The perfect MagSafe and Qi2 chargers for iPhones

Wi-fi charging is much less environment friendly than plugging in a wire, but it surely’s definitely handy — particularly if you add magnets. Most individuals who’ve an iPhone 12 or later and desire a magnetic charger ought to get a Qi2 charger. Any Qi2-certified charger will cost a MagSafe iPhone at as much as 15W — simply as quick as MagSafe on any cellphone however the iPhone 16. Qi2 chargers are additionally inexpensive than MagSafe-certified ones, and there are lots of extra choices. And in contrast to MagSafe, Qi2 is an open customary. There’s just one Qi2-compatible Android cellphone proper now — the HMD Skyline — however we count on Google, and possibly Samsung, so as to add Qi2 to telephones in 2025.

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 may get an incredible deal or you might have an iPhone 16, the one MagSafe-certified charger nonetheless price contemplating is Apple’s new puck. The 16-series iPhones can cost at 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. 

There’s little purpose to get a “MagSafe-compatible” charger until you’re an Android person with a magnetic cellphone case. These unique Qi telephones fall again to 5W charging on Qi2 however can cost at as much as 10W with a daily Qi charger. 

Confused? Take a look at the desk under summarizing these charging velocity nuances, and browse on for our favorites of the Qi2 and MagSafe pucks, stands, 3-in-1 chargers, and battery packs we’ve examined to date.

Certification: MagSafe, Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 25W (iPhone 16), 15W (Qi2) / Cable size: 6.6ft / 2m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: no / Guarantee: One 12 months

Whereas Qi2 is as quick as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 via 15, Apple has moved the goalposts with the iPhone 16 era. The brand new telephones can cost at as much as 25W with the up to date MagSafe Charger — making it the only option for house owners of the most recent iPhone. It’s nice to see sooner wi-fi charging, but it surely does imply you’re once more incentivized to purchase Apple’s puck over cheaper, extra broadly obtainable Qi2 choices.

For as soon as, there’s good purpose to contemplate 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 can be smaller and cheaper than Apple’s USB-C chargers. Nomad’s particularly has a good, flat design.

— Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure, non-obligatory / Guarantee: Two years

Any Qi2-certified charger will cost any MagSafe iPhone at 15W (apart from the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which high out at 12W). For those who simply desire a primary 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, but it surely’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 might have an iPhone 16 and really need that 25W charging, the Anker Qi2 puck is a greater worth.

Anker’s dependable outdated magnetic Qi charger (mannequin 313) was our go-to advice for a protracted whereas, and the 7.5W charger continues to be high quality for in a single day use should you rating one supercheap. However most individuals ought to spend the additional $10 and get a Qi2 puck.

— Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: One 12 months

The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wi-fi Charging Stand makes an incredible journey charger for individuals who hit the highway 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 a lot of the globe. Its aluminum and faux-leather building can also be substantial sufficient, and its design elevated sufficient, to be the primary 3-in-1 charger in your desk when you’re again dwelling. (There’s additionally a 2-in-1 model with out 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 kind: 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 — but it surely doesn’t embody prong adapters. Additionally, its lighter construct makes it straightforward to unintentionally choose up the entire charger if you simply meant to seize your cellphone and offers it extra restricted articulation for dwelling desktop use. It’s greatest fitted to frequent vacationers who don’t wish to pack up their dwelling charger earlier than each journey.

— Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m (completely hooked up) / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: Sure / Guarantee: Two years

As soon as once more, the Belkin “tree” towers over all others in terms of a 3-in-1 for dwelling use. The most recent model fixes a few of our minor grievances from its predecessors whereas adopting the Qi2 customary. It now makes use of an included 36W USB-C energy adapter as an alternative of a huge plug with a barrel connector, and the elevated Qi2 mount can tilt your cellphone in quite a lot of angles. Its nylon-wrapped USB-C cable isn’t removable, however a minimum of it’s about 5 ft lengthy.

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Apple Watch quick charging: Sure / Cable size: about 6.6ft / 2m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: Two years

For those who don’t thoughts getting somewhat spendy for one thing that simply seems and feels good, the newest Nomad Stand One Max is a good dwelling charger. It’s glossy and minimal, principally steel and glass, and in contrast to the earlier mannequin, it expenses an iPhone horizontally with out blocking the Watch charger — allowing use of StandBy mode. Its largest drawbacks are its non-tiltable cellphone mount and the truth that along with its excessive price ticket you need to additionally funds for a 30W energy adapter.

— Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: about 5ft / 1.5m / Connector kind: 12V AC / AC adapter included: Connected / Guarantee: Two years

Employees opinions on this orb are, frankly, divided, however I had it on my desk for some time, and I miss it. 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 retailers on the again, with as much as 67W charging between them. Totally utilized, yeah, it’s gonna appear to be a cable octopus, but it surely’s good to have one thing in arm’s attain that may cost your cellphone, your laptop computer, and no matter else you’ve acquired occurring.

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: as much as 15W / Cell capability: 25.41Wh (6,600mAh) / Connector kind: 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 totally cost even an iPhone 16 Professional Max. You may also cost from its USB-C port should you want. It’s not the slimmest Qi2 battery, but it surely’s sturdy sufficient to carry the cellphone in panorama mode with out toppling, which is good.

Learn my hands-on with the Anker MagGo Energy Financial institution (6.6K).

Certification: Qi2 / Wi-fi cost output: 15W / Cable size: 3.3ft / 1m / Connector kind: USB-C / AC adapter included: No / Guarantee: One 12 months

The Verge’s Thomas Ricker likes this compact Qi2 automobile charger. It may be both vent- or dash-mounted, and it’s cheap, although you’ll have to provide your personal energy adapter. There have been many extra Qi2 automobile mounts launched since he examined this, and we have now just a few extra within the queue, however this one’s good!

Learn our full evaluation of the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wi-fi Automotive Charger.

Now that Qi2 is broadly obtainable, 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 often testing items from the likes of Anker, Belkin, Casetify, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, Ugreen, Zens, and ESR. If there’s a Qi2 charger from one in every of them that looks as if match to your specific wants and your funds 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 September twenty seventh: Overhauled article with all new picks primarily based on up to date MagSafe (for iPhone 16) and Qi2 requirements.