You can use it properly with wired.
The gadget recommended for those who want to keep the desk area of their home office clean is the Qi wireless charger for smartphones. Here are some recommended Qi wireless chargers selected by Wirecutter's Nick Guy reporter!
Wireless chargers have a slower charging speed than wired ones, but they are very convenient for charging smartphones because you don't have to connect them with a cable each time. There are two types of wireless chargers, the stand type and the pad type (flat type), and we recommend the stand type because you can use your smartphone while charging.
Among the stand types, the RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand (RP-PC069) is the number one Qi wireless charger we recommend after 900 hours of testing since 2017. It is the best Qi wireless charger for smartphones that can be charged quickly on both iPhone and Android. What's more, there are plenty of accessories such as cables and AC adapters that are hard to find with low-priced chargers.
Unfortunately, the RAVPower RP-PC069 has been discontinued, so we are currently searching for the number one alternative. Anker PowerWave 10 Stand is recommended as an alternative for those who say "I can't wait for that!" Since the adapter is unique and the charging speed is a little slow, it was out of the ranking this time, but other than that, it is highly functional, so if you do not mind the drawbacks, please check it.
Recommended Qi Wireless Charger No. 1: RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand (RP-PC069)
The best iPhone / Android wireless charger
Fast charging of iPhone and Android smartphones. Comes with an AC adapter and a long USB cable.
The RAVPower Wireless Charging Stamd (RP-PC069) charges a typical smartphone from 0% to 50% in about an hour (30% to 40% for the average Qi charger). It also comes with a cable and AC adapter that are essential for quick charging, so you don't have to purchase an optional option. The power indicator lamp is reasonably bright and will not get in the way even in a dark room. If you really care about it, you can easily cover it. The sound is quiet, and the simple black and white color varieties fit nicely into any environment. With Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) certification, there is no problem with safety, but with an 18-month warranty, you can rest assured in case of emergency. If you register as a customer on the company's site, the warranty will be extended for another year.
Corresponding wattage | iPhone 7.5W, Android 10 W |
connector | Micro-USB |
Bundled items | Stand type charger, Micro-USB cable (about 30 cm), 24 W QC 3.0 power adapter |
Recommended Qi Wireless Charger 2nd place: RAVPower Magnetic Wireless Charger (RP-WC012)
Charger for iPhone 12
This product has a built-in magnet, so you don't have to worry about your smartphone shifting. Although it is not a genuine iPhone product, it is ideal for the iPhone 12 model due to its fast charging.
Regardless of the smartphone model, the stand type is convenient for wireless chargers. However, if you have an iPhone with MagSafe and are looking for a charger with a built-in magnet that allows you to use your smartphone while charging, RAVPower's Magnetic Wireless Charger (RP-WC012) is recommended.
Since it is not a genuine Apple product or a certified product, it is not possible to fully demonstrate the charging speed of Magsafe (15W), but the difference in speed is very small. It's as fast as the number one product. Like the much more expensive MagSafe charger, which is a genuine Apple product, the built-in magnet firmly catches your smartphone. And it's nice to have a 20W USB-C type power adapter at this price. By the way, the MagSafe charger is sold as an option. Qi-compatible Android devices can also be charged, but the specifications are more like the iPhone.
Corresponding wattage | 7.5 W (for iPhone), 15 W (Android) |
connector | USB-C |
Bundled items | Magnetic Wireless Charger with 40-inch USB-C Cable, 20 W USB-C Power Adapter |
2 Recommended Qi Wireless Chargers Focusing on Cospa
Anker PowerWave Base Pad
Reasonable pad type wireless charger
This product does not come with a USB power adapter. Still, it's a reasonably priced recommended product for those who want to use it instead of a nightstand or who don't have to charge it fast.
Anker PowerWave Stand
Reasonable stand type wireless charger
This product has a slower speed than other inexpensive stand-type wireless chargers, but its reliability makes it ideal for nighttime charging. However, the USB power cable is not attached.
The Anker PowerWave Base Pad and Anker PowerWave Stand are recommended for those who "preferably don't want to spend money on the charger" or "don't want to clutter the desk with a USB cable". Both come with a Micro-USB cable, but do not have a USB power supply.
Anker PowerWave 10 Stand (improved version) Wireless charger Qi authentication iPhone 12/12 Pro Galaxy Various support Up to 10W output (black)2,499 yen
Anker PowerWave Base Pad Wireless Charger Qi Certification iPhone 12/12 Pro Galaxy Compatible with various types Up to 10W output (black)2,599 yen
Anker's charger has a charging rate about 20% inferior to the fastest-ranked charger per hour, but the price is cheaper. The charging indicator lamp is small and easy on the eyes. It doesn't seem to interfere with your sleep even at night, but it's easy to cover even when it's really dazzling. According to Anker, it can be charged with 10W for Samsung Galaxy and 7.5W for the latest iPhone (Base pad only) when combined with the QC 3.0 power adapter. However, 5W was the maximum in all of our tests.
Corresponding wattage | 5W |
connector | Micro-USB |
Bundled items | Pad type charger / stand type charger, Micro-USB cable (approx. 91 cm) |
People who want to recommend the Qi wireless charger
This product is for those who have a smartphone that supports the Qi wireless charging standard and want to charge it without connecting a cable. The Qi charger is very convenient because you can just place it on the charging pad. You don't have to plug and unplug the cable every time, and you don't have to worry about the wear of the charging port. Since it does not use Lightning or USB-C port, you can enjoy music with headphones while charging even on a smartphone that does not have a headphone jack.
Please note that although it is labeled "wireless", you still need to connect the charging pad to a USB port or power adapter. Qi powers the device by transferring energy with a magnetic coil, so the term "porcelain charging" may be more appropriate. However, the term "wireless" is so popular in this guide that it is referred to as such.
Qi (pronounced "chi") is a wireless charging standard certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). WPC is an industry group of more than 220 companies, including device makers such as Apple and Samsung, and accessory makers such as Belkin and Mophie. The charger must be tested at a specific research institute in order to be WPC certified. Currently, smartphones compatible with the Qi standard are iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models (high-end models).
Wireless charging is convenient, but if you want to shorten the charging time as much as possible, we recommend wired charging. Wireless charging takes longer, and the wattage displayed does not always indicate the speed of charging. Even the cheapest 12 W USB charger will fully charge your iPhone 30% faster than the Qi charger, and the 18 W USB PD charger can be combined with Apple's USB-C Lightning cable for an additional 50% faster charging speed. increase. For Android, the Qualcomm Quick Charge adapter gives similar results.
Another drawback of wireless charging is that you can't pick up and use your smartphone while charging, unlike with a cable connection. Therefore, it is not suitable for watching Netflix or Twitter. This option is suitable for charging while sleeping or while looking at the screen at a desk or kitchen.
However, in 2020, Apple began rolling out the MagSafe charging and magnet built-in system as an accessory lineup for the iPhone 12. With this, charging with a maximum of 15W, which is twice the normal Qi charger (7.5W), is realized. In addition to being able to use the smartphone while charging, the magnet holds the smartphone in an appropriate position, preventing the situation where "the smartphone and the pad are misaligned and could not be charged!". In addition to MagSafe certified chargers, there are non-genuine magnetic chargers equipped with a magnet system, but MagSafe is superior in terms of charging speed.
Recommended Wireless Qi Charger No. 1: RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand (RP-PC069)
The RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand (RP-PC069) is recommended for those who want an AC adapter or a wireless charger that doesn't need to buy accessories! The charging speed is the fastest regardless of iPhone or Android in this test, with WPC certification. The basic design can be used anywhere, so it can be used on the desk or next to the bed. Of course, there is no noise that disturbs sleep.
The appeal of the RP-PC069 is its charging speed. Only the pad-type RAVPower RP-PC058 and two other companies' products with the same specifications could meet this standard. You can easily charge power while sleeping as well as when working at your desk. Both the iPhone 12 and LG V30 batteries recovered to about 25% of their capacity in 30 minutes and from 45% to 50% in an hour. Some of the fastest wired chargers are more than twice as fast, but they have had an impactful performance compared to other wireless chargers.
The area of RAVPower's plastic stand is about 3 x 3 inches (about 7.5 x 7.5 cm), and there is a rubber ring at the bottom for sufficient grip. The height is about 12.5 cm and it is tilted about 20 degrees behind it, so it is easy to see the smartphone screen. Of course, smartphone face recognition also works perfectly. The color varieties are black or white, and the appearance is simple and unobtrusive.
Unlike the pad type, which requires the smartphone to be set in the correct position at the start of charging, the stand type always connects the smartphone to the charging coil. It can also be charged sideways, making it ideal for bed companions.
The Anker Power Wave Pad made a fan noise, and I was worried about the rotating noise and roaring noise of other models, but this product does not have that either. The charging indicator lamp is also small and does not illuminate the entire room. On the models we tested, the lamp went out when charging was complete.
This model uses a standard Micro-USB cable for power and comes with a cloth-coated cable that is about 122 cm stronger than other chargers. It also comes with a 24 W Quick Charge 3.0 power adapter, while some Qi chargers have only a cable and no adapter. I am very grateful that these two are in a set. Both cables and adapters can be replaced quickly and inexpensively, so you can rest assured that they will be lost or damaged.
RAVPower comes standard with an 18-month warranty, which is extended for an additional year upon product registration. Looking for a Qi charger that offers a longer warranty will cost you over $ 100. By the way, the warranty period of the Anker charger was up to 18 months without the extension option, and 1 year for other brands.
I don't see many drawbacks
The RP-PC069 worked when connected to a Quick Charge 3.0 USB charging adapter (18W or higher), but didn't work at all with a standard USB cable (5W to 12W, 5V). A RAVPower representative acknowledges this limitation: "To support wireless fast charging, we recommend using the included QC 3.0 charging adapter. This wireless charger does not support 5V input charging." I'm talking. Therefore, if you lose or break the attached adapter, it will be inconvenient. However, unlike mobile batteries and portable wired chargers, this product is a solid, fixed device, so you won't have to worry too much. You can rest assured that it will be covered by RAVPower's warranty even in the unlikely event.
Like other stand-type chargers, the coil is in a high position, so you can't charge non-smartphone-type devices on the stand. Therefore, if you want to charge small accessories such as AirPods with a wireless charging case, we recommend purchasing a pad-type wireless charger.
The charging indicator light of RP-PC069 lights up in green, and the light goes out when the tank is full. It can't be turned off manually, but it was the same for all the chargers tested. If you feel dazzling in a dark room, cover the LED with insulating tape.
One of the units I tested was a little wobbled at my desk, but the other was fine. Some Amazon reviews pointed out defects in this product, but the causes varied from initial defects to user-owned usage. It's just a machine, so of course you may find some problems. That's why we recommend brands with excellent customer service.
Since mid-2019, when I introduced this product as the number one recommendation, I've been using the RAVPower RP-PC069 at my home office desk for thousands of hours of testing and everyday use on 12 different mobile phones. But it's still working fine.
Recommended Qi Wireless Charger No. 2: RAVPower Magnetic Wireless Charger (RP-WC012)
The RAVPower's Magnetic Wireless Charger (RP-WC012) is recommended for those who want to use their smartphone while charging the iPhone 12. Since it is a magnetic wireless charger, it will automatically adjust to the appropriate position if you use it with a case with a MagSafe compatible magnet without a smartphone cover. This will prevent the "smartphone has slipped and could not be charged properly!", Which is common with pad-type devices. You can use the RP-WC012 on older iPhones and Androids, but you need to be careful to match the position of the coil inside the charger.
The charging speed is slightly slower than the genuine Apple MagSafe charger, but it achieves the same high-speed charging as general third-party wireless chargers (including the first recommended one). Moreover, the price is cheaper than genuine Apple products. You can buy a charger and power adapter for half the price of a genuine product. The MagSafe charging system has two advantages: "easy to align" and "15W fast charging". However, the latter is only available for chargers that use Apple-provided components. It can be installed with MagSafe chargers, including the RP-WC012, but the charging speed is limited to 7.5W.
Throughout the iPhone 12 tests, the RP-WC012's charging speed was at the same level as the RP-PC069, recovering a completely empty iPhone to 25% in 30 minutes and 51% in 1 hour. The best way to increase the charging speed, which is a drawback of wireless charging, is to use the official MagSafe charger, but it is not as different as Apple's "genuine performance is doubled". In the same 30-minute and 60-minute tests, Apple's genuine MagSafe chargers had charge rates of 33% and 60%, respectively. I don't think it's worth doubling the cost of this difference. If you are particular about charging speed because it only takes 1 second, please choose genuine Apple products.
Apple recommends buying a 20 W USB-C power adapter in addition to the MagSafe charger (about 2,000 yen for genuine Apple, half the price for third-party products we recommend). RAVPower comes with a PD Pioneer 20W power adapter (RP-PC149), so it's cheaper and you don't need to buy an additional adapter.
The RP-WC012 is not WPC certified, but there is no magnet type charger certified at the time of writing, including the genuine Apple MagSafe charger. However, RAVPower has a good track record of Qi wireless chargers and is recommended without certification.
Anker PowerWave Base Pad and Anker PowerWave Stand are recommended if cost performance is important!
I want a WPC certified charger made by a popular manufacturer and with outstanding cost performance! Anker PowerWave Base Pad and Anker PowerWave Stand are recommended for those who like. The charging speed is a little slower than higher-end models and wired chargers, but it is ideal for those who do not care about charging speed. None of them come with a power adapter, but they are compatible with USB chargers used in mobile phone and tablet chargers and can be purchased as an option. It is the cheapest price among products that do not include a power adapter. If it costs money, we recommend purchasing RAVPower with an adapter rather than another product without an adapter.
Anker PowerWave 10 Stand (improved version) Wireless charger Qi authentication iPhone 12/12 Pro Galaxy Various support Up to 10W output (black)2,499 yen
Anker PowerWave 10 Stand (improved version) Wireless charger Qi authentication iPhone 12/12 Pro Galaxy Various support Up to 10W output (black)2,499 yen
In this test (using the Quick Charge 3.0 power adapter), both the PowerWave Base Pad and PowerWave Stand charge the fully discharged iPhone 12 battery to just under 15% in 30 minutes and to 30% in 1 hour. I did.
Anker claims that the Base Pad "uses the QC3.0 adapter to charge the latest iPhone at 7.5W," but our tests denied that and found it to be no different than a 5W charger. I did. This is a much slower pace, especially compared to the charging speed of the RAVPower charger, which restores the iPhone to 12-25% in 30 minutes and 45% in 1 hour.
Still, these Anker chargers are well worth the purchase. It works with your existing AC adapter or USB charger, or you can connect it to your computer's USB. However, if you are particular about speed or do not have a spare USB outlet, we recommend RAVPower RP-PC069.
The Anker PowerWave Stand is mostly made of plastic and has a slip-prevention rubber on the bottom. The size is almost the same as RAVPower RP-PC069. The stand is a bit sharp and supports Face ID authentication, with a small blue indicator lamp at the bottom edge and a small blue LED that lights up while charging.
The PowerWave Base Pad is a rounded rectangle with a length of 15 cm, a width of 4.5 cm, and a thickness of about 1.3 cm. The upper part is made of non-slip rubber material, which holds the smartphone without a cover firmly in place. Since it is not sticky, the position is fixed with the same rubber material base at the bottom. There is no noise in either model.
The warranty is 18 months and unlike RAVPower, there is no extension option. I haven't had any problems using Anker's charging pad for many years, but according to staff who have received Anker's repair service on another device, the response was quick and easy. There have been some reviews on Amazon about Anker's Qi wireless charger, but I'm relieved that the warranty is solid.
Can I charge it with a wallet-type smartphone case?
Credit card and cash type smartphone cases may not be suitable for wireless charging. Also, recently popular metal credit cards can block magnetic charging.
For those who want wireless charging but also want a wallet-type case, we recommend a two-fold smartphone case or a removable wallet like Apple's iPhone leather wallet.
There are still!Check out Qi wireless charger
Apple's MagSafe charger is the fastest magnetic charger for the iPhone 12 series, 20% faster than the magnet type we recommend. However, it does not come with a 20W USB-C power adapter, so it costs less than the full package RAVPower RP-WC012. If you want a speed-focused magnetic wireless charger, the MagSafe charger is a good choice, but I think most people will be more satisfied with the RAVPower model, which has a good cost performance.
Satechi's USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable and Spigen's Power Arc Arc Field are as fast and priced as the RAVPower RP-WC012, but don't come with a power adapter.
Choetech's Magnetic Wireless Charger costs about the same as the RAVPower RP-WC012 and comes with a power adapter, but with a 20% slower charging speed.
The Sonix Magnetic Link Wireless Charger charges about half as fast as the RAVPower magnetic charger and does not come with a power adapter.
ESR's HaloLock Magnetic Wireless Charger is a pad-type charger with a built-in magnet, so you don't have to worry about it slipping if you have a MagSafe-compatible smartphone. In our tests it was much slower than other chargers, around 30% per hour. Also, there is no power adapter.
The RAVPower Fast Wireless Charger (RP-PC058) is the perfect choice for padded chargers. Since it is equipped with the same 10W power supply coil as the stand type RP-PC069, it can be charged quickly as well, and a cable and AC adapter are also included. Even with the same specifications, it is cheaper than the stand type, so some people may prefer the pad type. It is also recommended for those who do not look at the screen once it is placed in the charger. However, in general, the stand type is more convenient.
Spigen's Steady Boost Flex Wireless Charger is a convertible charger. It can be used as a stand or as a flat stand by folding. In our tests, we have reached the maximum charging speed on both iPhone and Android devices. However, even though the power adapter is not included, the price is about the same as the RAVPower RP-PC058 with an adapter. If you want to get both the stand and pad types at once, it's worth buying, but usually one is enough.
Anker's PowerWave Sense Pad Alloy achieves the same charging speed as RAVPower RP-PC058 on both iPhone and Android models. It also comes with a cable and a Quick Charge 3.0 charger. The surface of the metal body covered with fabric looks like a fashionable coaster, but the price is also higher than RAVPower. We recommend it for those who like fashionable gadgets or if the price will drop a little more.
Both Anker's PowerWave II Stand and PowerWave II Pad are slower than RAVPower, and they use their own power adapter instead of USB, which makes conversion difficult. The pad was more slippery than the recommended RAVPower model. The PowerWave 10 Stand with two USB-A ports has the same charging speed and the same type of power supply, but has the advantage of having two USB-A ports with a total output of 12W.
Anker's PowerWave Pad, which was previously introduced as a "costa-focused recommended product," is a bit slower than the same-priced PowerWave Base Pad.
The Samsung EP-NG930 used to be a "favorite stand", but it's slower and doesn't look very good compared to better models.
The iOttie iON Wireless Plus Fast Charging Pad is a Qi charger with a fairly high design that we have tested. However, some people may find it jarring because the contents are slow and the small beeps are intermittent when not charging. The stand type of the same model also looks good, but I couldn't hear any noise. However, the charging speed of both the iPhone XR and LG V30 was slower than the RAVPower RP-PC069.
The Anker PowerWave 7.5W Pad is extremely fast, with the LG V30 up to 57% on an hour's charge in testing. However, it was much more expensive than other chargers, and I felt noisy because the fan made a noise and rotated while charging. The Anker PowerWave 7.5W Stand also has a fast charging speed, but it is expensive for a model without an AC adapter.
Previous model
The Google Pixel Stand charges your Qi-enabled smartphone at a speed of 5 W, but special features such as fast charging and the Google Assistant display only work when charging your Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 4.
The price of Logitech Powered for iPhone is several times higher than the chargers we've recommended so far, but it's not that fast. Since the cable cannot be removed, it is not possible to replace only the cable when the wire is broken.
The Belkin Boost Up Bold Wireless Charging Pad 10W has a much slower charging speed than the cheaper ones and produces a high-pitched coil. "Belkin's charging pads are one step better than the latest competitors," Belkin commented on our tests, "not reflecting the company's test data." But even if the actual performance is good, it doesn't seem to be worth the price.
The Mophie Charge Stream Pad Mini is the smallest Qi charger we have tested. Performance was good, but slower than competing products.
The Twelve South PowerPic is the most clever design Qi charger we've come across. The charging surface fits in a frame like a photo frame and can display a 5x7 inch image when not charging. It has a gadget feel and is designed to blend in with the atmosphere of the house. However, the price is high. It doesn't come with a power adapter, and it's not particularly fast. Although it says 10W, our tests gave the same result as a 5W charger.
Case-Mate Wireless Power Pad is a pad type, but it is a convertible type that can also be used as a stand type with the attached plastic stand. The charging speed is as expected and there is no complaint, but the price is high. About twice the price of the recommended Qi charger introduced here is too expensive.
The Satechi Wireless Charging Pad has a sophisticated appearance and is fashionable, but the surface of the pad is slippery compared to other good products, which is a scratch on the ball. It doesn't even come with a power adapter, so you'll have to get one if needed. It took a little longer to charge the iPhone.
* The RAVPower Wireless charging stand (RP-PC069), which is the most recommended in this guide, is no longer manufactured. We are searching for new recommended items, so we will introduce them again in the near future!
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