Smartphones are our go-to gadgets for communication, entertainment, commuting, and online transactions. Unfortunately, they are no better than paperweights without power. This is why manufacturers are constantly upgrading the battery life of these handy gadgets. But we still somehow manage to drain them. Sigh.
If you’re frequently on the road, having low or no battery is inconvenient. Instead of struggling with finding a charging socket in a mall, hospital, or public park, it’s a good idea to have a USB charger in your car. You can find these tiny car accessories in multiple shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this guide, we have reviewed some of the highest-rated car phone chargers of 2023 in detail. You can also find a brief buyer’s guide and an FAQ section to help you make a well-informed decision.
Finding the right car phone charger from a variety of options can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Thankfully, we’ve put together this buying guide to help you get your hands on a stellar phone charger for your car.
Depending on your requirements, you can look for a single-port charger or one with multiple ports. Most car chargers come with at least two ports, which is usually sufficient. However, if you have children on board and want to keep them occupied with electronic devices, get a USB charger with four outputs.
Some car chargers also feature a built-in charging cable. If you have a single device to charge in your car, this is a good idea. But, if multiple people use your car’s charger, having one with a particular connector style may be limiting.
Fast chargers are the new norm, and it’s only fitting because nobody has time to sit all day in the car to juice up their phone. A fast-charging system using Qualcomm Quick Charge technology is recommended to charge your smartphone quickly.
This type of car charger is used for charging different iPhone models. You can connect your Apple devices to the car charger’s port using a USB-A to Lightning cable.
A micro-USB is half the thickness of a mini USB and is significantly smaller than Type A and B. Consider a USB-A to Micro-USB car charger if you have an older Android model.
All newer Android models are charged using USB-C to USB-C chargers. These are the trickiest connectors because they do not work with all devices.
Wireless chargers are the latest innovation in-car phone chargers. You can use a wireless car charger to power up some Android and iPhone 8-series or newer models.
Some people believe using a fast charger can damage their smartphone’s battery, but this isn’t the case. A fast car charger can offer up to eight times quicker charging than conventional chargers, but charges the phone in two phases, keeping the battery safe.
In the first phase, your fast charger sends a blast of voltage to the battery. If the battery is slightly or completely empty, it can take up to 15 to 30 minutes to get about 50% charged. In this phase, your phone’s battery absorbs a quick charge without any adverse effects on the battery.
After the first phase completes, the charging speed will get slower. The last 20 or 30% of the battery will take nearly double the time it takes to charge the first 50%. This prevents any potential damage to the battery.
The amount of watts you need in a USB car charger depends on the type and number of devices you want to charge simultaneously.
When it comes to iPhones and Android phones, most devices only require 5 watts for charging. This means you need 5 watts to charge one phone, 10 watts to charge two phones, and so on.
Since tablets and iPads have bigger batteries than smartphones, they need more watts. Generally, you need up to 12 watts to charge a tablet or an iPad, meaning you need 12 watts to charge one tablet, 24 watts for two tablets, and so on.
The AILKIN car phone charger is a compact car accessory for keeping your smartphones charged. It features dual USB ports to charge two devices safely without overheating the charger or devices. As soon as your devices are fully charged, this charger will stop automatically to prevent overcharging. It also features a blue LED indicator, helping you use it in dark places.
This charger is compatible with multiple iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphones. Available in six bright colors, this portable car charger seamlessly blends into your car’s dashboard. Due to its high charging power combined with a low price tag, this product tops our list.
Looking for a charger that can power your phone on the go? With the Spigen USB-C Car Phone Charger, you’ll benefit from super-fast charging speeds. This charger showcases an impressive 75W dual USB set-up. Whether you own a Galaxy S22 or an iPhone 13 Mini, this charger is compatible with a wide range of devices. This means you can swiftly power up any of your devices while you drive.
You’ll not only save precious time, but with this car phone charger, you’ll be sure that you can stay connected on the road. This charger is sure to impress you with its speed and its reliability. It maintains a steady and consistent power supply for every ride, which minimizes the risk of experiencing power surges that could otherwise harm your devices.
Established in 2009, the ESR brand label is a gigantic tech company with millions of customers around the world. This particular car phone charger combines the practicality of an active cooling fan and heat-dissipating technology to keep your device cool and charged up throughout the whole time. It features a secure magnetic lock that can hold your phone securely even when you’re driving on bumpy and uneven roads. You will be able to adjust the phone charger at any certain angle and direction to ensure you always have a suitable perspective. The phone charger requires an 18W+ power adapter in order to perform at its very best. Just remember — this model is only suitable for the iPhone 13 and 12.
While you may find many small car chargers, the AINOPE car phone charger takes compactness to another level. This thumb-sized car charger is probably the smallest of them all, seamlessly blending into your car’s cigarette port without protruding. Despite having a compact build, it doesn’t compromise on performance and ensures efficient and safe charging.
This tiny in-car charger is made with a zinc alloy that dissipates heat and keeps the shell cool after long hours of charging. Even better, it can charge two devices simultaneously without worrying about overheating. Each USB port provides 2.4 amperes, allowing you to charge your devices at full speed.
The Syncwire car phone charger features an iSmart design for charging your Apple devices, boasting a built-in coiled lightning cable for your iPad or iPhone. You can use the additional USB-A port to plug in your Android charging cable and charge two devices simultaneously.
The built-in cable is extendable to 1.3 feet, providing excellent reach while retaining its shape. Best of all, this charger offers maximum protection against overheating with its integrated smart IC and thermal material. It also features a white LED indicator to let you know when the charger is connected and ready to use.
If you’re looking for a fast charger for your Android devices, consider the Cluvox car phone charger. This charger is compatible with various Android devices, including Samsung, Motorola, and LG. You can even charge Apple iPhones with this charger by using an MFI-certified lightning cable!
With Quick Charge 3.0 technology, you can quickly charge two devices at once without compromising their power. Its charging speed is four times faster than its competitors, which means you’ll have a 50% charged smartphone within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the included ultra-durable A to C cable ensures proper insertion without bending and breaking.
The Hussell car phone charger offers fast phone charging on the go for a variety of devices. Featuring Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, this pick provides quick charging from 0% to 80% within 30 to 35 minutes. For added convenience, you can actively use your device while charging.
Even more, this in-car charger comes with integrated protection against overheating or overcharging the device. That means you can safely charge your devices at maximum speed without worrying about damaging the battery. Meanwhile, the built-in LED light makes it easy to use in the dark.
A: Car phone chargers are available in four different types: USB-A to Lightning, USB-A to micro-USB, USB-C to USB-C, and wireless chargers. All four types function after being installed into the car’s cigarette port but charge different devices.
A: The USB Type-C chargers are currently considered the fastest car phone chargers. These can deliver up to 45 watts of power through the USB-C port, which is enough to charge a smartphone or tablet within 20 to 30 minutes.
A: A low-quality car phone charger that isn’t compatible with your phone can damage its battery. When you plug your phone into a car’s USB port, it may stall charging and ruin your battery’s health.