From single-port 15W to 4-port, 140W options, we've tested 20 different chargers to find which is best for your charging needs.
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To find the best USB chargers for your phone, laptop, and other devices, we started by testing 20 different models (with plenty more to come), ranging from a 15W phone charger that came with a Samsung phone to 140W beasts, across a wide variety of brands including Anker, Baseus, Belkin, Ugreen, Cuktech, and more. Our extensive charger testing goes beyond marketing claims, focusing on real-world performance, including sustained output over time, thermal performance, efficiency, idle power draw, and even a raw dollar-per-watt metric for those who just want the best bang for their charger buck.
We found that most of today’s chargers are relatively efficient, safer, and smarter than ever. Even the cheap options handled basic charging without issue, particularly at lower wattages. But once you hit the 100W-plus range, heat and sustained output are much more important. Modern charging technologies like USB-PD, PPS, QC, and GaN have significantly improved charging speeds, efficiency, and size. However, chargers still can’t escape physics, and removing 140W of heat from something roughly the size of a deck of cards is still challenging.
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Get a great deal on this 4-port 65W GaN charger from UGreen. The Nexode has three USB-C ports and one Type-A port and capable of charging multiple devices, including tablets and small laptops, with 65W output taking a Macbook Air to 51% in 30 minutes. The small size and foldable plug make it great for travel.
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Picking a charger that gets the job done isn’t rocket science. Almost any modern charger will suffice, especially for the low-wattage devices. But if you’re looking to power laptops, tablets, or multiple devices at once, spending a bit more can get you more ports, better sustained performance, cooler temperatures, faster charging, and added peace of mind. After dozens of hours of testing, these are the best phone chargers, laptop chargers, and general USB device chargers we recommend.
We chose Anker’s Nano 3 30W charger for its consistent output over time (to be fair, all low-output chargers we tested are pretty good at this), its thermal performance, and its built-in safety features. Priced at just $15.99 on Amazon , this single-port Type-C charger offers solid value for charging smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and lower-power ultrabooks with ease, even during long charging sessions.
Our best midrange-output charger goes to the Baseus Enercore. It was able to output the full wattage throughout our testing phase, recorded the lowest temperatures of the group, and offers good bang for your buck at $29.99 . The built-in retractable Type-C cable makes it great for traveling, and the other two USB-C ports let you charge multiple devices at the same time.
Cuktech’s 10 Ultra makes our list for the best high-power charger for several reasons. First, its performance was good throughout testing, and compared to the Baseus Enercore 100W, it maintained the vast majority of its output (almost 90%) over time, while others dropped more significantly. It supports charging up to four devices at once, and also has a colorful screen that displays per-port data (something that's much more useful when you're charging multiple devices with limited output capabilities). Priced at $59.99 , it’s not the cheapest of the bunch, but it's worth it compared to the competition.
(Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) 1. Anker Series 5 (Nano 3, 30W – A2147) Best Low-Power Charger (up to 30W) Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Output: 30W Port Count/Type: (1) Type-C Charging Protocols: PD 3.0, QC, PowerIQ 3.0 Safety Features: ActiveShield 2.0/MultiProtect, OVT, SCP, OP Warranty: 2 years Today's Best Deals View at Target View at Walmart Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Price + Compact size is great for travel + Modern output and safety features Reasons to avoid – Single port can be limiting – Not for high-power devices Anker’s Nano 3 30W charger offers users a simple, one-port charger with all of the modern charging and protection features. The little charger that could supports fast charging with USB PD 3.0 support, and PPS (Programmable Power Supply). It also utilizes Anker’s proprietary PowerIQ 3.0 technology, which combines universal device compatibility with rapid charging speeds by integrating USB-PD and Qualcomm QC (Quick Charge) protocols, and can identify your specific device to charge it as fast as possible. Anker’s MultiProtect safety system includes a full array of protections, including high-voltage protection, current regulation, temperature control, and more.
Our testing showed that the 30W Nano 3 delivered its nameplate wattage throughout the testing period. Temperatures during the test peaked at just under 65 degrees Celsius, which was on the warmer side compared to others, but nothing to be concerned about. Efficiency was also solid under load, and it didn’t draw any appreciable amount of power from the wall at idle. If you need a basic one-port charger for your smartphone, watch, or other small devices, it's well worth the $12.99 price.
Read more about our charger testing, including the Anker Series 5
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