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When wireless phone chargers first hit the market, I was aware of them but definitely thought they were not for me. My cabinets might be packed to the brim with more vases than any one person could possibly need, an abundance of scented candles just waiting to be burned, and myriad special-occasion table linens that rarely get used, but when it comes to gadgets, I’m super-hesitant to bring anything seemingly superfluous into my life. (I once used my laptop for so many years, a technician at Apple’s Genius Bar told me they could no longer work on it because, according to them, it was obsolete. I begged to differ.) I have a phone charging cable and it works just fine; why do I need anything else?
And then, some tech designers decided it was time to make this category of gadgets easy on the eyes, and I started to rethink my stance on them. I am truly a sucker for aesthetically-minded anything—whether we’re talking pantry goods or, apparently, phone chargers. But it wasn’t until I actually tried one that I understood why they’re so great. It’s a subtle streamlining of life that won me over. Yes, plugging in your phone is not an arduous task. And, no, I do not need a cordless rendition. But the ease of just placing your phone on a surface—one you were likely about to put it down on anyway—and getting a little power boost…well, it’s a little thing, but it sparks joy. Not to mention, my phone is almost always fully charged since I’ve gotten this device.
I started with one on my nightstand, and I’ve since progressed to one on my desk and another on a side table in my living room. My two favorites are from Anker and Courant—both make design-forward versions that feel well suited for a home environment, though their functionalities are a little different.
Anker’s 623 Magnetic Wireless Charger ($80) is great because it can charge two devices (a phone and AirPods, for example) at the same time, and its vertical orientation means it takes up less tabletop space. It also comes in four colors and feels very sleek and modern, and its top surface can be angled so you can view your phone easily while it’s charging. One caveat is that it’s only compatible with iPhone 12 and 13 because those models have a magnetized back—a feature that provides a satisfying click into place when you hover it over the device. I don’t love that the brand’s logo is stamped on the front, but it’s subtle enough that it can be overlooked.
Courant’s range ($40 to $175) includes three sizes—a single, a double, and a single with an attached catchall tray—which all come in either a linen or leather finish and several neutral color options. The leather styles can be monogrammed with silver or gold foil for $10. All Qi-enabled phones (which includes Apple, Samsung, Google, and more) are compatible, making this a great option for common areas of your home so guests can easily charge their devices as well. One downside to this version: You can’t just place your phone on it unconsciously and assume it’s charging—you might have to move it around a bit to find the zone that will initiate a charge. The good news is, once you’ve done it a few items, it becomes second nature.
After living with both, Courant is the winner for me. While Anker’s is a nice option for my nightstand—a small surface where real estate is valuable and I benefit from the device’s vertical configuration—Courant has designs that I want to place all over my home. Slim, flat shapes and nontechy materials help them blend into their surroundings, and because they work with a wide range of phones, even visitors can charge up easily. Favorites aside, the true takeaway is that wireless charging is a game changer and you shouldn’t underestimate the peace that the right tech upgrade—even one as minor as ditching power cords—can bring to your life.