We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We plugged in 13 of the top-selling USB wall chargers on the market to test their power and usability and see which among them stands out against the rest.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
By Chris Maxcer ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated June 20, 2025
A great USB wall charger will not only fast-charge your phone and free you from hovering next to an electrical outlet, but it will also allow you to charge other devices simultaneously. Whether sharing prime counter space in a family kitchen or on the go, today's new chargers can transform your battery from nearly empty to fully charged in minutes.
We selected the best-selling chargers available today for head-to-head testing to determine which reigns supreme. To rank and score their performances, we charged device after device, examining how much power each product could provide and what charging standards it met. We even pushed these products to their limits using dummy loads and multimeters to verify the volts, amps, and watts they could crank out.
After weeks of side-by-side testing and in-home usage, the do-it-all Anker 735 Nano II 65W 3-Port stood out as our favorite multi-port USB wall charger. Its two USB-C ports support the most common fast charging protocols used by modern phones and devices, while the single USB-A port ensures you can still charge those using older USB-A cables. Better yet, it has enough power to keep a laptop charged.
If you don't need the power or expense of a laptop-capable charger, the Anker A2348 20W Dual Port impressed us with its lightweight versatility and ability to fast-charge phones. It is as powerful as Apple's 20W charger, but it costs less and includes a USB-A port, in addition to its USB-C port, making it compatible with a wider range of cables.
Over the years, we've tested and updated loads of charging accessories, including mobile power banks and car chargers. Plus, we've also tested often overlooked but surprisingly important accessories like USB-C cables, which can slow your wall charger to a crawl when bad, or support full-speed charging when good.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on June 20, 2025, to include new USB-C wall chargers from Anker, Belkin, Spigen, Apple, and UGreen, and to revisit our testing process and verify the scores of all preexisting models in our lineup.
High power output, compact, supports all brands/protocols, stays cool, folding plugs
Three versatile ports, capable of charging many laptops, fast-charging protocols
Capable of charging laptops, versatile USB-A port option, stays surprisingly cool
Capable of charging many laptops, can fast charge phones, compact and travel-friendly
Vertical design keeps tidy cables, laptop-capable charging, three USB-C ports
Super simple fast charging capabilities, charges most everything, lightweight
Both USB-C and USB-A ports, relatively fast for size, excellent value
Lightweight, four-port options, affordable
Compact, folding plugs, sold as a pack of two, inexpensive
Compact, inexpensive, bargain four-pack, two ports
Fairly inexpensive, QC 3.0 compatible, decent power
Low cost, acceptable power output for USB-A, folding plugs
Inexpensive, powers two devices at once, delivers up to 24 watts
Cons
Heavy for its size, expensive, prone to falling out of outlets, slightly finicky with some higher-end devices
Sags in worn outlets, protrudes from wall
Somewhat heavy, protrudes from wall outlet, can slip loose from outlets
No USB-A port option, non-foldable plug
Bulky if you don't care about cable protrusion, hard to see ports when plugged in
Only one USB-C port, non-foldable plug, slightly underpowered
Not the fastest USB-C charging, slower charging when both ports are used
Gets very hot to touch under full loads, 40W is not single-port max output, only 20W max in USB-C ports
Not compatible with new charging protocols, USB-A ports only
Limited power output, fixed plugs, older charging technology
Larger than most single-port chargers, fixed plugs, USB-A port only
Very basic, not fast-charging, USB-A only
Not very compact, doesn't support newer fast charging protocols
Bottom Line
It can charge nearly anything, even at the same time, making this beast a perfect all-in-one option — but it's a bit unnecessarily heavy if you don't need all the juice
This powerful little charger identifies smart devices and their fast-charging protocols and quickly delivers near maximum charging within seconds, but it can fall out of loose wall sockets
The versatility of this 4-port charger stands out, offering the ability to charge laptops, tablets, phones, and more without producing excess heat
Small but mighty, it will send plenty of fast-charging power to two USB-C devices while dissipating heat, though it lacks a legacy USB-A port option
When you don't want protruding cables from a fast charger, this low-profile design keeps things tidy, although the ports can be hard to see when plugging in
This common charger sets the standard for simplicity and easy, fast charging for many devices, including iPhones, but it lacks extra ports
Surprisingly affordable and simple in design, this two-pack will fast charge phones via USB-C port, though the handy USB-A ports aren't as quick
This four-port charger shows fast-charging protocols but maxes single-port output at just 20W while its surface temperature rises far hotter than any others we tested
These lightweight, packable, and budget-friendly USB-A chargers will charge most small devices, just not quickly
If you're trying to pick up several chargers for your money, it's hard to go wrong with this bargain pack, but only if you have simple USB-A charging needs
Simple, no-fuss and capabl of charging your Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 devices via USB-A cables, though it lacks newer fast-charging protocols
A great bargain option that delivers acceptable power, but not the fastest charger on the block
Intended for more basic devices, it offers solid, 2-port charging performance at a great price, making it competitive among USB-A chargers, but not with those meant to support modern USB-C cables and devices
With an outstanding blend of size, value, and power delivery capabilities, the Anker 735 Nano II 65W 3-Port USB-A/USB-C is the best overall multiport charger. With its modern 2nd-generation GaN technology, it packs internal components into a compact package that still dissipates heat when under a full load. “This is the versatile travel charger I like most when I'm with friends and family and suspect we'll need to share space on wall outlets in hotels or short-term rentals,” noted Chris Maxcer, our lead tester. The 65W maximum output easily charged MacBooks and Chromebooks, in addition to fast-charging phones. While we use USB-A ports less frequently for many devices these days, it's nice to have one available for friends or when charging devices that require USB-A cables, like some cameras and wireless speakers. Even when all ports are in use, Anker prioritizes the top USB-C port, delivering a maximum of 40W of power. What does this mean? Chris explains, “Even when I was using all three ports, I could still charge my MacBook Pro from the top port at a useful speed, making this charger surprisingly capable for its small size.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Ports (Per Charger)
USB-A (x1), USB-C (x2)
Maximum Power Output
65W
Total Number of Ports (Per Charger)
3
Number of Chargers Per Pack
1
Measured Weight
3.90 oz
One design element of the Anker 735 Nano II that can sometimes be annoying is its relatively long 2.6-inch length. Although we appreciate that this charger fits nicely on the wall outlet, only occupying one socket, its long length and weight mean that it sometimes sags out of looser sockets. If you like to handle your device while it's plugged in and charging, you might have to keep your movements to a minimum whenever the outlet you are using is worn. For those who don't need a USB-A port, the Belkin BoostCharge 67W 3 Port USB-C features a vertically oriented, plug-in design with charging cords that plug in from the bottom, making it more secure. The Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W has only two USB-C ports, but its tidy size stayed put even in worn wall outlets.
This multiport model packs a lot of power and versatility into a form factor that only takes up space on a single outlet socket.
The Anker A2348 20W Dual Port USB-A/USB-C 2-Pack is the best budget-friendly USB-A/USB-C dual-port wall charger in our lineup. Its older USB-A port lets us use our old USB-A cables to charge headphones, while its more modern USB-C port lets us fast charge our iPhones just as quickly as Apple's own 20W charger. Our lead tester noted, “At this price point, for a two-pack with both A and C ports, the value is through the roof. I could use it to charge phones and tablets at reasonable speeds, and I never had to worry about having the right type of power cord to fit it.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Ports (Per Charger)
USB-A (x1), USB-C (x1)
Maximum Power Output
20W
Total Number of Ports (Per Charger)
2
Number of Chargers Per Pack
2
Measured Weight
1.80 oz
The only drawback to the two-port Anker A2348 is that its output drops to just 7.5W per port when both ports are used simultaneously. This means that your phone can take more than twice as long to charge when using both ports. Still, we'd rather have the option of charging two devices at once. Additionally, while most of our devices are transitioning to faster-charging USB-C devices and cables, we still have working USB-A cords for some devices. There's no need to replace old cords with this charger, which notably outputs a respectable 16W from its USB-A port when charging a single device. If you don't need a USB-C port option, the Anker 12W Dual Port USB-A 2-Pack pack is a great, super packable, low-cost alternative that takes up very little space when plugged in. Of course, even though we think this Anker A2348 dual-port option is a great value, we can't argue with the rock-solid reliability of the Apple 20W USB-C, which our lead tester has used for multiple years to charge iPhones, iPads, and USB chargers with zero issues.
This handy and affordable Anker dual-port charger could fast charge phones as well as charge tablets and other small devices with ease, making it a versatile value.
If you're looking for a very compact USB-A charger, the Anker 12W Dual Port USB-A 2-Pack brings the best overall value to USB-A charging. These chargers share space well when even plugged in, taking up no more than their small share. We weighed each at just 1.4 oz, making them super lightweight travel chargers. A key point to remember is that these have a 12W maximum output for both ports, meaning a total of 12W is shared between them, not individually (when both are in use). This means you won't get fast charging speeds. However, this may not prove a problem, as our lead tester noted, “These aren't particularly fast at charging phones, but when I use them overnight, the slower charging speed simply isn't an issue.”
If you want faster charging speeds from a USB-A port, the Anker 12W Dual Port may not be the best choice. The GaN-based Anker 735 Nano II 65W 3-port charger and the Nexode 65W 4-Port options both deliver a maximum of 22.5W via their USB-A ports, making them suitable for devices that charge more quickly from high-quality USB-A cables. If you end up adding or upgrading to newer devices that use USB-C cables, the USB-C ports on these options are also fast-charge capable.
Sure, they're a bit slow compared to modern USB-C chargers, but if you have USB-A cables, these are by far our favorite ultralight travel chargers for phones and smaller devices.
If there's a UGreen Nexode 100W USB-A/USB-C in the house, it can only mean one thing: a charging party. This half-pound brick boasts a long list of credentials that make it powerful and compatible enough to charge nearly any modern device needing a spark. Individually, its four ports provide an impressive amount of power. The top two USB-C ports max out at 100 watts, while its third USB-C port provides up to 22.5 watts. Lastly, its fourth port is a USB-A port, which has a maximum output of 22.5 watts. We tested each port individually with a USB multimeter. We found plenty of power to charge our MacBook Pro M2, MacBook Air, Samsung S22 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Samsung Tab S8 Tablet, and Nintendo Switch. Our lead reviewer adds, “The thing I like most about this charger is that I could use it to charge all my household devices, even power-hungry laptops, and I still have extra ports for charging phones or smaller devices at the same time.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Ports (Per Charger)
USB-A (x1), USB-C (x3)
Maximum Power Output
100W
Total Number of Ports (Per Charger)
4
Number of Chargers Per Pack
1
Measured Weight
7.80 oz
Sorry to crash the party, but we don't love everything about the UGreen Nexode 100W. First, this device can sometimes be a little finicky with some high-end Samsung phones that are still in action and support 45-watt Super Fast Charging. Our Samsung S22 Ultra can accept this amount of power during charging. Still, despite the availability of 100 watts of power, we could only source 22-25 watts, which is only comparable to Samsung's Standard 25-watt Super Fast Charging. Second, the UGreen has a very specific process for charging Apple Watches. The watch must be charged through the USB-A port, and only one other device can be charged simultaneously. Third, due to its size and weight, it falls out of worn wall sockets easily if bumped. The UGreen Nexode 65W 4-Port USB-A/USB-C version weighs less and stays in place in worn wall outlets a bit better, although it is less powerful and still protrudes from sockets. If you're willing to give up a couple of ports in favor of a smaller form that's still capable of charging many laptops, our lead tester is a fan of the compact 2-port Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W charger.
The UGreen Nexode 100W USB-C charger can quickly charge multiple laptops, chromebooks, phones, headphones, and more at the same time, but it can also slip from some worn wall sockets.
Bottom side-by-side ports can be a bit close for some cables
The UGreen Nexode 65W 4-Port USB-A/USB-C is the best 4-port charger for travel and versatility. It only takes up about 50% of a wall outlet, so you can plug it into a hotel room socket without needing to unplug a lamp for extra space. The 65W max is sufficient for charging all but the most power-hungry laptops, and it even charged a 14-inch MacBook Pro while also fast charging an iPhone. To achieve the best results, you'll need to prioritize the ports you put into use. For instance, the primary C1 port delivers the most wattage as you plug in other devices, and it decides how to distribute its 65W max combined output. The included USB-A port is handy for those situations where you have a legacy USB-A cable and need a charge.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Ports (Per Charger)
USB-A (x1), USB-C (x3)
Maximum Power Output
65W
Total Number of Ports (Per Charger)
4
Number of Chargers Per Pack
1
Measured Weight
5.45 oz
Like many multiport chargers capable of delivering 65W, the UGreen Nexode 65W 4-Port isn't perfect. Specifically, it extends 2.64 inches out from a wall socket, which results in sag when it's in loose or worn sockets. “I was able to charge a Chromebook, an iPad, and my iPhone at the same time with this model while it was plugged into a worn-out socket, but I had to be careful and not bump the cables so it wouldn't fall out,” noted our lead tester. If you don't need a USB-A port option, the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W charger is just as powerful but even more portable. If two ports are not enough for you, though, the Belkin BoostCharge 67W 3 Port option positions its weight and USB-C cords closer to the wall, making it ideal for worn-out wall sockets.
Packing four ports into a compact, modern USB charger capable of delivering 65W is a tough task, but this model does it well. Better yet, even when we maxed out its potential by using all four ports with power-hungry devices, it kept its cool, barely rising over 100° Fahrenheit.
The compact Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W is the best dual-port USB-C charger, delivering up to 65W of laptop-capable charging in a small, travel-friendly size. Even though the wattage per port drops to 40W and 25W, respectively, when both ports are in use, the mix remains powerful. “I could easily charge my iPad while also fast-charging my iPhone with this handy little powerhouse,” noted our lead tester. “It doesn't seem much larger than Apple's own 20W charger, but it's three times as powerful.” Despite its relatively small size, it's built with gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology that helps dissipate heat. After more than 30 minutes of continuous charging with both ports delivering near-maximum wattages, the hottest point only reached 132°F.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Ports (Per Charger)
USB-C (x2)
Maximum Power Output
65W
Total Number of Ports (Per Charger)
2
Number of Chargers Per Pack
1
Measured Weight
3.75 oz
The biggest drawback to the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port is that you may have to pay a premium price for what it delivers in terms of size savings — unless you find it on sale. We tested some very good competitive options that cost about $30 less than the $75 list price of this Spigen, including the Anker 735 Nano II 65W, which adds a USB-A port for versatility but has a larger form factor to consider. If you're willing to opt for a larger shape that works best on the lower wall socket, the Belkin BoostCharge 67W USB-C charger is just as powerful. Still, it provides an additional USB-C port, allowing you to charge up to three devices simultaneously.
This dual-port USB-C charger is our favorite compact USB-C charger because it delivers enough power to charge many laptops while also being able to fast charge phones. It's awesome for travel, and if you can find it on sale, it's a bargain.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Compare Products
Trying to max out our UGreen Nexode 100W USB-C. We play with the gear, so you can spend less time playing the guessing game.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
We bought all the models in this review, influence-free, for hands-on testing. We looked at each charger's different voltage and power output capabilities and the fast-charging protocols each one can achieve, comparing their performance with digital USB multimeters, a simulated Power Delivery trigger, a dummy resistive load, as well as with powerful USB Power Banks. We also considered the number of ports, overall ease of use, convenient features, and their real-world performance using various devices, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices, when determining our scores. Our testing of USB wall chargers is divided across four rating metrics, which were weighted as follows:
Power(35% of overall score weighting)
Compatibility(35% weighting)
Ease Of Use(20% weighting)
Size & Weight(10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Lead reviewer Chris Maxcer put each USB wall charger through a series of hands-on tests, painstakingly checking specifications and manufacturer claims, while also using these models to recharge his everyday devices. He has spent more than two decades writing about computing systems, ranging from massive data centers and enterprise applications for large businesses to the small consumer gadgets we all use. Senior Review Editor David Wise also tested chargers, using his background as a mechanical engineer with expertise in subsea electronics and lithium batteries to help develop our testing procedures. He has spent many years rating and ranking consumer products side by side, working in detail with a wide range of USB power products, from portable power packs to wireless chargers. Review Editor Jason Wanlass has been part of the GearLab team for more than eight years. An avid adventurer, he has written numerous reviews on camping gear, as well as many reviews on home gadgets and kitchen appliances. Jason tries to study products through the eyes of the average consumer. He loves examining the details and enjoys finding the little things that make a product particularly great.
In addition to using these chargers at home, we identify and confirm their output capabilities and check performance characteristics, including surface temperature readings.
Analysis and Test Results
We split our testing processes into four metrics, scoring each product on its power, compatibility, ease of use, and size and weight. Some of the most notable products in each metric are highlighted below.
What's the Best Value?
We always purchase our gear at full price and test it without considering the cost. We revisit the price only once we have scored each item across our board of metrics. This helps us ensure that we provide you with unbiased and relevant information.
Worse Value
Better Value
The world of USB wall chargers is constantly changing as consumer demand for quicker, more efficient charging increases. What was once the lead charging protocol can sometimes become a second or third-tier protocol within just one year. These factors, among others, make it challenging to determine value, so we adopted two distinct approaches. First, we examined the balance between price and function, or, put simply, getting the most for your dollar. The Anker A2348 20W Dual Port USB-A/USB-C 2-Pack delivers one of the most compelling values for an everyday charger of phones and small devices, while the Anker 2-Pack Dual Port Wall Charger is the best value if you only need USB-A ports and prioritize packability.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for going big or going home. Sometimes, value can be found in buying the best product, regardless of cost. If this is more your style, we feel the UGreen Nexode 100W USB-A/USB-C offers the best value for those who need to charge multiple devices alongside laptops. At list price, the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W is a fair value, but when it's on sale — which it seems to be more often lately — it's the charger to beat if all you need are two USB-C ports. Both models utilize GaN semiconductor technology to pack more power into a relatively small size, and they can both rapidly charge nearly any modern device. If you would like to learn more about our testing, please continue reading to see how each product was examined and how they compared to the others.
Power
The first and most important factor we considered when rating and ranking USB wall chargers is their ability to produce and deliver power through their ports. We examined a product's stated overall maximum power output in watts and then compared it against its actual capacity while powering a wide range of devices. We accomplished this with the help of a multimeter and USB-C fast charging testers that measure and reveal real-time output in volts, amps, and watts. Likewise, if the charger offered multiple ports, we confirmed their maximum capacities and compared them against what the manufacturer stated. Of course, modern devices dynamically negotiate speeds with chargers to optimize battery life; therefore, you should be aware that the output can change over time, particularly as the device approaches full capacity.
When we consider overall power and the ports that deliver it, the UGreen Nexode 100W takes the lead. The Nexode accommodates the most common fast-charging protocols and is capable of sourcing up to 100 watts during solo charging, which is sufficient to charge laptops like our 14-inch MacBook Pro M2 quickly. During our solo charging tests, we confirmed that it would source well over 90% of its rated max, pumping out 94W on average for 30 minutes to recharge one of our power-hungry power banks. When multiple ports draw current simultaneously, each port's capacity is diminished; however, we still achieved excellent results. With all four ports charging devices, the top port can maintain power of up to 45W (which is sufficient for many laptops), while the second port drops to 30W. The third and fourth ports reduce to a maximum of 10.5W each.
The UGreen Nexode 100W charger could charge up to four devices at the same time, pumping out enough juice to recharge a MacBook Pro, a Chromebook, an iPad, and an iPhone.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
The Anker 735 Nano II 65W 3-Port USB-A/USB-C has a maximum power output of 65 watts, which it spreads out when multiple ports are used. Its top “C1” port drops to 40W when other ports are in use, but that was still enough power to recharge a 14-inch MacBook Pro while simultaneously charging an iPhone and AirPods, making this relatively small charger one of the most versatile we tested.
Despite its relatively small size, we appreciated the power delivery versatility of the 3-port design in this Anker 735 Nano II.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Our favorite small charger for travel is the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W. This option not only packs a 65W punch with a single port, making it capable of charging most modern laptops, but it also maintains a 40W maximum in its top port when the second port is also in use. The top port kept a Chromebook working while pushing 37 watts into it, even when also fast charging an iPhone. Its main drawback is the lack of a USB-A port, so you'll need to pack the correct USB-C cables to charge devices that may have come with legacy USB-A charging cords.
If you have USB-C cords for your devices, this little Spigen could pump out the power without overheating.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
When you just want a small, affordable charger that can still fast charge phones at 15- 20W, the Anker A2348 20W Dual Port 2-Pack is the best buy. We sourced 18-19 watts through it to charge an iPhone 15 Pro from 8% to 58% in just 30 minutes, which is essentially the same performance we achieved with Apple's own 20W charger. Better yet, this Anker option costs less, comes in a 2-pack, and includes a USB-A port, making it more versatile. We're big fans of this little charger.
Even though the Anker A2348 charger shares its 20W of maximum output between its two ports, we could still charge an iPad and AirPods Pro headphones at the same time.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Not All Wattage Listings Are Equal
Some cheap chargers sometimes market their total wattage by listing a combined total of what is possible from each port rather than highlighting the maximum wattage from a single port. For instance, some manufacturers might claim that a charger is “a 40W charger” if it has four ports, each of which is capable of delivering up to 10W. We recommend that if you want a fast-charging 40W charger, ensure it has at least one port that can deliver 40 watts; otherwise, you'll be stuck charging at much slower speeds than expected.
While the Aiminu 40W 4-Port USB-A/USB-C 2-Pack looked compelling as an affordable 4-port option at first glance, when we tested it with a full charging load on each of its four ports for 30 minutes, it developed hot spots over 177° Fahrenheit and it maintained temperatures of 165° over most of its body. No other charger we tested came anywhere close to these high temperature readings. The much more powerful UGreen Nexode 100W charger only reached 134.1° in this same test. International standards for surface temperature on consumer devices vary by region and material, but 140°F seems to be the most widely accepted upper limit.
We check each charger's surface temperature after 30 minutes when all available ports have been used.
Few inexpensive USB-A chargers are capable of fast charging devices, but the Anker PowerPort+ 1 18W USB-A with Quick Charge 3.0 is rated at 18W, and we were able to draw 17.84W from it, making it capable of fast charging Android-based phones that support Quick Charge standards.
The remaining chargers — the Anker PowerPort Elite 2 24W Dual Port USB-A, the Anker 12W Dual Port USB-A 2-Pack, the X-Edition 4-Pack, and the Amazon Basics 12W USB-A — don't meet any of the newer fast charging standards. However, these chargers can output up to 2.4 amps for a single USB port, except for the X-Edition 4-Pack and the Anker Dual Port 12W 2-Pack, which are limited to 2.1 amps and 1.2 amps, respectively.
These chargers can still charge modern phones, but they're slower and best used for small devices or overnight charging.
Compatibility
After examining the power output of each product, we investigated the charger's charging protocols and port types to determine whether they could charge the latest fast-charging devices. The world of fast charging has evolved rapidly, but it has gotten slightly simpler recently. While several proprietary protocols are still in use, the most common de facto fast charging standard is now USB Power Delivery (PD), which can be supported at various levels in common chargers with USB-C ports available today.
PD 3.0 supports up to 100W, quickly charging many popular Android devices, like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, as well as Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The newer PD 3.1 protocol supports up to 240W, providing ample room for growth, although very few consumer devices currently utilize it. Every charger we tested that is capable of 65W or higher and/or uses gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology supports PD 3.0, as well as supporting enhancements like PPS, a protocol that helps refine voltage and current options, particularly for some Samsung phones that utilize super-fast 45W charging.
We tested each charger to reveal which protocols it supported, the most important of which tends to be PD 3.0 with PPS, as shown in this test of the Anker 735 Nano II 65W charger.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
While all the more powerful USB-C chargers supported PD 3.0 with PPS, the 65W Anker 735 Nano II utilizes second-generation GaN technology, which appears to enable it to communicate with devices 2-3 seconds faster than the others we tested. It would ramp up to near-full output just a bit faster than the others. This extra speed doesn't matter much throughout a charging session, but it might indicate slightly smarter brains in the system.
Incidentally, to achieve super-fast charging speeds, you'll also need to ensure that you use a high-quality USB-C cable rated to handle the wattage you intend to use.
Most cheap charging cords purchased at gas station convenience stores don't support fast charging. You need quality USB-C cables with wattage ratings that match or exceed your wall charger's capabilities.
Most USB-A ports do not support fast charging, and none support super-fast charging. Some, like Anker PowerPort+ 1 18W USB-A with Quick Charge 3.0, can push out an 18W max to a device that supports the QC3.0 standard, but most inexpensive USB-A charges do not. The UGreen Nexode 100W, UGreen Nexode 65W 4-Port, and Anker 735 Nano II 65W 3-Port chargers all have USB-A ports that can reach a maximum of 22.5 watts when only the USB-A port is used.
Typical inexpensive options that only have USB-A ports, like the Amazon Basics 12W USB-A shown here, can slow charge many phones but lack the protocols and circuitry to fast charge at modern speeds.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Ease Of Use
Our next metric's results are based on how well each charger functions. We noted any value-adding features and then looked for simple elements, such as indicator lights, folding plugs, and overall design. We considered factors such as the amount of wall outlet space the charger occupies, stability in the outlet, charging capabilities, and port spacing.
Our favorite USB-C charger in this metric is the Apple 20W USB-C for its simple, effective design that leaves plenty of vertical space on wall outlets, ensuring that it plays well with other plugs or chargers. The Anker 2-Pack Dual Port 12W Wall Charger wowed us with its tiny, travel-friendly size and foldable plugs. Both of these chargers are sturdy and work well even in loose outlet sockets.
The Belkin BoostCharge 67W 3 Port USB-C sacrifices some ease-of-use simplicity in favor of a design that prioritizes cables that tuck close to walls, creating a tidy solution when you don't want cords extending out from the wall.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Size & Weight
This metric carried the least weight among all our metrics; however, we still believe that each charger's overall mass is an important factor to consider. We measured each product and then weighed it to see which was the most compact, lightweight, and portable.
Two dual-port USB-A chargers stood out above the rest for their pint-sized forms: each X-Edition Dual Port USB-A charger weighs just 1.1 ounces, while the Anker 12W Dual Port USB-A 2-Pack weighed in at just 1.4 oz. If this sounds like a toss-up to you, the Anker option has foldable plugs, making it a bit more travel-friendly. These are great, inexpensive options if slow, overnight charging will work for you.
The Anker Dual Port 12W option protrudes just 1.18 inches from a wall outlet.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
For a USB-C option, the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN Dual Port USB-C 65W is the smallest fast charger to beat. At just 3.75 oz, it's lighter than most charging blocks included with laptops these days, and it's three times as powerful as Apple's 20W charger.
If a multiport charger weighs less than two smaller chargers put together, it could be a winner for some situations!
Credit: Chris Maxcer
The UGreen Nexode 100W weighs in at nearly half a pound, making it a beast compared to smaller models; however, when compared to laptop chargers or used as a replacement for multiple chargers, its 2.72 x 1.3 x 2.72-inch size becomes more compelling.
No matter what devices you need to charge, today's best chargers are all fastest through USB-C ports.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
How to Pick the Best USB Wall Charger
Before choosing a USB wall charger, consider saving time and money by selecting the right power, ports, and convenience levels you need.
Why Is Wattage Important When Choosing a USB Wall Charger?
In simple terms, watts are a measurement of electrical power that indicates how much energy your wall charger can deliver to your device. Higher wattages generally mean faster charging. A wall charger rated at 20W will be approximately twice as fast as a charger rated at 10W.
What Is Fast Charging and Why Is It Important?
Fast charging refers to protocols and technologies that enable chargers to send more electricity to your device more quickly. In general, 15-20 watts is considered fast charging, but some phones can super-fast charge at higher rates, usually above 25W. Generally, to fast-charge phones, you'll need a charger with an output of at least 20W. Most laptop chargers range between 40 and 150 watts, so if you also want to effectively charge laptops, you'll need a charger rated accordingly.
How Many Watts Do You Need?
Good wall chargers will only deliver the maximum amount of watts your device requires. So, if you have a 45W charger and want to charge an iPhone that only supports 20W, you'll have enough power to charge the iPhone as quickly as it allows. On the other hand, if you have a 10W charger, you can still charge your iPhone; it'll just take longer. Low-watt chargers are effective in charging many devices and are relatively inexpensive. The downside is that they're slow, which is fine for overnight charging but annoying when we're in a hurry.
How Many Ports Do You Need?
If you want to charge multiple devices simultaneously, things start to get a bit tricky. Generally, a 65W charger can deliver up to 65W — but usually only through one port at a time. If you connect two devices to the charger, most chargers will distribute their available wattage evenly among all the connected ports. For instance, the top port might deliver a maximum of 40W, with the second port delivering a maximum of 25W (equalling 65W). If you plug in a third device, the wattages per port might shift to 25W, 20W, and 20W, again spreading out the 65W.
What Size and Form Factor Do You Need?
The form factor is one of the most crucial items to consider when selecting a USB Wall Charger. More powerful multiport chargers, such as the UGreen Nexode 100W, are bulkier and heavier, making them less travel-friendly. In addition, smaller chargers tend to fit with other plugs on wall outlets better than larger chargers. Wall chargers now come in various sizes and port configurations, allowing you to select one that suits your environment and the devices you want to charge. Newer chargers that use Gallium Nitride (GaN) instead of traditional silicon in their internal circuitry let manufacturers pack more powerful chargers into smaller sizes, so if you're looking for a smaller but powerful charger, look for GaN-based chargers like the Spigen ArcStation Pro.
Conclusion
USB wall chargers come in all shapes and sizes. They can vary significantly in their charging capabilities, power outputs, charging speeds, and abilities to charge more than one device at a time. We hope this comparison of the top USB power adapters currently available has been helpful in your quest for a new charger, whether you're looking for a compact travel option or a high-power solution for larger devices.
