top of page

What are the selection criteria of the best USB charger?

First of all, it should be noted that the choice of the best charger (adapter) is my subjective opinion based on my own user experience and personal requirements for the quality and functions of the charging adapter.

The adapters presented below are those that I can recommend to everyone without any hesitation and use myself.

​​

The price of the adapter does not affect the rating and selection; only functionality and user characteristics are important. Reference prices are also not given as they are constantly changing and sales are applied.

​​​

All adapters have been personally tested by me and demonstrate reliable and stable performance under full load.

​

An alternative (to the winner in the category) USB adapter is no worse than the main one; it usually has features that make it a more preferable choice in certain usage scenarios or for certain categories of users.

​​

Below are the functional features that are present in each of the winning adapters, as I consider them mandatory and without them, the title of “best adapter” cannot be obtained, since I will not use an adapter without this functionality:

  • Stable operation under full load from a single port. If the maximum is stated as 100W, it means that it is tested with a load of 100W; if 140W, it means that it must provide 140W. Any of the adapters must withstand many hours of load as a laptop power source, which means that its stable operation under maximum load is absolutely necessary.

  • Rest-free feature. Uninterrupted power supply functionality for devices connected to the charger in the mode when connecting or disconnecting a second/third, etc. device. This is not only important for stable, uninterrupted charging of connected devices without unnecessary sounds and notifications of charging start, but also to prevent the restart (short-term shutdown) of devices that do not have an internal battery in order to survive the moment of power interruption.

  • Support for the PD12V protocol. This is an optional protocol for the PD standard, but it is very convenient, for example, for DIY tasks that require a popular 12V DC power supply, which can be provided by connecting a PD-DC cable with a built-in 12V trigger and using it as a replacement for AC-DC 12V adapters up to 3A.

⇧ to the table of contents ⇧

The best all-round adapter

Winner:​ ​AOHi Magcube 140W (2C1A)
Why?

  • Support for the full PPS range up to 21V5A, meaning any Samsung or Google Pixel will charge as fast as possible, and most Chinese brand smartphones will charge very quickly.

  • Support for PD3.1 28V5A - 140W - this protocol is useful for modern laptops such as the Apple Mac book pro 16 and some others. Also, more and more devices require PD3.1 support, for example, the Miniware TS101 soldering iron.

  • 3 USB ports (2C+1A) - the optimal number.

  • UsbA port. This is an advantage that is not obvious to some, but the fact is that there are still many devices around us that have a USB-C port but are not capable of charging using a USB-C to USB-C cable because the PD protocol requires CC lines that may be missing in such devices.

  • Energy efficiency class VI. The charger can be left plugged into the outlet.

Alternative: SHARGE PIXEL S2U 140W PD3.1 (3C)​​
Why?

  • It has the functionality of AOHi Magcube (PPS 21V5A, PD3.1 140W, class VI energy saving), but:

  • Support for the AVS EPR protocol (15V-28V5A) has been implemented. This is of little use today, but may be useful in the future.

  • All ports are USB-C (no UsbA port)

  • A pixel screen that shows the power output to the ports (the screen can be turned off, although its presence can be annoying)

  • Dimensions are slightly larger than the AOHi Magcube

  • The European plug head does not look very aesthetically pleasing.

AOHi Magcube 140W 2C1A
SHARGE PIXEL 3C

⇧ to the table of contents ⇧

The best adapter for traveling

Winner: SlimQ 150W PD3.1 (3C1A)​​​
Why?

  • Supports PD3.1 28V5A - 140W. Owners of modern laptops, such as the Apple Mac Book Pro 16, will be delighted.

  • ​Supports PPS 20V5A (unfortunately not 21V, but acceptable for most users).

  • Interchangeable heads (plugs for AC outlets) for different countries' standards.

  • High power + 4 USB ports (3C + 1A) allow you to use one charger for all your gadgets and your whole family when traveling.

  • The presence of a USB-A port is an important option for travel, since many peripherals such as toothbrushes, razors, flashlights, headphones, and other small items are often unable to charge from a USB-C charging port; a USB-A to USB-C cable is required, and it needs to be connected somewhere.

  • The adapter is reliable; I have been using it every day for a year and a half now.

Alternative: INIU 100W (2C1A)​​
Why?

  • Weight and dimensions! This adapter weighs 210 grams, which is less than the winner (246 grams), and is more compact. At the same time, it works stably under full load (unlike some of its lighter counterparts in the 100W group).

  • 3 USB ports (2C + 1A) are the minimum required if this is the only charger in your luggage. If 3 ports are not enough for your trip, consider using one of those safe to use Y-type cables.

  • PPS 11V5A support. It is not 20V or 21V, but still capable of charging many devices quickly.

  • PD3.0 20V5A support - 100W.

  • UFCS 63W support, which may be important for some Chinese smartphones.

  • Energy efficiency class VI - for those concerned about their carbon footprint.

SlimQ 150W 3C1A
INIU 100W 2C1A

⇧ to the table of contents ⇧

Best adapter up to 100W

Winner: CUKTECH 100W (2C1A)​​​
Why?

  • PD3.0 20V5A support - 100W.

  • Supports PPS 20V5A. Unfortunately it is not 21V, but acceptable for most users.

  • Supports Xiaomi Hypercharge 100W even with a standard 5A USB-C to USB-C cable

  • Supports UFCS 33W (USB-A port), which is useful for some Chinese smartphones

  • 3 USB ports (2C+1A). Optimal for a 100W charging adapter.

  • USB-A port, suitable for peripherals that do not support the PD protocol.

  • Energy efficiency class VI. The charging adapter can be left plugged into the outlet.

CUKTECH 100W 2C1A
Winner: INIU 100W (2C1A)​​​
Why?

  • More compact and lighter than the winner without compromising performance stability.

  • PD3.0 20V5A support - 100W

  • Supports PPS 11V5A - not 20V or 21V, but still capable of charging many devices quickly.

  • Supports UFCS 63W, which may be important for some Chinese smartphones.

  • 3 USB ports (2C+1A). Optimal for a 100W charging adapter.

  • USB-A port, suitable for peripherals that do not support the PD protocol.

  • Energy efficiency class VI. The charging adapter can be left plugged into the outlet.

INIU 100W 2C1A

⇧ to the table of contents ⇧

Support TinkerVault
Some links on this page might be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
I buy and test every product ourselves to provide honest, unbiased reviews - your support helps me keep this project alive and independent.

Thank you for being awesome!

bottom of page