Best Car Chargers: A Guide to Making the Right Choice
A drained battery while on the road – this is one thing that most of us dread. Today’s smartphones are useful beyond sending text messages or making calls. It is also an essential tool for entertainment and navigation, among others. For this reason, it is frustrating to have an empty battery. The good news is that with the right car charger, there is no need to worry. Indeed, it is one of the essential items to have in your car.
As you go online and start your search for the best car chargers, you will be confronted with a long list of choices. Do not decide in haste. Read this guide and we’ll let you know some of the important considerations, and best of all, the top options that you might want to take into consideration.
Choosing the Best Car Chargers
As you try to narrow down your choices and come up with the right decision, below are some of the most important things that need to be given emphasis.
1. Feedbacks
One of the first things that you need to do is to read reviews from other people, which will be a good starting point to determine the best options in the market. Through the insights and experiences of other people, you will know which ones can provide the best bang for the buck. Pay attention to what they are saying about the overall quality of the product.
2. Sockets
AD
It is best to look for one that comes with multiple charging sockets. While some can charge only one gadget at a time, others will be able to charge up to four gadgets or even more simultaneously. This is a good choice if you are always on the road with family or group of friends as it will provide you with the assurance that no one will ever have to suffer from an empty phone battery.
However, it is also important to take note that the number of devices being charged at a time may have an effect on the charging speed. It may end up being slower.
3. Warranty
Peace of mind – this is surely one thing that we want to have in any product that we are purchasing. With this, look for a car charger that comes with an extensive warranty coverage. Most of the options available in the market will have a warranty that lasts for one to two years. Within the warranty period, the manufacturer will offer free repair or replacement, provided that you can prove that the problem is not because of your negligence.
4. Output
This is one of the most important technical specifications as you try to narrow down the possibilities. To determine how powerful the charger is, look for its amps. Look for one that has at least 2 amps per USB port. Most phones will require only 1 amp, but if the number is higher, this means that you can expect that charging will be quicker.
Voltage is another critical factor in determining the output of the car charger. Like in the case of amps, a higher voltage would mean that the charger is more powerful, and hence, making it possible to charge your devices quicker. Most of the products in the market will have an average rating of five volts.
5. Fast Charging
Aside from looking at the amps, it is also important to pick one that comes with fast charging capability. This is one thing that is present in most modern USB car chargers. They can cut down charging time significantly, improving speed by as much as 75%. This will allow you to charge your gadgets in no time.
6. Safety
You also need to make sure that the USB car charger comes with an abundance of safety features, which will also provide you with peace of mind. There should be premium circuitry and only the best materials should be used. See to it as well that the product has surpassed global safety standards. It must have been through strict quality control.
The best choices are those with protection from over-heating. Regardless of how long it remains plugged from the power source, the components must not heat, and hence, will not be a fire hazard. Also, choose one that prevents over-charging, which will prolong the functional life of your gadget.
7. Style
A car charger is one thing that is often exposed when it is used. With this, style is also a factor that you need to consider. Find one that looks attractive. From color to its design, it should be appealing. Nonetheless, do not compromise functionality in exchange for style.
8. Charging Cable
To be provided with the best bang for the buck, pick a car charger that is already inclusive of a charging cable. Nonetheless, take note that not all cables are the same. See to it that it has superior quality, which means that it will be fail-proof and long-lasting. As much as possible, look for a charger with a detachable cable, making it easy to be replaced in case it becomes problematic.
9. Durability
A car charger will be useless if it is flimsy. You will only end up wasting money. With this, make sure to pick a product that you are sure to be long-lasting. It should be made from excellent materials. The best way to be sure that it will get through the years is to read reviews and learn from the experiences of its actual users.
Top Picks for the Best Car Chargers
In this section, we will not only identify four of the best brands and models that are available, but we will also outline some of the reasons why they are amongst the best.
1. Anker 2 Port Car Charger
AD
With 24-watt and 4.8-amp output, this is one option that should be included in your list of choices. It is commendable that it is long-lasting.
The Anker Technology that is incorporated in the product includes voltage boost. This helps provide the fastest charging per port. You also get a 18 month warranty.
Another thing that you will love about this product is how it has been designed with safety in mind. It has multiply safety features to help ensure worry free use.
Lastly, it is also worth noting that the chargers is fairly compact and has 2 ports.
Pros:
- Easily fits in car 12v port
- Comes with LED indicator light
- Compact size
- 4.8 amp or 2.4 amp ports
- Has an abundance of safety features
Cons:
- Some issues with quality may occur
- Charging may be just ok for some.
2. Ainope Car Charger with Aluminum Body
AD
With 2 ports, you can charge at either 4.8 amps or 2.4 amps. Expect this device to deliver a high degree of reliability. You do not need to wait for a long time for your battery to be fully-charged, as long as your phone is compatible with the charger.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is that it has many safety features in a small compact body. With the latter, the charger has a small foot print and is nearly flush with the cigarette port, making it look sleek and a part of the car design.
To add, you will also love how it comes with a 12 month warranty. The metal body ensures that it will resist overheating and high temperatures and provides you with an added degree of confidence.
Need another good reason to choose this product above all others? Possibly the worlds smallest metal car charger.
Pros:
- Good power output
- Charges phone’s battery fairly quickly
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Compatible with a lot of devices
Cons:
- May not fit flush or as well as some like
- May not charge as fast as some like
3. Crave CarHub USB Car Charger
AD
Among others, one of the best things about this car charger is that it comes with four USB ports. The latter is a good thing since this means that you will be able to charge up to four devices at a time. The problem, however, is that this could prolong the charging time.
If you are charging only one device at a time, however, speed should never be a problem. This is because of the 3.0 quick charging technology. Take note, however, that the charging speed will also depend on your phone.
To add, there are also several features that will make sure of your safety, providing you with peace of mind. It has protection from short circuits, overheating, and overcharging, among other common problems.
Pros:
- Stylish addition to your car
- Has four USB ports
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Can be prone to burning
- Can produce a foul smell
4. AmazonBasics Car Charger
AD
Although this may not be as popular as the products that have been mentioned above, this is still a good pick. It is made from lightweight material, although it has 2 ports and 24 watts of power. You’ll have the choice of charging two devices at 2.4 amps per port.
It also has Auto Detect technology, a nice feature that helps get the fastest charge to your phone possible. It adjusts its charging functions based on the device that you have, making sure of optimal functionality.
In addition, it has built-in safety features.
Lastly, it is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Two port charging
- Made in a compact design
- Comes with device detection for fast charging
Cons:
- Charging may be slow
- Connection may be a bit loose
Conclusion
From the four products that have been mentioned above, Maxboost Car Charger stands out from all others. For budget-conscious buyers, this is sure to be an exceptional choice. It can charge two devices at a time. It also has a soft grip and an abundance of safety features, which will provide you with peace of mind.
Are you looking for other products that you can use for your car? Click here and learn from our buying guides.
