The Best iPhone Chargers
We've come to depend on our iPhones like a lifeline to the world because, in reality, they are. This means if your glowing battery icon suddenly goes from yellow to red, it's time to push the panic button — or at least plug it in and charge your battery. Thus, choosing the right charger to pair with your iPhone is a big deal. After all, one doesn't work without the other.
What to Look For
To help you find the right iPhone charger for you, we’ve done the research to whittle down the options. A good charger should charge quickly and be made of high-quality materials, and the cable should be the right length for your needs. That’s why we love Anker’s Powerline II. Its premium quality and affordable price make it the go-to choice for anyone in the market for a USB-C cable. But the Samsung Qi has a place in our hearts, too, because its cordless design offers a level of convenience that wired options lack. There are more chargers where these came from, so to discover our favorites, keep on reading.
Anker Powerline II USB C to Lightning Cable for iPhone
Small and speedy
This USB-C to Lightning Cable adapter from Anker provides all the fast-charging compatibility that USB-C promises but in a cable that has been reinforced to withstand 12,000+ bends at up to 15kg of force. Each charger is MFi-Certified and 6 feet long, making this option a convenient choice for home, office, and car use. Anker is a quality brand name that has been making iPhone accessories for years, so it’s no surprise that they made the top of our list.
Pros:
- While many folks choose to buy an iPhone charger directly from Apple, this cable proves that sometimes, the cheaper option is just as good.
- We appreciate the variety of colorways on offer here. If you want to buy more than one cable, you can color-code which cable belongs to who in your home.
Cons:
- The cable is fairly stiff, so orienting it in certain positions may be difficult.
Samsung Wireless Charger DUO Pad
Cut back on the cords
The combination of beauty, simplicity, and convenience of wireless charging pads has revolutionized the way iPhones are charged. With all these qualities in spades, the Wireless Charger Duo outshines the competition. First of all, it’s a Samsung device, which you probably already know is a leader in home technology. It’s also compatible with any Qi device, which means it’ll work great on your brand-new iPhone 12. A built-in cooling fan keeps your devices from heating up while charging.
Pros:
- If you have other compatible devices, such as a smartwatch or wireless earbuds, you can charge them simultaneously with this unit.
- Some wireless chargers won’t charge your phone unless the phone case is removed, but this one is compatible with the vast majority of phone cases.
Cons:
- The charger may not recognize your device unless it’s placed in the center of the pad, so you can’t exactly just toss your phone on.
Plmuzsz iPhone Charger 3 Pack
Fuel up the family
You’re not the only one who can’t be bothered to bring your charger from place to place wherever you go. Instead of dealing with that hassle, a three-pack like this provides you with multiple charging cables. Thanks to that, you can keep one charger at home, throw another in your day bag, and stash the third wherever else it might be convenient, such as in your vehicle or your kitchen. We appreciate that the cables come with charger blocks, too.
Pros:
- If you have friends who stay over frequently, you can use one of the extra cables in the guest room. Your friends will certainly appreciate it.
- If you’re planning on traveling, stocking up on these can be useful. That way, if you lose one, you’ll have backups.
Cons:
- The cables are only three feet long, so consider your space’s layout before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USB-C faster than the Lightning cable?
Generally speaking, it is. Lightning cables transfer data at USB 2.0 speed, which is 480Mbps/60MBps. USB-C works at USB 3.0 speed and can transfer files as fast as 10Gbps/640MBps. However, these speeds also depend on the devices to which the cable is connected, so they will vary.
What is “MFi Certified,” and why is it important?
MFi stands for “Made for iPhone”. This certification means that Apple approved that particular product for use with their iPhones, iPods, and iPads. MFi-certified cables are typically more expensive due to their higher quality level and the cost of the license from Apple. Cheap Lightning cables, or ones that don’t have MFi certification, are probably knock-offs and should be avoided.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.