In a world where wireless charging capabilities have become the norm for new smartphones, we’re still yet to see a phone arrive with a wireless charger included in the box.
So, if you’re looking to take advantage of this feature, you’ll need to purchase a charger separately – and that’s where we come in.
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Finding a decent wireless charger can be tricky, which is why we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the models that are well-loved by real reviewers – such as the Belkin Boost Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger that Myer customers say is “reliable” and “looks amazing”.
Whatever your phone type, charger preference or budget, we’ve got something to suit your needs below.
WHAT IS WIRELESS CHARGING?
While wireless charging wasn’t overly successful when it was first introduced, it has come a long way since.
Using magnetic induction, wireless chargers power up the battery of compatible devices through a charging pad or base station instead of through cables.
It may not beat out good old wired charging in terms of speed, but it’s convenient, can cut down on cable clutter and allows you to charge up multiple devices in one go.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST 3-IN-1 WIRELESS CHARGER
What you need to know
The second generation of Belkin’s BoostUp Charge Pro 3-in-1 stand may be expensive, but it offers some impressive features that could be worth the splurge. Supporting Apple fast charge technology, the stand can power MagSafe-enabled iPhones at up to 15 watts, which is the fastest wireless charging speed currently available for iPhone.
It also has a charging spot on the base for charging compatible AirPods and offers 33 per cent faster charging for Apple Watch Series 7 and above, according to the brand.
While the magnets on these types of charging stands can often be a bit dicey, reviewers on Amazon Australia have said the magnet on the Belkin charger is “very, very strong”, making it an all-round solid investment.
BEST WIRELESS CHARGING STANDS
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe, $126.65 (down from $149) at Myer
What you need to know
For those without an Apple Watch, this sleek Belkin charger is a convenient, space-saving option. Offering the ability to position a MagSafe iPhone vertically or horizontally, the stand allows you to keep watching movies or Facetiming your friends as you power up. The base meanwhile serves as a charging cradle for compatible AirPods cases, so you can toss your buds in as soon as you get back from your daily run.
The charging stand also delivers up to 15W to compatible iPhones, which is the fastest possible charge available.
The Belkin Boost Charge Pro Wireless charger has amassed a 4.6 star customer rating from more than 300 reviews on Google Reviews, with one customer calling it a “tidy little unit” with a “simple design and reliable operation”.
Twelve South PowerPic mod Multi-Position Wireless Charger, $99.99 at Mwave
What you need to know
If you like your tech to be multi-use, this PowerPic wireless charging stand is an intriguing buy. The stand can hold a 4 x 6 photo or artwork of your choosing, so it doubles as a photo frame whenever it’s not in use.
You simply need to print your image, slot it over the 10W charging module and keep it in place with a transparent magnetic cover. The stand can also be placed both vertically and horizontally, allowing you to change up the aesthetic or continue watching videos as your phone charges.
The PowerPic mod is compatible with all wireless charging phones (MagSafe, Android, etc) as well as Apple’s AirPods Pro buds. You will need to supply your own 20-watt power adaptor, which is a bit annoying at this price, but the stand is a great option for those who want their tech to slot seamlessly into their decor. Oh, and it makes for a great gift too.
BEST WIRELESS CHARGER FOR MAGSAFE IPHONES
Apple MagSafe Charger, $65 at Amazon Australia
What you need to know
It’s incredibly rare that an Apple gadget is one of the more affordable products on our lists, but this MagSafe Charger really is relatively affordable in the world of wireless chargers. Made for MagSafe iPhones and compatible AirPods, most new devices will charge up to 15W with a 20W or higher power adaptor. However, charging does drop down to 12W for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini models.
The charger itself is compact and easy to use, with magnets to hold your phone in place to ensure it charges properly. If you’re often on the go, it’s also a great size to throw in a bag and take on the road with you.
BEST BUDGET WIRELESS CHARGER
Anker PowerWave Pad and Stand, $33.99 at Amazon Australia
What you need to know
While we would usually recommend being wary of cheap chargers, this Anker model boasts more than 66,000 five-star reviews on Amazon Australia, making it one of the most popular options on this list.
Compatible with a range of iPhones, Samsung phones and Google Pixel phones, the 10W wireless charger is ideal for households with blended smartphone allegiances. It also switches between 10W and 5W charging modes depending on the power needs of your device.
The charger comes with a safety system that prevents overheating and overcharging and can be used horizontally to watch movies and videos, or vertically to take calls or use facial recognition as you charge.
BEST WIRELESS CHARGING PAD
What you need to know
It may be pricey, but this three-in-one charging pad from Belkin could be worth the splurge if you’re a big Apple user. Designed with three charging modules, the pad can wirelessly power up compatible iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods all at the same time.
There’s 15W fast charging for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, along with fast charging for the Apple Watch 7 and regular charging for compatible AirPods. The charger itself is meanwhile flat and compact enough to be put in a backpack or suitcase and taken with you on your next vacation.
BEST POWER BANK WITH WIRELESS CHARGING
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), $78.95 (down from $89.99) at Amazon Australia
What you need to know
If you’re after a portable wireless charger, Anker’s 622 magnetic power bank is a great pick. The versatile battery magnetically latches on to the back of MagSafe compatible iPhones, so you don’t have to carry cables around with you.
It also comes with an integrated kickstand, so you can prop your phone up to watch videos or play games as it charges.
At just 5000mAh, you won’t get fast wireless charging out of it, but it remains a convenient solution for those who don’t need a big top up.
Do wireless chargers work on all phones?
No, only certain phones have wireless charging capabilities. Most recent smartphone models do support wireless charging, but you should check the specifics of your model before investing in a wireless charger. Compatible phones are usually marked with “Qi wireless charging” or simply “wireless charging”.
You’ll also need to ensure that the wireless charger you’re interested in is compatible with your smartphone model.
Is wireless charging bad for your phone?
Any form of charging will wear your battery out over time, but wireless charging shouldn’t be any more harmful to your device than standard wired charging. While it is true that wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, which can put more strain on the battery, both your charger and smartphone should be designed to manage this effectively.
To ensure heat doesn’t exceed safe limits, it’s a good idea to invest in a wireless charger from a reputable brand which includes safety features like temperature protection.
Can I charge my phone wirelessly if I have a case?
Most phone cases can be used with wireless charging, as long as they aren’t too thick. You can also buy specific phones cases, such as MagSafe-enabled cases for iPhone, to ensure they’ll work with a compatible charger.
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Originally published as 7 best wireless chargers you can buy in 2023
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