How to choose the fastest charger for your iPhone 12, Galaxy S21, and more
Charging your phone was once as simple as plugging it into the supplied charging block, then into the wall socket, and waiting until it was finished. Not any more. Whether it’s varying charging speeds, wireless charging, proprietary charging systems, or no charger being included with the phone at all, it has become considerably more complicated, especially if you want to get the fastest speeds.
I’ve already written about this problem, so now it’s time to advise on how to choose the best charger for your phone today. Sounds like it should be simple, but it’s definitely not.
What if the charger comes in the box?
Aren’t you the lucky one! There’s every chance that if the charger comes with your phone, it will be your best bet for getting the fastest, most reliable charging speeds. If your next phone is a OnePlus phone, or an Oppo, Huawei, Asus, or a Motorola phone, then a charger and cable are included in the box, because each uses a proprietary charging technology. To not include it would be particularly unfair.
Take OnePlus as an example. The OnePlus 9 Pro uses Warp Charge 65T charging technology to fast charge the battery to full in about 30 minutes, but to get this you must use the included charging block and cable. Use any other kind, and it will charge at a slower speed. It also supports fast wireless charging with Warp Charge Wireless 50, which requires OnePlus’s own special wireless charger to operate.
What if a charger hasn’t been included in the box? The Apple iPhone 12 range and Samsung Galaxy S21 range do not come with a charger in the box, so you either have to use a random old charger and risk low speeds or buy a new one. Here’s where things get more tricky.
Charging your iPhone 12
To fast charge your iPhone 12 (or technically, any iPhone since the iPhone 8) with a wired Apple charger, it must deliver 20 watts or more, while a third-party charger must also have a USB Type-C connector and USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) technology. Visit the Apple Store and pick up the 19 20W USB Type-C power adaptor, and you’ll be set.
Alternatively, visit Amazon and look for chargers from recognized brands like Anker, RavPower, Belkin, and Aukey, which list USB-PD compatibility. These will usually provide more functionality with additional ports, or more power to charge different devices. For example, this Anker PowerPort III Duo 40W charger is 26 and supports USB-PD, and comes with a second USB Type-C socket built in too. It’ll work fine with your new iPhone 12.
It’s still only half the battle though, as you may need a USB Type-C to Lightning cable to complete your fast charging mission. Apple sells this short USB Type-C to Lightning cable, if you don’t have the one that came with your phone, for 19. However, we recommend choosing a braided or nylon-covered cable for durability, and if possible pick one that has been certified by Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFI) program. This 18 Anker version fast charges the iPhone 12, is made from nylon, and is MFI certified.
If you have a MagSafe wireless charger, it also requires a specific charging block, and Apple recommends using the same 20W USB Type-C power adaptor, but it will also operate at full speed with a similar USB Type-C wall charger.
Charging your Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung’s charging system for the new Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21, or Galaxy S21 Ultra isn’t as simple as it may first seem. There are two options, Fast Charge and Super Fast Charge, and you actually have to activate them in the phone’s Settings/Battery/ Battery Settings menu. Yes, really. Once you’ve done this, you need the right plug to get started.
Samsung’s PD 25W Wall Charger is the one you want for Super Fast Charging, as it supports the required USB PD 3.0 standard. If you choose to buy a third-party charger, Samsung indicates it will need to deliver 25W or 45W of power and support USB PD PPS. Programmable Power Supply (PPS) is a recent addition to the USB PD 3.0 standard, and just to be awkward, it is not found on all USB PD 3.0 chargers.
Finding chargers that list USB PD 3.0 PPS is a challenge. The 33 Anker PowerPort III 65W charger states it does, and also specifically mentions Samsung Super Fast Charging as a supported feature. If you want a cheaper option, Samsung’s normal Fast Charge works with any USB 2.0 PD charger, or with any charger that supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 and above technology.
If you want to wirelessly charge, the Galaxy S21 supports up to 15W of wireless power. You can choose a Qi-certified pad, such as the Belkin Boost Charge 15W pad, which can be purchased with a 24W Quick Charge 3.0 rated wall adaptor for more versatility.
Best power adapters for iPhone 14 Pro
As far as we know, Apple has not improved the fast charging tech in the iPhone 14 Pro, so it charges at the same rate as the outgoing iPhone 13 Pro. While Apple recommends a 20W fast power adapter, testing has shown that it can fast charge up to 27W. So, we recommend buying charging adapters that can deliver at least 30 watts of power.
If you own an iPad Pro or MacBook Pro (check out our favorite MacBook Pro cases), you can buy an adapter that delivers 60W-70W of power and use it to charge your iPhone 14 Pro without issues. Now that you know what kind of charging adapter you need to look for, here are the best iPhone 14 Pro power adapters we recommend you buy.
Apple 20W USB-C power adapter for iPhone 14 Pro
While we recommend you buy at least a 30W charger, we know some users would rather stick to the official power adapter, so let’s get the most obvious choice out of our way. The Apple 20W USB-C power adapter is relatively compact and supports iPhone 14 Pro fast charging capabilities. It comes with a USB-C port and works with the cable that comes in the box of the iPhone 14 Pro. There’s not much to say about this power adapter. If you want an official Apple wall brick for your iPhone 14 Pro, buy this one.
Belkin 30W USB-PD GaN Charger for iPhone 14 Pro
Gallium Nitride or GaN chargers are so much better than regular power adapters. They deliver more power while retaining a very compact size. This 30W Belkin charger for iPhone 14 Pro is equivalent in size to the 5W charging adapter that Apple used to ship with iPhone. It can charge your iPhone 14 Pro from zero to 50% in about 30 minutes. You can even use it to charge your M2 MacBook Air up to 50% in about 70 minutes. It’s compact, looks beautiful, and overall, one of the best iPhone 14 Pro power adapters you can buy.
Anker USB C GaN Charger 30W for iPhone 14 Pro
Anker makes some of the best charging accessories for Apple products, including power adapters for iPhones and MacBooks, and power banks for MacBook Pro and iPhones, among many other things. We can wholeheartedly recommend their 30W GaN power adapter for iPhone 14 Pro. It comes with a single USB-C port that works with your in-box cable.
It’s only 1.12 inches thick, and about 70% smaller than an original 30W charger. One thing that I love about this power adapter is that the charging pins can fold inside the brick, making it even more portable. We love this wall adapter and recommend it to all new iPhone 14 Pro buyers.
Unitek 66W USB C iPhone 14 Pro wall charger
One of the best things about the USB-C port is that it allows you to use a single brick to charge your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro. It has made life so much easier for travelers. If you are looking for an affordable power adapter that can help you do the same, check out this Unitek 66W wall charger.
The power adapter offers two USB-C ports allowing you to charge two devices at once. You also get a USB-A port, allowing you to use any USB-A legacy cable you may have with you. The USB-A single port power output is up to 36W, while the USB-C single port power outputs up to 65W.
When all three ports are in use, the 1st USB-C offers a maximum of 30W, while the 2nd USB-C and the USB-A ports offer 18W. That means, you can charge your MacBook Air (check out our favorite M2 MacBook Air cases), your iPhone, and your iPad, simultaneously at relatively good speeds.
Anker 735 charger GaNPrime 65W
The Anker 736 GaN charger also comes with three charging ports, namely two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. When you are only using one USB-C port, you get the full 65W of power that you can use to charge your MacBook Air or even the 14-inch MacBook Pro (don’t forget to buy these sleeves for your 14-inch MacBook Pro).
When all three ports are used, Anker’s PowerIQ 4.0 technology uses Dynamic Power Distribution. It detects the power needs of connected devices and adjusts power automatically to ensure faster more efficient charging. So, if one device is fully charged, the power adapter will automatically redirect the power to other devices. That’s an excellent feature to have. Since it’s a GaN charger, it’s also compact despite delivering so much power.
Best iPhone 14 Pro power adapters to buy
That ends our list of the best iPhone 14 Pro power adapters you can buy. We have included compact 30W chargers that you can use just for your iPhone 14 Pro and 65W-100W power adapters that let you charge your MacBooks and iPads alongside your iPhone 14 Pro. Check them out and let us know which one you purchased for your iPhone.
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Best wall chargers for iPhone 13 in 2023
Charge up your iPhone 13 with one of the best wall chargers.
If you’re thinking of purchasing the iPhone 13 or upgrading to the latest and greatest release, you probably already know it arrives sans wall adapter. That means you need a charger. Most 20W wall adapters work with the iPhone series 13 lineup, but if you’re rocking the new iPhone 13 Pro Max, you’ll benefit from faster charging with a 30W wall charger. That’s because the largest of the iPhones charge at 27W. What are the best wall chargers for iPhone 13? Here are our favorites.
The best wall chargers for iPhone 13
You can always trust i.
Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
You can’t go wrong sticking with Apple’s very own 20W USB-C power adapter. Straight from the source, this rectangular charger fits every iPhone from the XS to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Thanks to its fast, efficient charging, Apple offers one of the best wall chargers for the iPhone 13. It’s also compatible with other USB-C devices, including your iPad.
Most compact
If you want a small, able charger, grab the Anker USB-C 20W charger and toss it in your cart now. It comes in four fun colors, works with every iPhone, your Apple Watch, and your iPad. The tiny Anker wall charger provides high-speed charging while saving space in your bag or desk drawer.
Best budget charger
Mkeke’s charger block gives you seven hours of playtime after only half an hour tethered to the wall. With 20W output, Mkeke works with every iPhone 13 and older phones, plus your Airpods, Apple Watch, and your iPad. It’s about the same size as Apple’s original wall adapter but rings up cheaper at the register.
Best for iPhone 13 Pro Max
Charge two devices simultaneously with the Anker 60W PIQ 3.0 and GaN Tech dual-port charger. It’s powerful enough to handle your MacBook and your iPhone 13. About half the size of a MacBook charger, this wall adapter has all the power and twice the ports of other options.
Easy to grip
If your charger goes with you on vacation or to work and school, scoop up the Lightningfast 20W fast charging block. This mini wall charger has a robust build with easy-grip sides and PD delivery. Best of all, the blue LED at the front lights up when your iPhone is done charging.
Foldable plug
The foldable plug on the Spigen PowerArc minimizes its size for portability and storage. With GaN Tech and a chipset that allows the ArcStation to be 30 percent smaller than Apple’s stock charger, you’ll get 20W of sheer power in this little package. Grab it in black or white now.
UGREEN’s two-port wall adapter pushes out 36W so you can supercharge your iPhone 13 Pro Max. It works with other iPhones, too, of course. When both ports are in use, it delivers 18W to each device. Use one port, and all 36W will fast-charge your iPhone or another USB-C device.
Best for tight spaces
This four-port PD charger fits flush against your wall outlet, making it ideal for those who need to recharge in tight spaces. With four USB-C ports, you can quickly charge your iPhone, Airpods, iPad, and iPad, all simultaneously. The Nekmit 42W wall adapter comes in blue, red, and white.
TECKNET USB-C charger 65W PD 3.0
Three devices at once
TECKNET’s PD 3.0 GaN charger has two USB-C PD ports and one USB-A port. Packing 65W, it’ll fast-charge your iPhone 13 Pro or any other iPhone, a MacBook Pro, Nintendo Switch, or iPad Pro without fear of overheating or overcharging. When you want one adapter that can handle anything, this is the wall charger for you.
Highly rated
This 20W fast charger can power up your iPhone 13 up to 50% in 30 minutes. Its shell is made of high-quality ABS material that’s heat resistant. It has a built-in protection system that will prevent over charging and heating. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, making it a great travel option. It features 20W voltage and USB-C output.
Two for the price of one
Complete with Belkin BOOST CHARGE technology, these USB-C wall adapter deliver 20W of PD power to charge your devices three times faster than the old Apple 5W chargers. Maximize your time and your budget with this deal. You’ll get two 20W wall adapters for the price of one. Now that’s a steal.
Safe and speedy
The PowerLot 30W USB-C GaN charger can charge your iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 from zero to 60% in 30 minutes. It even has enough juice to charge your 12.9-inch iPad Pro up to 60% in 60 minutes, and MacBook Air up to 50% in 50 minutes making it versatile for all your devices. It uses GaN technology to fast charge your phone more efficiently, with less heat, making it safe and speedy.
Our top picks
And there you have it, our list of the best wall chargers for iPhone 13. Just like the best MagSafe chargers, you have options. The best bang for your buck comes straight from Apple. We love the simplicity of the 20W Apple USB-C wall adapter and the fact that it works with your iPad and other USB-C devices.
If you want something a little smaller, I recommend Anker’s 20W Nano charger. It’s 50 percent smaller than the Apple adapter, and it quick-charges everything from your iPhone 13 to today’s best wireless earbuds.
If you need a charging cable and wall adapter, the Quntis iPhone 13 30W fast-charger is the one you want. It can handle every iPhone up to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and it comes with a 6-foot Lightning charging cable.
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Jodi Owan works behind a keyboard and a camera. She’s a freelance writer for i, Android Central, and Windows Central.
Best iPhone Fast Chargers In 2023
Fast charging with USB-C has been supported from the iPhone 8 to the latest and greatest iPhone 14 models. Every iPhone model from 2017 onward has the same charge specs. And those charging specs are expected to remain the same with future models. The best iPhone fast chargers listed below will fast charge your iPhone today and likely your next iPhone.
Front: ZMI zPower 33W, Anker 312 20W II, and Anker 511 Nano ProRear: Amazon Basics 36W Two-Port and Spigen 40W ArcStation Pro
Fast Charging the iPhone
iPhones from the past six years all support USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as their fast-charging standard. A USB-C charger offering 18W or more will fast charge any iPhone 14 through iPhone 8 and their variations. An iPhone 8 is the same as an iPhone 14 Pro Max in terms of fast charging.
Using an 18W USB-C charger an iPhone’s battery goes from 0-50% in about 30 minutes. The remaining 50% takes longer but is considerably faster than a regular USB charger.
It is safe to use a USB-C charger offering a higher wattage, such as the 65W or 100W charge you may use for your MacBook. The iPhone (like all USB-C devices) controls how much power it draws, so a higher-outputting charger won’t overload it.
Best iPhone Fast Chargers In 2023
The best iPhone fast chargers tend to have these qualities:
- USB-C offering 18W or more
- Small design, the lower the output the smaller the charger can be
- Low cost, for only fast charging your iPhone there’s no need to pay for unneeded features
But in most cases the cost difference is small, so go for the size and features you want even if it is a few dollars more.
The best travel-friendly fast charger for your iPhone.
The Anker 312 20W II charger is the smallest option with foldable prongs, so no worrying about the metal tips catching on anything else in your bag or scratching your electronics. The only reasons to pass on it are because you want the lowest price or the smallest, lightest option.
Dimensions: 1.23 x 1.25 x 1.3 in | 1.3 oz
The smallest and lightest fast charger for your iPhone.
The Anker 511 Nano Pro is the smallest 18-20W charger you’ll find from a reliable brand. Its fixed prongs are the compromise needed for the reduced size. Still suitable for travel when packed mindfully, also great for a dedicated outlet in a tight space, or when you want a wall charger that is hardly noticeable or more colorful.
Dimensions: 1.16 x 1.16 x 1.18 in | 1.1 oz
The best value fast charger for your iPhone.
The ZMI zPower 33W charger is typically one of the least expensive on any phone charger list while still offering a compact design and more charging options than its pricier competitors. In addition to fast charging a phone, it can fast-charge most tablets (including all iPads) and even some small laptops.
Dimensions: 1.2 × 1.2 × 1.34 in | 1.73 oz
Which Charger Should You Choose?
The Anker 312 20W II is the best all-around fast charger for the iPhone I’ve tested, especially for travel. Its folding prongs make up for the slightly larger size. And it is in the middle of the pack in terms of price. For a better value, you can also pick up a two-pack of this charger for only a few dollars more. The Anker 511 Nano Pro offers a smaller footprint in a power outlet and it offers more color options if you want a wall charger to look better. But while Anker boasts about its size many travelers don’t love the idea of the metal prongs sticking out. The ZMI zPower 33W is what I would recommend for anyone looking for a dedicated home or office charger where function matters more than form. It is cheaper and can offer support to tablets and even laptops (though not quite optimal). Its larger size and fixed prongs aren’t an issue when it spends most of its time in one place.
Best Multi-Port iPhone Fast Chargers In 2023
Consider these options if you’re looking for one charger to fast charge two or more iPhones.
The best two-port fast charger for your iPhone.
The Spigen 40W ArcStation Pro is one of the smallest and lightest two-port chargers thanks to its inclusion of GaN technology. With two iPhones connected, each can fast-charge at its maximum rate. Additionally, with only one port, you can fast-charge any model iPad.
Port 1 and 2: 20W USB-C each
Dimensions: 1.91 x 1.86 x 1.09 in | 2.6 oz
Anker GaNPrime 65W, 120W, 150W Chargers
Anker is a prolific producer of accessories and so has many different charging and power products in its catalog. For this roundup, we will be looking at the GaNPrime collection.
The trio, made up of the 735 65W, 737 120W, and 747 150W chargers, all offer a combination of a single USB-A port and two USB-C, three USB-C for the 150W model. For the latter two, they can also provide up to 100W through a single port.
They are very compact examples of chargers with folding prongs and feature Anker’s innovations, including its exclusive PowerIQ 4.0 technology with dynamic power distribution and intelligent temperature monitoring for safety.
Sold via Amazon, the Anker 735 65W GaNPrime charger is 59.99, the Anker 737 100W model is 94.99, and the 747 150W model is 109.99.
Mophie speedport 120
The third in a trilogy of GaN wall chargers available from Apple’s online retail, the Mophie speedport 120 is the highest wattage of the trio, capable of up to 120W from its three USB-C ports and single USB-A port.
Unlike its stablemates, the speedport 120 is designed for use at a desk and ships with a power cable to attach to an outlet. Up to 100W can be supplied from the first USB-C port, which will work with a MacBook Pro, with a maximum output of 119W possible with all ports in use.
The charger is also supplied with a 2-meter USB-C to USB-C cable and a strap for cable management.
The Mophie speedport 120 is also available from the Zagg store, priced at 99.95.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro
Belkin has a lot of chargers in its BoostCharge range, with some given the BoostCharge Pro name. Here are three selections from the catalog that could be worth a closer look.
The BoostCharge Pro 108W 4-Port GaN Charger is a desktop unit with two USB-C ports, capable of 96W maximum from one port, and two USB-A ports with 12W outputs. That is enough to recharge a MacBook Pro and an iPhone simultaneously.
The 60W USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger is a more straightforward unit that connects directly to an outlet and includes one USB-C port. Designed to be compact, it is claimed to be the smallest 60W GaN charger on the market.
The 30@ USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger takes a slightly different route, as it tries to be as slim as possible when in use. Equipped with folding prongs and one USB-C port, the charger only sticks out a little from the wall when plugged into an outlet, making it a great space-saving travel plug.
Available from Belkin’s website, the BoostCharge Pro 108W costs 89.99, the 60W is 49.99, and the 30W is 29.99.