Wireless charging is not a novel idea anymore. It is a standard feature of all contemporary iPhones. While we won’t pretend that wireless charging is always a perfect alternative to plugging in, it is a very convenient way to keep your phone charged all day.

A wireless charger on your desk, which eliminates the hassle of plugging and unplugging, is an excellent place to set your phone while you’re working, safe in the terms that the battery is being steadily recharged in preparation for your next outing. A wireless charger by your bed makes it simple to “just check one thing” or grab and go in the morning without fussing with the Lightning cable.

From the iPhone 8 onward, all iPhones are compatible with Qi-certified chargers. The Wireless Power Consortium developed the open, global charging standard known as Qi (pronounced “chee”) (WPC). Most Qi chargers can provide an iPhone with a 7.5W charge.

Qi vs. MagSafe

While Qi is a cool standard, Apple’s next-generation MagSafe technology, which debuted on the iPhone 12 models and is still available on the iPhone 14 family, improves wireless charging efficiency. It encircles a more powerful Qi-based wireless charging coil with a ring of magnets for secure attachment and a magnetometer to detect when an item is attached (charging at up to 15W using MagSafe-certified chargers).

Magnetic charging (whether certified MagSafe or simply compatible) is more efficient than standard Qi because the iPhone is better connected to the charging coils due to the tight magnetic fix.

Regular Qi wireless chargers still function with MagSafe iPhones, but they can only provide a 7.5-watt charge rate. There are a lot of MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers available, but because Apple doesn’t approve them, they can only charge at the standard 7.5W rate as opposed to the 15W rate of approved MagSafe chargers.

MagSafe or MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers are highly recommended if you have an iPhone 12, 13, or 14. 

Best Wireless Chargers 

The three main types of wireless chargers are pads, stands, and multi-device chargers. For iPhones with Face ID in particular, they’re helpful because a good stand with a steep angle will point your phone at your face sufficiently for Face ID to function. This makes it much simpler to quickly check something on your phone without taking it off the charger.

Although stands let you read on your phone while it charges, there are times when you prefer it to lie flat. It will be less noticeable and simpler to set it down in any position on your desk or nightstand. Additionally, wireless charging pads frequently cost cheaper than stands.

There has been an explosion of 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 chargers designed to charge multiple Apple devices simultaneously, especially now that AirPods have an optional wireless charging case and the Apple Watch. 

There are many more affordable chargers online, but we have listed wireless chargers from reliable brands for safety reasons. 

1. Anker 315 Wireless Charger (Pad)

The Anker 315 Wireless Charger is a slim pad that sits flat on your desk or bedside table. It can charge at 7.5W, making it a straightforward, affordable option from a reputable manufacturer of iPhone accessories.

For owners of an iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11 or pre-2020 iPhone SE, this is hard to beat for an affordable non-magnetic charging pad. The only complaint is that it has a fiddly old-school MicroUSB charging cable, but you shouldn’t need to unplug or plug it in often.

The Anker 313 wireless charging pad, which uses magnets to secure a more effective charging connection, is an alternative iPhone 12/13/14 owners should consider.

2. Belkin Boost Charge Wireless Charger (Stand)

Belkin has made a few good changes with this new Boost Charge wireless charging stand. It uses a standard USB power adapter with a micro-USB cable rather than a proprietary power adapter that terminates in a barrel plug; more recent chargers use the less complicated reversible USB-C.

There’s no real need for devices like these to provide you with yet another cable and plug, so that change is fantastic—aside from the micro-USB. Unfortunately, the design has many similarities with the old Belkin chargers. The odd circular pod design from the retro era is still present, except for a few small LED charging indicator lights and a matte rather than glossy finish.

Thanks to the stand, you can charge your phone as quickly as possible, which supports charging at 10W for Android phones and 7.5W for iPhones. This time, the cost is much more reasonable.

3. Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock (Multi-Device)

A 3-in-1 wireless charging dock is optional for most iPhone users. It’s only useful if you want to wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in the same location and have any of those devices. The Powered 3-in-1 dock from Logitech is a good option if you want something sleek and straightforward to place on your desk or bedside table so you can charge everything at once, even though it will cost you money.

The dock, which comes in black or white, is a little on the large side but has sleek lines and a nice matte finish that prevents it from looking ugly. While many comparable docks require you to insert your charger, this one also comes with an Apple Watch charger.

4. STM ChargeTree Go (Multi Device)

When folded, this portable 3-in-1 wireless charger, which weighs 221 g and measures 5.94 by 2.95 by 0.93 inches, will fit in your pocket.

It differs from other multi-device wireless chargers in that it can fold into a portable charging stand. Even when folded, it still functions as a substantial charging pad. It can charge an iPhone at 7.5W when unfolded, a wireless AirPods case at 5W, and an Apple Watch at 3W.

Final Thoughts 

There are three types of wireless charging for iPhones: stands, flat pads, and multi-device. Moreover, after the iPhone 12 release, Apple launched MagSafe technology that has increased wireless charging efficiency. So, if you have iPhone 12 or later models, you can use MagSafe. You can choose the charger you like the most from the list mentioned above. 

Check out our roundup list of Apple chargers and cables.