What the best USB charger has

  • Simple operation: In this frenetic world, the less hassle the better. A plug and forget USB charger that monitors itself is best, and one that automatically stops charging when a device reaches full capacity is even better.
  • Plenty of power: The more power USB chargers store, the more devices they can charge or the longer they can stretch the life of a single device.
  • Multiple charging ports: Some USB chargers operate a single device at a time, so if the intent is to charge multiple devices at once, the more USB ports the better.
  • Indicator lights: Charging times and capacities shouldn't be a mystery, and the better USB chargers have LED lights indicating some or all of this information.
  • Quick charging times: The biggest complaint with solar USB chargers is they are painfully slow to recharge. For now, you're better off with traditional USB chargers, where charging speeds are much faster.
  • Compatibility: With the right connectivity, a good USB charger is compatible with thousands of devices. Chargers that have the ability to connect to USB mini and USB micro devices open more possibilities.
  • Power supply: How is the USB charger powered? Portable USB chargers need to be charged themselves, while desktop chargers must always be plugged into an outlet.
  • User-friendly design and durability: These devices will see often see heavy use, and it's important to know about design flaws or incompatibilities in advance. Especially important for users on the go is a portable USB charger's durability.
  • Value: USB chargers are relatively inexpensive. Some require additional components like adapter tips and charging sleeves that may have to be purchased separately and can become costly, depending on the number of gadgets you need to charge. Some manufacturers help offset this by offering bundled packages, customized selection of adapters and designs, and vouchers to receive free adapters.

Know before you go

How much money do you want to spend? Only one of the devices we review costs more than$100. The rest average between $40 and $70, and budget shoppers can find a great portable USB charger for about $25. Some chargers might need additional accessories, and these add to the cost.

How many devices will you charge at once? Plenty of options are available for charging a single device. It helps to know how many devices you intend to charge and whether you will charge them all at once.

Are all your devices compatible with the charger? If not, are adapters available to connect your device to the charger? Again, additional adapters drive up the cost.

How much power will you need? Many portable USB chargers store enough power to charge a typical phone or small USB device. Even when they don't, they can boost battery life enough to allow the device to operate a little longer. Power-guzzlers like iPads demand too much juice for most portable chargers. Since desktop and inductive charging mats directly connect to AC power, having enough power is never an issue.

Where will do most of your charging? If you plan to travel and need to keep your devices charged, a portable USB charger is a great tool. It's also important to take note of the device's design and durability. The obvious choice for desktop use is a charger built specifically for that purpose, but an inductive charging mat combines an uncluttered desk with a futuristic appearance.

Value expectations: The dollars and cents of it

USB chargers fall within a relatively inexpensive price range, from less than $25 to $110. Most portable USB chargers are straightforward devices that come with minimal components. Desktop chargers or inductive USB charging mats may require additional components to make them compatible with your particular device. Manufacturers and vendors offer all sorts of incentives to make USB charging affordable, from bundled packages to rebates and adapter vouchers. All of these chargers are widely available.

What's to come

Green energy solutions can be a good thing, and USB chargers are no exception. Up-and-coming within this category are solar USB chargers. Although plenty of good solar chargers are on the market, they have a ways to go before they can compete with grid-powered devices. Their primary drawbacks are long charging times and cloudy days. Other charging devices include those powered by propane, boiling water and people, as they move or ride about. High-tech inductive charging may be the most futuristic technology, yet its future is uncertain. Inductive charging mats are not making much of an impression among consumers.

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