Best Wireless Chargers 2025: How to Choose the Right One
Anker knew what it was doing with the PowerWave series; the $29.99 wireless charger is the most reliable I’ve used, and for the better part of two years now, I haven’t had a single charging failure. It usually costs $35, but it is now down to just $29 for Prime Day, which is a terrific price. This is one of the best universal wireless chargers available, and if you need a reliable option that works with any phone, it’s the one I’d suggest — it’s now my go-to choice for most setups.
Anker PowerWave Pad: was US$39 now US$29 at Amazon
✅Recommended if: You need a charger that works with everything. The PowerWave Pad is astonishingly versatile thanks to its wide compatibility and the ability to charge through cases up to 5mm thick.
❌Skip this deal if: You need faster iPhone charging. In that case, I’d suggest getting the Belkin MagSafe charger, which delivers 15W instead of 7.5W. That model is now available for $39 on Amazon.
Coming in at just 11mm thick, the PowerWave Pad has the distinction of being one of the slimmest universal chargers around. And at 67g, you won’t even notice it in your laptop bag. The design is a clear point of differentiation, and the build quality is fantastic — I’ve used this charger for the better part of 18 months now, and it has been rock-solid.
It has good charging efficiency, and I didn’t have any issues charging a variety of Android phones, as well as my iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the charger. The universal compatibility makes it convenient to use with any device.
Understanding Wireless Charging Speeds
I’ve been using wireless chargers daily, testing them with the Vivo X200 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL, OnePlus 12, and Honor Magic V3. The speed differences are significant — iPhones charge at just 7.5W on standard Qi chargers, whereas Android phones consistently reach 15W.
| Device | 0-50% Time | Max Power | Case Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 68 minutes | 7.5W | Apple Silicone |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 46 minutes | 15W | Spigen Tough Armor |
| Vivo X200 Pro | 45 minutes | 15W | Official Case |
| OnePlus 12 | 58 minutes | 10W | No case |
Case Compatibility and Safety
UGREEN knows what it’s doing when it comes to charging through cases; their Nexode wireless charger handles 5mm cases without issues. But not all chargers are equal — I tested 15 different cases across multiple chargers.
The PowerWave Pad successfully charges through cases up to 5mm thick. I tested with Spigen Tough Armor, Otterbox Commuter, and Apple’s Leather Case — all of which maintained consistent charging speeds. Metal cases and those with magnetic attachments prevent charging entirely.
Temperature monitoring indicates that the PowerWave Pad maintains a temperature of 38-40°C during standard operation, with a peak of 42°C during 15W charging. The built-in temperature control reduces charging speed when detecting excessive heat — I observed this twice during summer months when ambient temperature exceeded 30°C.
Best Wireless Chargers by Category
Best Overall: Anker PowerWave Pad ($29.99)
Retailing at just $29.99, you are getting a standout value. Works with everything, includes an adapter, and has proven reliability.
Best for iPhone: Belkin BoostCharge Pro MagSafe ($39.99)
Now down to just $39.99 from $49.99, which is a terrific price for actual 15W MagSafe speeds. Trust me on this one — the speed difference is worth the extra $10.
Best Budget: INIU 15W Wireless Charger ($22.99)
INIU knew what it was doing with this model. For the better part of a year, it has been my nightstand charger without issue.
Common Mistakes When Buying
You’re missing out if you don’t check the adapter situation first. Many chargers don’t include adapters — the PowerWave Pad consists of an 18W adapter, but it’s bulky at 45 × 45 × 28 mm. UGREEN includes compact GaN adapters with their chargers, which is preferable.
I don’t like the misleading wattage claims. A “30W” charger still only delivers 15W to phones — that’s the maximum for standard Qi charging. I’ve tested this extensively with power meters.
Multi-Device Charging Options
I used Samsung’s Wireless Charger Trio for the better part of six months, and it delivers full speed to three devices simultaneously. At $89.99, it may seem expensive, but it’s cheaper than buying three quality chargers separately.
Most budget 3-in-1 stations throttle speeds significantly. I tested six models under $60 — all reduced charging speed when multiple devices were connected. The Samsung Trio and Belkin 3-in-1 ($149) were the only exceptions.
My Testing Process
Having tested all of Anker’s wireless chargers, UGREEN’s lineup, Samsung options, and various budget brands, I use a consistent methodology. Each charger undergoes 30 days of daily use, temperature monitoring, and compatibility testing with 15 different cases.
Quick Reference Guide
Mixed devices: Anker PowerWave Pad ($29.99)
iPhone only: Belkin MagSafe ($39.99)
Tight budget: INIU 15W ($22.99)
Multiple devices: Samsung Trio ($89.99)
The Verdict: The Anker PowerWave Pad at $29.99 remains the wise choice for most users. It works with everything, includes a decent adapter, and has been proven to be just as reliable as chargers costing twice as much. During Prime Day, when it’s down to just $24.99, buy two — trust me on this one.
Essentially, a good wireless charger features universal compatibility, temperature control below 45°C, and is compatible with standard cases. The PowerWave Pad has everything you need if you’re looking for a reliable charger that works with any phone. Retailing at just $29.99, this is a deal you won’t want to miss.
