Wi-fi charging is slower and fewer 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 (besides the 16E) and need 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 a lot of extra choices. And in contrast to MagSafe, Qi2 is an open standard.
All of Samsung’s Galaxy S25-series phones — together with the new S25 Edge — are “Qi2 Ready,” which implies they don’t have the magnets, however they’ll cost as much as 15W on a Qi2 charger when paired with a Qi2 Ready magnetic case. Whereas it’s disappointing that Samsung didn’t embrace Qi2 within the telephones themselves, most individuals use a case, so this looks like a small worth to pay for entry to the large ecosystem of Qi2 equipment. In the event you use Android and just like the sound of Qi2, we anticipate Google and others to launch extra Qi2-compatible telephones later this year.
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) at the moment are being changed by Qi2.
Except you will get an incredible deal or you could have an iPhone 16, the one MagSafe-certified charger nonetheless price contemplating is Apple’s improved 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 price contemplating for as soon as.
$49
Apple’s up to date MagSafe Charger is the one mannequin that may at the moment provide as much as 25W energy to iPhone 16 sequence telephones. It even works with non-Apple Qi2 units.
$110
The wonderful 3-in-1 BoostCharge Professional stand affords 15W wi-fi charging and a refined design, one that permits the connected cellphone to tilt.
$70
Anker’s MagGo energy financial institution options 6,600mAh capability and a built-in stand that, whereas larger than it must be, is much sturdier than the kickstands on competing fashions.
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 velocity nuances, and skim 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 sort |
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 affordable 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 can be sturdy sufficient. MagSafe certification is ok too, however MagSafe chargers are usually dearer than Qi2, aren’t suitable with non-iPhones, and (apart from the brand new one) aren’t any sooner than Qi2.
Does it embrace the AC adapter? Is the cable lengthy sufficient? Can it cost a couple of gadget?
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 parts or bonus options?
Does this charger supply a greater worth than most, or a minimum of justify its worth?
Greatest for the 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 yr
Whereas Qi2 is as quick as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 by means of 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 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 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 units, 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 are smaller and cheaper than Apple’s USB-C chargers. Nomad’s, particularly, has a nice, flat design.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Greatest Qi2 charging puck total
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, non-compulsory / Guarantee: Two years
Any Qi2-certified charger will cost any MagSafe iPhone at 15W (aside from the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which prime out at 12W). In the event you simply need 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, however 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 could have an iPhone 16 and really need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Greatest 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 yr
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 building 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 residence. (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 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 embrace prong adapters. Additionally, its lighter construct makes it straightforward to unintentionally decide up the entire charger while you simply meant to seize your cellphone and offers it extra restricted articulation for residence desktop use. It’s greatest fitted to frequent vacationers who don’t need to pack up their residence charger earlier than each journey.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Greatest 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 the case of a 3-in-1 for residence use. The most recent 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 an alternative 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 a minimum of it’s about 5 toes lengthy.
— Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m / Connector sort: 12V AC / AC adapter included: Connected / 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 Loss of life 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 obtained occurring.
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 completely cost even an iPhone 16 Professional Max. You may also cost from its USB-C port in case 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 sweet.
$20
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 sort: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One yr
The Verge’s Thomas Ricker and I each like this compact Qi2 automotive charger. It may be both vent- or dash-mounted, and it’s cheap, although you’ll have to provide your individual USB-C energy adapter. I purchased the “CryoBoost” version, which has a cooling fan, since I reside in sweltering Texas. And since my automotive is historic and my outdated Bluetooth FM transmitter’s USB port couldn’t energy the Qi2 pad, I additionally obtained 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. Truthfully, a killer deal.
There are a ton of Qi2 automotive mounts on the market, and we now have a couple of extra within the queue, however this one’s good!
Different chargers price contemplating
Now that Qi2 is extensively accessible, it’s a protected guess that you just’re a minimum of 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 incessantly 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 every of them that looks like an excellent match to your specific wants and your price range, it’s doubtless price 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, Could twenty first: Adjusted pricing / availability for a number of choices and famous that the brand new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge additionally helps Qi2 charging when paired with the correct case.