How to Choose the Right Wireless Charger for Your Phone

With dozens of wireless chargers available at various price points, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you get a pad or a stand? Do you need MagSafe or is Qi2 fine? How much should you spend? This step-by-step guide walks you through the decision process, helping you identify the perfect charger for your specific phone, needs, and budget.

By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what specifications to look for and which features matter for your situation—and which ones you can safely ignore.

Step 1: Confirm Your Phone's Wireless Charging Capabilities

Not all phones support wireless charging, and those that do have varying maximum speeds. Start by confirming your phone's capabilities:

Does Your Phone Support Wireless Charging?

Most flagship phones released since 2018 support wireless charging. Quick ways to check:

• Search your phone model plus "wireless charging" online
• Check your phone's settings for wireless charging options
• Look for the Qi logo on your phone's packaging or documentation
• If your phone has a glass back, it likely supports wireless charging (metal backs block wireless charging)

What's Your Phone's Maximum Wireless Charging Speed?

Common maximum speeds by device:

• iPhone 12 and newer: 15W (MagSafe/Qi2), 7.5W (standard Qi)
• iPhone 8-11: 7.5W maximum
• Samsung Galaxy S series: 15W (varies by model)
• Google Pixel: 12-23W depending on model and charger
• Budget Android phones: Often 5-10W maximum

Step 2: Decide on Form Factor

Wireless chargers come in three main form factors, each suited to different use cases.

Charging Pads

Best for: Bedside tables, travel, spaces where you want minimal visual presence

Pros:

• Compact and low-profile
• Easy to pack for travel
• Often the most affordable option
• Work well with any phone orientation

Cons:

• Can't see your screen while charging
• Phone may slide off smooth surfaces (less issue with magnetic chargers)
• Harder to grab phone quickly when it rings

Charging Stands

Best for: Desks, home offices, anywhere you want to see notifications

Pros:

• Screen visible for notifications and Face ID
• Perfect for video calls while charging
• Easy to grab phone when needed
• Often support both portrait and landscape orientations

Cons:

• Larger footprint than pads
• Less portable
• Usually cost more than basic pads

Multi-Device Chargers

Best for: Users with multiple wireless-charging devices (phone, watch, earbuds)

Pros:

• Charge multiple devices from one unit
• Reduces cable clutter significantly
• Convenient "charging station" setup

Cons:

• More expensive than single-device chargers
• Larger footprint
• If one component fails, you lose multiple charging capabilities

Step 3: Choose Between Magnetic and Standard Charging

This is one of the most important decisions for user experience.

Magnetic Chargers (MagSafe/Qi2)

Requirements: iPhone 12+ or Qi2-compatible Android phone (or MagSafe case on older phones)

Benefits:

• Perfect alignment every time—just bring phone near and it snaps into place
• Consistent fast charging speeds due to optimal coil positioning
• Works with magnetic accessories (wallets, battery packs, mounts)
• Holds phone securely on stands, even at angles

Considerations:

• Requires compatible phone or case
• Typically costs slightly more than non-magnetic options

Standard Qi Chargers

Requirements: Any Qi-compatible phone

Benefits:

• Works with any wireless charging phone
• Often less expensive
• Good option if you have older phones or mixed devices

Considerations:

• Requires careful positioning, especially on pads
• Phone can shift out of alignment from vibrations
• May not achieve maximum speed if poorly aligned

Step 4: Consider Your Budget

Wireless chargers range from under $20 to over $200. Here's what to expect at different price points:

Budget ($20-40)

• Basic Qi charging pads
• 5-10W speeds typically
• Functional but may lack premium features
• Good for basic overnight charging needs

Mid-Range ($40-80)

• Quality Qi2 or MagSafe-compatible chargers
• 15W speeds for compatible phones
• Better build quality and thermal management
• Where most users find the best value

Premium ($80-150)

• 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 multi-device chargers
• Premium materials (aluminium, leather)
• Official Apple MagSafe products
• Advanced features and better aesthetics

Luxury ($150+)

• Premium multi-device systems
• Designer collaborations
• Highest build quality materials
• Often diminishing returns on functionality

Step 5: Check Essential Specifications

When comparing chargers, focus on these key specs:

Output Wattage

Match or exceed your phone's maximum wireless charging capability. Common options are 7.5W, 10W, and 15W. Higher isn't always better if your phone can't use it.

Charging Standard

Look for these certifications:

• Qi2: Latest universal standard with magnetic alignment—best for future-proofing
• MagSafe: Apple-certified magnetic charging for iPhone—guaranteed compatibility
• Qi: Universal standard without magnetics—widest compatibility

Safety Certifications

Quality chargers include:

• Foreign Object Detection (FOD)—prevents heating of metal objects
• Temperature protection—reduces power if overheating
• Overcharge protection—manages power as battery fills
• Australian RCM compliance—required for electrical products

Cable and Adapter Included

Check what's in the box:

• USB-C cable (most don't include adapters)
• Cable length (longer cables offer placement flexibility)
• Whether adapter is included or required separately

Step 6: Match to Your Use Case

Different situations call for different chargers. Here are recommendations based on common scenarios:

Home Office / Desk

Recommendation: Qi2 or MagSafe stand

You want to see your screen for notifications, take calls, and have your phone visible. A stand keeps your phone at a useful angle. Magnetic alignment ensures consistent performance.

Bedside Table

Recommendation: Low-profile pad with dim/no LED, or stand with night mode

Brightness matters at night. Look for chargers with LEDs that can be dimmed or turned off. Consider a multi-device charger if you also charge a watch overnight.

Frequent Traveller

Recommendation: Compact foldable charger or slim pad

Prioritise size and weight. Foldable multi-device chargers are excellent if you travel with multiple devices. Ensure 100-240V compatibility for international use.

Apple Ecosystem User

Recommendation: 3-in-1 MagSafe or Qi2 charger

Charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods from one device. Reduces cable clutter and creates a clean charging station.

Budget-Conscious

Recommendation: Quality mid-range Qi2 pad from a reputable brand

Don't sacrifice safety for savings. Brands like Anker and UGREEN offer excellent value in the $40-60 range with proper certifications.

Red Flags to Avoid

When shopping, watch out for:

• No brand name: Unknown manufacturers may lack safety testing
• Missing certifications: No Qi or Qi2 marking suggests uncertified product
• Too cheap: Prices well below similar certified products indicate corners cut
• Inflated claims: "30W wireless charging" when phones max out at 15W
• No customer reviews: Lack of feedback on major retailers is a warning sign

Making Your Final Decision

You now have all the information needed to choose wisely. To summarise:

1. Confirm your phone's wireless charging capability and maximum speed
2. Choose a form factor that fits your primary use case
3. Decide between magnetic (MagSafe/Qi2) and standard Qi
4. Set a realistic budget (don't forget the power adapter)
5. Verify essential specifications and safety certifications
6. Match features to your specific situation

For most users in 2026, a Qi2-certified magnetic charger offers the best combination of compatibility, performance, and value. Whether you choose a pad, stand, or multi-device solution depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Take our interactive quiz for personalised recommendations based on your answers, or browse our curated charger picks to see options that match different needs and budgets.