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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

  • Reset-free feature. Uninterrupted power supply functionality for devices connected to the charger in the mode when connecting or disconnecting a second/third device. The implementation of this function is important for the next scenarios:

    • Supplying energy to non-battery devices like electronic load, AA chargers, Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards, mini PC, etc. In this scenario power cut off leads to a device reset (reboot).

    • Even if a device like a smartphone or a laptop has a battery, resetting leads to blinking the screen, waking up the device or making a sound.

    • Resetting the power supply leads to charging protocol renegotiation from scratch and ruin optimal charging curve

    • There is an opinion that multiple charging attempts harm battery health (though I did not find strong evidence of that)

  • 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.

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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 MacBook 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

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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 MacBook 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 only 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).

  • 100W (PD 20V5A) is currently the most popular implementation of power delivery via the USB-C port in laptops.

  • 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

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Best adapter up to 100W

Winner: CUKTECH 100W (2C1A)​​​
Why?

  • PD3.0 20V5A support - 100W. The most popular power rating available for most laptops on the market that charge via the PD protocol (with some exceptions in top models).

  • 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

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