Cheap USB Chargers

Portable charging on the cheap

The electronics world is one of rapid advancement and exciting change, but the Duracell Instant USB Charger (*Est. $25) stubbornly remains the same. For the past several years, the Duracell Charger has beaten down all its challengers, including other Duracell products. It endures because it's cheap, lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Its only real deficit is that it stores a meager 1150mA of power, and it isn't very fast when it comes to charging.

Still, both experts and users alike find plenty of good things to say about the Duracell charger. Gizmodo.com's Mark Wilson says the Duracell is a "perfectly executed little gadget." With the push of a button, it delivers just enough juice to completely or nearly recharge most small USB devices. Then it can be quickly recharged and ready for its next use. An indicator light turns green when the device is charged and red when it is ready for a recharge.

This device is perfect for short-term power needs, and its tiny size and light weight make it easy to carry for travel. However, check your device for compatibility, as the Duracell Instant USB Charger doesn't necessarily work with all devices. Otherwise, according to OhGizmo!.com reviewer Andrew Liszewski, the Duracell is "dead simple to use."

The little charger performs well when tested by experts. For example, Alisa Clark, a reviewer for The-Gadgeteer.com, tested the Duracell Instant USB Charger by draining her phone to 9 percent. After connecting the charger to her phone, "Two hours later the little battery was dead but my phone was charged up to 70%!" She also recharged her iPhone when it was at 75 percent, and within an hour, "my phone was back up to 100%." 

The Duracell USB Instant Charger gets high marks from Amazon.com contributors, earning 4 of 5 stars overall. Equally popular is the Instant Charger's big brother, the Duracell Powerhouse USB charger. It too charges most, but not all USB devices. Its main difference is that it stores 2000mA and holds its charge a bit longer. The Duracell Instant charger may not hold as much power, but it has far more favorable reviews and is definitely smaller and lighter.