The best USB-C chargers of 2024: Expert recommended

The Anker 313 USB-C charger is my pick for the best USB-C charger overall. It’s inexpensive, and the 45W output is enough for most people’s needs. I like this one so much that I normally have a few with me to gift people who are in need of a charger for their smartphone or tablet. 

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a USB-C charger:

• Power output: The wattage of the charger determines how quickly it can charge your device. Higher wattage chargers can deliver more power and as such charge devices faster (but only as fast as the device can draw the power). Also, while lower-wattage chargers are perfect for smartphones and tablets, higher wattage chargers (60W and above) are needed for laptops.
• Ports: Consider how many devices you need to charge simultaneously. Some USB-C chargers come with multiple ports, including USB-A ports, which can be useful for charging older devices. Multi-port chargers can be handy and reduce the need for multiple chargers, but can add unnecessary bulk and cost if you don’t need them.
• Build quality: Choose chargers from reputable brands, as these are going to adhere to safety standards. Poor-quality chargers can bring risks such as overheating, short-circuiting, and even causing fires. It’s a good idea to look for certifications such as UL, ETL, CE, or FCC to ensure the charger meets safety regulations (but be aware that these can be fraudulently printed onto poor-quality chargers).

Every year I test dozens of chargers, both in the test lab and in real-world conditions, and there are certain things I look for in a charger if it is to make it onto my recommended list: 

• First, does it do what it says it will do? This isn’t as easy as plugging it in to see if it will work, but I also test the charger under heavy and sustained loads (because even a poor-quality charger might be able to work for a few minutes). I also test single port load and multi-port loads to make sure these are in line with the specs. To get a passing grade, a charger needs to output the rated power for several hours.
• Is the charger safe? I carry out several electrical safety tests, and also thermal measurements — because no one wants an overheating charger in the home.
• Is it robust? Can it handle being plugged and unplugged repeatedly? Are the ports good quality? Can the charger handle being dropped and kicked about, because this is the sort of abuse it’s going to get in day-to-day use, especially if it’s a travel charger.

In addition to that, I’ve also carried out extensive research into USB-C chargers, taking into consideration user reviews, competitor analysis, and the like. While I can do a good job on testing the charger in front of me, user reviews and ratings can tell me a lot about the quality of a product over time and also how it performs over longer time scales. (For more on our testing process, check out how we test portable power stations.)

Yes. To do this you will need a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter like this or this. Bear in mind this is yet another thing you need to carry (and potentially lose), and you might be better off upgrading your cables or buying a charger that has both ports.

As a rule of thumb, I tend to stick with the following:

• For smartphones and tablets: 18W – 35W
• Laptops: 60W+

When I’m testing devices, I have set 45°C/113°F as the point at which I start to have concerns. This is the temperature at which things stop feeling hot and people start feeling pain, according to the safe “no injury” temperature range chart. 

The ASTM C1055 (the Standard Guide for Heated System Surface Conditions that Produce Contact Burn Injuries) states that the average person can touch objects up to 60°C/140°F for up to five seconds without sustaining irreversible burn injuries.

Need a few more options to choose from? Here are a few that didn’t make it to the main list, but are still excellent chargers.