Almost everybody has a gadget nowadays, whether smart phones, phablets or tablets. Because people are so mobile nowadays, charging these gadgets could be an issue if you are far from a power outlet. Some even bring power banks with them to ensure that their gadgets are always charged.
What if you are a car owner? Then a USB car charger may be considered a necessity. Choosing a USB car charger may not be easy too, that is why I came up with this list.
BTW, the reason I came up with this list is because one of my cars doesn’t have one and it has been a hassle switching the other USB car charger. Might as well get another one to keep it permanent in the car.
Contents
What is a USB Car Charger?
The simplest explanation for a USB car charger is that it is a small gadget that plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter port (or accessory port, for larger vehicles) and provides one or more powered USB sockets.
A USB car charger is typically used to charge smartphones, phablets and tablets. A USB car charger may also be used to charge battery power banks, certain camera models, and many other USB-powered devices.
Sockets
Some USB car chargers come with only one socket. But you are better off if you have two or more sockets. If you are using navigation apps like Waze, you do not want your gadget to lose power while on the go. The extra sockets may be used by a passenger or for your other gadgets.
Not all USB sockets are the same
In the most simplistic terms, charging modern gadgets is a simple matter. Plug the USB connector into the socket and plug the other end of the cable to your gadget. And that is supposedly it. Android gadgets typically require a USB cable with a micro-USB connector. Apple users need a Lightning cable. Modern gadgets, whether Android or Apple, use the new USB-C standard.
The original specification for USB chargers called for a 5 Volt and 0.5 Ampere (5V/0.5A) output. As new devices came along, they became power hungry and require more juice. It is common nowadays to see USB chargers that are still rated at 5V but with charging currents of 1A, 2.1A and 2.4A.
Make sure that you do not use a lower rated charger than your device requires. Doing so will take a long time to charge or not charge at all. Before buying a USB car charger, check the output of your existing wall chargers and ensure you get one with at least one socket with the required output.
When using your device for driving directions, the GPS and screen will drain the battery faster than normal. It is important to have a USB car charger powerful enough to keep the device topped up. With an underpowered charger, your device might have less charge than when you started at the end of a long journey. Keep this in mind.
Other things to consider
Though not really important, a USB car charger with a light can tell you if the device is working or not. A very bright light may distract you when driving at night though. A red light is better than blue or white as it offers less distraction.
Take into consideration the physical size of the charger. Make sure that there is enough clearance around the cigarette lighter and/or accessory port.
USB car chargers with integrated cables may not be a good idea. Integrated cables may limit you on the devices you may charge.
Cables are the ones most likely to break, and if it they are built in, the entire charger may end up useless. Use the cable that came with your device. Better yet, purchase spare cables that you can keep in the car. Make sure that the spare cable is long enough in case you need to mount your device to a vent or dashboard mount.
Best USB Car Chargers
5. RAVPower 40W 3A Metal Dual Car Adapter
The RAVPower 40W 3A Metal Dual USB car charger comes with two (2) USB QC3.0 ports which charge faster than the normal USB 2.0 specification (10X faster). It is lightweight and the compact construction is smaller than most QC3.0 chargers.
The car lighter contacts are made of stainless steel and do not get loose easily even if driving on bumpy roads.
The charger comes with built-in protections against overheating, overcharging and short-circuits to safeguard the charging process.
PROS:
- +QC3.0 ports
- +Can charge 2 devices at the same time
- +Space saving build
- +Has an indicator light
- +Comes with a micro-usb cable
CONS:
- -Does not come with a USB-C cable
- -Does not support quick charge function for iPhones
Visit LazadaPH for more details
4. AUKEY Car Charger with 24W Output
The Aukey car charger with 24W output is ultra compact and made from durable aluminum alloy. It sits nearly flush with the edge of your car’s 12/24V cigarette lighter outlet. It can charge 2 devices simultaneously at 5V with 2.4A adaptive power output per USB port.
It has built-in safety features that protect your device from excessive current, overheating and over-charging.
PROS:
- +Sleek, flush fit
- +Intelligently adjusts power output to match the unique charging needs of your USB-powered gadget
- +Broad compatibility with USB devices
CONS:
- -No indicator light
- -Does not come with cables
Visit LazadaPH for more details
3. Anker Powerdrive 2
This charger has dual ports that can charge up to 2.4A per port. It can charge 2 phones, or tablets at the same time. Very good for those who require multiple devices throughout the day.
It has a compact design (slim and seek) and will not be in your way when plugged in.
It is equipped with safety features. Including surge and overheating protection. If it senses a problem, it shuts down.
PROS:
- +2.4A per port
- +Has indicator light
- +Compact design
CONS:
- -Does not come with a cable
- -Not enough wattage to charge laptops
Visit LazadaPH for more details
2. Anker Quick Charge 3.0
The Anker Quick Charge 3.0 allows you to charge compatible devices up to 80% in just 35 minutes with Quick Charge 3.0. The patented PowerIQ and VoltageBoost design deliver high-speed charging to non-Quick Charge devices. The smart voltage boost technology determines when charging output is encountering cable resistance. By compensating for this resistance, VoltageBoost ensures charging speeds are unaffected by long or old cables.
Ultra-compact design gives Anker Quick Charge 3.0 a low profile while in use. Soft LED makes it easy to find your ports at night. The anti-slip carbon-fiber mesh grip ensure convenient removal and orientation.
The MultiProtect safety system provides surge protection, temperature control and more advanced safety.
PROS:
- +Anker is the leading USB charger brand
- +Can charge 2 devices up to 39W at the same time
- +Soft LED light
CONS:
- -Does not support quick charge function for iPhones
- -Does not come with a cable
Visit LazadaPH for more details
1. Romoss Rocket AM12
The Romoss Rocket AM12 is the most basic among the USB car chargers reviewed. It has dual outputs with intelligent current distribution. Unfortunately, one output could charge up to a maximum of 1A only, while the other output could only charge up to 2.4A. Don’t let the low charging currents bother you as you can still charge phones, pads or other small electronic devices simultaneously.
The charger is made of aviation aluminum alloy and plastic materials. It is corrosion resistant and fireproof. Safety features include over current, over voltage, and short circuit protections.
Among the USB car chargers reviewed, the Romoss Rocket AM12 is the cheapest. This is what I currently have in my smaller car. Unfortunately, the Romoss Rocket AM12 is only available in LazadaPH. An alternative in Amazon is the Romoss Quick Charge 3.0.
PROS:
+Dual USB output
+Sleek, flush fit
+Broad compatibility with USB devices
+Compact design
CONS:
-No indicator light
-Does not come with cables
-Not enough wattage to charge laptops
-Does not support quick charge function for iPhones
Visit LazadaPH for more details
Charging Cables
Almost all of the USB car chargers reviewed do not come with charging cables. It is important to have your charging cables present at all times in your car so that you can charge anytime.
The cables that I actually use are the ROMOSS CB05f Micro USB & Charger Cable and the ROMOSS CB12f Lightning Data & Charger Cable. These cables are cheap but do the job required of them.
Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.