Wireless Chargers:
The Future Is Now

The best Qi charger options for your home, office and car

The best Qi wireless chargers The best Qi wireless chargers

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Apple doesn't necessarily need to be first to do something, but when they get behind an idea, the concept is embraced far and wide. For example, a handful of devices and Android phones have had wireless charging for some time now. But when Apple unveiled the iPhone X and its wireless charging capabilities, it was clear that charging via a cable will soon go the way of dial-up internet.

By far, the best thing about wireless charging is its promise of simplicity. There are no settings you have to mess with, no special steps to take. You get yourself a wireless charger, plug it in and you're good to go. By simply placing your device on top of these chargers, your device begins juicing up immediately, without the hassle of plugging anything in. Except, of course, the charger itself.

Before splurging on a wireless charger, you want to make sure that your device supports it. Loads of phones do now, from the iPhone X and Galaxy S9 to the LG V30. For devices that don't (like the Google Pixel 2 or earlier iPhone iterations), you can to buy special receivers that fit under a case which enables wireless charging. And while there used to be a few competing standards, it's now clear that Qi, backed by the Wireless Power Consortium, has won out over rival Powermat. And now there are so many stylish and powerful options out there. So which charger is right for you? It's up to your own style and needs, of course, but here are some of the best on the market today.

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Courant Catch 3 Wireless Charger Tray Courant Catch 3 Wireless Charger Tray

Catch 3 Wireless
Charger Tray

This is, by far, our favorite charger in this lineup because it blends classic good looks with modern needs. This doesn't shout technology, it simply provides a service. Crafted from pebbled Italian leather, one side discreetly charges your device while the sunken side keeps your EDC items organized. The base is made from weighted matte aluminum alloy which keeps the tray from sliding around, and an additional USB-A output allows you to charge a second device when needed.

$175 by Courant

Native Union Drop Wireless Charger

Drop Wireless Charger

Crafted from furniture textiles and aircraft grade aluminum, it also boasts a clever silicone tread on top. This not only keeps your device in place while charging, but more importantly, it raises up your device ever so slightly which prevents overheating for optimum charging speed. The Drop comes with a six-and-a-half foot braided charging cable with a leather cord gathering strap.

$59.99 by Native Union

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Nomad Leather Wireless Charging Travel Stand

Leather Wireless Charging Travel Stand

Wrapped in American-made Horween leather that will age well with time, this charging stand keeps your phone in an upright position. This means you can easily see important notifications and alarms—making it ideal for your desk or nightstand. The aluminum kickstand also packs flat against the back, allowing you to use it as a typical charging pad or stash it in your travel bag.

$59.95 by Nomad

Ikea Nordmarke Triple Pad

Nordmärke Triple Pad

One of the best Qi chargers for families or just a guy with multiple devices. It even has an extra 2.4-amp USB-A port on the side for charging a fourth device—and that port can charge larger devices like iPads quickly. The solid birch construction gives it a minimalist vibe, but can make the surface a bit slippery.

$59.99 by Ikea

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iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount

Easy One Touch
Car Mount

Thankfully, wireless charging stations are an increasing trend in new cars, often found within the center console. But if your car doesn't have one just yet, you can get a mount for your phone that's also a wireless charger. iOttie has a solid reputation for durable and reliable car mounts, so it's not surprising that their charging mount is pretty much perfect. A high quality build ensures a sturdy yet easily adjustable view of your phone—there's even a telescopic arm that extends from 4.9-inches to 8.3-inches, allowing you to position your phone wherever you need it. It also has fast-charging capabilities (for applicable devices) which provides up to a 40% faster charge than standard Qi wireless charging.

$49.94 by iOttie

Mophie Powerstation Wireless External Battery

Powerstation Wireless External Battery

Charging wirelessly at your desk or in the car is one thing, but what about when you're on the go? That's what makes this one so handy. It's essentially an external battery with wireless charging capabilities. The battery itself comes in at 10,000mAh (meaning it will fully charge your phone at least two or three times). Plus, it features pass-through charging, so that if you're charging the actual battery and your phone at the same time, it'll fully charging the device before it juices up the battery.

$99.95 / $59.27 by Mophie

The Near Future

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charger

We’re looking forward to the day that wireless power can charge devices over the air like Wifi, which apparently is under development. But until then, we're excited about the idea of charging spots discreetly built into furniture. Belkin is offering one that can be hidden under a thin veneer of wood and we'd love to see this built into a nightstand.

$99.99, coming soon from Belkin

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