Best USB-C Car Charger for iPhone or Android
Best USB-C Car Charger for iPhone or Android
The Best USB Car Chargers for Keeping Your Devices Juiced on the Go
Carrying a backup charger can be a real lifesaver when you’re on the road, ensuring that your devices stay powered up and ready to go. With the advancements in car charger technology, you can now find options that offer high wattage for fast-charging your phone or other devices. Here, we have rounded up some of the best USB car chargers on the market, providing you with in-depth insights into their features and performance.
The Importance of Having a Reliable Car Charger
It’s no secret that our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, assisting us with navigation, providing entertainment through music streaming, and serving as a lifeline for communication. However, all these tasks can quickly drain your phone’s battery. That’s where a dependable car charger comes in handy. Not only does it keep your phone running during everyday activities, but it can also be a real savior in emergencies or road troubles.
The Best Overall USB Car Charger: Aukey CC-Y48 Dual Car Charger (48W)
At just a fraction of the price of other leading options, the Aukey CC-Y48 Dual Car Charger provides excellent charging speeds and supports both Quick Charge (QC) and Power Delivery (PD) protocols. This means it can fast-charge a wide range of phones and devices. It may be slightly slower in charging speed compared to some other models, but considering its affordability and the benefits it offers, it is an easy choice for best overall USB car charger.
The Amazon Option: Anker PowerDrive Speed Plus (49W)
While the Anker PowerDrive Speed Plus may not have topped the charts in charging speed, it still delivers impressive performance. It is slightly larger than other options and priced higher, but if you can look past those factors, it is a great alternative that provides reliable charging for your devices.
The Smallest USB Car Charger: Aukey CC-A3 Dual-Port Car Charger (30W)
For those who prefer a compact and unobtrusive car charger, the Aukey CC-A3 is the perfect choice. With its small size, it remains flush with the top of the 12-volt socket in most cars. The clever design includes a handle that pivots up when needed and folds down flush when not in use. Although it is the second-slowest charger tested, its small form factor compensates for the difference in charging speed.
The Budget Car Charger Pick: Monoprice 2-Port USB Car Charger (39W)
Known for its affordability, Monoprice offers a decent USB car charger that performs well within its price range. While it may not be the fastest charger, it is still faster than some other options. At the time of publication, it was one of the cheapest options available, making it a great budget pick.
Other Tested Car Chargers
In addition to the top picks mentioned above, we also tested the Wotobeus PD 65W car charger. Despite its colorful design and high wattage rating, it charged the slowest and was priced similarly to faster options, putting it out of the running.
Deep Dive into Testing and Charge Times
To determine the best USB car chargers, we conducted both synthetic and real-world testing. Using electronic load testers and voltage trigger test modules, we measured the maximum amperage and charging speeds of each charger. In our real-world testing, we timed how long it took to charge a fast-charging USB-C device, specifically a Pixel 5, to 10% battery capacity.
Here are the charge times we recorded for the tested car chargers:
| Brand | Model | Time for 10% Charge | Approx. Time for 50% Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satechi | 72W Type-C PD Car Charger Adapter | 6 min 43 sec | 33 min 35 sec |
| Aukey | Dual 48 | 6 min 47 sec | 33 min 55 sec |
| Anker | PowerDrive Speed Plus 2 | 7 min 01 sec | 35 min 05 sec |
| Monoprice | Two-Port 39W | 7 min 07 sec | 35 min 35 sec |
| Aukey | CC-A3 | 7 min 14 sec | 36 min 10 sec |
| Wotobeus | PD 65W PPS | 7 min 25 sec | 37 min 05 sec |
Answers to Common Questions
How fast can car chargers really charge?
Car chargers can deliver similar charging speeds to decent home chargers, ensuring that your devices are charged in a reasonable timeframe.
Are the manufacturers’ wattage ratings real?
Not necessarily. The claimed wattage ratings provided by manufacturers should be taken with a grain of salt.
Can my phone fast-charge on any charger?
It depends. Different chargers support different fast-charging specifications, such as PD (Power Delivery) and QC (Quick Charge). Before purchasing a charger, make sure it is compatible with your device’s fast-charging capabilities.
Will an 80-watt charger damage an 18-watt phone?
No, your phone will only draw as much power as it needs from the charger. The USB system ensures that compatibility and safety are maintained.
What about dual USB-C chargers?
While our focus was on chargers with one USB-C and one USB-A port, many manufacturers offer dual USB-C chargers that perform similarly.
Do I need special cables?
Apple products may require MFi-Certified Type-C-to-Lightning cables for fast charging. Non-Apple devices should work fine with any decent USB-C cable.
Remember, investing in a reliable car charger is essential for keeping your devices juiced up and ready to go wherever you are. Whether you choose the affordable Aukey CC-Y48, the efficient Satechi ST-TCPDCCS, or any other option mentioned here, you can ensure that you’ll never be left with a dead battery while on the road.
[PD]: Power Delivery [QC]: Quick Charge
