Wireless charging, a convenient and hassle-free way to keep your smartphone battery topped up, eliminates the need for cables. Qi, the most widely used wireless charging standard, is compatible with most smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, and Google. Qi wireless chargers, using electromagnetic induction, transfer power from a pad or stand to your device, making charging a seamless experience.
However, not all Qi wireless chargers are eco-friendly and safe. Some may use materials that are harmful to the environment or emit excessive heat or radiation that may damage your device or affect your health. To help you find the best Qi wireless charger for your needs, we have reviewed some of the top options available in the UK based on their eco-friendliness, safety, features, performance, compatibility, and price.
Here are our picks for the best Qi wireless chargers in the UK that are eco-friendly and safe.
Best overall: ZAGG Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charger
The ZAGG mophie Snap+ Wireless Charger is our top choice for the best Qi wireless charger in the UK. It offers fast charging speeds of up to 15W for compatible devices, such as Samsung Galaxy S21, iPhone 13, and Google Pixel 6. It also works with other Qi-enabled devices at 5W or 10W.
The ZAGG Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charger, our eco-friendly and safe choice, is made from recycled and compostable material. Its snap-on magnetic system ensures perfect alignment and prevents overheating or slipping. Its foldable design makes it travel-friendly, and comes with a UK/Ireland adapter for easy use.
The ZAGG mophie Snap+ Wireless Charger is available for £39.99 at Amazon.
Best for iPhone: Apple MagSafe Charger
The Apple MagSafe Charger, our top pick for iPhone users, is a powerful and eco-friendly option. It aligns perfectly with iPhone 12 and 13 models, delivering up to 15W of power. It’s also compatible with older iPhone models and AirPods with a wireless charging case.
The Apple MagSafe Charger, our top pick for iPhone users, is not just a powerful charger but also an eco-friendly choice. Made of recycled materials and meeting Apple’s environmental standards, it aligns perfectly with your iPhone, preventing overheating or overcharging. Its eco-friendly design encourages responsible charging practices, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
The Apple MagSafe Charger is available for £39 at Apple or £34.99 at John Lewis.
Best for Android: Samsung 10W Wireless Charger
The Samsung 10W Wireless Charger is Android’s best Qi wireless charger. It delivers up to 10W of power for Samsung Galaxy smartphones, such as S20, S10 and S9 series. It also works with other Qi-enabled devices at 5W or 7.5W.
The Samsung 10W Wireless Charger is eco-friendly and safe because it consumes little standby power and has an automatic power-off function that saves energy and protects your device3. Its rubberized surface prevents your device from sliding off, and a fan keeps it cool during charging. The charger also has an LED ring that shows the charging status and a micro-USB cable that connects to a power adapter (sold separately).
The Samsung 10W Wireless Charger is available for £9.99 at Argos or £14.99 at Samsung.
Best for multiple devices: Unique Eco-Friendly 20W PD EU Mains Charger
The Unique Eco-Friendly 20W PD EU Mains Charger is the best Qi wireless charger for various devices. It can charge up to three devices simultaneously, such as a smartphone, a tablet, and a laptop, using a USB-C port and two USB-A ports. It can deliver up to 20W of power for compatible devices like iPhone 13, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air.
The Unique Eco-Friendly 20W PD EU Mains Charger is eco-friendly and safe because it is made of biodegradable wheat straw and recycled plastic4. It also has an intelligent chip that detects the optimal charging speed and protects your devices from overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuits. It also comes with a UK/EU adapter that plugs into a wall socket.
The Uunique Eco-Friendly 20W PD EU Mains Charger is available for £14.24 at Uunique.
How to choose the best Qi wireless charger for you
When shopping for a Qi wireless charger, there are some factors to consider, such as:
- Eco-friendliness: Qi wireless chargers can have different environmental impacts depending on their materials, energy consumption, and disposal methods. Some wireless chargers may use recycled or biodegradable materials that reduce waste and pollution. Some wireless chargers may have low standby power consumption or automatic power-off functions that save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Some wireless chargers may be compostable or recyclable, allowing for sustainable disposal. Depending on your environmental values, choose an eco-friendly wireless charger.
- Safety: Qi wireless chargers can have different safety features depending on the temperature control, radiation emission, and protection mechanisms they use. Some wireless chargers may have built-in fans or sensors that prevent them from overheating or overcharging your device. Some wireless chargers may have low radiation emission or shielding materials that reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields. Some wireless chargers may have intelligent chips or circuits that protect your devices from overcurrent, overvoltage, or short circuits. Depending on your health concerns, choose a wireless charger that is safe.
- Charging speed: Qi wireless chargers can deliver different power outputs depending on the device and the charger. The higher the wattage, the faster the charging speed. However, not all devices can support the maximum wattage of the charger, so you need to check the compatibility before buying. For example, Samsung Galaxy smartphones can support up to 15W wireless charging, while iPhone models can only support up to 7.5W (or 15W with MagSafe).
- Charging position: Qi wireless chargers can come in different shapes and sizes, such as pads, stands, or docks. Pads are flat surfaces that allow you to place your device horizontally or vertically. Stands are angled surfaces that enable you to prop up your device in portrait or landscape mode. Docks are specialized surfaces designed for devices like Apple Watch or AirPods. Choose a charger that suits your charging position, depending on your preference and usage.
- Charging number: Qi wireless chargers can also vary in how many devices they can charge simultaneously. Some chargers can only charge one device simultaneously, while others can charge two or more devices simultaneously. Opt for a multi-device charger if multiple devices need wireless charging to save space and time.
- Charging design: Qi wireless chargers can also differ in how they look and feel. Some chargers have sleek and elegant designs that complement your decor, while others have simple and functional designs that do the job. Some chargers have LED indicators showing charging status, while others have fans that keep them cool during charging. Depending on your taste and needs, choose a charger that matches your style and comfort.
Conclusion
Qi wireless charging is convenient and hassle-free. It can keep your smartphone battery topped up without cables. It is the most widely used wireless charging standard and works with most smartphones, such as iPhones, Samsung, and Google.
We have reviewed some of the best Qi wireless chargers in the UK based on their eco-friendliness, safety, features, performance, compatibility, and price. Our top picks are:
- Best overall: ZAGG Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charger
- Best for iPhone: Apple MagSafe Charger