Smartphone battery life is a constant concern for many, so portable battery packs can come in very handy. Many smartphones support wireless charging now, so there's no need to fumble with cables to charge up your phone. By combining portable power in battery packs with the convenience of Qi wireless charging, manufacturers have spawned a new category of accessory: the wireless charging battery pack.
With one of the best wireless charging battery packs in your bag or pocket, you can rest assured your phone will make it through the day. But, with so many options, how do you choose the best power bank for you? Wireless charging capability is growing more common by the day. I've tested more than 100 battery packs over the years, so I can clue you into what to look for and recommend the right pick for different situations.
The best wireless charging battery pack for you will strike the right balance between capacity, functionality, and price. You'll find the finest wireless charging battery packs here, with notes on what makes them special and where they fall short. You'll also find some recommended alternatives we considered that just missed out on a place.
How to choose a wireless charging battery packBefore we get started, let's run through some questions to keep in mind that may help you narrow down your choice.
Does your smartphone support wireless charging? Wireless charging is fast becoming a standard feature, particularly in high-end smartphones, but it's not ubiquitous. Make sure you check that your smartphone does support wireless charging before you buy anything on our list. The standard is Qi wireless charging, and you should find an answer in your phone manufacturer's manual or via a quick Google search.
What is the top speed your device can charge at? Manufacturers are always pushing charging speeds higher, so it's worth looking into what the maximum wireless charging rate of your device is. Apple's iPhones are currently capped at 7.5W, for example, while some Samsung phones, such as the S20 range, can go as high as 15W, and Google's Pixel 4 maxes out at 11W.
What capacity do you need? While portability for battery packs has improved, a larger capacity will always push up the overall size, so there's a trade-off between capacity and size. Keep in mind that you never get the full stated capacity when you use a battery pack. Manufacturers usually give an estimate of how many times a battery pack will charge up a specific device, like an iPhone.
How long does the battery pack take to charge up? If you use a battery pack frequently, then you'll need to recharge it frequently. Consider how long it will take to charge up, but also what cable and power adapter is required for top charging speed. Some wireless charging battery packs can also be charged up wirelessly themselves, but it may take so long that it's best done overnight.
Here are our top picks for the best wireless charging battery packs: