Guide to Buying USB-C & Car Phone Chargers 2023

From charging your phone or laptop in the car to powering your road trip dash cam, a USB charger is a must-have accessory for every adventure. In this section of our buyer’s guide, we’re taking you through buying a USB-C or car phone charger for your action-packed trip, whether you're driving in the Dordogne or heading to the Olympics.

What to consider when buying an iPhone charger.

iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 don't come with a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately. If you have an iPhone 13, 14 or 15 (or another Q12-enabled smartphone), you can take advantage of magnetic wireless charging with our Convertible Magnetic Charging Stand, keeping cables to a minimum in your suitcase or rucksack. For older models of iPhone, you'll need standard wired or wireless charging, and Apple recommends a 20w charger or higher. For maximum flexibility on your travels, try our 140W 4-Port GaN Wall Charger, which charges an iPhone, iPad and two other devices at the same time and comes with travel-friendly interchangeable plug tips.

What to consider when buying a USB-C charger.

USB-C chargers are compatible for charging most devices, but not all in-car chargers are the same. USB-C port wattage varies from 15w to 100w, and the wattage you need will depend on what you’re going to be charging with it. If you’re charging your phone or powering a dash cam, a 20w charger is plenty. For tablets and high-end smartphones, a 30w charger might be more appropriate - especially if you'll be using them for capturing memorable sporting moments or vlogging the adventure and need the best charging accessories to keep them powered. You’ll also want to consider how many extra ports you want to add, which will depend on the number of devices you’ll need to charge.

Choosing an iPhone charger.

Apple recommends a 20w USB-C PD or higher, which is the closest alternative to its own-brand charger. However, any charger 20w or above will be compatible, and if it also includes PPS technology, it will optimise the charge for the connected device and potentially charge it faster than an Apple charger.

What to consider when buying a car phone charger.

Charging smartphones and other devices from a car USB port doesn’t harm them in any way, so your main consideration will be which devices you need to charge and where you’ll be placing them in your car – cup holder, dashboard or vent? Also consider any extra accessories you may need, such as power extenders like our 4-Port USB Power Extender. The best USB car charger for you will depend on what you’re charging, but a 30w charger is great for most phones, tablets, dashcams and other devices. Apple recommends 20w or higher for an iPhone car charger, and you may need higher wattage if you’re charging a laptop.

Are fast chargers bad for your phone?

The simple answer is no: fast chargers aren’t bad for your phone! If you’re looking for something that will get the job done quickly while you’re between sightseeing trips or before the next game, look out for a fast charger. Each device will have a recommended charge wattage from the manufacturer, which will usually be the fastest charger for that device.