Here’s how to compare iPhone 15 chargers.

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Qi2 is one of the biggest things to happen in smartphone charging since MagSafe launched in the early 2020s. But how does this new open standard differ from Apple’s own 15W implementation? Below, you’ll find out how the specs line up on paper, and how each category of chargers actually stacks up. I will explore from my own practical experience how it compares.

Chargers featuring the new Qi2 standard officially started hitting store shelves earlier this year. CES 2024 was the impetus for new accessories featuring this technology to make their debut. Since January, more and more gadgets have been purchased.

Since then, we’ve also reviewed a number of accessories that come with the Qi2. From Anker and Nomad to his ESR and other brands, we’ve taken a more specific, hands-on look at how individual power banks and chargers stack up. Now, let’s take a look back and check out how Qi2 compares to MagSafe. Consider this the State of the Union for the iPhone 15 magnetic charging market.

What is Qi2? How does it compare to MagSafe?

In many ways, Qi2 is a more general application of the same technology that Apple uses for MagSafe. The official MagSafe standard was first announced with the iPhone 12 in 2020, marking the first debut of the company’s new 15W charging standard. Older Qi technology could already power Android smartphones with up to 15W, while iPhones were historically stuck at half that, his 7.5W speed.

Qi2 seeks to level the playing field by offering the same 15W speeds offered by official MagSafe without adopting Apple’s proprietary standards. Both charger lineups feature magnetic mounts and also support standby mode. So, on paper, the two Venn diagrams are almost perfect circles. But in reality, each side of the equation has advantages and disadvantages.

Here’s how the chargers actually stack up

After reviewing quite a few Qi2 chargers and a ton of MagSafe stands, my opinion is that if you want a better accessory, MagSafe is still the way to go. Qi2 offers better value, especially with something like ESR’s new 3-in-1 stand. However, if you are looking for a high-end charger, we recommend using the official MagSafe.

MagSafe chargers typically feature high-end builds using high-quality plastics, soft rubber, and even premium materials like stainless steel and leather. Obviously, your mileage will actually depend on which charger you buy. But let’s look at some examples.

My personal favorite 3-in-1 charging stand is the Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe. With its leather-wrapped construction and all the features you’d expect from a charger, it stands out from the rest on the market. $150 price tag. But it goes above and beyond. Featuring a secondary Qi pad that can deliver 7.5W speeds, they’re more than just AirPods or truly wireless earbuds. That’s something you don’t get with Qi2.

Anker’s 3-in-1 MagSafe Cube is another example. As far as 3-in-1 options go, this is still my go-to travel charger. This is thanks to its top-of-the-line, sturdy construction. It’s compact, has fast charging for your Apple Watch, and folds down to a small size. $150 cube. It feels classy on its own, but it gets even more classy when you place it next to the new Qi2 option that Anker launched in January. There’s not much comparison in terms of quality.

On the other hand, a Qi2 charger would be even more valuable. If you just want to power your iPhone 15 at up to 15W for as little money as possible, the Qi2 option is a good choice. ESR sets the pace with a low-cost model $80 below. Will my Apple Watch run out of charge when I fast charge it? Yes, but if you really need it, you can upgrade to the Anker 3-in-1 I mentioned earlier. $110 below.

It all comes down to what you value more. If you’re looking to upgrade your nightstand with a charger built to the quality of your iPhone or Apple Watch, it’s MagSafe. But if you’re looking to save money and don’t need to check every box, you’ll be happy with Qi2 and its compromises.

When it comes to power banks, the story is different.

The story changes quite a bit when you switch from a home charger to a power bank. Even today, there are no MagSafe power banks that can actually achieve 15W speeds. Four years of Apple standards, and even the Cupertino company has not been able to release a portable charger that can reach the maximum capacity of the charging specifications. Qi2, on the other hand, has only been on the market for a few months, but it’s already shipping gadgets that support 15W output for Apple’s latest smartphones.

Over the years, I have reviewed many magnetic power banks. Even the best ones were limited in speed to a maximum of 7.5W, and my iPhone often overheated as I struggled to charge it. I’ve had a very different experience with the Qi2 power bank.

So far, we’ve checked out two Anker power banks that feature the new charging standard. Both the 10,000mAh model and the foldable 6,600mAh version can power your iPhone 15 at full charging speed using a magnetic pad. Foldable versions also manage to reduce overheating issues by placing the magnetic coil away from the actual built-in battery.

If you want the best money can buy, look no further than Qi2.

This is coming from someone who has spent a lot of time using numerous other MagSafe power banks. My favorite is that even Anker’s lineup and Belkin’s colorful options can’t compete with the improvements Qi2 offers. Needless to say, the new Anker models I’ve been reviewing so far feature premium builds that improve upon their 7.5W predecessors.

You can see full reviews of the chargers featured in this feature below by clicking on each image.