Induction Chargers Explained: How They Work & Top 2025 Picks

Tired of untangling charging cables or hunting for the right plug? As more devices go wireless, induction chargers are quickly becoming the go-to solution for fuss-free power. Whether you’re charging a smartphone, earbuds, or smartwatch, going cable-free is no longer just a gimmick. It’s efficient, convenient, and surprisingly versatile.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how induction charging works, the differences between Qi, MagSafe, and the newer Qi2 standards, and why wireless chargers are worth switching to. And if you’re shopping in 2025, we’ve rounded up the best induction chargers available in the UK right now.

alt: Anker induction charger

What Is an Induction Charger and How Does It Work?

An induction charger is a device that powers your phone, earbuds, or other gadgets without using a physical cable. Instead of plugging in, you simply place your device on the charger, and it starts charging wirelessly. These chargers come in all shapes and sizes, from simple wireless charging pads and stands to multi-device stations that can handle several gadgets at once.

So, how do induction chargers work, exactly? The science behind them is called electromagnetic induction. Inside the charger, there’s a transmitter coil. Inside your phone (or another compatible device), there’s a receiver coil.

Here’s how induction charging works in simple steps:

1. Charger gets power: You plug the induction charger into the wall or a USB-C port, and it starts producing an alternating current (AC).
2. Magnetic field is created: That AC flows through the transmitter coilinside the charger, generating a magnetic field just above the surface of the pad.
3. Device is placed on the charger: When you set your phone (or any Qi-compatible device) onto the charger, the receiver coilinside your device lines up with the transmitter coil.
4. Energy is transferred wirelessly: The magnetic field from the charger induces a current in your device’s receiver coil. In other words, it wirelessly transfers AC power.
5. Power is converted to charge the battery: Your device then converts that AC into direct current (DC), regulates it safely, and sends it to the battery to begin charging.

The closer and better aligned the coils are, the more efficient the charging. Misalignment can lead to slower speeds and more heat.

Types of Induction Charging

While all wireless chargers work on the same basic principle—electromagnetic induction—not all are created equal. In 2025, there are three main types of induction charging used in phones and accessories: Qi, MagSafe, and the newer Qi2.

Each has its own approach to alignment, power delivery, and compatibility. Here’s what you need to know:

Qi Charging

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the most widely adopted wireless charging standard in the world, developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). It’s supported by over 200 major tech brands, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Anker. The idea behind it is simple: no matter the brand, if your device and charger are both Qi-certified, they’ll work together safely and reliably.

Like we covered earlier, Qi uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power through coils. But it also adds a smart layer on top, a digital “handshake” between the charger and your device. This lets them agree on how much power to send and keeps an eye on heat levels while charging.

Depending on your phone or accessory, Qi charging typically delivers between 5W and 15W. It also includes key safety features like Foreign Object Detection (FOD). If something like a coin or key slips between your phone and the pad, the charger recognises it and stops the power flow to prevent overheating or damage.

alt: Qi charger coil

MagSafe Charging

MagSafe is Apple’s custom wireless iPhone charger system introduced with the iPhone 12. It’s built on top of Qi but adds a ring of magnets around the charging coil to ensure perfect alignment every time. That snap-on placement helps reduce energy loss, keeps things secure, and enables faster, more reliable charging, especially when you’re moving around or using your phone while it charges.

MagSafe delivers up to 15W of wireless charging, twice as fast as standard Qi charging (7.5W), for iPhone 12 through 16. It also powers a growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories, including wallets, stands, car mounts, and magnetic battery packs.

Qi2 Charging

Enter Qi2, the next generation of wireless charging from the Wireless Power Consortium. Launched in 2023, Qi2 takes the best parts of MagSafe—namely, that magnetic alignment—and builds them into a new open standard that works across both iOS and Android devices.

Qi2 introduces the Magnetic Power Profile, which uses the same magnet layout as MagSafe. That means devices snap into perfect position automatically, improving efficiency and enabling up to 15W charging speeds with certified accessories.

Qi2 is fully backwards compatible with regular Qi, and as more devices adopt it, including iPhones from the 12 to 16 series and new Android models, it’s expected to become the go-to standard for wireless charging moving forward.

alt: Qi2 wireless charger for iPhone

Wireless Charging Comparison: Qi vs MagSafe vs Qi2

Feature	Qi	MagSafe	Qi2
Introduced	2010	2020 (Apple)	2023 (WPC)
Charging Speed	5W to 15W (varies by device) Up to 7.5W for iPhone	Up to 15W	Up to 15W
Alignment	Manual, position-sensitive	Auto aligned via magnets (Apple only)	Auto aligned via magnets (universal)
Device Compatibility	Most smartphones, earbuds, etc.	iPhone 12–16	iPhone 12–16, Android (growing support)
Foreign Object Detection	Yes	Yes	Yes
Use Case Strength	Affordable, basic charging	Seamless Apple experience	Cross-platform, future-ready charging

Benefits of Using Induction Chargers

Wireless charging has come a long way, and in 2025, induction chargers aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re becoming the standard. Whether you’re looking to cut cable clutter or want an easier way to top up your phone during the day, there are some real advantages to going wireless.

• No wires, no fuss.Just drop your phone or earbuds on the pad and it starts charging—no need to mess around with tangled cables or worn-out ports.
• Universal compatibility.Thanks to Qi certification, one charger can power up all kinds of devices, from phones to earbuds, and even some smartwatches. With over 11,000 Qi-certified products available, it’s easier than ever to charge across brands.
• Smart safety built in.Certified Qi and Qi2 chargers include features like Foreign Object Detection (FOD) to stop charging if something metal like keys or coins gets in the way. They also monitor heat and adjust power as needed to keep things safe.
• Gentler on your ports.Wireless charging means no more constant plugging and unplugging, which helps reduce wear on your phone’s charging port.
• Magnetic alignment makes a difference.Chargers that use magnets, like MagSafe and Qi2, snap your device into perfect position, improving coil alignment for steadier speeds and less wasted energy.

Best Induction Chargers in 2025

Ready to go wireless? Whether you need a wireless charging stand on your desk to reduce clutter, a simple pad for your bedside table, or something portable, these three options from Anker are among the best you’ll find this year:

Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

This compact Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe folds down for travel but unfolds to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. The phone panel is fully adjustable. It tilts up to 60° and rotates a full 360°, so you can use it flat or prop your phone up for video calls or StandBy mode.

The Watch charger pops out from the side, while the AirPods pad sits under the lid. It delivers full 15W Apple-certified MagSafe charging for iPhones (12 and newer) and supports fast charging for Apple Watch Series 7 and above. It also comes with a 30W USB-C wall adapter and a 1.5 m cable, making it ready for travel right out of the box.

alt: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

Best for: Apple users who want a true Apple-certified MagSafe 3-in-1 charger that’s compact enough to take anywhere, but powerful and stable enough for everyday use.

What’s good:

• Official MagSafe 15Wwireless charging stand with adjustable angles for vertical or horizontal use
• Officially certified Apple Watch fast charging(Series 7/8/9/Ultra)
• Pop-out Watch puckand fold-flat AirPods pad for compact travel storage
• Comes with a 30W wall adapter and USB-C cable

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1)

This Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1) packs serious power into a small footprint. It provides Qi2-certified 15W magnetic wireless charging for iPhones, 5W for AirPods, and Apple-certified fast charging for Apple Watch.

The Qi2 magnetic pad uses a high-conductivity aluminium coil to keep temperatures in check and ensure a consistent power flow. Anker’s Wireless Power IQ™ and ActiveShield 2.0 tech manage heat and safety, with over 3 million temperature checks per day and protection against over-voltage, over-current, and foreign objects.

The charging station is also adjustable for easy viewing, folds flat when not in use, and ships with a 40W USB-C wall adapter, so there’s nothing extra to buy.

alt: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station on desk

Best for: A sleek, foldable 3-in-1 that delivers snap-on 15W Qi2 charging and Watch fast charging, ideal for travel or desks where space is tight.

What’s good:

• Qi2-certified magnetic 15Wcharging for iPhone with smart thermal management
• Certified Apple Watch fast chargingwith up to ~47% in 30 minutes
• Folds flatand supports adjustable angles while in use
• Includes a 40W wall adapterwith full output for all three devices
• Built-in MultiProtect systemwith FOD and voltage safeguards

Anker 313 Wireless Charger (Pad)

If you just want a simple, reliable, and affordable Qi wireless pad, this is it. The Anker 313 Wireless Charger (Pad) delivers up to 10W for Samsung phones, 7.5W for iPhones, and 5W for earbuds and other Qi-enabled devices.

It works through most cases up to 5 mm thick and has a handy LED indicator to show charging status. There are no magnets here, so you’ll need to line it up manually, but it’s thin, discreet, and easy to use anywhere, from your desk and bedside to the hallway console table.

alt: Anker 313 Wireless Charger Pad

Best for: Anyone who wants an affordable, no-frills Qi pad that just works, great as a secondary charger for the home or office.

What’s good:

• Qi-certified 10W / 7.5W / 5W outputdepending on the device
• Supports charging through casesup to 5 mm
• LED indicatorsshow charge status at a glance
• MultiProtect safety features, including FOD and temperature control

Conclusion

Wireless charging has matured. What started as a slow, niche feature is now a fast, convenient, and safe way to power up your everyday devices. Whether you’re after the snap-on convenience of MagSafe charging, the flexibility of Qi2, or a no-fuss Qi pad for your desk or bedside, there’s now a solution that fits your setup and style.

Need a place to start? Anker’s current lineup includes some of the best induction chargers available in the UK right now. They’re powerful, compact, and built to work seamlessly with your gear. Explore and find your perfect match today!

FAQs

How do induction chargers work?

An induction charger works by transferring energy wirelessly via electromagnetic induction, without the need for physical connectors or cables. It uses a transmitter coil in the charger pad and a compatible receiver coil inside the device. When alternating current (AC) flows through the charger’s coil, it creates a changing magnetic field. The coil inside the device picks up this field, inducing an electric current that is then converted into direct current (DC) to charge the battery.

What is the principle of induction charging?

The principle is electromagnetic induction: an alternating current (AC) in the charger’s transmitter’s coil generates a magnetic field. When a receiver coil in the device enters that field, it induces a current. This induced AC is then converted to direct current (DC) via a rectifier so the battery can be charged.

What is the meaning of inductive charger?

An inductive charger, also called a wireless charger, refers to a charging device that transfers energy without direct contact. It uses electromagnetic fields between two coils: the charger’s transmitter coil and the device’s receiver coil. This enables contact‑free charging of batteries, eliminating the need for plugs or connectors.

Are induction chargers safe?

Yes, induction chargers are safe when used properly. They include built-in safety features such as overheat protection, voltage regulation, and foreign object detection. These mechanisms help avoid risks like electrical surges or device damage. When paired with certified devices, they offer a secure, convenient, and reliable way to charge electronics wirelessly.