Qi wireless charging technology is several years old, but we're still excited about it. It has almost universal adoption on iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel phones. It's great for charging smartphones, and while devices like the Apple Watch and other smartwatches probably use proprietary chargers, there are charger options that allow you to keep all of your devices in one place while charging.

But just like power adapters, there are many different wireless chargers in all shapes and sizes, from pads to stands and even two-in-one, or wireless chargers that are hidden in picture frames. This handy guide will make your buying decision a lot less daunting, even fun!

What to look for in a wireless charger

There is a large selection of chargers. In the time since Apple started including wireless charging, accessory makers have released a bunch of them. It's a competitive market, with Mophie, Belkin, Anker, Apple, Nomad, Satechi, Twelve South, Samsung and many others offering plenty of choice.

Circular pads are all the rage, but wireless chargers come in many other forms too. Materials range from plastic to leather or fabric. Fortunately, neither of these surfaces should get too hot, thanks to Qi charging coil technology. Wireless charging does create some heat given the conductive nature of the design. It is normal for the device to get a little warm and the charging pad itself may give off some heat, but there are multiple safeguards in the charger to prevent damage or overheating.

Also, most wireless chargers can work with slim cases on devices. The range generally tolerates up to 5 millimeters in thickness. Apple's MagSafe technology, which launched in the iPhone 12 family, uses magnets to ensure proper alignment and boosts charging speeds up to 15W. You can even use a MagSafe charging puck with a MagSafe case that ensures proper alignment.

Also a quick note on alignment: In order for the wireless charger to start charging your Qi-enabled device, you need to make sure the coils line up. You will know that this is the case with the device displaying a charging status and in some cases with an LED indicator on the charger itself.

Loading speed matters

Just like a typical charging adapter and cable, a wireless charger can only charge as fast as the amount of power it receives. Normal charging vs. fast charging can make a significant difference, but you have to be precise when choosing your model. You'll need to make sure the included power adapter can deliver enough watts for fast charging. Fast charging typically comes from a charger that delivers more than 10 watts to your device. It means that you will see your battery power increase in a shorter period of time. That said, iPhones can only get up to 7.5 watts from a Qi-enabled charger unless you're using the new MagSafe, which offers up to 15 watts for iPhone 12 models with a 20-watt wall plug.

Apple used to include a 5-watt charger with every iPhone (the iPhone SE still ships with one), which is on the slower side of power delivery. On the other hand, Samsung includes a fast charging brick in the box with most of its smartphones. Any of these can probably fully charge your phone overnight, but there are ways to get a faster and easier charge without the hassle of plugging in a cable. You'll need to upgrade to an Apple 20-watt charger ($549; amazon.com) for an iPhone, or a third-party solution to get those fast-charging speeds.

If you're looking for a fast-charging or 10-watt wireless charger, it will likely come with an adapter that can power that fast speed. But sadly, not all wireless chargers include it. And while an adapter may seem unnecessary for a wireless charger, it's a critical piece of the equation to deliver enough power for fast charging, so if your charger doesn't come with one, you'll have to buy one separately.

We've rounded up a selection of wireless chargers to help make your decision a little easier. Whether you're looking for a charging station to keep all your devices powered up in one space, a case or power bank to keep it charged on the go, or the perfect stand to charge your phone while watching a movie, there's an option for you here. .

wireless chargers

There are many wireless chargers on the market, so we've chosen options from brands we know and trust.

Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger (MX$999; amazon.com.mx)

With the announcement of the iPhone 12 line, MagSafe, Apple's wireless charging experience, has also arrived. MagSafe works through magnets built into the coil of the wireless charger. The charging speed has been increased from a 7.5W charger to a 15W charger, which means your charging times will be much faster. The MagSafe charger can be used for your iPhone and AirPods with a wireless charging case or AirPods Pro, albeit at a lower speed. You'll need to get your own wall adapter for this charger, and Apple recommends pairing it with a 20-watt adapter for optimal use and to hit the 15-watt mark.

Belkin Wireless Charger (MX$864; amazon.com.mx)

The Belkin Wireless Charger offers full charge at a fast speed with universal Qi-compatible smartphones, and you can even use this wireless charging pad for your AirPods if they're compatible. Delivers 10 watts of charge to Apple and Samsung phones and 5 watts to all other devices. A Quick Charge 3.0 compatible wall charger and cable are included, so everything you need to start charging wirelessly is included.

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Anker PowerWave Pad (MX$609; amazon.com.mx)

The PowerWave Pad offers 10W high-speed charging to Samsung smartphones and 5W standard charging to iPhones and other Qi-enabled devices like the Google Pixel. You will need your own wall adapter, but the compatible cable is included with the PowerWave Pad. You can charge devices through cases up to 5 millimeters thick. The LED light indicator on this selection indicates if something is obstructing the device from charging, if it is incompatible, and when a device is properly seated and in charging mode.

fast wireless chargers

These charging pads offer power of 10 watts or more for a shorter wait time between charges for compatible devices, and you'll need to make sure they're paired with the right wall adapter.

Anker 15W Max Wireless Charger with Alloy PowerWave USB-C Pad (MX$600; amazon.com.mx)

With a maximum charging capacity of 15 watts, this selection from Anker will quickly bring your devices back to full charge. There are non-slip pads on the top and bottom of the charger to prevent it from sliding on surfaces and to keep your phone in place while charging. It comes with a 5 foot cord that you will need to plug into your own wall adapter. The Google Pixel will get 11 watts of efficient charging, Samsung phones will get 10 watts of high-speed charging, and there's a 7.5-watt charging mode for iPhones.

Belkin 15W Wireless Charger (MX$664; amazon.com.mx)

This wireless charger includes Belkin's 24W Quick Charge 3.0 Power Supply Unit, so you can get the most out of 15W charging. It is a universal wireless charger, so Android and Apple users can use it. It will deliver a 15W charge to your smartphone and a 5W charge to other Qi-enabled devices such as AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Wireless charging cases

If you want wireless power on the go without having to add anything to your carry load, a wireless charging case is a perfect option. Apple and Mophie have created cases to help increase battery life at the touch of a button.

Apple Smart Battery Case with Wireless Charging for iPhone 11 Pro ($2,500; amazon.com.mx)

You never have to worry about your phone running out of juice with this battery case. Offers up to 50% more battery life when fully charged. There's a Lightning charger that slides into your phone's port, but the case itself can be charged via the Lightning port or Qi-enabled wireless chargers. If you set your phone up for wireless charging with the case on, both the case and the iPhone will charge.

Juice Pack Access for iPhone 11 Pro ($1,529 MXN; amazon.com.mx)

This battery case from Mophie can add an additional 13 hours of audio and five hours of video playback to your phone's battery life. You can charge the case via wireless charging or a Lightning cable. Simply turn on the case using the button on the back (which is also where you'll find the charging indicator for the case), and you'll wirelessly charge your phone's battery. It's ultra-convenient, and the case itself is stylish and available in three colors.

wireless car chargers

Charging on the road is efficient and easy if you go for one of these wireless options. You'll have access to its screen for GPS views while your smartphone's battery gets a boost.

Wireless charging stands

Charging stands are perfect if you need to keep an eye on your device while charging the battery. These selections give you the option to comfortably use your device while charging, in either landscape or portrait mode.

PowerWave Stand for Anker Wireless Charger (MX$757; amazon.com.mx)

This mount offers 10-watt charging to your Samsung smartphone and 5-watt charging to all other devices. Even though it's a vertical phone stand, it can still charge your device in landscape mode if you're looking to boost its battery life while watching your favorite shows and videos. It features a 3-foot cord, but you'll need to supply your own wall adapter. The sleek black will fit in with any desktop aesthetic.

TwelveSouth HiRise 10W wireless fast charging (MX$2,144; amazon.com.mx)

This charging stand can be connected to a wall adapter or your computer for convenient charging capabilities. It comes with a 1.5 meter cable, and the charging pad itself comes out of the stand if you want to lay your phone flat to get the 10W charge. We like its ability to switch between a charging stand and a charging pad, and the chrome finish adds a soft touch that's sure to look good on your desk or nightstand.

Belkin Wireless Charging Stand 10W (MX$664; amazon.com.mx)

Charge in portrait or landscape mode with this Belkin charging stand and get 10 watts of power to your smartphone. The Quick Charge 3.0 power adapter is included, which will ensure optimal charging of your device while using this charging stand. It's a universal wireless charger, so if you're an iPhone or Android user, you'll be able to enjoy fast charging times with this option.

wireless charging stations

You likely have more than one device to charge throughout the day, and that's where charging stations and docks come into play. With the ability to wirelessly charge more than one device at a time, it's a convenient option that uses a single cable.

MagSafe Duo charger (MX$3,499; amazon.com.mx)

Charge your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro or your AirPods with the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger. It conveniently folds up, making it easy to travel with and store when not in use. You can even prop up the Watch charger to use nightstand mode, or keep it level for flat charging. Apple recommends pairing it with the 20W wall adapter.

Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger (MX$119.95; amazon.com.mx)

If you haven't upgraded to an iPhone 12 model for MagSafe, Belkin has you and all of your devices covered with this wireless charging station. Charge your AirPods, iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time and in the same place. Your iPhone gets a 7.5-watt charge, while your AirPods and Watch get a 5-watt charge.