The Best USB-C Chargers of 2023

USB-C chargers send more power to several devices at once

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David Beren
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  • Nova Southeastern University

David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years' experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributor for sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier.

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Updated on February 24, 2023
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Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh
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At this point, USB-C chargers are a must-have accessory. They charge multiple devices simultaneously and far faster than old USB-A chargers. Some even include USB-A ports, so you don't have to buy new cables (yet).

USB-C cords can transfer power and data faster than their older counterparts; if you've recently upgraded to a phone with a USB-C connection, you may have noticed that it charges more quickly (or charges a longer-lasting battery in the same amount of time). As this speedier cable becomes more popular, you may run into issues where you have a USB-C cord and a USB-A port without any way to connect them. When that happens, a USB-C adapter can help bridge the gap.

USB-C: Everything You Need to Know
The Rundown
Best Wall Charging:
Cable Matters 4-Port USB-C at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Powerbank:
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 at Amazon
Jump to Review
in this article

Best Wall Charging

Cable Matters 4-Port USB-C

Cable Matters 4-Port USB-C

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Plenty of ports for charging multiple devices

What We Don't Like

  • Charging can be a bit slow

With a whopping 72W of power available, the Cable Matters 4-port USB-C charger is an excellent choice for sticking into a wall outlet and powering four devices simultaneously. Besides the USB-C input that delivers 60W of total power, the three additional USB inputs can deliver up to 3A power for 5V to 20V devices through the 12W USB-A charging ports.

Beyond power, Cable Matters added overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection to prevent your devices from overcharging. Measuring 6.6 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches and weighing 13.3 ounces, the Cable Matters USB-C model is beefy compared to the similarly priced competition. Still, given its price-to-performance ratio, it’s hard to overlook.

Charging Speed: 72W | Compatability: Android and iOS | Ports: 4

Best Powerbank

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 Battery Pack

4.8
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 Battery Pack

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Double USB-A ports

  • Quick charging

  • Exceptional battery capacity

What We Don't Like

  • Cant charge other devices while being charged

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 Battery Pack Bundle Review

While some USB-C chargers plug directly into a wall, others bring the wall to you, as with Anker's PowerCore+ 26800 30W Power Delivery charger. With over 26800mAhs of power onboard, the Anker can deliver seven complete charge cycles to most smartphones and at least two total charges for iPad and comparably sized Android tablets.

Travel-friendly, the PowerCore+ measures a backpack-friendly 6.5 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches in size and weighs 1.3 pounds. Fortunately, the PowerCore+ doesn't take too long to recharge because the 30W USB-C wall charger can refill the entire battery in just over four hours.

Anker PowerCore+ 26800

Lifewire / Gannon Burgett

Charging Speed: 45W | Compatability: Android and iOS | Ports: 3

What to Look for in USB-C Chargers

Reliability

The newer USB-C standard can deliver a more significant amount of electricity than its past counterparts. As a result, it's extremely important to purchase your chargers from a reliable and well-known manufacturer. Inexpensive USB-C chargers can quite literally destroy expensive electronics. If you're getting a charger for Apple products, be sure to look for MFi certification.

Wattage

Find out the wattage needed for your device before purchasing a charger. While most USB-C chargers will be able to accommodate smartphones and tablets, those looking to charge compatible USB-C laptops will need to ensure that their charger has enough juice for the job. A mid-range wattage is around 45W; on the higher end, you can get an output of 72W or more. The Power Delivery standard (PD) also indicates the type of high-power devices that can be supported.

Ports

Are you merely charging a single device, or do you want to charge multiple USB-C devices simultaneously? Some chargers can charge more than one device at a time, which can be an excellent feature if you don't want to be bogged down by a travel bag full of chargers. Some chargers will have a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, giving you the best of both worlds when charging devices that may not have USB-C ports.

FAQ
  • What's the difference between USB-A and USB-C?

    The most recognizable difference between the two USB standards is that A has a rectangular connector that can only be inserted into a port in one direction, while C's connector is a flat oval that's completely reversible. Also, the USB PD standard that USB-C supports allows for a much higher wattage ceiling than USB-A, which means faster charging (C also permits faster data transfers, as well).

  • Do Apple devices use USB-C?

    Apple largely still clings to its proprietary Lightning standard for iPhones, though they have moved to USB-C on the iPad Pro line and its MacBook Air/MacBook Pro line. For a few years now iPhones have come with a USB-C to Lightning cable, so you will be able to use any of the USB-C chargers on this page if you still have the cable that came with your iPhone.

  • Are all USB-C cables the same?

    No, cables differ both in terms of data transfer speed and power as well as protocol support. Some USB-C cables only support the older USB 2.0 standard, while modern cables can take advantage of USB 3.2, the latest and fastest standard (until 4.0 releases). Some cables can only carry 20V 3A power, while others carry 20V 5A, sufficient to power devices like laptops and monitors. You should always check which type of cable you're using before plugging it into a device, particularly if it's aftermarket or you bought it from a third party.
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