We’re all glued to our phones all day, whether we’re working, watching movies, or video chatting with friends. Hardly a day goes by without having to charge our phones in the middle of the day for an extra hour or two of battery life. Whether you commute from and to work by car or take cross-country trips to visit family, a wireless car charger seamlessly and effortlessly charges your mobile phone so you never run out of battery. These chargers are easy to mount on dashboards, windshields, and air vents and offer several orientations and viewing angles. They firmly grip onto phones no matter how bumpy the road. To help you choose one that keeps your phone’s battery topped up, we’ve reviewed some of the best wireless chargers on offer and compiled a list of our favorites. These chargers are easy to install in any car or SUV, are safe to use, and are compatible with many phone models. Cords and tangles, be gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge any phone with a wireless car charger?
No, you cannot charge any smartphone with a wireless car charger. You can only charge Qi-enabled smartphones that support wireless charging. Older phone models can only be charged with a USB cable and do not support wireless charging. For example, the iPhone 10 does not support wireless charging, but the iPhone 11, 12, and 13 can all be charged wirelessly. The same applies to Android phones. Check the manufacturer’s website to confirm if your phone supports wireless charging before making a purchase.
Can I use a wireless car charger at home?
The simple answer is yes, if you can figure out how to securely mount the wireless car charger. Models that come with suction cups can be easily mounted on a desk or a countertop. Models that clip on to air vents may be harder to lay flat on a table for charging. Remember that all wireless car chargers need to be connected to a car charger with a USB cable to charge your phone. When using them at home, connect them to a wall charger and you’re good to go.
Buying Guide
Wireless car chargers allow for a tangle-free experience with no cords or cables. With so many options on the market, choosing the best one for your phone can be daunting, especially online. We recommend you take the below points into consideration when shopping for wireless car chargers.
Compatibility: The first thing to consider when choosing a wireless car charger is its compatibility with the devices you want to charge. Some wireless chargers are only compatible with iOS phones, and some are only compatible with Android phones. Some models offer universal compatibility with all Qi-Enabled devices to support both Android and iOS phones. A Qi-enabled device is one that is equipped with wireless charging capabilities and conforms to universal charging standards.
- Design: Wireless car chargers come in many designs and can be mounted on air vents, dashboards, windshields, and even in cup holders.
- Attachment Method: Models that are mounted on dashboards and windshields have suction cups that offer superior grip to hold the charger in place. Models that mount to air vents come with adjustable clips to universally fit on all car, SUV, and truck air vents. People who do not want to be distracted by their phones while driving can choose a wireless car charger that fits in a cup holder. These models offer universal compatibility with all standard cup holders and are the sturdiest to mount.
- Grip: To hold the phones securely in place, some wireless car chargers have powerful magnets that can withstand bumpy roads. Other models have side arms that hold onto the phone and prevent it from slipping. Advanced models have positioning sensors that open the side arms automatically when the phone is in close proximity. These models also have a single-release button that allows users to remove the phone with one hand for added safety.
- Power: The charging power of a wireless car charger is measured in watts and can vary anywhere between 5 watts and 18 watts. Some models offer only one charging power, while top-of-the-line models can identify your phone’s model and adjust their charging power. This technology allows them to charge your phone’s battery much faster than basic models. Some wireless car chargers also offer fast charging to charge compatible phones in no time. Note that to fast charge a phone, you will need an 18-watt car charger to power the wireless charger. With some models, the car chargers are included in the purchase. If not, users can purchase them separately.
- Safety: To prevent damage to your phone’s battery, the best wireless car charger will turn off automatically when the battery is completely charged. They also shut down automatically in the case of overheating to prevent fires and hazards. Other safety features include overvoltage and overcurrent protection.
- Added Features: Indicator lights allow users to know if the phone is fully charged or not. A textured rubber surface provides additional grip to hold the phone in place. Case-friendly chargers can charge your phone without having to remove the phone case.
ESR Wireless Car Charger
Best Overall
Ready for Navigation
Not only does this product deliver super fast charging speeds, but it also offers universal compatibility and speedy installation on air vents in cars, SUVs, and trucks. It holds smartphones securely in place on bumpy roads.
This wireless car charger is designed for the iPhone 12 and 13 series. It has a built-in fan and cooling technology to prevent it from overheating and damaging your phone’s battery. Powerful magnets hold the iPhone in place no matter the rotation angle.
Why We Love It:
- The adjustable ball joint offers many orientations and a wide range of viewing angles
- It offers safe and fast charging and is compatible with magnetic phone cases
- The frosted design and black color allow it to blend in with most car interiors
Something to Consider:
- This wireless car charger does not come with a car adapter
CHGeek Wireless Car Charger
Runner Up
Universal Compatibility
This option is compatible with all Qi-enabled phones, including Android and iOS phones. Its versatile design allows users to mount it on the dashboard with a suction cup or on an air vent with a secure clip.
This wireless charger intelligently identifies the connected phone to charge it at the fastest and safest speed. It supports charging phones with cases up to 6 mm thick. A 360-degree rotating joint allows the user to choose the orientation and fold the bracket to their own linking.
Why We Love It:
- Two grips on the side automatically lock to hold the phone in place
- A side button releases the phone with one touch after charging
- It turns off automatically when the battery is fully charged to prevent damage
Something to Consider:
- This wireless charger may not be ideal for hot climates as the heat can melt the plastic screws
ZEEHOO Wireless Car Charger
Contender
Strong and Adjustable
This option offers a variety of viewing angles with its 360-degree rotatable design that can adapt to portrait and landscape orientations. The clamping design can be locked and released with one hand for added safety.
This wireless phone charger comes with a strong suction cup for easy installation on dashboards and windshields. It also comes with an air vent clip for added installation options. It is compatible with all Qi-enabled Android and iOS phones.
Why We Love It:
- This wireless car charger can hold phones up to 3.2″ wide with its side-locking arms
- It offers fast charging and is compatible with most phone cases
- It’s available in several colors and finishes to match your car’s interior
Something to Consider:
- The air vent clip may be a bit flimsy
iOttie Wireless Car Charger
Honorable Mention
Available in Different Designs
This option is available in several different designs and installation methods. They can be mounted on dashboards, windshields, air vents, cup holders, and CD slots depending on your needs and preferences.
This wireless car charger has a built-in proximity sensor that opens the holding arms automatically when it senses a phone from up to 7 inches away. This particular design can be mounted to an air vent or a CD slot thanks to two different attachments.
Why We Love It:
- This wireless car charger comes with a dual-USB car charger to charge non-Qi phones
- It is compatible with all Qi-enabled Android and iOS smartphones
- The adjustable foot design allows for optimal wireless charging on different-sized phones
Something to Consider:
- The holding arms do not open and close unless the car is turned on
ZOOAUX Wireless Car Charger
Recommended
Easy to Install
This option can be easily mounted to most air vents and offers a 360-degree rotation to accommodate horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The side arms close automatically when the user places their phone on the charging pad.
This wireless car charger automatically identifies different phones to adjust the charging power for faster charging. It is compatible with all Qi-enabled phones, whether iOS or Android. The side arms can be quickly released with the touch of a button.
Why We Love It:
- The rubberized charging pad offers a non-slip grip to secure phones in place
- It can charge phones with protective cases for added convenience
- It is available in black and gray to match different car interiors
Something to Consider:
- The release touch button is a bit sensitive and may open if you brush against it
