If you’re looking for specific recommendations, we’ve got a list of the best wireless chargers here for you to peruse. Can I use wireless charging with a phone case?

You can get stand chargers that let you prop your phone up while it charges, chargers with multiple charging points for another phone or other accessories such as a smartwatch or wireless earbuds, and chargers built into power banks so you can fill up while on the move. You can even buy mouse pads with wireless charging so you can top your phone up while you do a spot of PC gaming. Running the Geekbench 5 CPU multi-core test, the Pixel 7 scored 3,309 to the Pixel 6’s 2,843: a generational improvement of around 16%. This score puts it within reaching distance of the Galaxy S22’s Exynos 2200 but the Pixel is still a long way behind the year-old A15 Bionic inside this year’s iPhone 14. The single-core result, meanwhile, is practically identical to the previous version. Where battery life wasn’t the Pixel 6’s strong suit last year, stamina is undoubtedly the star of the show in 2022. Boosting battery life by over four hours in our video rundown test, the Pixel 7 lasted 22hrs 43mins before needing a top-up. Google also says that if you enable the “Extreme Battery Saver” options in the phone’s settings, you could reach a massive 72 hours between charges. There's no definitive evidence that it's harmful. You may worry the phone's battery might degrade faster with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for phone batteries, stipulating how much a battery can be charged and how far it can discharge. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you plug into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits can’t be overridden. There’s no risk of overcharging your phone by leaving it on a wireless charger all night. Whichever charger you choose, keep a few things in mind if it doesn't immediately and perfectly match your expectations:While the units will all charge, they may not do so at the same rate, so which will top up your phone while keeping you en route and entertained? We plugged in eight to find out. How we tested them The most basic type of wireless charger is usually a circular pad which can charge a single device wirelessly. But there are many other form factors, too.

However, just because a cable is still involved doesn't mean the best wireless chargers aren't a great smartphone charging upgrade in 2022, as they make charging phones more convenient and aesthetically attractive. However, if you want more than that, then your choice starts to narrow somewhat and, more importantly to many no doubt, the budget needed to buy one rises. While we're talking about charging power, be sure to also note that some wireless chargers only deliver certain charging speeds to certain phone types – you'll see 15W chargers, for example, that will only deliver that to Android phones and not iPhone. Finally, while the above Anker, Google, and Color Rokk chargers can only top up a single device, the mophie Wireless Charging Stand+ and the iOttie iOn Wireless Duo are great for charging multiple devices simultaneously. To access and use all Apple Card features and products available only to Apple Card users, you must add Apple Card to Wallet on an iPhone or iPad that supports and has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Apple Card is subject to credit approval, available only for qualifying applicants in the United States, and issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.The most important thing to look for when shopping for the best wireless charger for your needs is whether it's compatible with your phone. If a wireless charger is Qi certified, it should support your iPhone, Samsung phone or other Android phone. But note that the wattage support will vary from charger to charger. Most chargers support 10W charging for Android phones and 7.5W charging for iPhones, although if they support Apple's MagSafe standard, then you can charge an iPhone 12, 13 or 14 at up to 15W instead.

Updated August 2023: We added chargers from Belkin, OtterBox, Xiaomi, Courant, and Nomad, removed some discontinued chargers, and updated prices. Your eyes don't deceive you, this really is a wireless charger made of marble. You can also get it in six other colors of travertine, sandstone, or lava stone if you want a different look for this simple but handsome charging pad. It's incredible that you get something that will easily sit in a living room or kitchen without looking out of place for this price. Alignment could be an issue as well. If you don't align the coils, your phone simply won't charge. You should also avoid wireless charging if you have a case that holds credit cards or RFID cards, as inductive charging can permanently damage the magnetic stripe on your cards; otherwise, you'd need to remove your case every time you charge the phone---a total hassle. Wireless charging isn't nearly as cool as it sounds. It's not exactly wireless—a cord runs from an outlet to the charging pad—and it won't charge your smartphone faster than plugging it in with a good ol’ cord. Still, I'm always disappointed when I test a smartphone that doesn't support it. I've gotten used to simply plopping my phone down on a pad every night, and fishing for a cable in the dark feels like a chore. It's pure convenience more than anything else.

Is wireless charging faster?

This charger still works great with other smartphones, you just won't be able to access many of those Pixel features. The biggest downside? Charging only works in portrait orientation. Oh, and it's definitely overpriced. The good news is the first-gen Pixel Stand is still available for much less; you can recharge your phone in landscape and portrait orientation, and I daresay it looks more interesting. But if you are willing to spend a little more money on one of the best Pixel 7 accessories, go for Google's Pixel Stand (2nd Gen); it can charge Pixel 7 phones even faster because of the proprietary technology in the phone and charger. You will get up to 20W wireless charging on the Pixel 7 and up to 23W on the Pro model. The Google charger is also aesthetically pleasing and looks premium.

Google says the ultrawide pictures on the selfie camera are “improved” but doesn’t really go into much detail about what that means and in my tests the 10.8MP images looked the same as they did last year. There are two small issues I found with this charger. First, the integrated USB-A cable, although braided for durability, looks cheap compared to the rest of the pad, and is only 90cm (3 feet) long, making the places where I could put the charger limited by how close my power outlets were. Plus, the charger is only capable of 10W output, which while available with any compatible device, is a bit slow. Which company's wireless charger is best? This is going to depend on what device you're using. If it's an iPhone 12 or newer for example, then it'll be any device that uses MagSafe and provides 15W of charging. Other phone makers have their own standards, and often the only compatible chargers are the ones they sell themselves. Photography has always been the name of the game for previous Google phones and the Pixel 7 is no different. However, it’s a little odd that the hardware hasn’t really changed this year, with the 50MP, f/1.9 main camera returning alongside the 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide sensor. If you’re an iPhone user, then anything from the iPhone 8 to now can be wirelessly charged. Samsung Galaxy lovers can still get a top-up from the S6 series (any phone from 2015 onwards to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra), while Google fans can enjoy the boost if using the Google Pixel 3 or beyond. Although you can get adapters that transform older phones into wirelessly-compatible ones, you’ll have to buy those separately.In terms of generic chargers, the fastest speed you'll get is the Qi standard of 7.5W. This isn't particularly speedy, but it'll work with any wirelessly chargeable smartphone, or other devices like wireless earbuds at slower speeds. Is 10W or 15W better for wireless charging?