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Magnetic wireless chargers are everywhere now, but the labels can be confusing. Some say MagSafe, some say Qi2, some say Qi2 25W, and some just say “MagSafe compatible”. They all snap on to the back of your phone, so what’s the difference? Here’s a clear guide to Qi2 vs MagSafe, and what to check before you spend your money.
Quick answer
- Qi2 is built on MagSafe. Apple shared its MagSafe design to create the open Qi2 standard.
- Speed: Qi2 goes up to 15W, and the newer Qi2 25W matches MagSafe’s top speed of 25W on recent iPhones.
- Avoid plain “MagSafe compatible” chargers if speed matters, as many only charge at 7.5W.
- Android: Qi2 works with a growing number of Android phones. MagSafe is Apple’s own.
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What is MagSafe?
MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic wireless charging system for iPhone 12 and later. A ring of magnets lines your phone up perfectly with the charger, so it charges efficiently and doesn’t slide off. Official MagSafe chargers are made or certified by Apple. Belkin’s comparison lists MagSafe charging at up to 25W on supported iPhones.
What is Qi2?
Qi2 is the open wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the group behind the original Qi standard. When Qi2 launched, the WPC said its magnetic profile was based on MagSafe technology contributed by Apple. So, in practice, a Qi2 charger snaps on and lines up just like MagSafe, but any brand can make one and any phone maker can support it.
According to the WPC’s Qi2 consumer site, Qi2 delivers up to 15W.
And Qi2 25W?
Qi2 25W is the newer version, technically Qi v2.2, which the WPC’s specification history says added support for up to 25W in April 2025. The WPC says it charges a phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes in its testing, and adds better heat management and foreign-object detection.
Qi2 vs MagSafe: the differences that matter
- Who makes it: MagSafe is Apple’s. Qi2 is an open standard, so there’s a much wider range of chargers, stands and power banks from different brands.
- Speed: Qi2 goes up to 15W and Qi2 25W up to 25W. Macworld says iPhone 16 and later models can generally charge at up to 25W on certified Qi2 25W chargers, with exceptions, such as the iPhone 16e, which is limited to 7.5W. Older MagSafe iPhones top out at 15W.
- Phones: MagSafe is for iPhone. Qi2 works with iPhone 12 and later, and Belkin lists a growing number of Android phones too.
- Certification: MagSafe accessories are Apple-certified, and Qi2 chargers are WPC-certified. The WPC suggests checking its certified product database to make sure a charger is genuine.
The “MagSafe compatible” trap
Lots of cheap chargers say “MagSafe compatible” but aren’t certified MagSafe or Qi2. Macworld says these are usually limited to 7.5W, half of Qi2’s speed. They’ll still stick to your phone, but they’ll charge it slowly. Look for the Qi2 or Qi2 25W logo, or official MagSafe.
What about Android phones?
Qi2 is the one to look for on Android, as MagSafe is Apple-only. Belkin’s guide lists Qi2-compatible phones, including recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and OnePlus models. Some Android phones support Qi2 charging without having the magnets built in, so check your phone’s spec, and whether you’ll need a magnetic case to get the snap-on fit.
Cases: the hidden catch
A thick or non-magnetic case can weaken the magnets or stop charging altogether. Anker’s product page for its MagGo stand warns that heavy-duty and non-MagSafe cases aren’t compatible, and that metal, cards and pop grips will interfere. If you use a case, choose one with a built-in magnetic ring, like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit for iPhone 17.
Our pick: Anker MagGo 2-in-1 Qi2 stand
The Anker MagGo 2-in-1 Qi2 stand in our shop is Qi2-certified. Anker lists up to 15W for your iPhone and up to 5W for wireless earbuds at the same time, with a stand that tilts 45 degrees and rotates 360 degrees. Anker says it’s designed for iPhone 12 and later. Note that it’s 15W Qi2, not Qi2 25W, so an iPhone 16 or 17 won’t get its fastest wireless speed from it. A USB-C wall charger isn’t included, so you’ll need a suitably powerful one.
Find more in the phone accessories section of our shop, see our desk gadgets guide for more ideas, or check our Black Friday 2026 guide if you’re waiting for a deal.
Verdict
Qi2 and MagSafe are close relatives: Qi2 was built on MagSafe, and both snap on and charge efficiently. For most people, a certified Qi2 charger is the smart, flexible buy, and it works with Android phones too. If you have an iPhone 16 or newer and want the fastest wireless charging, choose Qi2 25W or Apple’s own MagSafe charger. Whatever you buy, avoid uncertified “MagSafe compatible” chargers if speed matters. We haven’t tested these chargers ourselves; this guide uses the WPC’s and manufacturers’ specs and the reviews linked above. See how we test and choose products.
FAQ
Is Qi2 the same as MagSafe?
Not exactly, but they’re closely related. The Wireless Power Consortium says Qi2’s magnetic profile is based on MagSafe technology contributed by Apple. MagSafe is Apple’s own system, and Qi2 is an open standard any brand can use.
Will a Qi2 charger work with my iPhone?
Yes, if you have an iPhone 12 or later. It will snap on and charge at up to 15W, or up to 25W on supported newer iPhones with a Qi2 25W charger.
What is Qi2 25W?
It’s the newer version of Qi2, technically Qi v2.2, which supports wireless charging at up to 25W.
Why does my magnetic charger charge slowly?
It may be an uncertified “MagSafe compatible” charger, which Macworld says is often limited to 7.5W. A thick case or an underpowered wall plug can also slow it down.
Featured image: Magnetic wireless charging stand, photo by KKPCW via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.