If you’re anything like myself, travel these days usually involves hauling a backpack full of your most necessary gear. That likely includes an iPhone or Android device, perhaps a Nintendo Switch, iPad and a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Charging all of that gear away from home requires a bit more planning than say 10 years ago when you were only worried about your phone’s battery life.
I find it crucial to have a solid charging plan every time I leave my home. How many nights am I staying? Which devices am I bringing? Do I need USB-C or not? We’ve rounded up four options below that are a perfect accompaniment to any night away from home.
A simple search at Amazon reveals – quite literally – thousands of options when it comes USB wall chargers. The key is, finding a brand you can trust and a product that’s well-respected.
You’ll also want to consider what type of gear you’re bringing along. Do you need multiple ports? Most likely. There’s also the consideration of charging speeds.
Most wall chargers these days push out 2.4A of power, with USB-C Quick Charge options offering even faster speeds. Personally, I like to travel with a charger that offers both, which you’ll see below.
AUKEY Dual USB 2.4A w/ Foldable Plugs: $8
The incumbent champion, and a 9to5 favorite, this option from AUKEY delivers the basics in a minimalistic design for under $10. You almost have to pause for a second and consider that for over 50% less than Apple’s own USB wall charger, you get an extra port and faster charging speeds. At a minimum, everyone should have this wall charger in their bags.
Why we love it: AUKEY’s a well-known brand that has established itself in this competitive space. Every time we run a sale on this plug, it’s a hit. In fact, this was the #1 best-selling product on gadgetnewsonline in 2017. Best of all, the foldable design makes it all the more compact in your bag. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
Trianium Quick Charge 3.0 39W Dual USB: $13
An upgraded choice for those that prefer Quick Charge compatibility, this option from Trianium supports 39W speeds for select Android devices and up to 3.0A otherwise. Much like the option from AUKEY above, it also has a foldable design. A charging indicator light is also built-in, as well.
Why we love it: Another low-cost option, Trianium’s charger is great for those not yet on the USB-C train but need upgraded performance. The built-in LED indicator light is a nice touch if you’re one of those folks, like me, that likes to know when devices are charging. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
Anker USB-C 30W with Power Delivery: $28
The reality is, more and more devices are making the jump to USB-C. Perhaps you’ve already made the full transition. Apple is trending that direction and offering various USB-C charging options, even bringing its Lightning connector into the fold. Anker offers this dedicated USB-C wall charger for $28 with power delivery up to 30W. It has a black matte exterior with an LED charging light, too.
Why we love it: Anker’s is one of the most trusted names in the game. Whether charging up your Switch or Android device, GoPro and more, this is a solid option for fast and dedicated charging. Not to mention, it has a pretty sleek design. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Anker USB-A/C Dual-Port Charger w/ PD: $37
Anker’s latest dual-port charger delivers all of the necessary charging power needed for modern devices. Thanks to its two USB ports, you’re covered across a variety of modern-day devices like Nintendo Switch, iPhone/Android and more.
Why we love it: In my opinion, this is the best wall charger out there on the market today. Anker is known for its top-grade quality and they’ve delivered here. I’ve been using this charger for about six months, since before it was released and it’s not let me down. If you have the extra cash, go for this one. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
What are your must-haves for charging while on-the-road? Let me know in the comments below.
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