by Joshua Thomas
With the USB car charger, you can charge a wide range of electronics ranging from smartphones, laptops, and anything in between.
Despite their small size, most top-rated USB car chargers are able to deliver a decent amperage per port to charge power-hungry devices like laptops with ease.
But one of the biggest advantages of the USB car charger is its price. Indeed, this is an extremely inexpensive accessory that makes it an incredible value for money.
Withut any further ado, let's see which USB car charger you need to purchase for your vehicle.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
---|---|---|
1. Anker AK-A2310011 (Best Overall) |
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2. Maxboost CARCHARGER-BBLK |
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3. AmazonBasics CLA-2U5480 Black Red |
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4. Anker A2311011 5-Port |
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5. Ainope 4335022087 |
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6. Trianium TM000054 |
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7. TeckNet 4326583881 |
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Anker is known for making very high-quality accessories. This USB car charger is no different. It has an emphasis on build construction, so it is durable and is made to last a long time.
In addition, it contains 2 ports, each with a power of 2.4 A per port for a total of 4.8 A for both. With this type of amperage, this USB car charger will have no problem charging anything, from a smartphone to other pieces of electronics.
This car charger is also equipped with technologies like PowerIQ and VoltageBoost that ensures that devices like smartphones get sufficient current so that they can charge faster.
All in all, if you need a reliable and a high-quality USB car charger that will last a long time with daily use, then this model by Anker is certainly one of the best USB car chargers for the money.
Notes
Despite having many technologies like PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, this USB car charger does not have Qualcomm quick charge technology because it lacks the amperage per port.
So, it should not be used when charging power-hungry devices.
Pros
Cons
What separates the Maxboost USB car charger from the rest of the competition is that the ports that light up.
Indeed, when connected to the cigarette lighter of your vehicle, the port will emit a light blue color that makes them easier to see especially in lowlight conditions.
Additionally, one big complaint with most light up port USB car chargers is that they tend to emit too much light that makes them uncomfortable at night.
This is not a problem with the Maxboost because the light it emits is very smooth and aesthetically pleasing.
Moreover, with its 2 ports and 4.8 A total current capacity, this USB car charger will have no problem charging a regular electronic device like a smartphone with ease.
However, it does not have Qualcomm technology so it is a little bit less efficient when compared to a competing model that is equipped with this technology.
Despite this small caveat, this model comes with intelligent circuitry that will protect both your device as well as the USB charger from overvoltage and overcharging.
Indeed, the charging of the device will stop automatically when it has finished which makes it safer to use.
Taking its light up ports into account, we nominate the Maxboost as the best USB car charger for the phone. It is especially useful if you use this car charger at night.
Pros
Cons
This AmazonBasics USB car charger is a flexible USB charger that allows you to charge both 12 V and 24 V devices with ease. It contains 2 ports, each with 2.4 A per port and you have the possibility to purchase this model in a wide range of colors to suit your need.
Therefore, it is quite versatile, and you can use this USB car charger in any type of vehicle, ranging from a car up to a 24 V truck.
With this type of power, this model will have no problem charging a smartphone with ease. It also comes with many certifications as well as built-in safety mechanisms that make it safer to use.
It will not overcharge, create a short circuit, or overload your device when in use. The only issue we have with this USB charger is that it is a little bit slow to charge power-hungry devices. Also, since this is an entry-level USB charger, it is not very durable so you must avoid heavy duty usages.
Pros
Cons
Not everybody is satisfied with a USB car charger that contains 2 ports. Some have bigger demands and need to charge more devices, and use more ports at the same time.
This is where this 5-port Anker model stands above the rest of the competition. With its combined 5 ports that has a total power of 10 A, this model is definitely the highest Amp USB car charger in this review.
However, note that even if the total power is 10 A, each port can only deliver 2.4 A. Of course, this is still more than sufficient to power most smartphones.
And even if this model is not equipped with the legendary Qualcomm quick charge technology for fast charging, it still contains advanced technologies that make charging faster, safer, and easier.
As with everything, nothing is perfect and this USB charger has its caveats as well. For one, it is more expensive than other models and it does not come with an indicator light so you will not know if it is charging or not.
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for a very discreet USB car charger, then the Ainope will surely interest you. Indeed, this USB car charger is by far the most compact model that we have reviewed yet.
When inserted into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle, it will sit flush to it and not get in the way.
Additionally, it contains 2 ports each able to supply 2.4 A of power which is more than enough to charge any smartphone quickly and easily.
Furthermore, the ports themselves are lit so you will have no problem seeing them in lowlight conditions. It comes with many certifications that guarantee that this USB car charger is safe to use.
When it comes to size, the Ainope is by far one of the best USB car chargers that you can currently buy on the market. The only real problem with this model is that it does not have Qualcomm technology for quick charging.
Pros
Cons
Even if the Trianium is not the cheapest USB car charger that you will find in this review, it is one of the most value for money products you will find. This is because you get no less than 2 USB car chargers for the price of one with this purchase.
Moreover, the aluminum build construction is superb as it is durable and long-lasting. There is an eye for detail in this product that also makes it aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention that it is slim and compact, so it has a discrete look as well.
This USB car charger is able to charge any type of smartphone on the market. Additionally, it can also be used to charge the brand-new 12-inch MacBook in 5 hours because it outputs sufficient power to do so.
Even if this product is not the fastest USB car charger that you can buy on the market, it is quite durable, reliable, and contains a cool orange LED indicator light.
Additionally, it is able to charge a wide range of devices which makes it versatile. It's just that the charging process is a bit slower when compared to other models.
Also, since this is a very compact USB charger, it has a small length so it is not 100% compatible with all cigarette lighters in every vehicle.
You will need to observe due diligence with this USB charger before purchasing it. Other than this, it is an absolute deal!
Pros
Cons
If you need a high performing USB car charger that delivers a lot of amperages, the TeckNet should interest you.
This USB car charger has a total amperage of 9.6 A which makes it one of the most powerful USB car chargers in this review.
You get 4 ports in this car charger so that you can charge multiple items simultaneously. It contains many security features as well as certifications for the safety of your device.
There is overvoltage and overcharging protection that will prevent it from damaging your devices. It can charge any type of Android smartphone or iPhone with ease.
Additionally, there is an LED indicator that will show you if you have properly connected your device to the car charger. It will light up in blue color.
Ironically, despite its high price, this model does not have Qualcomm quick charge technology so it is a bit slower in charging modern-day devices.
However, it still remains a powerful and heavy-duty USB charger and an excellent model to purchase if it has the features that you need.
Pros
Cons
First and foremost, you need to ensure that your USB car charger is compatible with your vehicle.
Even if most USB car chargers tend to be universally compatible, at least when it comes to the physical size, it may not have the electrical compatibility to power the USB car charger.
Especially if the car charger you are interested in has a higher than normal amperage.
Additionally, some USB car chargers may be too long or too short to fit in your cigarette lighter. So, you need to consider this aspect as well.
Basically, a certification will tell you how safe and reliable the USB car charger is.
Let's not forget, this device will need to power a wide range of electrical and electronic devices ranging from smartphones to even laptops.
Therefore, it must have certifications that guarantee that it will work with those devices. For example, if you are planning to use your USB car charger with an iPhone, then it must be MFI Apple certified.
Of course, there are several other certifications that become relevant depending on the device you are planning to use with the USB car charger.
Moreover, the certifications will show you how safe the charger is. As it has been tested against strict safety standards and approved by the manufacturer.
The amperage is perhaps the most important aspect to consider. This is because the amperage is what actually gives "power" to the USB car charger to charge your accessories.
For most people, a USB car charger that can deliver an electrical output of 2.4 A is more than enough.
With this type of amperage, you will be able to charge almost any electronic devices with ease.
If you need more power to charge more power-hungry devices faster, then you need to go with a model that delivers more than 2.4 A.
The number of ports of your USB car charger will dictate how versatile it is.
Indeed, the more ports it has, the more versatile it will be because it will be able to charge more devices at the same time.
This number is subjective as it will depend on how many devices you are planning to charge. We recommend you go with a USB car charger that contains at least 2 ports.
This is enough to charge a smartphone and an extra accessory at the same time. If you have greater charging demands, then you need a model with more ports.
However, don't forget that a USB car charger that contains more ports will also consume more power so you need to ensure that your cigarette lighter can output sufficient power.
A USB car charger that contains ports that light up is very practical. Indeed, this will allow you to clearly see the port in low light conditions.
It can mean greater security especially if you're trying to connect a cable to the port while driving at night.
You have greater chances of successfully connecting it the first time.
Read More: 10 Best Car Inverters
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Anker iPhone 11 Charger, USB C to Lightning Cable [3ft Apple MFi Certified] Powerline+ II - eBay Link
HULKMAN Alpha85 Jump Starter 2000 Amp 20000mAh Car Starter for up to 8.5L Gas and 6L - eBay Link
BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 4.2A Dual USB Car Adapter - eBay Link
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[Upgraded Version] ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger,15W Qi Fast Charging Auto-Clamping Car - eBay Link
iOttie Wireless Car Charger Auto Sense Qi Charging Automatic Clamping CD + Air Vent Combo - eBay Link
iOttie Auto Sense Qi Wireless Charging Car Charger Automatic Clamping Cup Holder Phone - eBay Link
As we have seen, the USB car charger brings a lot of convenience in your vehicle. With it, you will be able to charge a wide range of accessories like smartphones, laptops, etc.
Moreover, it is small and compact, so it does not take a lot of space. Simply connect it to your cigarette lighter, and you are good to go.
Furthermore, by reading our USB car charger review above, we can see that despite its small size, this little device still delivers enough power to charge most electronic devices.
And finally, one of the biggest advantages of the USB car charger is its inexpensive price. You absolutely need one in your vehicle!
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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