How many watts in a wireless charger?

When it comes to wireless charging, more Watts doesn’t always mean faster. A 15W charger sounds greatbut if your phone only supports 10W, it won’t charge any faster. Discover which power output fits your device and lifestyle best, from fast charging on the go to slow and steady overnight.

What the watt?

The higher the power output of a charger is, the faster your device will be charged, right? Why buy a charger with a 10 Watt (W) output if the same charger is available in a 15W version?

Well, more power does not necessarily mean faster charging. In some cases it may even make more sense to choose a 10W wireless charger over a 15W version.

10W vs 15W wireless charger

When choosing a wireless charger, the output of the charger itself is not all you need to take into account. Which smartphone you have and how you intent to use the charger are also important aspects to consider.

It is often assumed that a 15W wireless charger is the fastest charger for any phone. It may not be. The charger automatically adjusts the power output to the maximum output that your phone can absorb, which can be lower, such as 7.5W or 10W.

It’s also worth thinking about when you usually charge your device. Is it for a quick top-up during the day, or mainly overnight while you sleep? For overnight charging, even 7.5W is sufficient, and charging at a lower speed can be gentler on your battery in the long run. It’s not just about speed; it’s about charging smart.

Fast charging explained

Fast charging reduces charging time, but to take advantage of it, both your device and wireless charger must support fast charge. The newest technology (Qi2/MagSafe) supports 15W charging, delivering newest phones around 35% battery in just 30 minutes: ideal for a quick and efficient power boost. However, your charging routine matters too. If you charge overnight, speed is less important; 5W is more than enough to ensure you wake up to a full battery. As fast charging continues to evolve, 15W has become the modern standard in wireless charging. With the introduction of Qi2, and the upcoming Qi2.2 update, this 15W standard is now being applied more efficiently and reliably than ever.

How many watts do I need?

Generally, it is best to choose the charger with an output at least equal to what is supported by your device. However, when or where you plan on using the charger, may also play a role in what output is most efficient. Will you place the charger on your nightstand and charge your phone during the night? Then your device will be placed on the charger for a couple of hours, so charging speed is not relevant. In this case a standard 5W charger will be more than enough to do the job.

How many watts do the main phone brands support?

Most smartphones today support Qi or Qi2 wireless charging, but not all charge at the same speed. iPhones from 8 to 11 charge at 7.5W via Qi, while iPhone 12 to 14 reach 15W only with MagSafe. The iPhone 15 and up fully supports 15W Qi2. Samsung's newer models like the S25 support 15W Qi2 natively, while the S24 and Z series need a magnetic case. Many Android phones support 5 to 15W, with Qi2 adoption growing. Always check your phone’s max input to choose the right charger.