Charge up your iPhone or Android with the best wireless phone chargers

Tronsmart AirAmp Wireless Charger ($24)

One issue that can cause concern with wireless charging is the build up of heat, but this wireless charging stand from Tronsmart has a built-in fan to keep that temperature down and the charging speed up. It can put out up to 10W, which allows for fast charging of any Qi-compatible device that supports it. There’s a fairly subtle LED at the bottom that goes blue when you connect it and stays on green when a phone is charging. The light, combined with the fan — quiet as it is — make this a wireless charger we prefer to use on the desk rather than the nightstand.

You get a USB-C to USB-A cable in the box with it which is just long enough to reach desk height, but doesn’t leave much room for maneuver. You’ll have to snag your own power adapter and you’ll want one that supports Quick Charge 3.0 to get the most from this charger. It has padded feet that prevent it from slipping around and an unusual curved back shape, but it’s not the best looking device around — it’s made of black plastic with a big Tronsmart logo. What we do like about it is the low price, safety features, and speed of charging.

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Amazon

Anker PowerWave Pad ($46)

The Anker PowerWave Pad can output up to 10W for fast wireless charging of phones like the Samsung Galaxy S9, but it can also charge the iPhone X at 7.5W, so you should get top speed out of this pad regardless of your phone. The white disc design is fairly unobtrusive and there’s a decent weight, so it shouldn’t slide around on your desktop. There is an LED indicator and a fan inside, which is great for keeping your phone cool, but is definitely audible at times, so we wouldn’t recommend this pad for the nightstand.

We’re pleased to find that Anker has included, not just a decent 3-foot PowerLine Micro USB cable in the box, but also a Quick Charge 3.0 adapter. That means you have everything you need out of the box. Anker’s build quality is always excellent and this pad is no exception. If you prefer to be able to prop your phone up while it charges Anker does also offer the PowerWave Stand at $50, which is identical in terms of functionality.

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Amazon

iOttie Wireless Fast Charging Pad Plus ($50+)

This is another versatile wireless charging pad that can output 10W or 7.5W ensuring that you get the top charging speed possible, whether you have an Apple iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, or something else. With an unusual shape and fabric covering that comes in red, gray, or white, this is an attractive device that really stands out of the crowd. There’s an unobtrusive light in the recessed front and plenty of ventilation to keep the temperature down.

There’s a USB-C input and we’re glad to find that iOttie includes a 4-foot USB-C to USB-A cable and a power adapter in the box. Interestingly, there’s also a USB-A port on the back that you can use for wired charging if you have another cable handy. If you charge two phones (wirelessly and wired) at the same time then the speeds will be a bit slower as the capacity is split between them, but the USB-A port can go all the way up to 12W when used alone.

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Amazon

Grovemade Wireless Charging Pad ($80)

Style isn’t always a strong point for wireless charging pad manufacturers, so we were glad when Grovemade stepped up. Featuring a stainless steel base topped with hand-sanded natural cork that comes in light or dark varieties, these circular wireless charging pads stand out of the crowd. But they should blend in beautifully with your décor. The steel provides some weight and the cork is soft, but also adds some grip to help prevent your phone sliding around.

The pad comes with a nylon-braided power cable, and there’s a groove on the underside to stow away any excess. You do also get a 120V wall adapter in the box with the pad. Grovemade’s pads are quite expensive and they only output 5W, which means devices capable of faster charging won’t be able to charge at top speed. We think the style makes up for the functional limitation and if you charge your phone overnight, you’re not going to miss the extra speed.

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Grovemade

Mophie Wireless Charging Station ($60)

Mophie’s new Wireless Charging Station isn’t just tastefully minimalist. It’s also practical. The puck-shaped charger’s non-slip TPU coating is rubbery, preventing it from sliding around on slick surfaces. The low profile ensures there’s plenty of headroom for your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Portable at just 0.45 x 3.82 x 3.82 inches, and light at 4.37 ounces, the Wireless Charging Station can be easily stowed in a handbag, backpack, or suitcase. With its soft-touch coating, there’s no need to worry about the charger accidentally damaging your iPhone — Mophie says it’s designed to prevent scratching.

Mophie’s Wireless Charging Station supports the Qi standard, and it was specifically designed in collaboration with Apple. Mophie said it’s one of the most energy efficient wireless chargers available, and it works best with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. That’s largely due to the charger’s 7.5 watt output, which is higher than average.

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Apple

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad ($60)

Belkin’s BoostUp Wireless Charging Pad is tailor-made for on-the-go fast charging. It supports the Qi wireless standard (same as iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X), and it can deliver up to 7.5W of continuous power to any phone, tablet, or smartwatch that’s certified to support fast-charging Qi. It’s even strong enough to charge through cases 3mm thick, which means you don’t have to worry about ripping the case off your device every time you plop it down to charge.

Belkin didn’t cut corners on the charger’s design, either. The BoostUp’s circular charging pad may not be the smallest we’ve seen (7.5 x 1.75 x 5.5), but it detaches from the included AC adapter, making it easy to stuff into a crowded bag. Other nifty touches include an LED status indicator built into the base, and a quick start guide that shows you how to orient your phone or tablet properly on the pad.

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Apple

RavPower Wireless Fast Charging Pad ($30)

RavPower’s Wireless Fast Charging Pad is a Qi-compatible charger that works with Android devices, smartwatches, and Apple’s latest iPhones (the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X), and can output up to 10W of power.

The RavPower charger’s other conveniences include a Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0-compatible MicroUSB cable that works with supported devices, and built-in protections against short circuits and voltage surges. From 2018 it will be offered with an angled cradle, which doubles as an adjustable desk stand. But, the stand isn’t included in all bundles — it will cost a little extra.

When we tested out three wireless charging pads head-to-head with the iPhone 8, this pad was the winner. It was the fastest, most portable, and best value option.

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Amazon

Bezalel Futura X ($50)

If you’re after something light and truly portable, then this wireless charging pad from Bezalel should tempt you. It will charge any Qi-compatible device, from an iPhone X to a Galaxy S9, but Bezalel also sells cases to bring wireless charging capability to older smartphones like the iPhone 7. The glossy pad is made from premium materials with an aluminum base and an elegant acrylic surface that comes in black or white. It is magnetic, and the cases are designed so your phone naturally slides into the right spot for charging.

For just an extra $10 you can get the stand, which enables you to slot the charging pad in and prop your phone in either landscape or portrait view while it charges. You get a cable with the pad, but you’ll need to supply your own wall charger. For best results use the charger that came with your phone. This version has a maximum output of 5W, but there is a Futura X Turbo for $60 that goes up to 15W output for fast charging devices that support faster speeds. The stylish look makes this stand out from the wireless charging crowd, but we also appreciate the internal cooling system.

Buy it now from:

Amazon