Going wireless isn’t just a trend - it’s the future, and we’re already living in it. As wireless tech gets more refined (and thankfully, more affordable), we’re seeing it pop up in pretty much every part of daily life. Think about it: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth walked so that wireless everything else could run. We’ve now got wireless speakers, headphones, printers, keyboards, mice - even TVs are ditching the cords. And honestly, once you go wireless, it’s hard to go back. No more tangled cables, no more crawling under desks just to plug something in.
So, let’s give a proper nod to the next MVP in the wireless game: wireless phone chargers.
Wireless chargers have only really hit their stride in the last decade, but the tech has come a long way in a short time. These days, one of the most common standards you’ll see is Qi (yep, pronounced “chee”). There are a few other types out there - like PMA - but Qi is the big one that most devices support now. If your phone is Qi-compatible (and most modern smartphones are), then you’re good to go. Just drop it on the pad, and let the charger do its thing - no cables required.
How do wireless chargers work?
Wireless chargers typically use magnetic induction. A direct current (DC) is supplied to the charging system by a power source (the wall power adapter), which is converted into alternating current (AC) after it moves into the transmitting coil. The AC inside the transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field, which will transfer energy to a receiving coil (within a compatible smartphone) when it is placed on the charger. As AC is induced within the receiving coil, the process reverses, converting the current to DC, which charges the power source of the receiving device.
The Qi standard has now begun supporting wireless charging using magnetic resonance. It works similarly to magnetic induction, but allows for some distance between the wireless charger and the phone.
Why use a wireless phone charger?
Durability – Without the constant plugging and unplugging of your device, you’ll see less wear and tear on the socket of your device. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing your charging cable when it wears out from constant use; we all know how expensive a quality charging cable can be!
Convenience – Goodbye lost cords and tangled cables! Just drop your phone at the charging station and it’s ready to charge.
Integration – Don’t you hate when you need to borrow a friend’s charger but the charging socket doesn’t fit your phone? The great thing about most wireless chargers is that they’re compatible with a variety of different phones. Many wireless chargers will also charge smart watches, earbuds, and other Qi-compatible devices!
Reliability – How often have you woken up in the morning to realise you forgot to plug your phone into your charger and failed to charge it overnight? Inductive charging systems can be operated automatically without dependence on people to plug and unplug, so you're far less likely to encounter that problem again.
How do I choose a wireless phone charger?
While you don't necessarily need to be too particular about what wireless phone charger you choose, here are a couple of things you might want to consider.
Design and style:
Choose a phone charger with a design and style that you like. The two types of Qi wireless phone chargers that you will see are stands and pads. Stands prop your phone up, which allows you to do things such as check messages, answer calls, watch videos and scroll through music without interrupting your charging. Pads keep your phone lying down, so they’re best for when you just want to drop your phone off to charge and leave it. Some chargers function as both a pad and a stand, so you can position them any way you like.
Coils (and magnetic alignment):
Most wireless chargers only need one coil to get the job done, but the more coils there are - or the larger they are - the less fussy you have to be about placement. Multiple coils give you a wider charging area, so you don’t have to perfectly line things up every time.
That said, newer chargers are getting smarter with magnetic alignment. If you’ve heard of MagSafe (Apple’s magnetic charging tech), you’ll know how handy it is - the magnets help snap your phone into the ideal position, which makes charging way more consistent. You’ll now find MagSafe-style alignment not just on iPhones, but also showing up in Qi2-certified chargers and some Android-friendly models too. So if you’re tired of waking up to a half-charged phone because it wasn’t placed just right, magnetic alignment might be worth looking for.
What are the top wireless phone chargers?
Although most wireless phone chargers are universal (they should charge up any Qi-integrated devices), you may still be unsure which charger is best for you. These are a few of our top recommendations! Of course, this is only a glimpse into our entire range of wireless chargers, which you can browse more of here.
Top Value Option - Momax 1.5m 15W Wireless Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charger
If you're after a MagSafe-compatible charger that looks great and gets the job done without overcomplicating things, the Momax Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charger is a seriously strong contender. It’s Qi2 certified, supports up to 15W wireless fast charging, and works perfectly with iPhone 12 through to the latest iPhone 16, plus any other device that supports MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging.
What sets it apart is the ultra-slim 0.8cm profile, combined with a durable build made from tempered glass and aluminium alloy. It feels solid, looks premium, and is compact enough to slip into your pocket or bag with ease. The magnetic attachment ensures a secure snap-on fit every time, lining up perfectly with your device for hassle-free charging - no more fiddling to find the sweet spot.
Durability is another win here. It’s been tested to survive over 30,000 cable bends, making it a long-lasting addition to your charging setup. If you're after a great wireless charger that doesn't break the bank, this is a great choice!
Best for Samsung Devices - Samsung 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
With Samsung's 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, you can simultaneously charge up to three devices at one time, including your smartphone, earbuds, and Galaxy Smart Watch. Whether you want to charge up one of each or two smartphones and a smart watch - that's no problem! The Galaxy Watch gets a dedicated charging space (keep in mind, this isn't designed for the Galaxy Watch Pro, so if you own one, the Samsung Wireless Charging Pad Duo will be a better option for you) but you're free to use the other two spots however suits you best - including for other non-Samsung Qi compatible devices. This wireless charger features six coils offering reliable charging thanks to an expanded charging coverage area.
Additionally, this wireless charger features LED lights which tells you the charging status of your device with different colors: red for charging, flashing red for charging error, and green for fully charged. When it's time for lights out, you can dim it to not disturb your sleep. You don't have to worry about taking your case off with this charger either as the charge reaches through lightweight cases.
Top for Apple - RockRose AirWave III
Now this particular wireless charger is quite unique, with a built-in clock, alongside its excellent wireless charging capabilities. The RockRose AirWave III can charge three devices simultaneously, and supports iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches. The sleek digital clock has a timer as well and makes for a super clean-looking nightstand accessory. It even folds and rotates, for optimal viewing but also for convenient storage when necessary.
Charging-wise, it does 15W/10W/7.5W/5W for phones, with 2.5W max for watches and 3W for the earphone output. Simply plug the charging stand in via the USB-C charging port and let it do all the work, day and night. Ditch the bird's nest of wires by your nightstand and opt for the RockRose AirWave III to add style and convenience to your space.
Best for Travel - Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
For Apple users who want a compact charger that's not only perfect for travel but also has MagSafe support, check out the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charger. This charger is capable of charging both your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time. Being a MagSafe charger, it offers a couple of benefits compared to a regular charger. These include the strong attachment which uses magnets to align and attach itself to the iPhone, ensuring a solid connection; and the ability to fast charge, providing up to 15W compared to the standard 7.5W.
The Mophie 3-in-1 Charger has a compact foldable design that snaps shut and easily fits into the included travel pouch. Despite it's small package, this wireless charger is actually quite impressive. It offers fast charging capabilities, 3-in-1 design, and foldable form factor making it a great compact/travel wireless charger! Do you have more than two Apple products to charge at once? Check out the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charger! If you don't need the extra charging spot, Momax has a 2-in-1 charger that could be worth considering as well.
Best for Cars - Mi 20W Fast Wireless Car Charger
Wireless chargers are a great addition to the car as they keep you charged up on the go and also perform as a hands-free phone mount! With Xiaomi's 20W Fast Wireless Car Charger, you can effortlessly charge your smartphone, use GPS, listen to music, or take a phone call, all thanks to one nifty device. It boasts up to 20W of fast charging power which can be a life saver when you've got a big day ahead and barely enough battery to get you by - just put your phone on and get a nice boost of power on your drive! It works with any Qi compatible device and with up to 4mm effective sensing distance, will charge with most phone cases.
This charger features an inductive electric clamp that securely holds your phone in place. With a built-in infrared sensor, the arm will automatically expand and lock when the phone is put in. It has a multi-angle free adjustment to fix the phone however suits you best. It also has dual heat dissapation, ensuring your phone doesn't overheat, along with protection for temperature, short circuits, power, overvoltage, and foreign objects.
Check out range of wireless phone chargers
PB Tech carries a variety of Qi standard wireless phone chargers. We've got charging stands, pads, and wireless car chargers too. Start shopping our range of wireless phone chargers below!
