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We love how wireless chargers have made it easy to keep our phone batteries topped up throughout the day. Charge cords are still the fastest, but a wireless charger in the right place, such as on your desk or nightstand, means that setting your phone down is all it takes to juice it up. With this quality-of-life enhancement in mind, we have completed a new round of research and testing on the best wireless chargers and are eager to share the results with you.
As excited as we are about wireless chargers, several models on the market didn't work as well as advertised or may not be compatible with the device in your pocket or in your home. Suffice it to say that this is our domain of expertise, and with our guidance, you'll quickly find a wireless charger that will work for you and your budget.
At a desk or bedside table, the Samsung 15W Duo Pad is an excellent choice for anyone living in the Samsung ecosystem. It offers the fastest Samsung charging speed that we measured (it boosted our Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra to 27% in 30 minutes and to 54% in 60 minutes), beating the next best, the Yootech 10W, by 8% more power in the first 30 minutes of our testing. A substantial jump in comparison since the rest of the group only differentiated by 8% battery power. For those of you with bulky cases, the Duo was able to tackle the thickest measured barrier at 4.6mm. “Pretty ideal for my phone because I have a stand attached to the back,” noted our lead tester, Austin. Intuitive LED indicators and a cooling fan are additional perks to this charger. You can even schedule the LEDs with a Galaxy S10 model or newer to turn off in the night when you're trying to sleep. On top of that, it also offers reasonably fast charging for iPhones, boosting our iPhone 13s to 28.5% in the first 30 minutes, which is slightly above average for the group. An important caveat, however, is that Apple Watches are not compatible with this setup. That being said, if your household has blended brands in hand, the Duo Pad can play well with both of these types.
We were genuinely excited by this device's 15-watt rating, but only recent Samsung devices enable this level of charging (and you must use the included Super Fast Charging 25W travel adapter). Older Samsung phones will charge at 10 watts, but in our opinion, this is still quite good for a wireless charger. Another option for simultaneously charging devices is the Getpals 3-in-1 Stand, which can be found online at a great price. It might be just what you are looking for in a charger, but keep in mind that it delivered 10% less power in the first 30 minutes than the Samsung. You might be tempted to think that the Samsung would also work well with Pixel phones, but our testing revealed that the INIU 15W Stand delivered 13% more charge to a Pixel phone in the first 30 minutes than the Samsung, and the Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad delivered 8 % more. Both the Yootech and the INIU can often be found online at remarkable discounts. Still, we enjoyed the reliability of the Duo Pad for more popular products and would recommend it to anyone who needs to charge multiple Samsung products.
The Samsung 15W Duo Pad is an excellent charger with an integrated cooling fan. Here, we test its compatibility with various devices, measure charging speed, determine charging depth, evaluate total power output, and break out the IR camera to measure heat output during a charging cycle.
Can be difficult to get non-magnet phones into position
AC adapter is not included
We appreciate the Apple MagSafe Charger for its wicked fast charging capabilities with iPhones (32% in 30 minutes and 65% in 60 minutes), all within a sleek design that doesn't take up much real estate (3.8 sq in) on your nightstand or desk. We also truly love how--and we really mean this--we can just drop our phone onto the MagSafe when we walk in the door after a long day at the office. In fact, the MagSafe practically leaps off the table as you bring your phone over it, quickly snapping into the optimal position for charging. We didn't know how much we would appreciate not needing to guesstimate the center of the charger, but we know now, and it is hard to think of going back! The magnetic connection also assures us that the phone won't stop charging if it gets bumped while shuffling items on our desk or nightstand. We also liked that we could easily use the phone while charging because the MagSafe stays in place no matter what. In fact, we found we could lift a 900-gram weight with the MagSafe magnetic connection. We also want to point out that although we like the powerful magnetic connection, it might be annoying for some users because you have to disengage it from your phone. This is a matter of personal preference, but a charging stand, like the Anker 313 Stand or the INIU, offers a relatively seamless transition from the stand to your hand.
If you have an iPhone 8 or later, the MagSafe will work as a wireless charger, but the magnetic alignment only applies to iPhone 12 or later. For the best charging performance, users won't want to exceed 2mm in case thickness. We did get an 8.7W output through 3mm, however, so we wouldn't say that this product is incapable of moderately thick cases; it just doesn't provide fast charging capabilities at that thickness. MagSafe doesn't play well with others, recording a poor performance in our Android testing. In 30 minutes, the Pixel only charged 10%, and Samsung received a 12% charge. Therefore, we wouldn't recommend this device for anything outside of the Apple ecosystem. We also did not get a 15W output with our test module on the MagSafe charger. It did a great job charging our iPhone 13s, but the highest sustained reading we observed was 13.5W (although we did observe it briefly hit 14W). Lastly, an AC adapter is not provided with the MagSafe Charger, so if you don't have a 20W or 30W power brick, you'll need to include that in the purchase price. We would be remiss if we didn't also address the desire for a wireless charger that works with the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Air Pods, and Watch). The MagSafe, of course, only supports one device at a time, and it won't work with Apple Watches. For this reason, you might like the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1, which can charge an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time while also reducing cord clutter. The Belkin was the only charger other than the MagSafe that broke the 1% charge per minute for iPhones. However, its performance was inconsistent, and it didn't “stay up at 15W or often get up to it,” according to our lead tester. At the onset of testing, we thought we might find a third-party device that would outperform the MagSafe, but our results indicate that the MagSafe is simply the best choice for iPhone users.
The iPhone 16 was released after we had concluded our testing, along with the next generation of the MagSafe Wireless Charger, so we look forward to evaluating both in our next update. We are also excited to learn that iPhone 16 and 16 Pro users can get 25W charging with the new MagSafe, which equates to about 50% battery in 30 minutes. Not surprisingly, this requires Apple's 30W USB-C adapter. It also appears that Apple offers the MagSafe with a one or two-meter cord, which could be helpful if you need to route the cable behind or console to reach a distant outlet. The 25W charging is only available to the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, however, so if you are sticking with your current iPhone and have been on the fence about the MagSafe, now might be your chance to pick up the Gen 1 MagSafe on sale!
The Apple MagSafe Charger magnetically attaches to iPhone models 12 and later, thereby assuring that the phone is in the optimal position for fast charging. Here, we determine charging speed, charging depth, power output, and use an IR camera to measure heat build-up during charging.
In our opinion, a magnetic attachment is a profoundly useful feature when it comes to effortlessly chucking your electronics onto a pad, but if you appreciate being able to easily see notifications or streaming content while your phone is charging, then you might prefer the INIU 15W Stand. This stand sells at a lower price than others in this lineup, allowing you to purchase multiple to place throughout the house so that you and your family are always close to a charging source. At 9.9 square inches, the footprint is fairly compact. Although you need to be more intentional with aligning the phone for charging, we never found it finicky. “Easy, pop the phone in, and it's basically in the optimal spot for a charge,” our lead tester noted after repetitive placements from different positions when testing for ease of alignment. We also tested the Anker 313 Stand, which shares a lot of the same features and looks as the INIU (and it has over 115K reviews on Amazon and was a former top-pick at GearLab), but we really like the super grippy shelf with its larger rubber strip at the bottom. The charger works with cases up to 4.2 mm thick, which is towards the top end of the charging depth chart. When it's bedtime, the charge light on the INIU automatically dims, so you don't see rave lighting as you're trying to sleep. Both landscape and portrait mode charging is also possible, giving you the versatility to watch a video while you're charging. We also love that the INIU is not only an affordable wireless charger but also the fastest wireless charger for Pixel phones, charging 26% in the first 30 minutes. With our Samsung phone, however, the INIU delivered 8% less charge in the same time frame. That being said, the INIU plays okay with iPhones, and it outperforms our other budget choice, the Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad, in our iPhone speed trials, where it ramped up at the 60-minute mark and delivers 7-8% more juice.
We appreciate the low cost of this stand, but prospective buyers should be aware that a charging adapter is not included, and to take advantage of the 15-watt output, an 18W-rated adapter is needed. This won't be an issue if you already have the right power brick, but this is something to factor into the purchase price. If a stand doesn't mesh with your needs or style, but you want an inexpensive charger that lies flat, the Yootech 10W could be what you are looking for. In fact, the Yootech is the next best charger for Pixel phones after the INIU, giving our test phone a 21% charge in 30 minutes and 40% in 60 minutes.
The Iniu 15W Stand is an excellent charging stand that won't break the bank. We put the Iniu through a battery of tests that evaluated charging speed, total power output, heat build-up, and charging depth.
Qi-Certified: Yes | Measured Footprint: 10.8 sq in
REASONS TO BUY
Qi-Certified
Stays put on surfaces
Input cable detaches
Lightweight
Charging light with auto-off
REASONS TO AVOID
Bright charging light
Limited to 10W output
Barely dipping into double-digit costs, the Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad reassures us that the convenience of a wireless charger doesn't have to break the bank. The lightweight and detachable cable also makes this charger an excellent candidate for travel, and we like the grippy base that doesn't slide around. It is also a good choice for bedside charging since the LED shuts off after a few moments. In addition, Yootech is a good choice for Pixel phones, which boosted our Pixel battery to 21% in the first 30 minutes of charging, which is impressive considering the size of the Pixel battery (5003mAh). Only the INIU 15 Stand did any better, providing 5% more power than the Yootech.
While there are more powerful chargers out there (the Yootech only offers 10W charging), it offers a lot of value. It is interesting to note this value is weighted more towards Android users. The Yootech still works reasonably well for iPhones (it provided 24.5% charge in the first 30 minutes), but its performance was below average compared to our lineup. So, if you value speed, then the Apple MagSafe Charger (6.5% more battery in the first 30 minutes) could be the right choice, even though it is well over twice the cost of the Yootech. But if finding a great deal is paramount, also look up the Getpals 3-in-1 Stand, which performed above average for our Android phones while offering simultaneous charging for three devices.
The Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad performed well in our gauntlet of tests that included speed trials, total power output, and charging depth. We also used an IR camera to evaluate how hot it got during charging cycles. Note the small size and detachable charging cable; these attributes make it well-suited for travel and portability.
3-in-1 wireless chargers maximize usefulness per unit area, but this convenience also comes with a higher price. With the Getpals 3-in-1 Stand, however, you get the benefit of a consolidated charger at a competitive price, and it provides good charging speeds for both iPhones and Android phones (in the first 30 minutes of charging, our iPhones took on 24.5% charge, while our Pixels charged to 16.5%, and our Samsung charged to 17%). Note that you can often find the Getpals on sale for much below what is stated by the manufacturer. We like how easy it is to fold up the stand and slip it into a bag for travel, and we appreciate that it is sleep-friendly--the charge indicator light can be easily turned off. Getpals includes a power brick with the stand, and you can still charge devices when it is folded flat.
We noted that the Getpals doesn't offer super fast charging capabilities, and it isn't as sturdy as higher-priced models due to the thin plastic construction, but we felt that is something we could live with since it is so portable. In our testing, we discovered that Apple Watches don't sit perfectly straight on the charging arm, but it doesn't affect charging performance. Samsung watches, however, aren't compatible with the station at all. Lastly, the charging brick got surprisingly hot. All adapters and chargers warm up during charging, but this one got our attention. If you are looking for a sturdier charger for multiple devices, the Samsung 15W Duo Pad is also a great option that has an internal fan, and the brick didn't experience any excess heat.
The Getpals 3-in-1 Stand offers a lot of charging for your devices in a fairly small space. Note how straightforward it is to get the phone into alignment. Apple Watch users may wonder why the watch doesn't seem to sit straight on the charging arm, which is due to the alignment of the magnets. We can confirm, however, that it held our test watches securely.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Best for a Portable Power Bank and Wireless Charger
Qi-Certified: Yes | Measured Footprint: 15.9 sq in
REASONS TO BUY
Works as a wireless charging pad and power bank
Includes a low-profile phone stand
Charges multiple devices as a power bank
REASONS TO AVOID
Included power cord is short
Slower charging speed
The Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank is an innovative device that integrates a wireless charging pad with a portable power bank. The fact that you can use it to wirelessly charge a phone when at your desk or at a remote campsite means you can use it for work, play, and everything in between. With additional USB-A and C ports, it can also charge up to three devices at the same time. The integrated phone stand for watching videos is another clever feature, although a phone won't charge wirelessly in this position. With a 10,000mAh capacity, we think the Anker 533 is a great device for someone who travels a lot or needs to keep a phone charged up during lengthy outdoor adventures--honestly, it fits the bill for many of us at GearLab!
As impressed as we are by the usefulness of this power bank, it can't fast charge an Apple or Android phone like a dedicated wireless charger can. It delivered 21.5% charge in the first 30 minutes with our iPhones, 14% to our Pixel, and only 11% to our Samsung. Of course, you can plug in your phone using the available ports, but if you need rapid recharging at your desk, you might find what you are looking for in the Apple MagSafe Charger (32% in 30 minutes for iPhones) or the Samsung 15W Duo Pad (27% in 30 minutes for Samsung phones). As you have most likely gathered, we are fans of magnetic alignment, but that isn't available with the Anker 533. There is a raised ring of grippy material around the center of the charger to hold a phone or accessory in place, but our lead tester observed that “it is less straightforward when placing your phone on the charging surface” for optimal charging. Lastly, the adapter you use with the Anker 533 must be rated to 18W in order to be able to charge a phone on the wireless pad while also charging the power bank.
The Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank is a versatile charger for the active tech user who spends time away from the desk. It also has USB-A and USB-C charging ports that provide up to 18W for additional devices.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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Our testing tools included standard stopwatches, a digital scale, three YBZ Wireless Test Modules for testing power output, a set of 3D printed spacers for simulating case thickness, and calibration weights for testing magnetic strength.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Test
Charging speed and power were measured for each type of phone we tested (Apple, Samsung, and Google), but we do sometimes lump them together by operating system (Apple iOS vs. Android). We note when a product tested better with a Google phone, an iPhone, or with a Samsung phone. There are additional Android phones that have wireless charging, such as Motorola and OnePlus, but we did not test them in this review.
We use battery percentage as a means of understanding the charging performance of the wireless chargers in our line-up. At the same time, we acknowledge that we can't directly compare iPhones to Google Pixels and Samsung phones using this value since the battery size in each device differs in total capacity.
Testing Phones Battery Capacity
Testing Phone
Battery Capacity
Apple
Apple iPhone 13
3227 mAh
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
5000 mAh
Google
Pixel 6 Pro
5003 mAh
Note the 43% difference in battery capacity between Android phones and iPhones! Nonetheless, we emphasize the percentage charge a phone receives in the first 30 minutes and 60 minutes of charging as a useful way to understand how well a charger works with a specific phone. After all, charging speed is king, and it is a value that anyone can quickly reference in the daily routine of charging and draining a mobile device battery. It is exciting to research and test the wireless charger category. We are zealous about new technology and refining testing protocols, and there have also been a number of recent innovations.
Our testing procedure was designed around the following five metrics and weighted in the overall score:
iPhone charging speed (40% of total score weighting)
Android charging speed (40% weighting)
Case charging thickness (10% weighting)
iPhone Charging power (5% weighting)
Android Charging power (5% weighting)
We used a battery of tests to discern charging speed, charging power, case charging thickness, charging stability, and heat generation. It is exacting work, but that is what we are here for!
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
This review of wireless chargers expands upon previous work by Jacob Clark and David Wise. Their experience was invaluable in helping us to develop new test procedures and improve our overall assessment. Austin Palmer is our Senior Research Analyst and is deeply knowledgeable about all forms of technology. As with all of his projects, he developed clear and practical procedures that refined previous work at GearLab. He is also responsible for producing the data and insight that led to the selection of award winners.
Brian Pidduck is a writer for GearLab with a background in science education and mountain guiding. His role on this project involved working with Austin to discern the benefits and disadvantages of each wireless charger and distilling the test procedures and results into the content of this review.
Testing entailed determining device compatibility with different phones as well as YBZ Test modules. We also implemented an infrared camera to see how hot the chargers and phones got during charging, and we used 3-D printed spacers with the YBZ Test Modules to determine whether chargers would tolerate cases of varying thickness.
Analysis and Test Results
In this section, we discuss our results and how the test products rate relative to one another. In addition to our primary metric testing, we also used a thermal imaging app and infrared thermometer to determine if a device produced excessive heat during charging. Most importantly, we assessed value based on overall score and price. Lastly, we share our perspectives on the ergonomics, aesthetics, and portability of each device.
What's the Best Value?
The INIU 15W Stand is clearly a great value and one of our favorites for both iPhones and Android phones. If you are looking for a pad, the Yootech 10W Max Fast Pad is a great choice. Although the Samsung 15W Duo Pad may be more expensive, keep in mind that it offers excellent charging for a phone as well as an accessory (and we found some great deals on the Samsung at the time of this writing). The Getpals 3-in-1 Stand is another good value for simultaneously charging multiple devices, and it is compatible with all Apple products. We also consider the Apple MagSafe to be an excellent value for iPhone users because it packs very fast charging into a reasonably priced device.
We ran all of the wireless chargers in our lineup through a myriad of tests, which included charging speed, charging power, heat output during charging, the strength of the magnetic connection, weight, and size.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How Wireless Chargers Work
Wireless chargers contain a coil of copper wires that produce a magnetic field from an electrical current. A wireless charging enabled phone has a similar set of coils that turn the magnetic field back into an electrical current for storage in the battery. Some of the advantages of wireless chargers include reducing the number of cables, ease of charging, and less wear and tear on the phone port.
iPhone Charging Speed
We consider charging speed to be the most important metric when comparing wireless chargers. Our phones can do a lot, but they also take a lot with the never-ending updates and powerful apps that gouge our battery life. We established an iPhone test standard with two identical iPhone 13s and tested them in separate trials with all of our test products. As you can surmise, we invested a lot of time in collecting meaningful data on charging speed!
Testing the charging speed of the Belkin Boost Charge Pro with three devices. Our test data is based upon ideal charging circumstances (one phone and without a case), but as seen here, we also conducted informal tests in more realistic scenarios to see if there were huge differences in charging performance during simultaneous charging. We liked the Belkin for the convenience it offers to the Apple ecosystem, but our testing revealed some inconsistencies in power output that left us scratching our heads.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Each phone was discharged completely before each test, and then we recorded the battery percentage at 30 and 60 minutes once charging had started. Based upon our research, the battery technology and software in our test phones and accessories are consistent with the majority of iPhones in use. We also did some testing with an iPhone 15, which is Qi2 enabled, and compared the data to our iPhone 13s data. We noted a small difference in the battery size between the models, but the data didn't show appreciable differences.
iPhone Speed Charge Trial 1
Product
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1
34
58
Apple MagSafe Charger
32
59
Samsung 15W Duo Pad
27
53
Belkin 10W Qi Pad
28
50
JSaux Magnetic Pad
25
50
Getpals 3-in-1 Stand
25
48
Iniu 15W Stand
25
48
Anker 313 Stand
23
42
Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad
25
40
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank
21
40
The MagSafe Charger disappears beneath an iPhone, but it is the fastest charger for iPhones. Both the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 and the MagSafe deliver over 1% charge per minute.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
iPhone Speed Charge Trial 2
Product
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Apple MagSafe Charger
32
65
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1
34
58
Samsung 15W Duo Pad
30
55
Belkin 10W Qi Pad
28
46
Getpals 3-in-1 Stand
24
50
Iniu 15W Stand
22
46
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank
22
42
Anker 313 Stand
23
40
Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad
24
39
JSaux Magnetic Pad
18
42
We love a stacked bar chart, and the charts for our iPhone speed trials provide some fascinating insight. First of all, the Apple MagSafe and the JSaux Magnetic Pad are inconsistent in the two trials. We don't have an issue with the MagSafe since it leads the lineup (although it does differ by 6% at the 60-minute mark in the trials), but the JSaux went from performing respectably in the first trial (25% charge at 30 minutes and 50% at 60 minutes) to the bottom of the heap in the second trial (18% charge at 30 minutes and 42% at 60 minutes).
We had high hopes for the JSaux, considering the overall look, the color choices (the clear glass option caught our eye), and the integrated USB-C to USB-A adapter, but it performed dead last in one of the iPhone speed trials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Secondly, the Samsung 15W Duo Pad truly surprised us. In most cases, chargers that work well with iPhones don't work as well with Android phones, and vice versa. The Samsung, however, is an exception to this and is the third best wireless charger for iPhones (28.5% charge in the first 30 minutes and 54% in 60 minutes). In our work, we haven't seen any other wireless charger that can switch hit as well as the Samsung. We have said it before, but it bears repeating that if you use iPhones and Samsung phones at home or work and want a charger that works with both, this is the wireless charger for you.
Based upon both trials, we recommend the Apple MagSafe Charger as the fastest charger for iPhones. Although the Belkin BoostCharge did well, there were some inconsistencies in performance, and therefore, we suggest you factor in this consideration at the time of purchase. However, this speed metric might be less important for you if your wireless charger is primarily used for charging overnight. In this case, a slower charger would be fine, and the benefits of a charger that can simultaneously charge your watch and earbuds would outweigh the need for speed.
Android Charging Speed
We used the most popular Android phones, a Google Pixel Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, in our Android charging tests. Just as we did with our test iPhones, we discharged the devices completely before starting testing and then recorded battery percentages at 30 and 60 minutes.
Samsung Speed Charge
Product
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Samsung 15W Duo Pad
27
54
Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad
19
35
Getpals 3-in-1 Stand
17
36
Anker 313 Stand
17
35
Belkin 10W Qi Pad
17
35
JSaux Magnetic Pad
18
30
Iniu 15W Stand
18
29
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank
11
29
Apple MagSafe Charger
12
23
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1
10
22
The Samsung 15W Duo Pad provides the fastest charge to Samsung phones by a very large margin. Note how the next best chargers, the Yootech, the Getpals, the Anker 313, and the Belkin 10W charger only differ from one another by one to two percentage points. It wasn't a big surprise to see that the Apple MagSafe Charger doesn't work well with Samsung phones, considering that it is optimized for Apple products, but we wonder why the Belkin BoostCharge performed so much lower (7%-13% less charge at the 30-minute and 60-minute marks) than the Belkin 10W Qi Pad.
The Samsung 15W Duo Pad provides excellent charging speed for Samsung products, but it works well with iPhones and Air Pods as well (just not Apple Watches).
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Pixel Speed Charge
Product
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Iniu 15W Stand
26
45
Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad
21
40
Getpals 3-in-1 Stand
16
30
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank
14
28
Samsung 15W Duo Pad
13
22
Apple MagSafe Charger
10
20
Anker 313 Stand
8
18
JSaux Magnetic Pad
7
16
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1
4
14
Belkin 10W Qi Pad
0
0
When it comes to fast-charging Pixel phones, the INIU 15W Stand exceeds the next best charger, the Yootech, by 5 percentage points at the 30 and 60-minute marks. The third best charger for Pixel phones, the Getpals, delivers 10% less at 30 minutes and 15% less at 60 minutes when compared to the INIU.
Comparing the best wireless chargers for Samsung and Pixel phones also reinforces the importance of device compatibility, even when devices share the Android operating system. It is also useful for identifying the charger that plays well with different brands and could serve multiple people in a household or workspace. In the case of Pixel and Samsung phones, no other wireless charger gets close to the Yootech in this respect.
The Yootech works with both Pixels and Samsung phones, delivering a 21% charge to a Pixel and a 19% charge to a Samsung in the first 30 minutes. In short, it is the best option for a household that is split on Samsung and Pixel phones.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Case Charging Thickness
Considering that most smartphones are in a case of some sort, we also evaluated the maximum effective charging gap for each charger. Using a series of 3D printed spacers from .2mm to 1mm thick, we simulated case thickness to determine if each charger could register a minimum output of 7.5W.
While this metric is less exciting than speed since the magnetic field generated in a wireless charger has to be able to transfer to the back of the phone, the strength of the magnetic field diminishes dramatically over a very short distance. Here, we are using a YBZ Test Module with spacers to determine the maximum charging depth (4.6 mm) of the Samsung Duo.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
It bears mentioning that a metallic case will instantly disrupt wireless charging, regardless of the charger, but the type of material used in any case can have an impact. The spacers we designed, 3D printed, and used for this test are PLA (polylactic acid; plastic) material.
When we started our testing, we were aware that the MagSafe only tolerates thin cases, but it can output 13.5W through a 2 mm case and 8.7W through a 3 mm case.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Yootech, the Samsung, and the Anker 533 are good choices for bulky cases. Our testing revealed a maximum charging depth of 4.4 mm with the Yootech and Anker, and an impressive 4.6 mm with the Samsung.
We had a lot of trouble with the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 in this particular metric. Despite repeating the test several times, we got a range of power outputs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Based upon this experience, we have some concerns about Belkin BoostCharge's reliability. More specifically, at 1.4 mm, the Belkin Boost passed the minimum charge test but only maintained 11.7W output after spiking at 13.2W. At 2mm the power output “is all over the place and not consistent” according to our lead tester, and ranged from 9.4W to 11.5W. We measured 7.6W at 3mm during our testing, but the YBZ test module didn't indicate that the Belkin had passed the compatibility test. Other online reviewers have had a similar experience with the Belkin 3-in-1. The Belkin 10W Qi Pad also left us scratching our heads during the testing process when it shut off despite showing charging levels above 7.5W. The thickest we could get the Belkin 10W Qi Pad to charge through without shutting off was 3mm.
Ultimately, the Samsung 15W Duo Pad is the best at working with thick cases, but the Anker 533 and the Yootech are also commendable in this area. Note that the Belkin BoostCharge only tolerates cases that are 2mm thick, which is at the bottom end of this metric.
iPhone Charging Power
The total power or wattage that a charger can provide to a phone is a critical factor. In some cases, our testing revealed a discrepancy between the stated power output of a charger and the actual power output. This matter is also fairly complicated because wireless charging technology is not uniform for all brands of phones or watches. Note that the best charger for Apple products is not the best for Samsung products. We used our test phones, watches, and earbuds in these testing procedures, but we also used YBZ Wireless Charging Test Modules for uniform testing and to determine maximum wattage as well as compatibility.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 and the MagSafe Charger have the highest power rating for iPhones. Note that we measured a maximum output of 13.5W on the MagSafe, while the stated output is 15W. The BoostCharge hit 15W, but “it takes a minute to get there and sustain it,” noted our lead tester. He added that “after more testing with the Belkin, it doesn't stay up at 15W or often get up to it.” For this reason, the overall score for the BoostCharge was reduced.
Determining the available charging power of the Getpals 3-in-1 Stand. The peak power depends upon a number of factors, but the phone software and battery are the most important. Also, power output will change over the course of the charging session depending upon capacity and the charge level of the battery.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The Apple MagSafe Charger is the top-scoring charger in terms of wattage delivered to an iPhone, while the erratic power output of the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Pad is the rationale for the lower overall score. The rest of the wireless chargers have identical power outputs for iPhones.
Android Charging Power
Both Android phones were tested in a fashion identical to that of iPhones. Our Samsung testing phone's max power draw comes out to 10 watts. Most products were able to attain enough power to make that happen, but we saw the most differentiation through the Extended Power Profile (EPP). This is a newer charging standard that supports up to 15 watts of power output for that “fast charging” we're all trying to achieve.
Android Charging Power
Product
Samsung
EPP
Getpals 3-in-1 Stand
10
15
Iniu 15W Stand
10
15
JSaux Magnetic Pad
10
15
Samsung 15W Duo Pad
10
15
Anker 533 Wireless Power Bank
10
10
Belkin 10W Qi Pad
9.5
10
Anker 313 Stand
10
0.8
Yootech 10W Max Fast Wireless Pad
10
0.8
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1
1.4
0.8
The INIU 15W Stand, the Getpals 3-in-1 Stand, and the Samsung Duo were top performers in terms of power, and they also scored well in other metrics. In the case of duo or 3-in-1 chargers, there is a slight drop in power delivered to the phone when you add other devices for charging. In our opinion, this doesn't detract from the overall value of a charging stand, but there is no disputing that you trade wattage for side-by-side charging.
We used YBZ Wireless Test Modules for determining the total available power output for Apple and Samsung phones. The YBZ Test Module for phones (on the left) does not have an individual test for Pixel phones, so our test data refers only to iPhone and Samsung power output. Although we did test our Pixel with each charger to confirm power output, that data is not reflected in our charts.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Although we don't score on aesthetics, these devices are often highly visible, so it's worth considering how they look and how they fit in with your tech-oriented lives. Many of the chargers we tested are fairly similar in design, but there are some features to consider before making your final decision.
When considering the available space in your home or at work for a wireless charger, some models take up much less space than others. Standouts for offering a lot of function while taking up less desk real estate include the MagSafe Charger, the JSaux, and the INIU Stand.
The Belkin Boost Charge Pro and the Apple MagSafe chargers side-by-side. Both offer a lot of power for charging Apple products, but each has its own needs in terms of space. As you consider which wireless charger works best for you, keep in mind the footprint of the various devices.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
None of the wireless chargers, including the 3-in-1 Getpals and the Belkin BoostCharge Pro, can charge more than one phone at the same time. However, all the charging pads compatible with Qi-enabled devices can simultaneously charge accessories, like earbuds and watches. The caveat here is that some chargers are not compatible with certain watches (earbuds appear not to be an issue). For example, the Getpals Stand and the Belkin BoostCharge Pro do not charge Samsung watches, while the Samsung 15W Duo don't charge Apple watches.
We like seeing chargers, like the Anker 313, that are compatible with many brands, models, and accessories.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
All of the charging stands and pads that we tested function nicely as chargers at a bedside table. However, the charging LED is a significant concern. The INIU Stand has an auto-dim function, and the Yootech turns off after a few moments. The Samsung can be programmed to dim with certain Samsung phones, and the Getpals can be toggled to turn off with a manual switch. Both the JSaux and the MagSafe avoid the issue entirely and don't have indicator lights. The Anker 313 Stand and the Anker 533, however, have fairly bright LEDs that don't turn off or dim.
Who can't use a little more ease and convenience? Wireless chargers offer a quality-of-life improvement for everyone.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
In our experience, wireless chargers can make a big difference for people who struggle with dexterity or vision. We consider ourselves extremely tech-savvy, but we also admit that we have fumbled with a charge port from time to time. In fact, some of us at GearLab have gifted a wireless charger to an elderly family member for this very reason. As a result, our loved ones now experience less friction with technology, and we made a difference in their lives, which is a win-win!
Charging Stability
In order for a wireless charger to deliver maximum power to a phone, the charging coils on both units need to align. This can take some fiddling to find. Although only available for iPhones and the Pixel 6 (albeit via a weaker connection), magnets within the charging pad make it straightforward to get a phone into the right position and to keep it there. For this metric, we assessed the strength of the magnetic attachment (if there was one), how easy it was to line up the phone for charging, and the stability of the phone on the charger (i.e. susceptibility to being bumped out of alignment).
Using a set of calibration weights suspended from a metal plate, we determined the strength of the three magnetic chargers. In our research and testing, we reconfirmed our impression that magnets offer a lot to the user, mostly by taking the guesswork out of lining up the phone and charger. You really can just pop your phone onto the charger and walk away--which makes it easier for you to boost the battery on your phone without giving it much thought.
The MagSafe has the strongest magnet of the models we tested, boasting an impressive 900 grams of weight it can hold before we saw it reluctantly let go.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Belkin BoostCharge and the JSaux are sufficiently strong as well. Once the phone is on one of these chargers, it is highly unlikely that something will knock it out of position.
The calibration weights are suspended from a flat metal plate to determine the strength of the magnetic connection. This simple test allowed us to attach some numbers to metrics that influence convenience as well as overall charging speed (since the copper coils in a charger must be aligned with the coils in a phone for optimal charging).
In fact, with the JSaux and the MagSafe, you can pick the phone up and use it while charging. We noted, however, that it is more awkward to hold an iPhone for browsing or to place calls with a wireless charger attached. In this case, the good 'ol cord is more comfortable.
Stands are also straightforward to use despite not having magnets. Because we naturally hold a phone between our thumb and forefingers, lining it up on a stand is a snap. That being said, the INIU has the best stability thanks to the rubber shelf that holds the base of the phone. The Getpals also holds the phone in place, but not nearly as well.
For all of the great things about the Samsung Duo, getting the phone into the right spot on the pad takes a little practice. You can definitely get a feel for where to place your phone, but it takes a few tries to become familiar with the narrow range. In the case of the the Belkin 10 W Qi Pad, the Yootech 10W Pad, and the Anker 533, there is a ring of rubber-like material that holds a phone in place. The Belkin 10W Qi Pad wasn't a high scorer in our other metrics, but we were impressed by the grip of the charging pad.
In addition to our primary testing metrics, we used a thermal camera app to discern the surface temperature of the test chargers. We didn't observe any unexpected high temperatures with any of the charging pads, but the cooling fan in the Samsung 15W Duo Pad, at the top of the image, made a noticeable difference in our tests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose a Wireless Charger
A wireless charger should match your specific needs and the technology in your devices to produce that sweet sense of wireless bliss. Below, we'll discuss some of the critical factors to keep in mind during the selection process.
Compatibility
Compatability is your first consideration and an area where our expertise can save you a lot of time and money. Even though Qi certification goes a long way as a universal wireless charging standard, a wireless charger must harmonize with your devices. The polarity and position of magnets in watches are issues, as well as the size and orientation of the copper coils in the phone, but the most important compatibility factor is the phone software, which determines how quickly a battery can charge. Note that sometimes a charger works well with a certain brand of phone but isn't compatible with the same brand of watch, such as in the case of the Samsung 15W Duo Pad. We also found that if a charger worked with an Apple Watch, it wouldn't work with a Samsung Watch, and vice versa. We didn't notice any issues, however, with the compatibility of Qi-enabled earbuds from popular brands.
Qi certification
In our descriptions of award winners, we distinguish between devices that are Qi-certified. Qi, the Chinese (Mandarin) word for energy flow (pronounced "chee"), is a popular standard for wireless chargers set by the Wireless Power Consortium. It is so popular that even manufacturers such as Apple, which has its own wireless charging standard in MagSafe, design products to also be Qi-enabled. Devices that are Qi-enabled work together to provide fast and safe charging. Qi2, which is the next generation of Qi-enabled devices, was developed around Apple's MagSafe technology and is included in the iPhone 15 and 16. Qi2 is apparently also available for iPhone 12 and later via updates to iOS, but as of this writing, Apple hasn't made an official announcement about this feature.
Power? Watts? What? A Brief Primer on Electricity and Fast Charging
A helpful analogy for understanding our references to charging speed and power is the humble water faucet. Voltage (V) in an electrical circuit is synonymous with the water pressure you observe when you open the tap, while the flow of water, which you can adjust from a trickle to a steady outpour of water, is similar to how electrical current, measured in amps (A), is controlled. In this review, we refer mostly to watts, which are an expression of power and are the result of multiplying voltage by amps (watts = volts x amps).
With wireless chargers, the phone and the adapter talk to each other to adjust the voltage and amperage so that electricity can flow to the battery at a rate it can safely handle. This is not unlike how you might fill a pitcher of water at the sink. The material and components of adapters, cords, and batteries also have specific voltage and amperage ratings, so all parts must be compatible and have a sufficient power rating in order for fast charging to be possible.
Fast Charging Speed
First of all, we acknowledge that USB plug-in chargers provide more power and faster charging than the top-rated wireless charger. Fast wireless charging, or for that matter, any type of charging, however, depends upon the wattage of the brick you plug into the outlet (quick tip for the devices in the lineup - use the adapter supplied with the wireless charger or use a 20v adapter). The main issue, however, is aligning the phone with the copper coils in the charger. Charging speeds drop off quickly if the phone isn't in the optimal spot, so it is necessary to find the sweet spot. If you have an iPhone 8 to 11, you can use a MagSafe case to take advantage of this feature.
A look at some of our leaders from the lineup. Each charger above is designed for a different purpose. We hope our guide to picking the right charger for you helped solidify your pick.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
We hope that this review has helped you find the wireless charger that matches your style and budget. We'll continue researching advancements in wireless charging technology and look forward to sharing our findings with you in the next round of testing.
