Wireless charging technology has been around for over a century, but consumer electronics like smartphones and other mobile devices only recently adopted the use of wireless chargers.
But now thousands of wireless chargers flood the market. Many of them, with 2-in-1, 3-in-1 and even more complex configurations, can charge multiple devices at once.
Some chargers are purely wireless. But others combine wireless charging with USB-C and USB-A ports for wired charging.
Apple arrived a bit late to the wireless charging game compared to some Android manufacturers. But Cupertino finally embraced the technology with iPhone 8 tests in 2016, plus iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
These iPhones supported the Qi wireless charging standard. It uses electromagnetic induction to transmit power between a charging pad and a receiver coil in the device. While convenient, first-generation wireless charging took longer than wired charging.
In 2020, Apple released the MagSafe wireless charging system for the iPhone 12 series. As with Qi, third-party providers like Belkin came swiftly with new chargers for Apple gear compatible with the new standard.
MagSafe uses a ring of magnets to properly align the iPhone with the charging puck, enabling faster 15W wireless charging speeds. It also allows for accessories like wallets and cases to snap securely onto the back of the iPhone.
Beyond MagSafe for iPhones, Apple added wireless charging in some models of the Apple Watch and the AirPods Pro/Max charging cases. Apple Watch uses a proprietary wireless charging puck, while an AirPods cases can charge on any Qi wireless pad.
See: Best MagSafe chargers and cables for iPhone 15
While still not as fast as wired charging from a higher wattage adapter, Apple’s MagSafe charging offers a nice balance of convenience and respectable charging performance for iPhone, Watch and AirPods users.
Qi2 is the latest version of the Qi wireless charging standard. It arrived in time for the 2022 holiday season. And it introduces improvements over the previous Qi specification in many wireless chargers.
Although it wasn’t widely known at the time, iPhone Series 12 supported Qi2 as newer iPhone handsets do. Apple actually worked with the Wireless Charging Consortium on the standard.
Advantages of the new wireless charging tech bring plenty of MagSafe-like benefits:
The main downsides of Qi2 are backwards compatibility challenges and the need for new Qi2-enabled devices and chargers. But it and MagSafe represent the cutting edge of wireless power delivery.
Wireless charging just got faster. A new version of the Qi standard brings power transfers up to 25 watts — it’s dubbed Qi2 25W (logically enough).
Over a dozen devices already support it, including recent iPhones. And the Wireless Power Consortium once again teased that Android handset makers would adopt the new standard… finally.
I recently returned from the beach where I was reminded how much I love the ButterFly foldable wireless charger. It’s small, rugged enough to take everywhere, but is always ready to juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods. Really, it’s simply the best.
Even so, when it launched, the travel charger was a bit expensive. Happily, its developer, Twelve South, recently cut the price by 23%. This isn’t a short-term sale — the deal on the ButterFly charger is permanent.
Put a Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Charger on a hotel nightstand and it’s ready to juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at once. When it’s time to go, it folds up into a travel-friendly shape.
There’s also a 2-in-1 version, and both hit store shelves on Tuesday.
With one great Anker charger deal — or maybe two or three — you can cover most if not all of your device-charging needs. That’s because accessories powerhouse Anker offers an array of deals on charging combos like power banks bundled with cables or pairs of different chargers bundled together at up to 10% off through June 30. So with one purchase, you can save up to $55 and get two products at once. Whether you want to save even more with additional purchases is up to you. See the deals below.
Apple users who enjoy the popular open-world adventure game Genshin Impact now have a stylish way to keep their devices powered up, Ugreen said Monday. Known for its charging accessories, the company said it partnered with game creators to launch a co-branded collection of four Ugreen Genshen Impact charging products. The company sent them to me. It looks like a fun collection.
Apple started selling two sleek new chargers from wireless charging specialist Zens, the Dutch company said last week. Zens Quattro Charger Pro 4 and Zens 4-1 Wireless Charger are on sale at apple.com and in Apple Stores worldwide. They pretty much look like Apple products. The Quattro seems to remind folks of Apple’s unreleased AirPower charging mat.
“We’re extremely proud to be the only Dutch brand collaborating with Apple,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “Apple has challenged us from the outset to deliver stylish, innovative charging solutions that make daily life easier. This partnership strengthens our shared mission to combine design, usability, and technology in an elegant way.”
★★★★☆
In today’s fast-paced digital world, keeping your devices charged is crucial — but it isn’t always easy. Enter the Cuktech 30 Power Bank, a high-capacity portable charger that promises to keep your devices powered up no matter where you are. After my testing and research for this Cuktech 30 Power Bank review, I’ll let you know why you should buy it (or not).
Qi2 wireless charging could have helped the newly announced Samsung Galaxy S25 series better compete with the iPhone. But no — the Korean phone-maker let another opportunity to integrate this useful feature into its products sail by.
Samsung did build a half-assed version of Qi2 in the S25 series, so it might claim it met its promise to adopt the charging standard. But it’s a clunky solution.
iPhone users should care about Samsung’s poor decision because it means accessory-makers are less likely to produce Qi2-compatible products that are also compatible with Apple’s handsets.
Samsung committed itself on Monday to integrating Qi2 wireless charging into its Galaxy line of Android-based smartphones. It’s been dragging its feet for years, while the last four generations of iPhone models all support the standard.
Samsung’s just-announced adoption of Qi2 should benefit iPhone users, who until now have been the only ones able to take advantage of the new standard. More handsets using the magnetically enhanced wireless charging capability should lead to more accessories that employ it. More cross-platform accessories are a win for everyone.
★★★★☆
The Aukey MagFusion GameFrost Wireless Charger cools your iPhone or Android while it juices up, preventing the heat that often results from charging from damaging the battery.
I put the accessory through its paces to see how quickly it charges an iPhone 16, and how well it cools the handset.
Every time you leave your desk, the battery clock starts ticking. Which of your Apple devices will need to recharge first? Luckily, you can recharge three at once with this 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad.
It looks a lot like Apple’s MagSafe Duo, but it can handle three devices, not just two, which makes it an even more convenient travel charger. Plus, it costs a fraction of what Apple’s charger does. And now it’s even cheaper, thanks to a limited-time deal that drops the price to just $26.97 (regularly $69.99).
★★★★☆
In a world of look-alike 3-in-1 chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, the new Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station stands out. Like its distinctive looks or not, seeing it without any devices charging might make you wonder what the hell it is — an abstract sculpture, or maybe a prop from the original Star Trek? But for many it could be the sleek charger that subtly fits in with modern decor — if they’re willing to pay the hefty asking price ($139.99).
Multi-device chargers for iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch come and go, but Journey just rolled one out that really catches the eye: the Journey Nova 3-in-1 Fast Charging Station. It’s available for preorder now.
“Our designers envisaged an anti-tech aesthetic for Nova,” said a Journey spokesperson. “The exterior complements decors much like a vase, chair or pot plant might.”
A pot plant, they say! Well, that is a good aesthetic model to emulate, although it being on the “anti-tech” side seems debatable.
★★★★☆
The charging station’s compact design makes it one of the smaller MagSafe-compatible docks I’ve seen that supports 15W fast charging. Measuring just 3.07 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches, it’s small enough for travel if you have space in your bag or for keeping your workspace tidy because it doesn’t take up much space. The charger’s build quality is top-notch, featuring a tilting top charging panel for MagSafe iPhones that adjusts up to 70 degrees for a better viewing angle. This flexibility allows me to easily see notifications or watch videos while my device charges. It’s great for Standby mode, too. If you’d like to know more about similar charging solutions, check out this review.
Ugreen unleashed “fast and fun” robot-themed Uno series chargers for iPhone users, as well as the Revodock Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, the company said at IFA Berlin Friday.
UPDATE: Ugreen let us know Tuesday that they’ve now listed some of the Uno series charging products for sale on Amazon, including a 6-in-1 USB-C hub we didn’t include in the original post. See below.
Belkin launched a line of wireless travel chargers on Thursday. The new BoostCharge models come in range of designs to appeal to a variety of customers.
These all use the Qi2 charging standard so they work with iPhone and (hopefully) future Androids.
Picture two double wireless charging mats, one atop the other. There, you’ve imagined the Zens Quattro Charger Pro 4.
It handles four phones or other devices at once, while taking up a minimal amount of space.
In a move that could significantly impact Apple’s wireless charging technology in China, the country’s regulators plan to ban many wireless chargers, including Apple 15-watt MagSafe and Qi2 models, because of new radio-frequency rules, a new report said Tuesday. Why? Apparently it’s to “maintain the order of airwaves.”
Twelve South’s new ButterFly SE powers up iPhone and Apple Watch like the original version, but at a lower price. The Qi2 charger version of the tiny travel changer is also more colorful.
It can be preordered starting today.
With the summer travel season in full swing, it’s time to think about keeping your Apple devices ready for the road. Here are some of the best wireless travel chargers for powering up your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time.
I’ve been a frequent traveler for many years, toting Apple devices across three continents. I’m happy to share my experience.
★★★★★
Twelve South ButterFly is a 2-in-1 MagSafe iPhone and and Apple Watch travel charger that folds into a tiny package. It offers fast-charging and can serve as a kickstand for your handset.
It’s a bit pricy, but an innovative design makes it very portable. I put the gadget to the test.
★★★★☆
The Zagg Desk Mat with Wireless Charging keeps your iPhone and other gear juiced up while also acting as a nonslip workspace, mousepad and stylus holder.
I put one in my home office and tested it with my iPhone and other accessories. Here’s how it went.
Add the iPhone 12 to the list of handsets that support the new Qi2 cross-platform wireless charging standard that’s based on MagSafe. Apparently, Apple gave the older phones support for the newest chargers without mentioning it.
More recent iPhone models already can use Qi2 accessories.
★★★★☆
The compact and slim Torras Ostand Power Bank is a second battery for your iPhone, providing 15-watt fast charging whenever and wherever you need it. It also serves as an iPhone stand and can charge other devices, like iPad, too.
Torras sent me a 5000mAh Ostand Power Bank to try. And it did not disappoint. Doing exactly what it claims to do, the device offers good value — especially while it’s discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale (see below).
Full-on Apple fans can wirelessly charge three devices with this folding charging station that’s perfect at home or on the road. It looks a bit like Apple’s pricey (and now-discontinued) MagSafe Duo — but this travel charger can handle more and costs a lot less!
The MagStack Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with Floating Stand packs three charging surfaces — for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods — and it’s on sale for just $42.97. (That’s 38% off its regular price.)