB port couldn’t energy the Qi2 pad, I additionally bought this 60W FM transmitter / USB-C charger thing. It plugs into the 12V (the “cigarette lighter”) port and has an built-in coiled 30W USB-C cable, which I take advantage of for the ESR Qi2 charger, plus one other 30W USB-C PD port, a USB-A port, and the aforementioned Bluetooth FM transmitter. Actually, a killer deal.
There are a ton of Qi2 automobile mounts on the market, and we have now a number of extra within the queue, however this one’s good!
Learn our full assessment of the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wi-fi Automobile Charger.
Different chargers value contemplating
Now that Qi2 is broadly accessible, it’s a secure wager that you just’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 often testing items from the likes of Anker, Belkin, Casetify, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, Ugreen, Peak Design, Zens, Sharge, and ESR. If there’s a Qi2 charger from one in all them that looks as if match to your specific wants and your funds, it’s seemingly 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, March twenty first: Adjusted pricing / availability and eliminated the Anker 313 magnetic charger that’s now not accessible. Additionally added a point out of the Samsung Galaxy S25 collection and its “Qi2 Prepared” standing within the intro, in addition to ESR’s “CryoBoost” charger within the Finest Qi2 automobile mount part.