While the phone markers made the jump to USB Type C connectors, it’s time for the humble car charger makers to join the club.
By Guiding Tech
The USB-C car chargers with Power Delivery brings a lot to the table. First, they are insanely fast than your regular USB chargers. Secondly, the universal approach means you can charge your compatible laptop as well. Plus, it’s future proof. Yes, no kidding.
So, in case you are searching for USB-C car chargers with Power Delivery, we have compiled a list of the best chargers available in the market.
But before we go down that path, let’s see why chargers with Power Delivery port are important and what changes it brings to the table. In the mean time, you can check out:
- 6 Best Bluetooth Receivers for Cars and Headphones
- 5 Best Car Power Inverters for Camping
WHAT IS POWER DELIVERY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
USB Power Delivery, or USB PD as it is commonly known, is a standard that allows devices to draw out the required power to charge it. This universal approach means a wide range of gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, will be able to share adapters, chargers, and wires for charging.
So, how does this tech work?
When you plug in your phone into a compatible Power Delivery charger, the two systems work out a power contract to determine the power that can be pulled from the charger to juice the phone.
It starts at 7.5W and can go up to 60W. The voltage is configurable and ranges between 5 volts and 20 volts. The best thing is that the plugged-in device will only pull power based on its rating, so you can rule out any damages owing to overheating.
Do note that not all USB-C chargers are PD chargers. And you will need to have compatible chargers and devices to reap the maximum benefits.
The official page on Power Delivery will be useful if you want to learn more about this charging technology.
1. ANKER POWERDRIVE SPEED+
- Total Power: 49.5W
- Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x1
- USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.5A
- USB-A Output: 5V/3A + PowerIQ 2.
The USB-A port bundles PowerIQ 2.0, Anker’s in-house technology that is designed to provide the fastest possible charge. In a nutshell, smartphones and other gadgets will charge fast and quick.
For the overall power it delivers, the Anker PowerDrive Speed+ is small and compact. Thanks to this design, it fits easily into the car’s socket and doesn’t come loose. Fit is one of the important features of a car charger and it differentiates a good product from an average one. For instance, my OnePlus Warp Charger has a bigger footprint and often comes loose and thus disconnecting from the power source.
A light blue LED circles the charger as an indicator. Thankfully, it’s not bright to distract you from driving. At the same time, it shows you the connection status.
2. NEKTECK USB TYPE C CAR CHARGER
- Total Power: 45W
- Ports: USB-C x1, USB-C x2
- USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/2.25A
- USB-A Output: 5V/3A
What makes the deal even sweeter is that the box includes a meter long USB-IF certified Type-C cable. It can charge up to 60W.
For the unaware folks, USB-IF certified USB chargers meet the safety criteria and would work as per the specifications. The build quality of the charger and the cable is solid. Both will last you a long time.
At the same time, a universal Power Delivery port means that the car charger is future proof. Even if you change your phone later, you will be able to use this charger.
As noted earlier, the charger has a humble appearance, with its oval face. It stands tall at 1.6-inches and easily plugs into the charging port of cars. Its fit is tight and snug and doesn’t wiggle.
Clearly, it’s a favorite among its user base. So far it has amassed over 80% 5-star rating on Amazon, with users applauding it for doing its job as advertised.
Do note that it doesn’t have LED status light. Compared to its counterpart above, it’s a tad cheaper.
3. SCOSCHE POWERVOLT
- Total Power: 36W
- Ports: USB-C x2
- USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/2.25A
This charger is fast and can top up devices at full speed and, at the same time, maintains its cool.
When the folks at Wirecutter tested it on the iPhone XS, the battery level jumped to 50% in just 30 minutes. Several user reviews on Amazon have backed this claim. “It works great and charges my Pixel 3 fast. No issues, would purchase again”, writes one user.
It has a rather subtle LED indicator at the top. And unless you do not already own a compatible charging wire, you will have to buy one should you want to buy this charger.
4. AUKEY DUAL-PORT FAST CAR CHARGER
- Total Power: 39W (27W PD)
- Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x1
- USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A
- USB-A Output: 5V/2.4A
If we go by the testament of one of the users, this Aukey charger can add 50% to a Pixel 2 in around 30 minutes.
The compact design of the charger ensures a snug fit. Plus, there are built-in features in place to reduce the risk of damage and overheating.
5. CHOETECH POWER DELIVERY CAR CHARGER
- Total Power: 30W (18W PD)
- Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x2
- USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
- USB-A Output: 5V/2.4A
The introduction of three ports translates into a larger footprint. But thankfully, it fits insides most charging cradles without hampering any functionality. It also packs a tiny LED indicator to show the status of the connection.
Apart from the above, this Choetech charger is also quite affordable compared to its peers. It costs less than $10.
AS FAST AS THE FLASH
These were some of the best car chargers that you can invest in. If most of your devices are modern and pack a USB Type C port, the Scosche Powervolt would be the best choice. Both your devices would be charged at maximum speed. However, if you also carry other peripherals and accessories such as tablets and speakers, the other chargers are worth the money.
Originally published at Guiding Tech