Best Wireless Chargers good 2018
Apple's iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X are the first from the company to feature wireless charging, but many Android phones have supported the new charging method for a while now. Most use the same Qi (pronounced 'chee') charging standard, so wireless chargers will work for both iPhone and Android. Here, we round-up some of the best wireless chargers you can buy.
Which phones feature wireless charging?
Wireless charging for smartphones isn't a new thing, so you might be surprised to find out how many current phones support it. Also see our roundup of the best solar chargers.
In addition to the three new iPhones we've mentioned, Samsung's phones all the way back to the Galaxy S6 have had built-in Qi, as do Google's Nexus 4, 5 and 6; several LG phones including the LG G6 (in the US); Motorola Droid phones; several Lumia models; and the BlackBerry Priv and Z30. Google's Pixel phone doesn't, but we worked out a cunning way to add wireless charging to the Pixel 2.
Best wireless chargers
There are quite a few wireless chargers out there, so it can be tricky to know which to buy. Some have faster-charging capabilities, but not all phones do, so it's worth checking what your phone supports. For example, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus currently support up to 5W, but will get an update to support up to 7.5W (like the iPhone X) later this year. Some Samsung phones support up to 15W.
Most wireless chargers claim to be "fast" but it's worth checking on the actual wattage. Look out for 7.5W or more for the fastest charging. That said, some older or cheaper phones won't charge any faster at 7.5W than 5W.
But beyond that, they're all largely similar, so the deciding factor could come down to price. Some might be able to charge multiple devices at once, and some will have additional features such as a stand or car mount.
Apple is working on its own wireless charging pad called AirPower, which will be big enough and smart enough to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at once. We expect it'll come at a high price, and it's not set to arrive until next year, but if you've got an iPhone and are willing to wait we expect it'll be a popular choice.
RavPower Fast Wireless Charger
RavPower's Fast Wireless charging pad is much like Anker's above. It's a little cheaper, but offers the same 10W power for phones that support it.
For the iPhone X (and iPhone 8 with the latest iOS update) it will output 7.5W, which means a charge time from empty of about three hours.
It will work only with the included mains adaptor, but that adaptor also happens to support QC 3.0 (again like the Anker) so can supply up to 24W to compatible phones such as the Google Pixel and Sony Xperia XZ2.
There's no fan in it, so it won't annoy you, and we had no problems with it overheating during our testing. A rubber ring helps keep your phone in place, too.
A flashing green light on the base indicates charging is taking place, but it's not too bright or distracting. The pad is supplied with a 1.2m microUSB braided cable.