What is wireless charging and how does it work?
Wireless charging allows devices to be recharged without needing to be plugged in. The term ‘wireless’ may be a little misleading, as the charger itself does need to be connected to a power source, but there is no wire between the charger and your electronic device.
You can place any compatible phone, headphones case, or smartwatch on a power pad or stand. Power will be transmitted from the pad to the device, either through the casing or directly on the back of the device.
Many phones use the Qi (“chee”) wireless standard for charging, which was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium.
Is my phone compatible with wireless charging?
If you already know your phone is compatible, you can skip straight to our recommendations for the best wireless chargers.
As wireless technology is a relatively newer form of charging, not all mobile phones (or other electronics) will be compatible. However, most common manufacturers will be able to offer a smartphone that can recharge wirelessly.
Some of the most popular smartphones that are compatible with wireless charging include:
- Apple: iPhone 8 and above
- Samsung: From the Galaxy 6, including the newest S21 series
- Google: Google 4 range and above, including 5 and newest 6 rangesNokia: Nokia 8 Sirocco and Nokia 9 PureView are some of the newest phones which support wireless charging
- Oppo: Find X3 Pro
- Xiaomi: Newest Mi 10 series
- Sony: Xperia XZ2 and XZ3, as well as the Xperia XZ and 1 range
- LG: Many of the ThinQ brand
- Huawei: Mate P series
If you’re unsure whether your device is compatible with wireless charging, check your instruction manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Best wireless chargers
When you buy a new phone, you won’t usually receive a wireless charger with it. So if you want to eliminate cables from your electronic life, you’ll need to go shopping for the right charger.
If you’re looking for a way to charge on the go instead, check out our recommendations for the best portable chargers.
Here’s our top choices for the best wireless chargers on the market right now.
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand
Price: £19.95
- Provides 7.5W charge to iPhones, 9W charge to Samsungs, and 10W for other Qi-enabled devices
- Allows you to charge your phone in portrait or landscape mode, so you can continue to use it or watch content
- LED indicator light informs you that your phone is correctly aligned with the charging pad
- The Belkin stand can detect foreign objects, such as keys or coins, that could damage the charger or affect charging ability
- Able to continue charging with a phone case still on (up to 3mm in depth)
- Non-slip material means the charging stand can confidently and safely keep your phone upright without worrying about drops
- 5ft cord included
- Three years warranty
- Comes in two colours: Black or White
Apple MagSafe
Price: £39.00
- Compatible with iPhone 8 and above, including the newest 13 range
- Provides wireless charging up to 15W
- Can be used to charge your AirPods case too
- Includes magnetic alignment for iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 13, and 13 Pro, to ensure the devices are in the right place for optimal charging
- Includes 1m USB-C cable
Learn more about Apple MagSafe technology.
Logitech Powered 3-in-1 dock
Price: £180.00
- Provides 7.5W of charging to iPhones, and between 9W and 10W for Androids
- Includes an angled charging pad, a flat charging pad for a second device (like AirPods), and an elevated magnetic charging pad for a Qi-enabled Apple Watch
- Can charge up to three electronic devices simultaneously
- Angled charging pad allows you to prop your phone upright so you can continue using it while it’s on charge
- LED indicator light tells you when it’s charging effectively
- Allows phones to charge with their case still attached, as long as it doesn’t exceed 3.5mm in thickness
- Foreign object detection
Belkin 3-in-1 wireless charger
Price: £139.95
- Compatible with most Apple devices, including iPhones 8 and above, Apple watches, and AirPods
- Delivers up to 7.5W of charge
- Can charge up to three devices simultaneously
- Can charge through cases no thicker than 3mm
- Charge in portrait or landscape mode so you can continue watching content or video calling
- Made for MagSafe-compatible iPhones to ensure seamless alignment for faster and more effective charging
- Includes magnetic charging module for Apple Watches
- Comes in two colours: Black or White
- Comes with a two year warranty
Anker PowerWave Stand
Price: £20
- Compatible with iPhones 8 and above, Samsung Galaxy models, Google Pixel 3 and 3XL, and the Samsung Note range
- Delivers 10W charge to Samsung Galaxy phones and 5W to iPhones
- Ability to charge in landscape or portrait mode so you can continue using your phone
- Can charge through phone cases up to 5mm in thickness
- Foreign object detection to avoid damage to your phone, the charger, or overall charging efficiency
- Comes with an 18-month warranty and a 3ft micro USB cable
Moshi Otto Q
Price: £44.95
- Charges up to 15W on iPhones with iOS 13 and above, Google Pixel, most of the Samsung Galaxy and Note series, and some other Qi-enabled devices
- Includes foreign object detection to avoid nearby metal interfering with the charging system
- Has a non-slip grip to avoid phones and other devices falling off
- Can charge through phone cases up to 5mm thick
- Features an LED light to show when it’s charging properly
- Material is soft and cushioned
- Comes with a two year warranty
Aircharge Dual Fast Wireless Charger
Price: £64.99
- Can provide fast charging up to 20W on compatible devices
- Can charge two devices simultaneously, such as two phones, or a phone and a pair of wireless headphones
- Design protects against overheating or overvoltage
- Includes foreign object detection
- Can charge through phone cases up to 5mm in thickness
Yootech Wireless Charger
Price: £15
- Compatible with iPhones 8 and above, many Samsung models, Google Pixels, LG, and more
- Can deliver up to 10W of charge to Qi-enabled devices (7.5W to iPhones, 10W to Samsungs, and 5W on other Androids)
- Also compatible with AirPods, Galaxy Buds, and Pixel Buds
- Non-slip material prevents slippages
- LED light will flash green for three seconds to indicate charging alignment is successful, but then won’t shine any light (useful when trying to sleep!)
- Includes foreign object detection
- Can charge through phone cases up to 4mm thickness
- Comes with a 3ft USB type C cable
Google Pixel Stand
Price: £69
- Compatible with Google Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and a number of other Qi-certified devices
- Provides up to 23W of charge for Pixel phones and 15W for other models
- Allows you to prop your phone upright to continue using it while charging
- Sustainably made with 39% recycled materials
- Comes with a 1.5m USB cable
Getting the most of your phone’s battery
If your phone has a poor battery, you may be interested in purchasing a phone with a long battery life, or may simply want to learn how to make your phone battery last longer.
For more tips on how to charge your phone properly, read our ultimate guide, including how to charge while travelling.
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