Wireless Chargers Buying Guide
Wireless charging is convenient, but it is usually slower and less efficient than a cable. This page explains how to read the labels, how to confirm certification, what adapter the charger needs, and what to keep off the pad. We do not test chargers, so we name no models and show no prices.
Which wireless charging standard does my phone use?
Check the wireless label on your phone’s page. In our library, 19 phones list Qi2, 16 list MagSafe, 16 list Qi, and 6 list no wireless charging. The counts overlap, because many iPhones list more than one label.
| Wireless label on the phone page | Phones in our library | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qi2 | 19 | Includes the Pixel 11 line and recent iPhones |
| MagSafe | 16 | All iPhones except the iPhone 16e |
| Qi | 16 | Includes Galaxy phones and some iPhones |
| Wireless named without a standard | 5 | Motorola phones, shown as Motorola states them |
| No wireless charging listed | 6 | Five Galaxy A phones and the Moto G Power |
These counts are our own tally of the library’s 41 phones, not every phone on sale. Open your phone from the phone library for its exact label and wattage.
What is the difference between Qi, Qi2 and MagSafe?
Qi is the base standard, Qi2 adds magnets, and MagSafe is Apple’s own magnetic system. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) manages Qi, which launched in 2010. Wikipedia says Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile, introduced with Qi v2.0 in April 2023, is based on Apple’s MagSafe.
| Standard | What it adds | Published ceiling | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qi | Coils; effective over distances up to 4 cm | 5W Baseline and 15W Extended Power Profile | Wikipedia |
| Qi2 | Magnetic attachment that aligns phone and charger | 15W | WPC |
| Qi2 25W (launched July 2025) | More power on the same idea | Nearly 70% more than Qi2; 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes | WPC |
| MagSafe | Apple’s magnet ring and charger | Up to 25W peak on named iPhones; 22.5W, 20W or 15W on others | Apple |
These are standard-body and maker ceilings. The phone and the charger negotiate what they both support, and the wattage guide lists the figures per model.
How do I check that a wireless charger is certified?
Search for it in the WPC product database. The WPC says that to be Qi Certified, products undergo testing for safety and interoperability in one of its independent authorized laboratories before they may use the Qi or Qi2 logo, that only certified products can display the logo, and that the way to be certain a product was tested is to search for it in the database. The WPC says there are over 13,000 Qi Certified products on the market.
A logo printed on a box is a clue, not proof. In November 2020 UL warned that two USB charger models carried counterfeit UL marks and had never been evaluated for fire, shock or injury risk. That case was about USB chargers, not wireless pads, but it is why we suggest checking the database entry instead of trusting the packaging alone. Our checklist:
- Note the standard your phone lists.
- Find the exact charger name or model number.
- Search the WPC database for that product.
- Walk away if there is no brand, no model number or no database entry.
What adapter does a wireless charger need?
The charger needs a wall adapter that meets its maker’s stated rating, and without one you will not get the headline speed. For Apple’s MagSafe Charger, Apple gives these requirements.
| Target speed | What Apple says you need | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25W (iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max) | A 30W or greater adapter, rated 15V/2.0A or higher | Apple |
| 20W (iPhone Air) or 22.5W (iPhone 16, 16 Pro) | Apple lists these as the peak figures | Apple |
| Up to 15W (iPhone 17e and iPhone 15 and earlier) | A 20W or greater USB-C power adapter | Apple |
| Slower charging | A minimum 12W (5V/2.4A) adapter also works | Apple |
Apple also says to plug the charger into power before placing the iPhone on it, so MagSafe can verify that it is safe to deliver maximum power. For Samsung, the support page says to place the device on a supported wireless charger and that the Fast wireless charging setting shows only the speeds your phone supports. For third-party Qi or Qi2 chargers, read the adapter requirement on the charger’s own listing; our sources do not give a general rule.
Is wireless charging as efficient as a cable?
No. Wikipedia says inductive chargers produce more waste heat than wired chargers, and cites a 2020 analysis of one phone.
| Charge, 0 to 100 percent | Energy used | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wired | 14.26Wh | Wikipedia |
| Wireless stand | 19.8Wh (39% more) | Wikipedia |
| Generic pad, phone misaligned | Up to 25.62Wh (80% more) | Wikipedia |
One analysis is not every charger, but the direction is clear and it explains why magnets matter. Wikipedia says misalignment of more than 3 cm can severely lower power transfer, and the WPC says Qi2’s magnetic attachment improves energy efficiency. Apple says an iPhone or MagSafe Charger might get slightly warmer while charging, and that if the battery gets too warm, software might limit charging above 80 percent.
What should I keep between the phone and the charger?
Nothing metal, and nothing with a magnetic strip or chip. Apple says to keep the charger on a flat surface clear of metal objects or other foreign material, and not to place credit cards, security badges, passports or key fobs between the iPhone and the charger. Wikipedia says Qi version 1.1 added foreign object detection to prevent heating of metal objects near the transmitter. Because Qi chargers are effective only up to about 4 cm, a thick or wallet-style case uses up some of that range. That is our inference; the sources we use give no thickness limit, so we do not state one.
How do I choose?
Follow the sequence above, with no brand ranking from us.
- Match the standard on your phone’s page: Qi, Qi2 or MagSafe.
- Confirm certification in the WPC database.
- Make sure you have an adapter that meets the charger’s rating, and check the chargers guide.
- Accept that a cable is faster and more efficient when speed matters.
Related
Accessories hub, chargers hub, power banks, Apple hub, Samsung hub.