The best wall chargers: A buyer’s guide

Any phone manufacturer will tell you that the best way to charge your device is to use a first-party charger. This is especially true if you want to take advantage of the fast charging features like Warp charging from OnePlus or ultra-fast VOOC charging from OPPO.

However, as long as you do your research, there are plenty of good third-party alternatives out there. These are likely to be cheaper, may also have fast charging capabilities, and may be more portable. Whether you’re looking for a replacement or an extra travel charger, there are plenty of things to consider.

What should you watch out for?

• Is the brand trustworthy? A reputable brand is more likely to sustain countless charge cycles. We highly recommend Anker, but there are tons of other great brands out there. We ensure that each option on this list balances price, quality, and reputation.
• Which ports does it have? Most new third-party chargers have USB-C ports, which are probably the fastest way to charge. However, you already have a charging cable. So if you have a USB-A to USB-C / Micro-USB cable, you’ll need a charger with a USB-A port.
• How many ports do you have? need? Do you want to charge multiple devices with a single charger? The more ports the charger has, the heavier and less portable it becomes. A multi-port charger is great for a desk, but smaller one- or two-port chargers are better travel companions.
• How fast does it charge? Fast charging is standard at this point, albeit with a different degree of performance. A third-party charger is unlikely to offer the same speeds as proprietary charging technology like VOOC charging. You need to know if your phone supports standards like Qualcomm’s fast charge and USB-PD (Power Delivery) to find the right charger that can take advantage of this feature.
• Which size do you need? You also need to consider the size. Do you want something that fits easily in your pocket or backpack? Or do you want most of the charging power in one large stone? Are you looking for something that is on a desk? How long should the charging and plug cables be?

A note on purchasing third-party accessories

You should do your research on every mobile accessory you buy. It is important to be extra careful when charging accessories as a bad charger can seriously damage your device. Before buying an accessory from a brand you are unfamiliar with, check the following:

• Search owner submitted reviews on sites like Amazon. What are people saying Do these short reviews look legitimate? It is possible for them to receive paid or sponsored posts if they are very vague and poorly written.
• Look for oddities. For example, if the product reviews are not for the product! This often happens with third party charging accessories from unknown brands. A 5-star rating on a protein powder is not what you want to see when trying to buy a multi-port wall charger.
• Familiarize yourself with the return policy of the product. While many products have return deadlines, some may only have a replacement window. In this case, no refund is possible.
• We are here to help! Android Authority literally has hundreds of guides to help you navigate the tangled world of charging accessories for phones and other devices. From multi-port chargers to numerous power bank categories, we have it all.

Android Authority recommends

Most chargers work with many smartphones. However, with the different charging speeds, ports, and features available on different phones, you need to look for compatibility.

Here we take a look at the best chargers you can get for some of the newest phones available. Note that while we mention certain smartphones, these can be a great option for other phones as well. If you own any of the specified devices, rest assured that the chargers we selected will give you the fastest speeds and the best security.

Single port chargers

Anker Powerport III Pod

If you’re looking for a charger for your phone, tablet, Nintendo Switch, or even laptop, the Anker Powerport III Pod 65W charger can do it all. It comes with the latest version of Anker’s Power IQ technology which ensures fast charging for most smartphones and tablets, including Samsung’s super fast charging with the latest flagships. It’s also an impressively compact option compared to most charging stones.

Ravpower 30W charger

The Ravpower 30W charger is a less powerful but much cheaper alternative to the Anker 65W charger. It has a USB-C port and supports the USB-PD 3.0 fast charging standard with compatible devices. Ravpower uses GaN technology, which makes the charger small and portable, but also keeps it cool.

Two port chargers

Anker Powerport Atom PD 2

Sometimes only two ports are required, and this anchor option shows what 60W of power can do. It is equipped with two USB-C PowerDelivery ports that intelligently allocate power to ensure an even charge. The Anker Powerport Atom PD 2 is available in white or black and is based on GaN to keep the temperature low and the power high. It’s a great travel companion as the prongs fold flat and fit in any pocket.

RAVPower two-port

This RAVPower option doesn’t quite hit the same speeds as the Anker charger, but it does add back USB-A charging. The USB-C port allows you to get 18W speed while the iSmart USB-A option gets 12W. RAVPower’s dual port USB wall charger offers overcharge, overheat and short circuit protection to keep your devices safe and powered. At just 2.8 ounces, you can take the RAVPower anywhere with you and you will barely notice the weight.

Three port chargers

Aukey three port

It’s pretty easy to say that three ports are better than two. After all, you can charge 50% more with the extra connectivity. This three-port Aukey option adds a second USB-A port to the mix so you can choose between Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 speeds. The USB-C port reaches a maximum speed of 46W, while the Quick Charge USB-A achieves a maximum output of 18W. Thanks to the built-in safeguards, you can spend more time charging and worry less about overheating.

Four port chargers

Satechi four port

The Satechi USB wall charger skips up to four ports and balances two USB-C options and two USB-A options. The two USB-C ports add a total charge of 108W, while the USB-A options add 12W. It’s an easy way to charge all of your devices at the same time, but you can set yourself up for different speeds. A handy LED light shows when your devices are charging, and a sleek gray finish adds a touch of luxury to this handy USB wall charger.

Anker Powerport Atom PD 4

If you like the look of the Powerport Atom PD 2 but are hoping for more ports, then Anker is for you. It is equipped with two USB-C PD ports that intelligently allocate the energy to ensure an even charge. You also get two standard USB ports. With 100W, you can potentially charge two laptops at the same time.

Power strip with USB connections

Anker overvoltage protection socket strip

If you want to make the most of your options, Anker is back on the list with a full-blown power strip. It plugs into the wall with a single socket. A six-foot cable, on the other hand, means you can position the charging node wherever you need it. Once connected, you can choose between one 45W USB-C port and two 15W USB-A ports, plus three other AC options. It’s pretty much the ultimate charging station for the flexibility it offers. The capsule design looks pretty good on a desk too.