Finding the Best Cell Phone Charger for Your Device

Before discussing specific chargers, it’s important to understand the various charging technologies that impact how quickly and efficiently your phone charges:

• Standard USB charger: This is the most basic form of charging, usually providing 5 watts of power. It’s relatively slow but reliable and is commonly found in older charging cables.
• Quick charge: A technology primarily used in many Android devices, which enables faster charging by increasing the voltage or amperage. It's ideal for those needing quick top-ups throughout the day.
• Power Delivery (PD): This universal charging standard, supported by USB-C, can deliver significantly higher power (up to 100 watts) for faster charging. It’s widely adopted across various devices, including newer models of both Android phones and iPhones.
• Wireless charging: This method offers the convenience of charging without phone cables. Wireless chargers typically use the Qi standard, supported by most modern smartphones, though it’s generally slower than wired charging.
• Magnetic charging: A system introduced for specific smartphones that aligns the charger magnetically with the device, ensuring a secure attachment and optimized charging speed.

Best for: iPhone 8 and later

A USB-C charger that supports Power Delivery is ideal for fast charging. With the right USB charger, this adapter can juice up an iPhone to 50% in around 30 minutes. Compact and reliable, a USB-C wall charger or portable option is perfect for everyday use. It’s also one of the fastest iPhone charger options available. 

Best for: iPhone 12 and later

An iPhone charger cable with higher wattage can offer even faster charging speeds and is compatible with the fast charging protocol used by Apple devices. A USB-C charging cable can also be used to charge other devices like tablets or laptops.

And iPhone users can especially benefit from a USB to lightning cable for a fast charging session. Choose the best power bank to pair with your charger cable, and you’ll be on your way to fast charging no matter where you’re at.

Read up on the different types of USB cables to really get an idea of the most ideal USB charger for your iPhone.

Best for: iPhone 12 series and later

For the latest iPhones, a magnetic wireless charger provides a unique and efficient charging experience. It aligns magnetically with the phone battery, ensuring an optimal connection every time and supports faster wireless charging.

Best for: users of multiple Apple devices

A wireless charging station that can simultaneously charge an iPhone, smartwatch and earbuds is ideal for those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. This setup offers the convenience of charging all your devices in one place.

Best for: recent Android models from various manufacturers

A fast-charging wall adapter optimized for Android devices ensures quick and safe charging. These chargers typically support Power Delivery or proprietary fast charging technologies, making them an ideal choice for users of the latest Android phones.

Best for: users of a wide range of Android devices

A compact USB-C power adapter that supports fast charging is versatile and can be used with various Android devices. Its small size makes it highly portable, while still delivering the power needed for quick charging.

Best for: specific Android brands with high power needs

Certain Android devices require specialized chargers that deliver exceptionally high power for rapid charging. These chargers can bring your phone from nearly empty to full in a very short time, making them ideal for those who need their device ready quickly.

Best for: users with multiple devices

A charging station with multiple USB charger ports is ideal for those who need to charge several devices simultaneously. It often includes USB-C and USB-A ports, making it compatible with a wide range of Android devices, as well as other gadgets like tablets and laptops. The best 3-in-1 charging station, or one with even more phone charging support, will not sacrifice charging speed while powering multiple devices.