Wireless power banks use electromagnetic induction to transfer energy to a compatible device. Here is the process:

• Internal battery storage: the power bank stores energy when you charge it through a USB-C cable, and holds that charge until you need it.
• Inductive charging: when you place a compatible phone on the charging surface, the power bank's coil generates an electromagnetic field that the coil inside the phone converts back into electricity.
• Magnetic alignment: Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible models use a magnet ring to lock the phone into the exact spot where the coils line up, and that alignment is what unlocks 15W fast wireless charging on Qi2 and MagSafe.

Most wireless power banks also include a USB-C port for wired charging, so you can use either method depending on what is fastest in the moment.

Magnetic alignment works with phones that have a magnet ring built into the back. The current list:

• Apple iPhone: iPhone 12 and later (all models, including iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series).
• Samsung Galaxy: S25 and S26 series support the Qi2 magnetic profile natively. Earlier Galaxy phones can use magnetic power banks with a compatible Qi2 case (look for cases labeled MagSafe-style or Qi2-ready).
• Google Pixel: Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL are the first Pixel phones with built-in Qi2 magnets. Earlier Pixels charge wirelessly but need a Qi2-compatible case for magnetic alignment.
• Other Android phones: if your phone supports wireless charging but does not have built-in magnets, a Qi2-ready case will let it use a magnetic power bank.

Phones without wireless charging (typically lower-cost models) will not work with a magnetic power bank; use a USB-C cable instead. See our Qi2 compatible devices guide for the latest list.

Some wireless power banks can be recharged on a Qi or Qi2 charging pad instead of through a USB-C cable. Look for "wireless input" or "Qi-in" on the spec sheet. Most models, including Belkin's lineup, recharge faster over USB-C, which is what we recommend for daily use.

A power bank stores energy in an internal battery so it can charge your phone when no outlet is nearby. A wireless charger is a stationary pad or stand that needs a wall outlet to deliver power. Both can use inductive charging, but only the power bank works on the go. Many people own both: a wireless pad on the desk and a magnetic power bank in the bag. For more, see our blog on power banks vs wireless chargers.

Some are, some are not. The two categories:

• Magnetic (Qi2 or MagSafe-compatible): use a magnet ring to snap to the back of an iPhone 12+, Galaxy S25/S26, or Pixel 10. Magnetic alignment unlocks the full 15W charging speed because the coils line up perfectly.
• Non-magnetic Qi power banks: have a flat charging pad, and you set the phone on top. These work with any Qi phone but cap at 5-7.5W and need careful alignment to keep charging.

If you want the fastest, most reliable wireless charging experience, a Qi2 magnetic model is the way to go.

Qi2 is the open wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium that adopts the same magnetic alignment that Apple introduced with MagSafe. In practice:

• A Qi2-certified power bank works at 15W on iPhone 12 and later, Galaxy S25/S26, and Pixel 10.
• MagSafe is Apple's branded version of the magnetic profile. A MagSafe-compatible power bank works on iPhones at 15W.
• Qi2.2 (also called Qi2 25W) raises the wireless ceiling to 25W on supported phones; charge speeds will continue to climb as more devices certify.

For more, see MagSafe vs Qi2 and what is Qi2 wireless charging.