How many Watts in a wireless charger?

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 is often lower, such as 10W or even 5W.

Fast charging

Fast charging results in shorter charging times. In order to use fast charging, you need a mobile device and a wireless charger that supports fast charge.

In almost every case 10 watt will suffice for the fastest wireless charge. This will for instance fast charge your Samsung Galaxy device at maximum capacity (9W being the current capped maximum). For iPhones up to the iPhone 11 series, the maximum wireless charging power is capped at 7,5 watt. For the iPhone 12 series and up this is increased to 15W for the official Apple MagSafe charger only.

All our wireless chargers support Apple Fast Charge and Samsung Fast Charge.

More about fast charging

Aluminium dual charger charging iPhone 12 and Sonos Roam

5 watt, 10 watt or 15 watt?

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 safe is wireless charging?

Qi sets the standard for safety when it comes to wireless chargers. The Qi certification is governed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). The WPC is a group of leading companies that cooperate in continuously defining, maintaining and developing the Qi standard for wireless charging.

As a proud member of the WPC, we are offering wireless chargers with the latest technology and safety standards. With a Zens charger you can always safely charge your device, even at night.

ZEDC09G ZENS Liberty 16 Coils Wireless Charger Lifestyle

How does wireless charging works?

You may have been using wireless charging for many years already if you possess an electrical toothbrush: you just put it on the holder and it starts charging.

The principle to charge your smartphone or smartwatch wirelessly is the same: just put your phone on a wireless charger or charging pad and it starts charging. Very convenient, no need to connect a cable first.

ZEDC15B - 4 in 1 Stand+Watch Wireless Charger Aluminium Floating Products

Find your wireless charger

Frequently asked questions

How many watts do I need?

How many watts you need mostly depends on what your phone or device can handle and when or how you want to use the charger. Do you want the fastest charger possible to fast charge your device? In most cases a 10W charger or 15W charger will suffice, as the maximum amount of Watts for fast charge is capped by smartphone manufacturers. For Apple Fast Charge this is 7,5W and for Samsung Fast Charge this is 9W. Make sure your phone actually support fast charge such as Apple Fast Charge or Samsung Fast Charge. If you want to charge your device at night, a 5W charger will also suffice.

What is Qi-certified?

Products using the Qi standard must be tested rigorously to help ensure safety, interoperability and energy efficiency. Only products that have passed these independent laboratory tests can use the Qi logo and are considered “Qi-certified”.

Are Zens wireless chargers Qi-certified?

Yes. Zens is a proud member of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) since 2011 and all ZENS wireless chargers are Qi-certified.

Is my device compatible and does my phone have built-in Qi compatibility?

Find out if your smartphone is or can be made compatible with the Qi standard by viewing our list of all phones with wireless charging.

How does wireless charging work?

Wireless charging works by something which is called magnetic induction. In inductive charging systems, energy is transferred between coils by a magnetic field via inductive coupling. Read more on how wireless charging works.