Ever since Apple started removing chargers from the boxes of its latest phones, "What’s the best iPhone charger?" is a pretty sensible question to ask. But before we can answer that, you need to decide whether you want a wired or wireless one.
With wireless charging, you just pop your phone onto the pad, or connect it magnetically if MagSafe is compatible, and let it do its work. You may not even have to remove your phone from its case depending on the case thickness. (If you're looking for a new case, by the way, see our guides to the best phone cases, as well as the latest iPhone 15 Pro cases, iPhone 15 Pro Max cases, and iPhone 15 Plus cases).
Wireless charging is super convenient. However, there are two big disadvantages. Firstly, you can’t easily use your phone while it’s charging. And secondly, it's slower than most modern wired chargers. Powerful wired chargers have the benefit of not only being able to charge your phone but often other devices at the same time.
In the article below, we've rounded up the best iPhone chargers of both types, and give you the facts you need to choose between them. However, if you simply do not like cables, then you might want to check out our best iPhone wireless chargers guide instead.
Gareth Bevan
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. With several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, shooting for some household names, he has learned a thing or two about cameras and the photography industry. Outside of photography, expect to find him cycling around London, or deep in a Netflix binge.
This is the best charger you can get combining a tiny size with a huge amount of power, overkill for just your iPhone alone, but great for several devices. Read more below...
This is the best dock you can buy for charging multiple Apple devices if you travel a lot, with its compact and ingenious folding design. Read more below...
This is a tiny little charger that is perfect for charging your iPhone at maximum speed, and then slipping into a pocket when you're done. Read more below...
If you want to charge a lot of devices with wired charging at the same time, with three USB-C and one USB-A connection, you can get all your gadgets topped up in no time. Read more below...
For anyone who has to have everything officially Apple then there is an iPhone charger for you. It is not as cheap or as powerful as other options, but it is Apple quality. Read more below...
If you want a wireless charger, but you are on a seriously tight budget, then this is the stand for you. It won't get you the fastest speeds, but it does the job. Read more below...
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The best iPhone charger for multiple devices
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
Single port output: USB-C 100W (USB-C), 100W (USB-C), 22.5W (USB-A)
Weight: 180g (6.35 oz)
Size: ~ 49.6 x 45.6 x 72 mm
Reasons to buy
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Powerful 100W charge
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Small and compact
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Folding plug
Reasons to avoid
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Overkill for just one phone
Looking for a super-powerful charger, that can power up your iPhone and two other devices very, very quickly? Well, if you're willing to pay a bit more, this charger comes highly recommended.
By supplying a whopping 100W of power, Anker claims that you can achieve a 34% time saving when charging an iPad Pro or iPhone 14 Max. It's also compatible with a huge range of other devices.
I also loved the folding design, which makes this charger lovely and compact, and while it did run a little hot when charging three devices simultaneously, it still worked well in practice. It's quite light too, at just 180g. So if you often need to charge an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook (or similar non-Apple devices) simultaneously and quickly, it's well worth a look.
Total ports: x1 MagSafe, x1 Apple Watch, x1 QI Wireless
Single port output: 15W (MagSafe)
Weight: 412g (14.53 oz)
Size: 6.34 x 6 x 6 cm (2.49 x 2.3 x 2.3 in)
Reasons to buy
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Charge 3 devices
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Supports Fast Charge watches and iPhone
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Combines charger & stand
Reasons to avoid
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Heavier than separate cables
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Expensive
If you want to charge multiple devices and prefer to get Apple-approved products, here's a quality, if expensive, option for you. It supports MagSafe charging of the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time, all from a compact foldable box. If you need the speed, there is support for fast charging. It can handle up to 30W total, which means it’ll do as well as Apple’s standard chargers.
Better yet, not only does it fold away neatly into a cube, but when open the MagSafe lid supports the phone as a stand at up to 60˚. This makes it a handy stand, able to support any MagSafe-charged iPhone horizontally or vertically.
That it's weighty enough to counterbalance the device might be the only downside to this elegant cube. It’s lighter than others, but it is still more than the jumble of cables it might replace; that’s a choice you need to make when you pack your bag – in one spot it is neat and functional.
With the Anker Nano 3, you can enjoy a powerful and portable plug. Thanks to the GaN technology, Anker has made the plug as small as possible, while still delivering enough power for a MacBook Air or a fast-charging phone or tablet. The US version has a sleek folding prong design that makes the power adapter compact and neat, but the rest of the world has to deal with bulky plugs that spoil the look.
However, the 30W output from this little plug is impressive, regardless of where you live. It can charge my iPhone 14 Pro in about 90 minutes, and keep my MacBook Air (M2) running even when I use it heavily. If you have a few low-powered devices, this is a great plug to carry around.
Single port output: 65W (USB-C), 65W (USB-C), 22.5W (USB-A)
Weight: 330 g (11.64 oz)
Size: 6.5 x 6.5 x 3.25 cm (2.6 x 2.6 x 1.3 in)
Reasons to buy
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Powerful charging for several devices at once
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Carry case for keeping charger and plug converters together
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Simple click-in and out wall plugs
Reasons to avoid
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Not the smallest charger out there
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Can get more powerful chargers for the same or smaller size
I travel a lot and I need a reliable and versatile charger for my multiple devices. That’s why I love the Ugreen Nexode 65W charger. It has a simple and intuitive design, with international plugs that click in and out easily. It works with different wall outlets around the world, so I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. It also comes with a soft case that keeps everything neat and tidy and protects the charger and accessories from damage or loss.
I know there are other chargers that are smaller or more powerful, but the Nexode 65W charger is just right for me. It has a 65W power output that can charge a variety of devices, from smartphones and tablets to some laptops. Whether I’m traveling frequently or just occasionally, or even just staying at home, the Ugreen 65W charger is a smart choice for me. It helps me keep my devices powered up and ready to go, without any hassle or clutter.
I love the sleek and minimalist design of the Apple 20W power adapter, which blends seamlessly with my existing collection of Apple chargers and devices. I don’t care about other power adapters in the market that may offer more power output or the ability to charge multiple devices at once, because none of them can match the iconic design that Apple’s charger has.
Even though the 20W output is not the highest that my Apple devices can handle, it still charges my iPhone, AirPods, or iPad quickly and efficiently. But as long as that’s not a deal-breaker for you, this is one of the best wired iPhone chargers you can buy today.
Missed opportunity for second charging pad on base
The Anker wireless charging stand is a great value for its price. It is one of the most affordable stands available for charging your phone. While it may not be the fastest way to wirelessly charge your phone, it is still a reliable option.
The charging performance is admirable as long as you set your expectations appropriately. I was able to charge my phone overnight and woke up with a full battery.
The stand is perfect for anyone looking for an entry-level wireless charging solution or to add a few additional chargers to their home or office setup. Keep in mind that if you want faster speeds or a more attractive design, the cost will increase quickly.
Total ports: 1x MagSafe, 1x Apple Watch, 1x Qi Wireless
Single port output: Unspecified
Weight: 95g (3.35oz)
Size: 18.75 x 16.21 x 20.96 cm (7.38 x 6.38 x 8.25 in)
Reasons to buy
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Unique and stylish design
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Max MagSafe 15W charging speed
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Charges up to three Apple devices wirelessly
Reasons to avoid
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Looks a bit odd not in use
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Reasonably large
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For Apple users only
I liked the distinctive design of the Belkin Wireless charging stand, which added some style to my desk, but I understood that not everyone might share my taste. It looked a bit bulky and odd when it was empty, but it became more useful and attractive when it had three devices on it.
The MagSafe connection was strong and secure, and I had no trouble placing my iPhone on it. It also charged my compatible devices at the fastest wireless speeds and I was impressed by how quickly it filled up the batteries of my iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch 8, and AirPods. I enjoyed having all three devices charging on one stand, as it made me feel more efficient and organized.
Single port output: 15W (MagSafe), 100W (USB-C), 100W (USB-C), 22.5W (USB-A)
Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Size: 15.2 x 11.5 x 11.2 cm (5.98 x 4.53 x 4.41 in)
Reasons to buy
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MagSafe makes your iPhone a desktop display
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100W power is enough for most laptops
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Great looking device
Reasons to avoid
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Maximum power outputs drop quickly with multiple devices
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Not really portable
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Confusing power combinations
I love how the Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN charger adds an elegant touch to my well-organized desktop setup with its 15W MagSafe feature. The charger itself has a visually pleasing design that elevates the aesthetics of my workspace. And when I put my iPhone in landscape orientation on the MagSafe charger, it turns into a stunning desktop clock, blending functionality with style.
The charger’s impressive 100-watt output also gives me enough power to charge my MacBook and other laptops through a single port, as well as various peripheral devices.
The only thing I wish it had was a second wireless charger beneath the top surface, which would have been perfect for charging my AirPods or Apple Watch, making it even more versatile. But still, with few chargers offering both wireless charging and a powerful desktop charger combination, this is one of my favorite desktop chargers I have used.
The most important two question to ask yourself is how many devices you want to charge? If you are only looking to charge a single iPhone, then there are chargers on this list that are small and compact that offer just a single output to charge one device, these are also the cheapest options available.
However if you would like to be able to charge a couple of devices at the same time, things are a little more complicated. There are a range of options for wall chargers, each with different power outputs, depending on what you want to charge, you might want to opt for a higher output. iPhones, Apple Watches, or AirPods don't require a big power draw, but if you also want to charge an iPad or a MacBook, you'll need a charger than can handle that.
Finally, have you considered going wireless? If you are tired of fumbling around with pluggingg in cables, there are wireless docks available that allow you to drop your devices into place and they just charge. These docks range from single cradles for your phone, to multi-device charging hubs depending on your needs.
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
How fast can my iPhone charge?
This is a good question as Apple has traditionally been a little cagey about its maximum charging speeds. It is a good bet that if you have an iPhone 8 up until the iPhone 13, then your phone can charge using a maximum of 20W of power, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro looks to be capable of a faster 27W of power, so should charge slightly faster. Apple suggests that iPhones can recharge to 50% in 30 minutes, and in our testing, this seems accurate, with iPhones reaching full capacity in under two hours.
Can I use a faster charger with my iPhone?
You can use any speed charger with your iPhone, however if you use a charger that is faster than the speed the iPhone is capable of (currently between 20-27W), then your phone will not charge any faster that its rated speed.
Is wired or wireless charging better?
Well wireless charging is certainly more convenient, as you don't have to have trailing wires, or fumble to connect devices. However the downside is wireless charging is slower. Apple's MagSafe charging is rated at 15W, which is slower than the 27W you can get through a Lightning or USB-C connection.
We test iPhone chargers both for their physical attributes and also how they perform in use. Firstly we compare the size and weight of iPhone chargers to competitors, taking into account the amount of power each charger produces as well as the number of devices it can support charging simultaneously.
To test the power of the charger we will test how fast it charges our iPhones in a range of situations, and record the time, usually to a 50 percent charge and then a 100 percent charge. We will repeat these same tests several times to ensure that there is consistency between ratings.
Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.
