Cheap Wireless Chargers Under $30 Dollars
Getting wireless charging on the cheap is easier than you'd think.
Popularized by Android phones, then solidified as a here-to-stay feature with the iPhone 8, wireless charging has had a bumpy existence in its relatively short lifespan. For a long time, there were two wireless charging standards (PMA and Qi), which kept many manufacturers from going all-in on a particular method—until Apple went with Qi in 2017 for its iPhone. Although phones with Qi go as back as far as 2012 (with examples like the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Google Nexus 4), it took commitment from Apple to create an industry standard.
So if you missed the wireless charging wars and you’re just getting up to speed, congratulations on avoiding all the nonsense. We’re finally at a time when wireless charging has become an expected feature, so it’s no longer as difficult to find or as expensive. Below, we’ve dropped a handful of wireless chargers under $30 that will get your closer to the totally-wireless existence you’ve always dreamed of.
Seneo Wireless Charger
Seneo has been making affordable wireless chargers for quite a while, and this one doesn’t disappoint: It’s a true, fast wireless charging pad that also doubles as a stand, holding your phone at a 60-degree angle. The downside to this charger is that while it does indeed support fast wireless charging at 10W, you will need to purchase a Quick Charge-compatible AC adapter to take advantage. Also, iPhone users are stuck at the slower 7.5W charging speed—but that’s not completely terrible, nor this manufacturer’s fault. And the cherry on top: a three-year warranty.
RavPower Wireless Charger
At at $29.99, RavPower’s wireless charger may come in at the top end of the price spectrum, but also ships with a Quick Charge 3.0 AC adapter, so you don’t have to purchase one separately. You’ll find 10W fast charging for some of the latest Android smartphones, 7.5W charging for compatible iPhones, and 5W for everything else.
YooTech Wireless Charger
The YooTech Wireless Charger is a great value play, offering comparable features to its competition, and a lifetime money back/replacement warranty with 12-hour response. It’s also a standing charger, which means your phone can even more easily serve as an alarm clock on your nightstand. While it does lack an AC adapter, its $18 price tag may help you overlook that.
Aukey Wireless Charger
While we applaud Aukey for using the latest USB standard for its charger, it’s hard to find any genuine use for it right now, other than using the USB A to C cable directly to your compatible phone if needed. However, you can scratch the value of this if you have an older Android phone that still uses micro USB or an iPhone, which is still using its proprietary Lightning port. Nonetheless, Aukey’s wireless charging solution looks great, performs as well as any other on this list, and you can find it on sale for only $20 (a $7 savings) from time to time.
Anker PowerWave Fast Wireless Charging Pad
Anker Wireless Charger
If you’re unfamiliar with Anker, we couldn’t necessarily blame you. But the brand makes good-quality power banks, chargers, and charging cables at terribly affordable prices, so we couldn’t leave it off this list. Featuring a no-frill, understated design, the flat charging pad is as good, if not better, than many of the above options, while clocking in at a mere $26, though promotions often make this charger cheaper.
A word about cases: While the technology has certainly improved over the years, it’s not perfect. Qi wireless charging struggles when its receiver isn’t close enough to the charging coil. Thick phone cases can prevent the charger from working at all, so be sure to look at the charger details to see how well it can charge through cases. It will more than likely detail the thickness of a compatible case. Metal cases are not compatible at all, so don’t blame the charger if it doesn’t work.
