The most important piece of safety equipment in your vehicle, besides your brakes, is your cell phone. It not only summons help in the event of an emergency, but keeps you from getting lost, alerts you to traffic jams or hazards, and even tells you where those speed traps are hiding. Of course, it can only perform this slate of vital tasks with enough juice — a dead battery hacks all the benefits at the knees.
Features like GPS and live-update traffic apps like Waze can sap your battery if you’re not plugged into a USB car charger on the journey. A good charger can keep any driver — and a passenger — fully charged for long road trips and always within reach of friends, family members, and first responders. They also pair well with a car phone mount, so your phone stays charged and easy to view (for the GPS, of course). Better still, USB car chargers tend to be among the least expensive car accessories. But a bad one could leave you stranded with a dead car and a dead phone, so it’s crucial to choose wisely.
The Best Car Chargers: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
“When choosing a USB car charger, consider how many devices you’ll need to charge at once and whether you need fast charging capabilities,” says Matthew Price, founder and editor at Mac tips and troubleshooting site Maccidents. “Look for chargers with snug fits to avoid them coming loose and models with durable builds to withstand the wear and tear of travel.”
Another good feature to look for, Price says, is LED lights that prevent you from fumbling for your charger in the dark. You should also ensure your charger has sufficient wattage, especially if you are looking for a multi-port charger.
Also be aware that most car chargers are still of the USB-A variety, although more USB-C versions are hitting the market every day. It is still well worth your while to make sure you have the correct cord to pair your charger and your mobile device. (Remember, the newest iteration of the iPhone and iPad are now USB-C, not Lightning. There are USB-A to USB-C adapters available, but we don’t recommend adding another layer of connection that could be susceptible to failure.)
Scosche ReVolt Universal Cigarette Lighter D
Here’s a great example of the cost-effectiveness of USB car chargers — Scosche’s single-port charger sells for just under $5, but for a mere $3 more you can (and should) move up to this model, which can power two devices at once with dual 2.4-amperage ports.
“It’s designed to charge devices a bit faster than the average charger and comes with integrated LED lighting for easy use at night,” Price says. It’s also remarkably compact and great for smaller cars where every inch counts. Price warns that if it becomes dislodged from the socket and rolls under a seat, it could be difficult to find.
If you want to bump up to a faster USB-C version from Scosche, check out this 30-watt dynamo.
AINOPE 4.8-Amp All-Metal USB Car Charger
Price calls out AINOPE’s metal-zinc alloy construction for its durability and stylishness — available in seven colors — and its bright LED light. Like the Scosche ReVolt, the AINOPE brings a total of 4.8 amperage (2.4 per port), so it can fast-charge two cell phones simultaneously, and has enough oomph to juice up a tablet if that’s your preferred onboard mobile device.
This is also an Amazon’s Choice overall pick among car chargers, with a healthy 4.6-star average rating from over 62,000 reviewers. You can also opt for AINOPE’s even smaller Super Mini version, which has both USB-A and USB-C ports, although the Super Mini does not perform dual charging as well as its big brother.
One word of caution: AINOPE’s Amazon page lauds this charger’s “perfectly flush fit,” but Price says the fit may not quite be as tight as some would like.
Satechi Magnetic Qi Wireless Car Charger
The leap from the standard cigarette lighter USB charger to the magnetic Qi-compatible version may look pricey at first glance, but it’s important to realize you’re replacing your phone mount when you go in this direction.
This product is also the author’s choice because it’s been a revelation in terms of ease of use and rapid-charge capability. The included USB-C cord had to be replaced for a USB-A-equipped vehicle, but the air-vent mount holds far more securely than expected, even on bumpy roads, and the magnetic hold is very secure.
An important thing to note: It’s a one-phone charger, and the Qi charging means it’s meant almost exclusively for iPhones, but it’s a proven champ in that category.
Anker 320 Mini Car Charger
The Anker name is the draw here, and the 320 Mini Car Charger lives up to the company’s rep for high-performing charging accessories.
It makes Price’s list thanks to its versatility – it can accommodate a variety of devices including both iPhone and Android devices. (Like many USB car chargers, however, it is not compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge).
“This is built to reduce heat and increase charging speed,” Price says, and for a truly tiny device — just 1.8 inches long and the same diameter as a quarter — it packs a punch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Chargers
Is Amperage or Wattage More Important When Shopping for a USB Car Charger?
They’re both important – amperage is the measure of an electric current’s strength and is the key to determining how quickly your device will charge. The wattage is simply the amperage multiplied by the voltage. So in both cases, the higher the number, the faster the charge. However, when you’re dealing with multi-port chargers, the number is often divided between the ports: a 4.8-amperage charger with two ports is delivering 2.4-amperage per port.
Which USB Car Charger Produces the Fastest Charge?
The standard USB-A charger that used to come with most iPhones has an output of 5 volts/1 amp. (That’s 5 watts – very small.) But your car’s cigarette lighter port has a 12-voltage output, so it can support far greater wattage. Use 20 watts as your baseline for charging your phone, and 2.4 amperage for a single-port charger or 4.8 amperage for a dual-port charger.
