With universal chargers, you can recharge your smartphone, laptop or tablet quickly and safely. TECHBOOK compared 5 high-performance products.
Reading the news on your smartphone, making phone calls and then scrolling through social media accounts – this always drains the battery. Of course, to recharge it, you need a suitable charger. On the one hand, this can be done with the power supply unit that may be supplied, or with a universal model. The latter is particularly practical, because major manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung usually no longer include chargers when buying a smartphone. The most powerful universal chargers also have different connections, so that you can charge cell phones, speakers, tablets, etc. And even when traveling you only have to take one charger with you for several devices. TECHBOOK has taken a closer look at 5 powerful USB universal chargers for the socket and presents the best models.
Which chargers for smartphones, laptops and Co. are there?
When buying a mobile phone or laptop, a charger is usually no longer included in the scope of delivery. And even if it does – at some point it will be lost, broken or a second device will be needed. At that point at the latest, universal chargers are a good way of continuing to charge your devices conveniently.
These are available in different versions, including a compact USB charger for the socket, for the car or the bicycle, as a wireless Qi charger or as a larger table model with many different connections for several devices.
Qi charger: Inductive charging
Just charge your smartphone? This can be done with a USB charger that is connected to a power source or wirelessly via a Qi charging station. Qi charging stations are particularly convenient because you only have to place your smartphone on them. An extra charging cable that is plugged into the phone is not necessary here. However, the most obvious disadvantage of these devices is that the charging time often takes a long time.
In addition, such Qi chargers can only be used for smartphones and the batteries of several devices cannot be charged at the same time. In addition, the smartphone can only be used to a limited extent during the charging process.
USB chargers: Extra fast charging
A USB charger is characterized by the fact that it often has different ports on which several devices can be charged at the same time. Such chargers are called multi chargers.; However, there are also models with only one USB port. In addition to being able to charge different devices at the same time with just one plug, the USB chargers for the socket offer even more advantages.
Above all, the charging time is significantly shorter compared to Qi chargers. With a corresponding purchase, several devices can be charged at the same time, and in principle all electronic devices are compatible. If you charge via USB, you can also connect your cell phone to your car, for example. In comparison, these chargers are also quite cheap.
What should you pay attention to when buying a charger?
If you want to buy a USB charger for your cell phone or tablet, you not only have to think about how many USB ports are required, but also with which devices the power adapter should be compatible. For some devices, certain requirements must be met so that they even fit together with the charger. The specifications volt, watt and ampere give an indication of this, which will be briefly discussed here.
Amp: The physical unit ampere indicates the maximum current that can flow through a power supply unit. USB chargers with a high amperage rating charge electrical devices faster than those with a lower amperage rating.
Volt: Volt is the unit of measurement for the electrical voltage that is on a power source such as the wall outlet. This shows how strong the current is. With a USB charger, the voltage is always 5 volts, even if the socket actually delivers 230 volts.
Watt: The wattage describes how much electricity is converted into energy by a device in a certain time.
The biggest differences are mainly in the number of available USB ports. The more of them there are, the more devices can be charged in parallel. There are hardly any differences in the equipment with protective functions. Most chargers now offer protection against overheating, overcharging and overvoltage. Whether the charger is a USB 2.0, 3.0 or 1.0 also plays a role in the purchase. The number indicates the transfer rate in megabits per second.
Also interesting: That’s why you should always unplug the charger from the socket
The most powerful USB chargers for the home
Universal chargers are not only practical, they are usually available for little money. Some good chargers are available for as little as 10 to 15 euros, but you can also spend significantly more.
Test winner: CSL Aplic 2 Port USB Charger 36W QC 3.0
The USB power supply from CSL is the clear test winner because the device convinces customers with its speed. According to the manufacturer, the charger should charge smartphones, tablets and other devices up to four times faster than other models. The two big advantages are the high compatibility with many different devices such as LG, Nokia, Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia and more as well as the fast charging function.
Technical details:
- Compatible: including Apple, various smartphones and tablets
- USB ports: 2
- charging current: 2 times 3 amps
- Features: Protection against overheating, overcharging and overvoltage
- Accesories: including operating instructions
Advantages:
- very fast loading
- with protection against overheating
- fair price
Disadvantages:
- only 2 USB ports
- no protection against short circuit
- Delivery without USB cable
Comparative winner: UGREEN USB charger
The UGREEN USB charger can also be used to charge two devices, such as a cell phone and tablet, at the same time. When the connected device is charged, the charging process stops automatically. Additional functions that the charger is equipped with include protection against overheating, short circuits and overvoltage, ensuring safe use. Customers are also convinced and rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is comparable to the test-winning charger from CSL in terms of features and price.
Technical details:
- Compatible: for laptops, tablets, smartphones and much more
- USB ports: 2
- charging current: 2.4 and 1 amp
- Features: Protection functions against overcharge, overvoltage, overheating, short circuit and high voltage
- Accesories: including operating instructions
Advantages:
- usable for many devices of different brands
- cheap price
Disadvantages:
- no quick charge function
- Delivery without USB cable
Price-performance winner: Splak’s 4-port USB charger
If you have more devices to charge, the powerful USB charger from Splaks is a recommendation, as it has a total of four illuminated USB ports. Whether smartphone, tablet, camera or MP3 player – the charger can be used for a whole range of devices and is compatible with many brands such as Apple, Huawei or Samsung. The protective functions with which the charger is equipped are also practical. In addition to protection against overvoltage or overcharging, there is also a device that is intended to protect against overheating or short circuits. A big disadvantage: Only USB 2.0 devices are supported. Due to the overall good equipment and the comparatively low price, you can overlook minor weak points with the Splaks charger. This model is particularly suitable for travel. If you have several devices with you, you can charge four of them at the same time.
Technical details:
- Compatible: suitable for smartphones, cameras,
- USB ports: 4
- charging current: 4 times 2.4 amps
- Features: Protection against overcharging, overvoltage and overheating
- Accesories: including operating instructions
Advantages:
- 4 USB ports
- fair price
- Available in two color variants (black and white).
- suitable for a large number of different devices
Disadvantages:
- USB 2.0 ports only
- Delivery without USB cable
- quite heavy (weighs 126 grams)
- no quick charge function
For professionals: Anker PowerPort 40W 5 Port USB
Anker is one of the best-known manufacturers of chargers. The PowerPort 40W from Anker is therefore also a tip for charging laptops, mobile phones, tablets and other devices. The device, which costs around 30 euros, impresses with its numerous functions and many positive user reviews. Practical: the device has 5 USB ports with a total output of 40 watts. It is therefore possible to charge several devices at the same time. A special function is the VoltageBoost. This means: The PowerPort recognizes which device is connected and automatically adjusts the charging conditions. However, there is a minus point with the Anker device for the weight. At 235 grams, it is more suitable for home use and less suitable for travel. At least if you value light luggage.
Technical details:
- Compatible: with smartphones, laptops, tablets and Apple devices
- USB ports: 5
- charging current: 5 times 2.4 amps
- Features: Protection functions against overcharge, overvoltage, overheating, short circuit and high voltage
- Accesories: including operating instructions
Advantages:
- numerous protective functions
- 5 USB ports
- VoltageBoost: Charging conditions are adapted to the device to be charged
Disadvantages:
- with 235 grams a high weight
- no quick charge function
- USB 2.0 only
- Delivery without USB cable
For fast charging: Magix Quick Charge 3.0 18W 3A USB charger
The MAgix Quick Charge charger is ideally suited for particularly fast charging, since – as the name suggests – it is equipped with Quick Charge technology. Behind this is a technology that makes it possible to charge devices within 35 to 80 percent. The charger is also compatible with most devices and can also be used in many countries with a suitable adapter, which is why the Magix Quick Charger is perfect for taking with you when travelling.
Technical details:
- Compatible: with smartphones, laptops, tablets and many other devices and brands
- USB ports: 1
- charging current: 3 amps
- Features: Protection functions against overcharge, overvoltage, overheating, short circuit and high voltage
- Accesories: including operating instructions
Advantages:
- Quick charge
- very light (60 grams)
- attractively priced
Disadvantages:
- only 1 USB port
- Delivery without USB cable
Conclusion: universal chargers – practical and inexpensive
Powerful universal chargers with USB connections for the socket are not only practical and often inexpensive, they also have many advantages. They charge particularly quickly and are a good choice for anyone who wants to charge multiple devices at the same time. And they are also a clear recommendation for holidays, so that you don’t have to take your own charger with you for cell phones, tablets, loudspeakers and the like.