The Best USB Car Charger (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

In today’s modern world, our electrical gadgets are more important than ever. Just try to remember the last time you…

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The Best USB Car Charger (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance © The Best USB Car Charger (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance
Best Choice Maxboost USB Smart Port Charger Maxboost USB Smart Port Charger
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Premium Pick Ailkin 3.4a Fast Charge Dual Port USB Car Charger Ailkin 3.4a Fast Charge Dual Port USB Car Charger
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Best Value Monster Front Seat and Back Seat 4 Port USB Car Charger.jpeg Monster Front Seat and Back Seat 4 Port USB Car Charger
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In today’s modern world, our electrical gadgets are more important than ever. Just try to remember the last time you didn’t leave the house with your phone in your pocket or bag or the last road trip that wasn’t guided by a GPS device of some sort. For those of us with kids (big or small), can you imagine a drive without the incredible distracting power of an iPad?

No matter the form, we are all wedded to our gadgets, and they can all play a big part in making car journeys of any length more fun or provide practical assistance like navigation or making phone calls. No matter their function however, there is one thing they all have in common – they all rely on batteries for power.

Where you have batteries, you also need chargers so in the article we’re going to check out some of the best USB car chargers on the market right now. Read on to find out which one can do the best job of keeping your devices charged up and ready to go.

One word of warning – they are a very popular subcategory of electrical device. We’ve found no less than 15 high-quality designs of car chargers, each one bringing something a little different to the party. So, maybe crack open a beverage before you get started.

Best Rated USB Car Chargers in 2022

Just take a look at this gadget. You probably won’t even bother to unplug it, as it will happily blend into any modern style of dash array. It’s not just the looks that impress on this model though, it’s also packing some very useful features.

First up is the power on this model, with 4.8 amps and 10 volts spit between each port – that is an excellent level of power that will do a great job of charging up your electrical devices. It also packs the punch to charge iPads, which not all USB chargers do, so bear that in mind if you ever travel with tablet style devices.

Key Features
  • 24 Watt /5 Volts
  • 4.8 Amp
  • Double Injected Frame for Toughness
  • Built in Protection from Over Charging/Short Circuits
  • Great Value for Money
Specification
  • Brand Maxboost
  • Model CARCHARGER-BBLK
  • Weight 2.08 Ounces

The Ailkin 3.4 Fast Charge Dual Port USB Car Charger comes sold as a two convenient two-pack and comes in black, electric blue, hot pink, or white to add a little pizzazz to your ride. The dual USB port design gives you the versatility of charging two devices simultaneously, so no more fighting over who needs to use the charger more.

As a bonus, this clever charger automatically identifies your device to charge it safely and quickly. It will charge two devices at full speed, so you get the fastest charging capability possible. This unit is RoHS, CE, and FCC certified. It features built-in overheat and over-current protection, protection from overcharging and short-circuiting.

Key Features
  • 3.4 Amps Total Charging Capability
  • Universal Charger Works With Most USB Devices
  • One-Year Warranty
Specification
  • Brand Aikin
  • Model YD-C01
  • Weight 0.352 ounces

The Monster Front Seat and Back Seat 4 Port USB Car Charger is a must-have solution if you frequently find yourself running out of charging ports while on the road. Designed to be used for passengers in the front and rear seats, this charger gives you more flexibility an convenience by offering multiple ports for multiple devices.

With this USB car charger, you’ll get three USB A charger ports and one USB C charger port. It’s a 7.2-amp charger with 18 watts of power, and it can take your basic DC port and turn it into four. These USB ports are divided over two separate units — one for the front seat, one for the back seat. That way, everyone can access an open port at the same time. Whether you’re on a long road trip or commuting across town, this dual charger setup is also a smart choice if you have frequent back seat passengers.

Key Features
  • Two charging devices with a 5-foot cord
  • Offers three USB A ports and 1 USB C port
  • Utilizes intelligent power management to handle simultaneous charging
  • 7.2 amps and 18 watts of power
Specification
  • Brand Cable
  • Model MCC9-1031-BLK
  • Weight 0.14 pounds

The Thought energy 12-volt Dual USB Car Charger is a handy dual-port USB charger that will make sure you keep your essential devices charged and ready to go. It utilizes wideband technology to provide one 3.0-amp quick charge port and another 3.1-amp regular charging port for a total of 6.1-amps of charging power.

The charger fits snugly into your car’s 12-volt power outlet and lights up a bright blue ring to indicate that the charger is properly plugged in and ready to go and makes it easier to see while driving at night. It works with 12-32 volts and offers a maximum output of 35 watts, making it ideal for smartphones, tablets, mp4 players, and more.

Key Features
  • Smart Chip Equipped
  • 6.1 Amp Output
  • Built-In Safeguards Protect Devices
Specification
  • Brand Thought energy
  • Model N/A
  • Weight N/A

For the power gluttons who need to charge several devices at once, we love the Amzer 10-Amp/50-Watt 4-Port USB Car Charger. This behemoth of a charger offers not one but four separate charging ports. It’s ideal for families who want to eliminate bickering or fighting over who’s turn it is to use the car charger.

This unit provides 2.5 amps per port, giving you 10 amps and 50 watts of total charging power. It features a smart chip that automatically detects your device and delivers its fastest possible charge. It provides high temperature and short-circuit protection to keep your important devices safe.

Key Features
  • 4-Port Smart Charger
  • 10-Amps and 50-Watts of Total Power
  • Automatic Device Detection
  • Low Price
Specification
  • Brand Amzer
  • Model AMZ97790
  • Weight 0.704 ounces

Everything about this product, from the aluminum alloy construction to the nifty red glowing ports screams premium product. Yes, this is certainly one of the better looking models on the market right now, but it is what it has inside that truly makes this one of the standout chargers out there today.

It’s called Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, and it’s those last two digits that should really make you sit up. The 3.0 refers to amps, as in how many can be pumped out of each port. That is a super level of power and helps make this one of the quickest chargers out there – provided of course your phone is compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge.

Key Features
  • All Metal Construction
  • Max 3 Amp Per Port Output
  • High Speed Charging
Specification
  • Brand JSAUX
  • Weight 1.28 Ounces

Belkin has long been a trusted name in compact electronics and digital accessories, and the Belkin 24W Dual-Port USB-A Car Charger is the perfect example of why. This compact little charger is sleek and straightforward and offers two USB ports that can charge almost any portable device. This model comes with a generously long 5-foot type A charging cable that’s made specifically for charging your iPhone.

This tiny charger offers a decent 24 total watts of charging power, with each port putting out 2.4 amps. It will charge your devices in no time. It offers fast charging capabilities for iPhone 8 or newer but is fully compatible with any device that uses a USB A cable.

Key Features
  • Dual-Port 24-Watt Car Charger
  • Standard 2.4 Amps Per Port
  • Includes 5-Foot Long Type A Charging Cable
  • Built In Protections
Specification
  • Brand Belkin
  • Model F7U111-05-SLV
  • Weight 0.17 Pounds

To be perfectly blunt, there’s not really much about these products in terms of stand-out features. Yes, they are dual 2.4 amp ports. Yes, they do have wide compatibility across a range of electrical devices.

They are of a very durable and compact design too, and they contain built in safe guards against overcharging, against over heating and against current surges. All very worthy, all very impressive, but by this stage of the list (we’re into double figures for anyone who is counting along at home) it’s all very similar, isn’t it? We’ve seen several models with near identical features – so what has this done to make the cut?

Key Features
  • 2 Chargers
  • Dual USB, 2.4 Amps Per Port
  • Basic But Efficient Design
Specification
  • Brand Trianium
  • Model TM000054
  • Weight 2.24 Ounces

This model is extremely similar to the model we looked at above from Vogel. It is packing a 9.6 amp total output spread across each port, allowing for 2.4 amps per port. As I’m sure you know by now, 2.4 amps is very good.

It also has the built in safety features to protect against overheating, overcharging and all those other things that can damage your electrical items. It’s of a very similar size, it is even of a similar weight and good overall construction.

Key Features
  • Lightweight & Compact
  • 4x Charging Ports
  • 9.6 Amps Total
Specification
  • Brand TECKNET
  • Model 4326583881
  • Weight 1.44 Ounces

If you’re tired of blowing through cheap chargers, it’s time to invest in the onn. Dual Port Car Charger. Designed to work seamlessly in any vehicle, this on-the-go charger offers all the features you need for charging while you drive—and there’s even a port just for passengers too. Best of all, users love how sturdy and quality this charger is, noting that it does well even with frequent use.

Whether your phone, tablet, or other electronics are dead, you can use this USB car charger to get them powered up once again. It offers two charging ports, each one with 2.4 amps. You can plug in two devices simultaneously, and both devices will recharge at the same speed. All you need to get charging is a 12-volt car outlet.

Key Features
  • Two USB charging ports, each 2.4 amps
  • Handles simultaneous charging
  • Features standard safety protections
  • LED power light makes the charger visible even at night
Specification
  • Brand onn.
  • Model N/A
  • Weight N/A

The Auto Drive Dual USB Car Charger is speedy and efficient. And if you want the flexibility to be able to charge multiple electronic devices of different sizes and designs on the go, it’s perfectly suited to your needs.

This charger offers two USB charging ports, each with a 2.4-amp charging speed. It works with 12 to 24 volt DC power, and it delivers up to 5 volts and 3.4 amps in total. With a compact, sleek design, this charger blends right in with your most modern tech accessories. Able to work seamlessly with a wide array of different devices, you can use this USB car charger on everything from the latest iPhones and Galaxy phones to tablets, digital cameras, and other smart gadgets or devices.

Key Features
  • Compatible with all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, and many other devices
  • Offers two USB ports
  • Charges with 2.4 amps (or a maximum of 3.4 amps)
  • Offers built-in protection against overcharging and overheating
Specification
  • Brand Auto Drive
  • Model VC-6021
  • Weight N/A

Here’s a USB car charger that’s as durable as it is quick: the Belkin BoostCharge USB C and USB A Car Charger. This dual port charger allows you to charge up to two devices at the same time, and it’s compatible with both USB A and USB C charging formats. That gives you fantastic adaptability.

However, it’s the durable design of this charger that really stands out. It’s constructed with a 5-foot USB C to USB C braided cable cord, which is tested to survive more than 10,000 bends. Forget about charger cords that break instantly with a bend or use. This charger will keep working without damage, even with typical wear and tear.

Key Features
  • Includes 2 ports: 1 USB A and 1 USB C charging port
  • Can handle simultaneous charging of phones, tablets, and other devices
  • Supports fast charging and intelligent charging
  • Works with phone cases
Specification
  • Brand Belkin
  • Model F5Z088-05-BLK
  • Weight 0.17 pounds

The Samsung Fast USB C Dual-Port Car Charger is a fantastic product for anyone who owns Samsung devices. It’s a trustworthy charger that’ll work with any of Samsung’s portable products, from the latest Galaxy phones and Note tablets to other devices. In fact, it’ll even work with some LG smartphones. After all, what charger is better to trust than one that’s made by your device’s manufacturer?

In addition to the reliability of its brand name, this USB car charger is also quite versatile and efficient. Its two USB C charging ports are a perfect fit for type C cables (and one 4-foot cable does come with the charger itself). It has built-in guaranteed safety features, including over-current, overcharging, overheating, and short circuit protections. And it’s just plain fast. This Samsung car charger can take your device battery from 0 to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. It even works that quickly with its simultaneous charging capability, meaning you can charge two devices fast without any issue.

Key Features
  • Works with Samsung devices including smartphones and tablets
  • Two USB C charging ports
  • Includes a type C charging cable
  • Charges up to 50 percent in as little as 30 minutes
Specification
  • Brand Samsung
  • Model N/A
  • Weight N/A

Best USB Car Charger Buying Guide & FAQ

Phew – glad you grabbed a drink now, huh? We realize that was a very long list, with a lot of information to take in. In this section now, we’re going to give you the tools and knowledge you need to interpret all that data, and help you to choose the best USB charger that suits your needs.

This section won’t be as long of course, but feel free to crack open another beverage – we’re sure you’ve earned it.

Features to Consider When Buying USB Car Chargers

What are the most important features to bear in mind when you select your new car charger? If only someone really cool and extremely handsome could make a list of them all…

Number of Ports. Don’t buy any product with only one port (unless it is a one port/one attached wire, or an emergency use wire only). It’s just a criminal waste of real estate, as the accessory port can kick out some serious amps and voltage. Take advantage of that by selecting at least a dual USB car charger as your everyday device.

Light Up Ports. It’s not just because they look really cool – though no one can deny that they do. It’s also because they make the charger easy to use – heck, they make it safer. USB ports are tiny. When you’re driving, and the light is poor, and you want to plug in your phone you do not want to be fumbling around in the gloom. You want to glance down, see exactly where the lit part is, and plug in. It minimizes distractions whilst you’re driving, and that can only be a good thing. (Plus they look really cool, did we mention that?)

Amps. Power is extremely important when it comes to these devices, however it is how that power is delivered that is the key – and that is measured in amps. No device on this list delivers power at less than 2.4 amps. There are models out there that do, we’ve seen some with as low as a 1 amp rating – and they are a complete waste of time. They’ll still be trying to get your phone up over 50% even as the sun consumes the Earth itself in a few billion years time.

Construction Material. USB chargers made of metal will usually cost a bit of a premium compared to models constructed entirely from plastic. You are getting two advantages by choosing a device with metal as the primary construction material. First, they look really cool and also are pretty tough and scratch resistant. Secondly, metal helps dissipate heat. These devices can get pretty hot sometimes, especially with multiple ports going. A metal USB charger will be able to handle that just a little better than their plastic brethren.

Benefits of Using USB Car Chargers  

Why spring for a new USB car charger? Well, there are a couple of reasons we can think off…

Convenience. If you spend a lot of time in your car, then it can be very convenient to charge your devices up inside it. Think about it, you get in the car, you’re commuting to work. Pop your phone on charge and arrive at the office with a topped up battery. No more having to borrow a charge cable from Dave in accounts, and having to spend 15 minutes listening to his boring stories in return. We get it Dave, you wasted your life – now please just give me the charger.

Emergency. These little devices can also be extremely useful to have on hand during an emergency. They are so small – and also pretty durable – you can pop one into the glove box and leave it there indefinitely. But you can also be sure that, should the need arise, it will be right there ready to charge up your phone or GPS if you desperately need it.

Make Long Trips Bearable. You can also look at these devices as power outlets in the car cabin. If you are on a long trip and want to use your phone as a navigation tool whilst syncing your IPod to the car radio, they need to be charged. If you want to entertain the kids in the back by showing Frozen for the 900th time on their iPads, they need to be charged up too. Losing an electrical device on a road trip can be a first class ticket to hell. Drop 10 bucks or so on any of the products we looked at above and stop that happening.

Types of USB Car Charger

There are broadly speaking two types of USB charger, wired and unwired.

  • Wired. Definitely the older style of charger, they date to the early days of cell phones. Back then, you wouldn’t have multiple devices that needed to be charged – you’d just have your phone. So chargers were wired so that they ran directly from the Car accessory port into the phone handset.
  • Unwired. Definitely a more modern version of charger, these make up the bulk of the devices we looked at above. They are particularly useful because of their versatility. No longer are they designed just for phones, they have the capacity to connect to – and charge – a very wide range of electrical devices.

Of course, there are also sub categories even within these broad categories, with USB chargers that are flush, some that have dual ports and some with as many as five. Broadly speaking, in this modern world where we often have several electrical gadgets on the go at once it makes sense to choose a more modem unwired version of car charger.

Best USB Car Charger FAQ:

Got any questions about good old USB chargers? Of course you do! Settle in and read on to see the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these useful little devices.

Q: What is a USB car charger?

USB chargers are designed to take advantage of the standardization of USB as a charging method in recent years. Think about it – phones, GPS, headphones, games consoles controllers, tablets and music players – they all come with USB charging cables right? USB car chargers have developed alongside this to provide a fast and convenient way to charge a whole host of electrical devices right inside your car.

Q: How is the USB car charger connected to the car’s power supply?

USB Car chargers typically plug into what used to be called the cigarette lighter port. These days though, when was the last time you saw anyone light up a cigarette with one of those things? It would be like watching a caveman rub pieces of flint together. These days, it’s usually called an Accessory Port, or sometimes even just a Power Port.

Q: Can I charge my iPad & my Iphone at the same time?

Yes and no (we love giving these kinds of answers at Car Autance!) You can certainly charge them both at the same time, provided the USB charger you have selected can push out enough amps. Both the iPhone and iPad have minimum amps levels that any charger must deliver in order to charge the batteries. So as long as one port can deliver at least 1 amp, and the second can deliver at least 2.1 amps then yes, feel free to plug in your fruit based electrical devices.

Q: Can I charge my smart watch on a USB Car charger?

As always, double check this with the guide that the smart watch came with (because we don’t want to get sued!) As a general rule of thumb however it should be fine. After all, the device will (should) only draw as much power through the charger as it requires. Don’t forget, many people plug their watches into wall outlets to charge them, which are capable of delivering far more power than the car’s accessory port.

Q: Can a bad charger harm my phone?

Yes, it can. It can deliver too much power and damage the delicate circuitry in the phone battery. Never buy a clearly knock off model, always try to buy from reputable manufacturers, and look for products with good reviews. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for models that boast built in protections against things like overcharging, surges in current and even overheating.

Our Top Pick 

It’s got to be the Maxboost USB smart charger. Yes, there are other products on the list that deliver a bit more power, yes there are some models that boast more ports to attach devices.  But with each increase in power or ports, the price skyrockets. This tool however delivers sufficient power through two ports (so still a useful amount) to be extremely useful in everyday driving.

Add in the fact it is small, looks great, is built to last with a tough double injection molding construction method and it’s remarkably cheap – put all those factors together and that is why it is our top choice.

Sources:

  1. iPad & iPhone Charging Guide – Apple.com
  2. Distracted Driving Stats – NHTSA.Gov
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