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USB-C is now the predominant connector for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, changing how we connect, charge, and transfer data across our devices. With its reversible design (no more blindly poking at a port, hoping you have the plug oriented correctly), high-speed data capabilities, and Power Delivery for fast charging, it provides versatility and convenience. The widespread adoption of USB-C reflects a shift toward a single, all-encompassing interface, promising a future when one cable is compatible with multiple devices, significantly reducing clutter.
However, while USB-C has become the standard, not all USB-C chargers are created equal. Phones, tablets, and laptops all have varying power requirements. That means choosing the correct charger is essential for efficient and safe charging, especially if you’re buying for someone who has many gadgets. You also need the right USB-C cable. Ensuring that a charger aligns with a device’s specifications is vital to taking full advantage of all that USB-C has to offer. Whether it’s to charge a single device or multiple devices simultaneously, these are the best USB-C chargers available.
The Best USB-C Chargers
- Best Overall: Anker 511 Nano 3
- Best Budget: Amazon Basics 20W
- Best for Travel: Anker 523 Nano 3
- Best Slim: Nomad Slim Power Adapter
- Best for Laptops: Ugreen Nexode 140W
The Benefits of USB-C
USB-C chargers offer several pros, some of which I mentioned above. One of the key advantages is (near) universal compatibility, making it possible to use one cable with multiple devices. USB-C chargers also support Power Delivery technology, essentially rapid charging for various devices. For example, a 30-watt USB-C charger with Power Delivery 3.0 can charge the Pixel 8 Pro from empty to 50 percent in about 30 minutes. Many of today’s newer smartphones support this feature, making it possible to charge a device much faster than older devices. USB-C also features a symmetrical, reversible design, eliminating the frustration of trying to plug in a cable the wrong way.
What to Consider
With USB-C now ubiquitous across the industry, there’s no shortage of chargers available. Finding the right one is like choosing a pint of Ben & Jerry’s; it requires careful consideration of factors, including the charger’s design, power output, and number of ports. Additionally, it’s important to find a charger from reputable manufacturers to ensure it meets safety standards, guaranteeing relibility and efficiency. Here’s what to keep in mind before picking up a USB-C charger.
Design
Within design fall aspects like size, build quality, and whether a charger has fixed or foldable prongs. Smaller, compact models with foldable prongs are easy to carry, making them travel-friendly. A charger with foldable prongs also prevents potential damage when it’s stored in a laptop bag. Additionally, we chose chargers that offer sturdy construction and durable materials to withstand daily wear and tear.
Ensure the charger you pick also includes Gallium nitride (GaN) technology. GaN technology is more efficient and produces less heat than chargers made with silicon. This translates into most USB-C chargers with GaN being capable of handling high voltages for high-speed charging without the risk of overheating. The reduced heat allows for a more compact and portable design.
Power Output (Wattage)
USB-C chargers come in various wattages, with the power output determining how quickly they can charge different devices. Smaller chargers generally feature a single port and deliver 18 to 30 watts, making them suitable for charging a smartphone or wireless charger. The next step up in size typically features one or two ports and delivers 35 to 45 watts. For those with multiple gadgets, chargers in the following bracket often feature two or more ports and are rated around 65 watts. Finally, the most powerful and priciest chargers supply 100 watts or more. They can charge multiple power-hungry devices simultaneously, including high-performance laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Number of Ports
Another facet of the beauty of USB-C chargers lies in their ability to power multiple devices simultaneously. Since they come in various configurations, consider how someone will use the charger to pinpoint how many ports are necessary to meet a user’s demands. Compact chargers often offer a single port — ideal for charging a device such as a smartphone or a power bank. In contrast, larger chargers typically have multiple ports to power multiple devices simultaneously. For someone who travels with more than one gadget, a larger charger will not only provide enough power but cut down on the number of actual chargers they need to pack. Just remind them to bring enough USB-C cables.
How We Chose
As a freelance writer who frequently works from libraries and coffee shops, I often need to charge more than one device. I use a large USB-C charger with multiple ports because it allows me to juice my phone, tablet, and laptop. To determine the best USB-C chargers, I tapped into my experience with these devices and consulted previous coverage from Best Products. Additionally, I consulted expert reviews from sites like CNN Underscored and Wirecutter and user reviews on retailer sites to gain insight into real-world performance. I evaluated the top-rated and best-selling products available on sites like Amazon, paying close attention to each charger’s design, power output, and number of ports. Combining comprehensive research, user feedback, and expert opinions, I picked the best USB-C chargers that suit various needs and preferences.
Pros
Compact- Foldable prongs
Cons
- Only one port
The 511 Nano 3 is a compact powerhouse, delivering 30 watts in a charger no bigger than a golf ball (if the golf ball were square). The charger includes GaN tech, allowing Anker to shrink it down while delivering enough of that wattage to charge a smartphone quickly. For example, the 511 can charge Apple’s iPhone 15 series from empty to 50 percent in around 30 minutes. The charger can also provide enough power to sustain an iPad Pro or MacBook Air in a pinch.
Did we mention the Anker 511 is small? In addition to its diminutive size, the charger has foldable prongs, making it an excellent choice for travel. The 511 also includes a safety feature that monitors the charger’s temperature over 3 million times per day, Anker says. Many people only need a basic USB-C charger for their phone, and thanks to the 511’s design, price, and overall performance, it’s our best overall pick.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 30W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 1 |
2
Best Budget
Amazon Basics Basics 20W USB-C Charger
Pros
- Affordable
- Foldable prongs
Cons
- Only one port
For budget-conscious consumers, the Amazon Basics 20W USB-C charger is a compelling option. Priced around $12, it offers an affordable solution without compromising on quality, with a 20-watt output capable of handling the charging needs of most flagship devices. However, it’s important to note that it may not provide fast charging for some gadgets, like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which requires a 25-watt charger for fast charging, or a 45-watt charger for super-fast charging.
While Amazon’s charger doesn’t incorporate GaN technology, it remains a practical choice for overnight smartphone or tablet charging. The absence of GaN means it’s slightly larger than some premium chargers. Still, it does come with the convenience of foldable prongs, making it a safe and portable addition in a backpack or luggage.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 20W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 1 |
Pros
- Three ports
- Small design
Cons
- Doesn’t work with newer MacBooks
Similar to the Ugreen, Anker’s Prime is an excellent solution for laptop users who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The high-capacity charger has three ports — one USB-A and two USB-C — and can deliver 100 watts. What makes the Anker Prime a good choice for multiple devices is that USB-A port, which can support older cables, such as USB-A to Lightning. While a chunk of the industry is moving to USB-C, it’s nice to have support for older ports to ease the transition.
Another benefit of the Prime is the size. When you compare this charger to Apple’s 96-watt adapter, Anker’s model is impressively 43 percent smaller, making it a space-saving companion for travel.
Though the charger is compatible with newer laptops, Anker says it does not support MagSafe charging for MacBooks with an M2 chip. Instead, the brand recommends using a USB-C cable to USB-C Cable.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 100W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C |
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Pros
- Two charging ports
- Compact design
Cons
- Slightly hefty
A travel charger should be small but powerful while accommodating multiple devices. The 523 Nano 3 fits the bill, featuring two ports with a total output of 47 watts. (One USB-C port can output 27, while the other puts out 20.) This makes it possible to fast-charge an iPhone and iPad at the same time. Meanwhile, the 523 offers a maximum output of 45 watts when charging via a single port.
Anker’s 523 is roughly the size of Apple’s 20-watt model, giving you an idea of how small the brand can make its chargers thanks to GaN technology. That’s why this is such a solid pick for travel; it offers a space-saving design yet delivers sufficient power to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Like our top pick Anker 511, the 523 has a safety feature that can monitor the charger’s temperature throughout the day, ensuring it doesn’t overheat.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 47W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 2 |
Pros
- Multiple ports
- Quickly charges the power-hungry MacBook Pro
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
Ugreen’s Nexode is powerful enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro and other mobile devices at the same time. It features three ports: 1 USB-A and 2 USB-C. The bottom USB-C port, for example, fast-charges that 16-inch MacBook Pro when connected with Apple’s MagSafe 3 cable. Fast-charging gives Apple’s laptop up to 50 percent battery in as little as 30 minutes.
In other words, Ugreen’s model is the perfect device to declutter a workspace (or backpack) and provides flexibility for powering multiple devices. I’ve used it at my desk for over a year to charge my 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and wireless charger. It’s so convenient to reduce the number of chargers I need. Compared to the others here, Ugreen’s charger is heavy. Still, that’s the tradeoff for all that capacity.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 140W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C |
Pros
- Support for PPS tech
- Small and light
Cons
Belkin’s charger has a white exterior that makes it look straight out of Apple’s lineup. But that’s not why it stands out. The brand’s charger has Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technology, which can help extend the life of a device’s battery by reducing energy waste and heat generation during charging, resulting in a more efficient charge. It also features Power Delivery 3.0 to powerfully and efficiently charge a broader range of devices.
This Belkin features two USB-C ports and can deliver a total of 45 watts of output. Either port can provide 45 watts when charging a single device. But, when charging two devices, the top port provides 25 watts while the bottom provides 20. For Apple users, the charger supports the iPhone 15 series and older, plus the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2. Belkin says its charger is optimized for Apple, Samsung, and Nintendo Switch, but will work with a range of other devices.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 45W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 2 USB-C |
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Pros
- Extremely thin
- Foldable prongs
Cons
- May not fit well on a power strip
While most USB-C chargers with GaN are small, they don’t fit particularly well behind furniture, given how much they protrude from outlets. The Nomad Slim Power Adapter boasts a sleek design that’s just slightly thicker than a smartphone, making it possible to tuck behind a dresser, desk, or bed without requiring moving desks or nightstands away from the wall. The USB-C port is thoughtfully located at the charger’s base, ensuring that the cable doesn’t stick out when it’s plugged in.
Despite its thin frame, the Slim Power Adapter provides enough juice for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. There are two models: a 35-watt and 65-watt. The 35-watt model features a single USB-C port and is perfect for charging a smartphone or connecting to a wireless charger. The 65-watt version has two ports and can deliver the total capacity via one port when that’s all that’s needed. When both ports are putting out power, one will provide 45 watts and the other 20.
Key Specs
| Power Output | 35W, 65W |
|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 1, 2 |
