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The best car chargers for fast, reliable charging
The Anker Nano 167.5W wins for its tested speed, three useful ports, and laptop-ready USB-C output; cheaper picks cover simpler needs.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Anker Nano USB Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) | Spigen SteadiBoost 45W Dual USB-C Car Charger | Anker PowerDrive III Duo 40W PowerIQ 3.0 Car Charger |
| Price | about $38 | about $20 | about $16 |
| Why | WIRED measured a true 100W USB-C output and found it charged a MacBook Air M4 to 50 percent in about 25 minutes. Its two USB-C ports and USB-A port make it useful for a laptop and passengers’ devices, too. | TechGearLab named the Spigen SteadiBoost its best value, citing fast PD and QC charging in a compact two-port design. At about $20, it is substantially cheaper than the Anker and suited to charging phones rather than a high-power laptop. | The Automobile Guide lists this compact 40W, two-port Anker as its budget pick for phones, and names the two ports as USB-C and USB-A. It’s the lowest-priced option in these picks, though I could not confirm a current Amazon price, so this is an approximate price. |
| Good to know | It gets warm at high output, and WIRED found the USB-A port delivered less power than advertised. | Its power indicator light is dim, and the charger doesn’t include a cable. | It has less total power than the other picks, so it’s not the choice for charging a laptop. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIWIRED measured a true 100W USB-C output and found it charged a MacBook Air M4 to 50 percent in about 25 minutes. Its two USB-C ports and USB-A port make it useful for a laptop and passengers’ devices, too.
Good to know: It gets warm at high output, and WIRED found the USB-A port delivered less power than advertised.
See on Amazonpicture by AITechGearLab named the Spigen SteadiBoost its best value, citing fast PD and QC charging in a compact two-port design. At about $20, it is substantially cheaper than the Anker and suited to charging phones rather than a high-power laptop.
Good to know: Its power indicator light is dim, and the charger doesn’t include a cable.
See on Amazonpicture by AIThe Automobile Guide lists this compact 40W, two-port Anker as its budget pick for phones, and names the two ports as USB-C and USB-A. It’s the lowest-priced option in these picks, though I could not confirm a current Amazon price, so this is an approximate price.
Good to know: It has less total power than the other picks, so it’s not the choice for charging a laptop.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Check that the charger supports your phone’s fast-charging standard, and remember that power is shared when multiple ports are in use. For everyday phone charging, you likely don’t need to pay for laptop-level wattage.
Who this is for
These picks are for drivers who want to charge phones or other devices from a car’s 12V outlet. The Anker is the most versatile; the cheaper options make more sense if you mainly charge phones.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Anker Nano USB Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports)
WIRED measured a true 100W USB-C output and found it charged a MacBook Air M4 to 50 percent in about 25 minutes. Its two USB-C ports and USB-A port make it useful for a laptop and passengers’ devices, too. WIRED tested output at each port, phone charging, and heat under heavy loads, and also took top contenders on multi-hour road trips. Anker includes a 3.3-foot USB-C cable, and the compact charger supports up to 100W on one USB-C port, 45W on the other, and 22.5W on USB-A. It’s a good fit for people who charge several devices or a laptop in the car. Skip it if you only need to charge a phone and want the smallest, cheapest plug.
Good to know: It gets warm at high output, and WIRED found the USB-A port delivered less power than advertised.
See on AmazonBest value: Spigen SteadiBoost 45W Dual USB-C Car Charger
TechGearLab named the Spigen SteadiBoost its best value, citing fast PD and QC charging in a compact two-port design. At about $20, it is substantially cheaper than the Anker and suited to charging phones rather than a high-power laptop. TechGearLab compared 11 chargers, including power output and charge time, ports, features, and size. The SteadiBoost has USB-C Power Delivery and USB-A Quick Charge 3.0, with 45W total output. Its standard plug-in shape is tidier than an extension-style charger. Choose it for everyday phone charging; look elsewhere if you need a 100W laptop port or more than two devices at once.
Good to know: Its power indicator light is dim, and the charger doesn’t include a cable.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Anker PowerDrive III Duo 40W PowerIQ 3.0 Car Charger
The Automobile Guide lists this compact 40W, two-port Anker as its budget pick for phones, and names the two ports as USB-C and USB-A. It’s the lowest-priced option in these picks, though I could not confirm a current Amazon price, so this is an approximate price. This is a simpler choice for drivers who want to top up a phone and perhaps a second device, without paying for laptop-level charging. Its 40W total output is intended for phones and small devices, not high-demand laptop charging. The Automobile Guide’s comparison places it alongside more powerful multiport models. Choose the SteadiBoost instead if you want a recent lab-tested budget recommendation with published test results.
Good to know: It has less total power than the other picks, so it’s not the choice for charging a laptop.
See on AmazonHow we chose
WIRED measured port output and heat with ammeters, phone apps, and an infrared thermometer, then used leading models on multi-hour road trips. TechGearLab compared 11 chargers for power and charge time, ports, features, and size. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.