best travel charging hub

Here are the best charging stations and USB charging hubs:

The best charging station overall, the best budget charging station, the best charging station with wireless charging, the best charging station for quick charge devices, the best charging station with usb-c for laptops, the best charging station for iphone and apple watch, the best charging station for travel, how fast does your device charge, what else we considered, how to choose a charging station, check out our other tech accessory guides, the best charging stations and usb charging hubs in 2021.

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Charging stations and hubs come in all shapes and sizes. We've included different options to suit different needs and device charging specifications, so whether you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, AirPods, a Quick Charge Android phone, a laptop, or a USB-C Android phone; we've got you covered.

These days, more and more devices are shipping with USB-C cables instead of USB-A cables, so we're including charging stations that come with both USB-C ports and USB-A ports if you're still using your older cables.

For Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra users, specifically — unfortunately, none of the charging stations we've encountered support Samsung's 45W fast charging for the Galaxy S20 Ultra. If you're looking to max out your charging speeds with those devices, your best bet is to get Samsung's own charger . Just note that the latest Galaxy S21 series, including the Galaxy S21 Ultra, only support up to 25W charging, which some of the chargers below can achieve. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches tech products .

Best charging station overall: Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station , $59.99 from Satechi The Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station neatly charges five devices simultaneously and includes two USB-C PD ports, two USB-A ports, and a Qi charging pad.

Best budget charging station: Anker PowerPort 5 40W 5-Port USB Wall Charger , $39.99 from Anker Charging multiple devices on a budget means you'll miss out on USB-C charging ports, but you get five USB-A ports on the Anker PowerPort 5 is a cheap, easy solution that will do a great job charging several devices.

Best charging station with wireless charging: Nomad Base Station , $99.95 from Nomad The Nomad Base Station is a premium, elegant wireless charging station that can charge up to four devices at the same time with its USB-C, USB-A port, and wireless charging pad. 

Best charging station for Quick Charge devices: Ravpower PD Pioneer 65W 4-Port USB C Desktop Charger , $53.99 from Ravpower The Ravpower PD Pioneer 65W 4-Port USB C Desktop Charger offers quick charging for both standard USB-A ports, as well as two USB-C ports.

Best charging station with USB-C for laptops: Aukey Omnia Mix4 100W 4-Port PD Charger , $59.99 from Aukey The Omnia Mix4 100W 4-port PD Charger by Aukey has a huge 100W capacity that will charge almost any standard laptop via USB-C at full clip while charging other devices at the same time.

Best charging station for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods: Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand , $89.95 from Apple The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand is an ideal charging station for your pre-iPhone 12 iPhone , AirPods (with wireless charging), and Apple Watch. iPhone 12 users should look at the Belkin Boost Charge Pro .

Best charging station for travel: Zendure Passport Global Travel Adapter , $29.99 from Zendure The Zendure Passport is a clever travel adapter that fits international outlets and offers one USB-C and three USB-A ports to charge your mobile devices.

The Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station neatly charges five devices simultaneously and includes two USB-C PD ports, two USB-A ports, and a Qi charging pad.

Pros: Charges up to five devices at the same time, holds devices in place neatly, affordable, meets standard charging speeds on most devices, can fast charge iPhone, includes USB-C charging ports

Cons: Short charging cables are sold separately, won't meet top charging speeds on some Android devices

Households with several smartphones and/or tablets, and wireless charging earbuds will appreciate the Dock5 by reputable tech accessories maker Satechi. 

The Dock5 can charge five devices at the same time with its variety of two USB-C ports, standard USB-A ports, and a Qi wireless charging pad. Devices can be organized neatly with the silicone dividers that prevent scratching. 

The USB-C ports are rated at 20W each, and will be best used on smartphones with fast charging, or devices with large batteries, like a tablet. For reference, the Dock5 's 20W USB-C ports exceed the iPad Pro's 18W included charging brick and the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12's 18W fast charging capabilities. The Galaxy S21 phones can charge up to 25W.

The standard USB-A ports are rated at 12W each, which makes them more suitable for smartphone charging at decent speeds. 

The wireless Qi charging pad is rated at 10W, which is double what the AirPods Pro charging capacity. Unfortunately, the Dock5 won't charge AirPods Pro faster, as they'll only accept up to 5W for wireless charging. Still, the wireless charging pad can be used to charge a smartphone up to 10W wirelessly.

The Dock5 doesn't come with the short charging cables you see in the images — those are sold separately and range between $9 to $18, and you'll have to use your existing cables. That's a shame, because charging four wired devices with longer cables will make for a messier look than what you see in Satechi's images. Still, the convenience is undeniable.

— Antonio Villas-Boas, Senior Tech Reporter

Charging multiple devices on a budget means you'll miss out on USB-C charging ports, but you get five USB-A ports on the Anker PowerPort 5 is a cheap, easy solution that will do a great job charging several devices.

Pros: Charges up to five devices at the same time, cheap

Cons: Doesn't include USB-C or fast charging tech

While you may not get USB-C ports or very fast charging, Anker's 40W 5-Port USB Wall Charger will do nicely for up to five mobile devices. For under $25 on Amazon, it's hard to beat. You can easily charge devices like smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, and other accessories that use USB for charging with the PowerPort 5. — Antonio Villas-Boas, Senior Tech Reporter

The Nomad Base Station is a premium, elegant wireless charging station that can charge up to four devices at the same time with its USB-C, USB-A port, and wireless charging pad. 

Pros: Elegant and premium design, versatile charging options, affordable for what it offers, included EU and US adapters

Cons: Doesn't wirelessly charge Apple Watch, doesn't charge iPad Pro through Magic Keyboard

The sleek, elegant Nomad Base Station has a padded leather wireless charging surface that can wirelessly charge two devices at the same time at 7.5W, or 10W for a single device. Just note that different phones have different speed limits for wireless charging. Alternatively, you could charge a phone and a pair of wireless charging earbuds or a smartwatch on the pad. Also note that it won't charge the Apple Watch.

If the wireless charging pad won't charge your phone fast enough in a pinch, the 18W USB-C port will do the trick for iPhones and Android devices, and it'll charge most tablets at a standard pace.

The USB-A port is rated at 7.5W, which is pretty slow for phones, but is suitable for charging wireless earbuds.

For its price, the Nomad Base Station is among the best options for a versatile charging station.

The Ravpower PD Pioneer 65W 4-Port USB C Desktop Charger offers quick charging for both standard USB-A ports, as well as two USB-C ports.

Pros: Compact design, charges most devices quickly, can charge a laptop, inexpensive

Cons: Doesn't support Samsung's 45W charging tech

The Ravpower PD Pioneer 65W Desktop Charger offers a variety of quick charging USB-A and USB-C ports for a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It's the best quick charger for the money. 

It features Power Delivery for the USB-C ports that charges up 65W for USB-C PD-compatible devices up to 65W from a single port. If you connect two USB-C PD-compatible devices to the USB-C ports, it'll charge one at 45W and the other at 18W. 

As for the standard Quick Charge USB-A ports, it can charge one port at 18W, and 12W if you have two devices plugged into each USB-A port. Ravpower also includes this handy chart to show you what it can do with different connection combinations:

Just note that like any other quick charging hub we've encountered, the Ravpower won't support Samsung's ultra-fast 45W charging, as it uses a special protocol that only Samsung seems to use with its own chargers. If you have a Samsung device that supports 45W charging, it's best to go with Samsung's own chargers. — Antonio Villas-Boas, Senior Tech Reporter

The Omnia Mix4 100W 4-port PD Charger by Aukey has a huge 100W capacity that will charge almost any standard laptop via USB-C at full clip while charging other devices at the same time.

Pros: Can charge multiple laptops while charging other devices, compact, affordable

Cons: Doesn't support Samsung's 45W smartphone charging

This 100W charger is smaller than most included charging bricks that come with laptops these days and meets their full power needs. For example, Aukey claims it can charge the power-hungry 16-inch MacBook Pro in 1.8 hours, at least if it's the only device connected to the charger.

If you connect two laptops to the Omnia via USB-C, the USB-C ports will reduce to 45W each, which is enough to power two MacBook Airs at the same time. If you're looking to charge laptops that require over 45W, the Omnia will work best as a single-laptop solution. 

The two USB-A ports can charge at a 12W maximum each, but are reduced to 6W each if you have two laptops connected to the USB-C ports. — Antonio Villas-Boas, Senior Tech Reporter

The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand is an ideal charging station for your pre-iPhone 12 iPhone , AirPods (with wireless charging), and Apple Watch. iPhone 12 users should look at the Belkin Boost Charge Pro .

Pros: Perfect for desks or night stands, ideal for Apple users

Cons: Mophie is slow for iPhone 12, Belkin doesn't support pre-iPhone 12 generation

If you're looking to charge your daily Apple portable Apple devices that you regularly charge overnight all in one place, the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand should be near the top of your list. 

The Mophie charges iPhones that support wireless charging up to 7.5 watts, which is fine for any iPhone that supports wireless charging before the iPhone 12. It will also charge your Apple Watch with the magnetic charging pad that props the Watch up in horizontal mode, and there's a dedicated charging pad for AirPods with wireless charging.

If you have the iPhone 12, consider Belkin's Boost Charge Pro instead, as it uses Apple's MagSafe technology and wirelessly charges the iPhone 12 at 15W — faster than the Mophie above. It also features wireless charging for your Apple Watch and wirelessly charging AirPods. — Antonio Villas-Boas, Senior Tech Reporter

The Zendure Passport is a clever travel adapter that fits international outlets and offers one USB-C and three USB-A ports to charge your mobile devices.

Pros: Clever design, works in more than 200 countries, charges five devices at once, auto-resetting fuse

Cons: Chunky, can slide out of some outlets

If you frequently fly abroad for work or pleasure, then you should consider the Zendure Passport travel charger. This global travel adapter works with outlets in more than 200 countries and it also provides four charging ports for mobile devices that can deliver a total of 30W.

It's quite a chunky adapter, measuring 2.24 by 2.8 by 2.5 inches, and it comes in black or white. There's a blue LED on the bottom that lights up when it's plugged in, and Zendure's signature ribbing runs around the outside.

This charger plugs directly into the wall and has four sliders on the side that enable you to choose the correct plug for the EU, US, UK, or Australia. These four plug types will fit the outlets in most places you're likely to visit. You can also plug into the other side using devices from any of these countries. On the bottom, you'll find a USB-C port, marked in blue, and three USB-A ports. The USB-C port supports the Power Delivery standard and offers up to 30W. The USB-A ports are rated at 5V/2.4A for 12W each. The AC output is 6A (600W at 100V or 1,500W at 250V). 

This travel adapter has accompanied me on every trip I've taken for the last couple of years and it has served me well in the US, the UK, and across Europe. Being able to charge two phones, a smartwatch, a tablet, and a camera battery from one outlet can be very handy. It has also served my family of four, keeping all our phones charged up, and still offering an outlet for a laptop.

You will need your own charging cables, but you can effectively charge five devices at once with this travel adapter. It is quite bulky, so I've occasionally found it's a tight fit with some outlets. If you have a lot plugged into it the weight can also begin to pull it out of the outlet. 

One feature that has proved very handy is the auto-resetting fuse. Fuses inevitably blow occasionally, but this will cut-off automatically for safety, then reset and be usable again, without you having to worry about changing a fuse.

There's an older version of the Passport that just has four USB-A ports, so make sure you get the newer one with the USB-C port. It comes with a 24-month warranty.  — Simon Hill

Here are the charging speeds of several popular devices:

You can pick up a wide variety of other charging stations and USB charging hubs that will meet your charging needs. Here's a small selection of the ones that didn't quite make our list, but are still worth considering if you've yet to see something you like. 

• AUKEY Quick Charge 3.0 6-Port USB Wall Charger : The affordable Aukey 6-Port Desktop Charging Station has two Quick Charge 3.0 ports marked in orange, four green ports rated at 2.4A apiece, comes with a detachable, 4-foot power cable that plugs directly into an outlet, and can deliver a total of 60W. It may be worth choosing over the Anker if you need that extra port, but the boxy design leaves something to be desired.
• Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4 : This charging station has two USB-C ports that support the Power Delivery standard and two USB-A ports. It can deliver up to 100W. That means you can plug in two laptops and two phones and have all four charge up at once. If you have a new MacBook or Pixelbook and want to charge it alongside your phone, then this could be the ideal charger, but it is expensive.
• Vogek 5-Port 50W Charging Station : This doesn't quite match our top pick from Satechi, as it only has five ports, but it's a similar design, with slots to hold your devices neatly. One advantage of this charging station is that it comes with a mixture of eight short charging cables, and it's relatively inexpensive.
• Amazon Basics 60W 10-Port Wall Charger : If you need a large capacity, no frills, wall charger, you won't find anything much bigger, or cheaper, than this charging station from Amazon. It can supply 60W in total to up to 10 devices, but ports are capped at 2.4A each and there's no support for any fast charging standards.
• Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock : This is another stylish charging dock for the nightstand that's designed to accommodate an iPhone and Apple Watch. Instead of plugging in, it wirelessly charges your iPhone, and it has a USB-A port for a third device. The only reason this didn't make the list is the high price. — Simon Hill

To find the right charging station for you, there are a few questions to ask. There are also certain features that you may want to consider before you buy. 

How many devices do you need to charge?

The first thing to work out when you're shopping for a charging station for your gadgets is how many ports you need. Count up your phones, tablets, smartwatches, and any other devices that need frequent charging. Remember that you'll also need charging cables for each one.

Not all ports are created equal

As you'll see when you peruse our guide, many charging stations offer a mix of ports. You might find USB-A and USB-C, and you may also find that some ports are capable of faster charging rates than others. It's also quite common for charging stations to have some ports that support certain charging standards and others that don't. 

Get the right cables

You can always use the charging cable that came with your device, but if you're buying new cables, make sure they're fit for the purpose. Look for certified safe cables that can deliver the charging rate you want. We like these 4-inch Anker Powerline Lightning cables and these 8-inch Aukey USB-C cables for keeping things tidy. 

Where will you put the charging station?

Think about where you're going to put your charging station and consider what size you can accommodate. You will need a wall outlet handy and space to rest your devices while they juice up. It's a good idea to choose somewhere out of sight because there will be a tangle of cables. We have one on a bookcase in the upstairs landing and another tucked away under a side table at the end of the couch in the lounge. We also use a magnetic cable tidy that helps us quickly find the end of an unused cable and keeps things from getting too messy.

Is charging rate important?

For people planning to plug in overnight, there's little point in paying a premium for fast charging, but if you want to be able to top up quickly, charging rate matters. Check what charging standards your phone or other device supports and look for a charging station that can deliver. There's USB Power Delivery, Qualcomm's Quick Charge standard, and a host of other manufacturer-specific charging technologies. 

Check the safety features and warranty

You'll be plugging some of your most prized possessions into your chosen charging station, so it's important to think about safety. Cheap, uncertified chargers can fail, damage your devices, or even cause a fire. Stick to trusted brands, check the reviews, and look for safeguards covering surges and overheating. It's also a good idea to check the warranty and review people's experiences with customer support before you buy. 

The best charging cables

Although most devices come with charging cables, it's smart to have several on hand in case yours breaks, gets lost, or you simply need to charge multiple devices at once. These are the best charging cables for iPhone, Android, and other devices. Whether you need a lightning cable or a USB-C cable, there's an option for you here.

The best phone chargers

We've rounded up the best phone chargers of all kinds so you can finally have more than one charger on hand.

We've included fast-charging options, ones for USB-C-to-USB-C cables, and more. Regardless of your charging needs, you should find an option in our guide.

The best iPhone cases for every model

There's a seemingly endless variety of iPhone case out there, so we've rounded up the best ones we've tested from top brands.

These case makers have options for every model of iPhone, so whether you have an iPhone 8 or an iPhone 11 Pro, you can get the right case for your phone.

The best iPhone accessories for every model

No matter which iPhone you have, you can find tons of different accessories for your device. We've rounded up the best chargers, cases, cables, and other fun accessories that you might want to have to make the most of your device.

• Main content

Swap Your Tangled Cables for a Charging Hub, to Power Up Multiple Devices at Once

By Natalli Amato

Natalli Amato

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

As working from home continues to be more prevalent than ever, we’re increasingly reliant on our electronic devices. While having a fully charged phone is always a reassuring feeling, it’s now turned into a necessity.

What’s more, most of us have started relying on multiple gadgets, from laptops and tablets to Bluetooth earbuds and keyboard, which also need to be charged on a regular basis. Instead of clogging up every outlet in your home with a separate power adapter, it’s smarter to install a charging hub in a centrally-located area.

These hubs allow you to charge all of your devices at once, so you never have to worry about which one to plug in first. Keeping your essential gear plugged in at night, or at least a lunch break, ensures you won’t get interrupted in the middle of your work.

No matter your working style or travel plans, there is a charging hub for every need and preference. Here’s what to get.

What Are the Best Charging Hubs?

Ports:  A charging hub’s ports determine what type of devices it’s designed to charge. USB-C PD (power delivery) ports can output enough power to charge a laptop, or fast charge a smartphone or tablet. USB-A ports deliver less power, but are perfect for tech accessories like headphones, mice, or keyboards.

Bus Powered:  Some of the hubs in this guide need to be connected to an outlet using a power cable, but others are “bus powered,” which means they draw power from a USB port on your computer.

Data Transfer : The bus-powered charging hubs in this guide can also be used to power accessories like portable external hard drives. This feature allows you to use the hubs to backup your computer, or transfer your valuable data like pictures onto an additional drive.

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term, 1. anker powerport atom pd 4.

Anker’s PowerPort Atom PD 4 is a four-port charging hub designed to charge everything from Bluetooth headphones to full-sized laptops at the same time. It has two USB-PD ports and two USB-A ports, so it’ll work with all of your devices.

In our tests Anker’s PowerPort PD 4 performed flawlessly. It charged every device we threw at it at its maximum speed without skipping a beat. This is possible because this charging hub has to be plugged into an outlet all the time. We’ve traveled with this accessory before without any problems, but we prefer to use it in a home office.

The PowerPort Atom PD 4 earns the editor’s choice award in this guide thanks to its raw power, reliability and flexibility.

Buy Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4

2. Amazon Basics Hub Tower

Amazon Basics’ Hub Tower is not only an excellent budget-friendly charging hub, and it’s one of the only recommendations in our guide that can transfer data between accessories and a computer.

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If you plug this hub into your computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable, you can use it to read and write data to an external hard drive, flash drive, or SD cards with the correct adapter. If you need this functionality in addition to multi-device charging, Amazon Basics’ Hub Tower is the right pick.

Buy Amazon Basics Hub Tower $21.07

3. Satechi Dock5

True to its name, Satechi’s Dock5 allows you to easily charge five devices at the same time.

The hub has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a wireless charging pad up front. The USB-C PD ports can only supply up to 20W of power, so they’re best used to fast charge phones and tablets, not laptops. The wireless charging pad supports speeds up to 10W, the fastest speeds supported by most smartphones and true wireless earbuds.

What makes the Dock5 stand out is its excellent industrial design. All of the hub’s ports are located on one side, and dividers separate each device into different compartments. The top of the hub and its dividers are all  covered in a rubberized material that prevents your devices from being scratched.

This is the largest charging hub in our guide, and it needs to be plugged in all the time to work, but it’s the right choice if you want to keep one in your kitchen or living room.

Buy Satechi Dock5 $49.99

4. Uni USB-C Multiport Adapter

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This bus-powered hub has four USB-A ports, and can be used to charge your devices and transfer data from flash drives or external hard drives. Its sleek size makes it even easier to slip into a backpack, and you won’t have to worry about whether you’re around any outlets to use it. It only has USB-A ports, though, so it can’t charge larger gadgets at their full speed. That’s the case with all bus-powered charging hubs, though, so it’s no big deal.

If you’d like to charge your tech accessories from a computer, Uni’s USB-C Multiport adapter is your best bet.

Buy Uni USB-C Multiport Adapter $15.99

5. Poweroni USB Charging Dock

This charging hub gets you six slots to plug in your phones and tablets — the most space out of all the options on our list. It’s perfect for a family, roommate situation or small office, letting everyone plug in at once.

This charging station has six smart USB slots, and your purchase includes seven charging cables: three for Apple products, three micro-USB cables and one type-C cable for Android phones. Choose from three colors: white, silver or black.

Buy Poweroni USB Charging Dock $37.99

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The best USB charging stations for 2022

Most households have more cords than they can keep track of. Instead of daisy-chaining surge protectors and playing find-an-outlet, you could just buy a single USB charging station. With options including a multiple-device public charging station and a portable charger that’s mostly a bunch of USB ports on a long charging cord, simplifying your charging situation is easy with these USB hubs for charging and syncing.

We’ve reviewed the best USB charging stations for 2021, whether you need a few extra ports or many. You’ll be able to find a charging station that reduces your outlet headaches and meets your device power needs at home or in the office.

This article concerns mostly those options with USB ports, so you’ll need to check out the best wireless chargers if you’re looking for options to charge your phone wirelessly. If you’re after speed and nothing else, then check out the best fast chargers  or the best portable battery chargers if you need to keep your smartphone juiced on the go.

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The best USB charging stations

Wyness tower power station.

• Ports: Six USB-A
• Output: 30W

Vertically arranged hubs are a godsend when physical space is at a premium, and Wyness’s Tower Power Station provides six USB ports, two of which provide fast charging. As a smaller tower, it’s perfect for sitting on a desk or nestling into a community space like a living room. The design isn’t anything particularly unique, and it doesn’t provide the fastest charging speed available, but the black model will easily blend into a variety of environments, and there’s a blue and white, purple and white, and pure white version if you’re looking for a slightly different style.

SuperDanny Power Strip

• Ports: Four USB-A, two AC outlets
• Cable length: 5 feet/10 feet

Perfect for tucking into a smaller space, SuperDanny’s Power Strip gives you a small boost in charging ability for a wide range of devices. The four USB ports can keep smartphones and tablets topped up, while the two AC outlets on top can charge up laptops, power lamps, or anything that requires an AC outlet. The outlets are widely spaced, so you can fit in two bulky plugs at once, and the USB hub itself has a range of safety features like surge protection, to make sure you’re well protected against faults. A great choice for a crafting space, shared area, or bedside area.

Bull USB Charging Station

• Ports: Four UAB-A
• Cable length: 6 feet

Simple and small, Bull’s USB hub can charge up to four devices, while taking up about as much space as a credit card. That’s an impressive achievement, and it means it’s a great choice for a bedside table, or anywhere space is limited. Granted, it won’t be the fastest charger around, and the white body is likely to get grubby over time (as white plastic often does). But at this price, this is a pretty good bargain.

Hercules Tuff Charging Station

The intelligent design of the Hercules Tuff charging station is one of its strongest assets: The plastic dividers divide the charging dock and can easily accommodate phones of a variety of sizes (including their cases), and will glow blue when being charged so you know when one is already active. It’s a good fit for a family charging hub or similar situation where everyone can benefit from quick use. This model has six ports and comes with four Lightning cables for Apple devices, a Micro USB charging cable, and a USB-C charging cable, but we recommend stocking up on a small pack of smaller cables to suit your device if you’re not using a number of iPhones or iPads.

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

• Ports: Two USB-A, four USB-C, one Gigabit Ethernet, one headphone jack
• Output: 199W

While Microsoft’s dock is technically designed with Surface laptops in mind, it’s an excellent fit for any office, classroom, or similar space where professional connections are important. There are two front-facing USB-C ports for easy connections and charging, with two rear-facing USB-C ports to make UHD video connections to external monitors easier to handle. There are also two USB-A ports on the back, and a Gigabit Ether port to support streaming. The Surface Dock 2 station also supports security locks like Kensington brand to keep them safe if they need to stay in specific rooms.

Anker PowerPort 4

• Ports: Four USB-A
• Output: 40W
• Cord: None (plugs directly into outlet)

This charging station supplies ample power to sustain an entire home’s worth of active devices. You get four USB ports, and Anker ’s PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies ensure your device is charged as quickly as possible without exceeding the supported rate. The maximum output for a single USB port is 2.4A, with a total maximum rating of 8A and a combined output of 40W. It plugs directly into the wall with fold-out prongs that slot neatly away for travel. The Anker Power Port is an efficient, durable, and portable option. Anker prioritized usability with this charger, alerting users that it’s ready to charge with a blue light that turns on when you connect it to an outlet. Fast charging power is quite strong with this port, offering 2.4A at every plug-in. Unfortunately, there isn’t a Qualcomm Quick Charge port, so you won’t get QC-fast charging.

Powkey Power Bank with AC outlets

• Ports: Four USB-A, two AC
• Output: 200W
• Powerbank capacity: 42,000mAh

Powkey’s power bank isn’t pretty, but it’s very powerful, offering not only four USB ports but two AC outlets for charging larger devices. An informative LED light system shows how much power you have left in the charger, making it a great option for fishing and camping trips. It’ll charge a range of devices, including Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and pretty much anything, and so is perfect for when you want to make sure you’re not stuck without juice. Also, note the two available charging input options: A traditional outlet connection and an alternative for solar power. Enormous power output requires serious preparation, so it will take a good three to four hours to fully charge this bank.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a usb charging station.

But why should you even buy a USB charging station? After all, you probably have a bunch of USB adapters just lying around. Well, it’s for the same reason you might have a power strip — for ease of use and expanding your options. If you have three devices that need charging, a single AC outlet and USB adapter aren’t going to cut it. Instead, plug a USB charging station into that outlet and charge all of your devices at once.

Which type of USB charging station best suits your needs?

Your choice of USB charging stations is going to depend heavily on the devices you have to charge. Have a lot of smartphones and tablets that often need charging in a single area? Then get a charging station with as many USB ports as possible. Have a laptop too? Keep an eye out for a charging station with at least one AC outlet as well. There’s a massive range of charging stations available, and a number even function as power banks as well, so you can take them outdoors with you too.

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Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile Editor at Digital Trends. He has spent more than a decade writing about smartphones, wearables, tablets, software, computing, videogames, and robots all over the internet for Tech Radar, Android Authority, USA Today, VentureBeat, Deal News, and many other places. His work has also appeared on Yahoo! Tech, CNN, Fox News, Lifehacker, and Christian Science Monitor. He also spent several years working in the games industry as a game designer and producer. He lives in Scotland with his wife and two kids.

Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app fanatic, her specialties include cross-platform hardware and software, art, design, photography, video, and a wide range of creative and productivity apps and systems. Formerly senior editor at Macworld and creativity editor at The Next Web, Jackie now writes for a variety of consumer tech publications.

Freelance tech and travel writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.

Fitbit is a popular name in the world of wearables. It’s one of the original fitness trackers and regularly has models in competition with some of the best smartwatches. Fitbit’s popularity comes in part due to its affordability, as its smartwatches are generally much cheaper than you’ll find with brands like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. Those prices are made even cheaper with the best Fitbit deals currently going on, which include models like the Inspire 2 and the Charge 4. While there are a lot of smartwatch deals to shop in general out there, below you’ll find what we feel are the best Fitbit deals worth shopping. Today's best Fitbit deal Fitbit Charge 4 -- $122, was $150

While there are newer Fitbit Charge models on the market that include both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Charge 6, the Fitbit Charge 4 still has a lot to offer. It has all sorts of fitness and activity tracking capabilities. It can measure your resting heart rate and calorie burn throughout the day, as well as your SpO2 nightly average. The Charge 4 also uses built-in GPS to see your pace and distance during outdoor runs, rides, hikes, and other activities. You can head out for a long hike with this smartwatch, as the Charge 5 can last up to seven days on a single battery charge, and up to five hours when GPS is being used.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Having a second phone number can be handy for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you want to separate your business and personal calls, or you want a junk second number that you can use to sign up for services so you can avoid giving out your personal number to so many places. That's particularly importance with the frequency of annoying spam calls and messages that can pile up when your phone number is made public. You might also want a second number to use in situations where you want to be able to contact people occasionally but you don't necessarily want them to be able to reach your personal device directly, like when internet dating or using an app like AirBnB. Whatever the reason, there are many situations where having a number that you can give out which you can make use of but isn't directly tied to your personal life like your main phone number is can be important for safety and security.

While you could get a second SIM card (or even an eSIM), an easier option for casual use is to use an app that lets you set up a second phone line. Whether you're after an Android app or an iPhone app, you'll find plenty of options to get a second phone line, including some which are free to use. We've hunted down some of the best options for apps that will give you a second phone number for whatever reason you need it, and we're sharing them with you below. Vyke

Best USB Hubs: Powered, Portable and Type-C

Add more USB ports to your laptop or desktop.

Every PC owner needs at least one USB hub to add ports, put connections within easy reach or supply more power for charging/operation than your computer delivers on its own. One glance at the USB hub listings on Amazon will tell you that the market is full of choices, from tiny portable hubs that you can stash in your bag to large, powered hubs you'll want to keep on your desk. 

Though there are plenty of choices, not all of them are among the best USB hubs, and not all will meet your needs. To help you choose, we've tested more than a dozen models with different capabilities and listed the very best USB hubs on this page. We've also got some tips for picking the right type of USB hub.

What to Look For in a USB Hub

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

To find the best USB hub for your needs, consider the following:

• Upstream connection (Type-A or Type-C?): USB hubs have multiple downstream ports to connect to your devices but only one upstream connector, which could be a port but is often a built-in wire that connects to your computer. Many laptops, including a lot of the best Ultrabooks , only have USB-C ports, so your hub's upstream connector would have to be Type-C.
• Output ports: Make sure you get enough ports to attach the number of devices you’re likely to need. Most USB hubs have at least 3, more often 4, output ports, but at your desk, you may need a lot more than that. Also, consider whether you are attaching any USB-C devices (most output ports on hubs are Type-A).
• Speed: Most USB hubs operate at standard USB 3.0 (aka USB 3.2 Gen 1) speeds of 5 Gbps. However, a few can deliver 10 Gbps. There are also some cheapies that are limited to USB 2; avoid those at all costs.
• Powered or not? Some USB hubs come with their own AC adapters so that they can provide more power than your computer delivers from one of its ports. Bus power from your computer can be pretty low, not enough to juice several power-hungry peripherals at once or to charge devices at a reasonable rate. By definition, a USB hub that needs its own plug isn’t very portable.
• Any extra connectivity? Some USB-C hubs will come with HDMI out, allowing you to connect to a monitor, provided that your PC can output video from its Type-C port. Other hubs have microSD or SD card readers built-in.

Best USB Hubs

1. Sabrent HB-B7C3, 10-port USB 3.0 Hub

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Getting a desktop USB hub like the Sabrent HB-B7C3 will change your tech life, both because of the amount of ports it has and because you can turn each one on and off. Sabrent's powered hub has a whopping ten USB Type-A ports, seven of which can do data transfer with the remaining three serving as changing ports only, capable of delivering more wattage to juice your phone, headset or tablet. 

Each USB port has its own dedicated power button and, unlike with some competitors we tested, Sabrent's port buttons depress quickly, and have solid mechanical switches that make a pleasant clicky noise and stay in the up or down position. There's also a cool-looking blue status light to let you know whether a port is on or off.

I have been using the Sabrent HB-BUP7, the nearly-identical 7-port sibling to the HB-B7C3, as my daily driver for more than a year, and having these buttons is a real game changer. Changing default audio devices in Windows is a royal pain, requiring one to go into the control panel to, for example, make sound come out of your headset instead of your speakers. But with the power switches, I just turn off my USB speaker and turn on the wireless headphone dongle, or vice versa. 

Anyone who works with microcontrollers such as the Raspberry Pi Pico or any Arduino board knows that most of these devices don't have on / off switches or even reset buttons. So, if you change code and need to restart them or you just want to power them off, you often need to yank the plug in and out, a huge hassle that could damage your gear. But with the Sabrent HB-B7C3, you can just toggle power on whatever port your microcontroller is plugged into.

The build quality on Sabrent's 10-port USB hub is the best we've seen on any hub we've tested. The clean lines, compact shape and tasteful lights and buttons make this look like a truly premium product. Having seven different data ports means that you can have all of your peripherals plugged in – your mouse, keyboard, webcam, microphone, 2FA key, speakers and headphones – and still have a port or two to spare.

The hub is powered by a massive 60-watt power adapter that looks like a laptop brick (we wish it were smaller). Sabrent boasts that the 3 charging ports deliver 2.4 amps of power while the data ports max out at 0.9 amps. As we found out when we we plugged our power load tester into the ports, both the charging and data ports are capable of delivering as much as 3.8 or 4.9 amps but only if you drop the voltage down to 4.05 volts (on all USB chargers, the volts go down if you request too many amps). 

At 4.8 volts, which is around the minimum voltage most USB devices will tolerate, we got 1.25 and 1.32 amps from the charging and data ports, respectively. When I plugged my Android phone in to charge, a real-world situation because a device will negotiate the best combination of volts and amps, the charging ports sent 4.78 volts at 1.35 amps while the data ports gave the same amount of volts, but just 0.35 amps. To make a long story short, you'll get 6.4 watts from the charging ports, which is decent but not the 15-watts that fast phone chargers provide. All three charging ports should be able to deliver this at once.

All of the HB-B7C3's data ports operate at 5 Gbps and, in our tests, there was no drop off in speed from transferring data from our external SSD through the hub (versus directly connected to the PC). The 2-foot detachable upstream cable is helpful but we need an extension cable to reach all the way to the back of our desktop PC. 

At $44 at press time, the Sabrent HB-B7C3 doesn't come cheap, but it's definitely worth the price. If you don't need the charging ports, you can save a little cash and desk space with the 7-port, Sabrent HB-BUP7 ($38 at press time), which also has a smaller power adapter. You can also splurge for the Sabrent HB-BU10 ($60 at press time), which has 10 data ports and no charging ports. 

2. Anker PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C Hub (with built-in SSD)

All MacBooks and many of the best Ultrabooks come with only USB-C ports, and just a couple of them. That’s why there are so many portable USB hubs that connect to a computer via a built-in USB-C cable and then provide a few Type-A ports, along with some extra goodies such as an HDMI out or a card reader. Anker’s PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C hub has one whiz-bang feature we haven’t seen anywhere else, and that’s a built-in 256GB SSD. 

The built-in SSD makes this hub double as a backup drive, which could be really handy if you need to copy files on the go or if your laptop doesn’t have a ton of internal storage. On our tests, the SSD was really quick, copying a 25GB file at 357.4 MBps read and 261.4 MBps write speeds. Those numbers were nearly identical to the 357 / 277.2 MBps we got from our external SSD (when run through this hub).

In addition to the SSD, the Anker PowerExpand has an HDMI out port and two USB 3.x Type-A ports that operate at 5 Gbps. There’s a USB-C power pass-through you can plug your laptop’s power adapter – up to a 100-watt unit – so that you can charge your computer while using this hub (the USB-C port does not work for data transfer; we tried). 

The Anker’s rounded, gray plastic design looks premium enough and its built-in, upstream USB-C cable tucks into its side for added portability. However, at just 6 inches, this is a very short cord. If you need a longer cord, you require more ports, or you don’t want to pay a high price (currently $99) for your USB hub, look elsewhere. But if you can afford it, the PowerExpand’s built-in SSD is quite a perk.

3. Anker 541 USB-C Hub for iPads

If you have a recent-gen iPad with a USB-C connector, you may find yourself wishing you could connect a USB Type-A device, headphones or even an external display. Anker’s 541 USB-C Hub for iPads has you covered with a unique design that’s meant to snap right into the side of your tablet or even a USB-C laptop. There’s no wire as the USB-C plug and a slight, protruding chin hold the entire metal hub in place.

The Anker 541 has a lot of outputs, but only one of them is a USB 3.x Type-A port that operates at 5 Gbps. So, if you were planning to plug in multiple USB devices, you’re out of luck. However, the hub has HDMI out, a micro SD / SD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C power passthrough for charging your device. That’s a lot of functionality in a compact package.

While the USB-C port on iPads only operates at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps), the Anker 541 can do the full 5 Gbps of USB 3, which makes it a solid choice for MacBooks and lightweight PC laptops that have USB-C. In our tests connecting an external SSD, the USB Type-A port on the hub operated at the same speed as a Type-A port on our test PC.

4. Anker 4-Port Ultra Slim USB 3.0 Hub

Sometimes you just need a few extra USB Type-A ports on your laptop or desktop and you don’t want something that takes up a lot of space in your bag or on your table. At just 0.39 inches thick and 3.68 inches long, Anker’s 4-port Ultra Slim is very discrete. The hub has a built-in, 2-foot cable that’s long enough for any portable use, though you may want to use the attached hook and loop cable tie to keep it from getting tangled.

The Anker 4-Port Ultra Slim, as its name suggests, has four USB 3.x Type-A outputs and a single built-in Type-A upstream cable. As with every other hub on this list, we tested the Ultra Slim and found that it did not have any effect on transfer rates, providing our external SSD the same read and write speeds it got when connected directly to our laptop.

Though it has a very reasonable price ($12.99 at press time), Anker’s hub seems to have very solid build quality compared to some competitors, with a hard matte black plastic shell that shows no obvious seams and an attractive blue power light, though the casing got a little scratched as we carried it around. The Anker hub’s premium design stands in stark contrast to another cheap hub we tested, the Atolla USB 3.0 Hub Splitter, which has a glossy plastic shell with a line down the middle where two pieces of plastic were clearly glued or snapped together (and I fear could come apart some day).

5. Sabrent HB-U3CR

Sabrent's HB-U3CR looks like it was built for MacBooks, thanks to a gunmetal gray aluminum chassis and a stylish, slanted design that will prop it up at an insertion-friendly angle on any table. However, it's an equally strong choice for use with a PC laptop that has USB-C ports and needs a few USB Type-A connections. 

The HB-U3CR's small size and built-in cable make it easy to throw into your laptop bag, but a magnetic sticker that comes with it allows you to set up a permanent spot on your desk where you can attach and detach it, without fear of it falling over when you tug on the wire. It has three USB Type-A 3.x (5 Gbps) ports and a card reader that supports both microSD and SD cards, a boon for folks who are either using a digital camera or working with Raspberry Pis (which use microSD cards as their boot drives). 

On our tests, the Sabrent HUB-U3 did not introduce any lag into file transfers, which means it won't hurt your performance. However, like most USB hubs on the market, it is limited to 5 Gbps, so that’s the top speed even if you connect it to a thunderbolt port and 10 Gbps USB peripheral. The 2-foot, built-in USB cord is about standard for a portable hub, but could be too short if you plan to use it with a desktop PC that you keep on the floor or far from your peripherals.

6. Inatek HB2025AL10 Gbps Hub

If you're using an external storage device – perhaps an NVMe drive you've put in one of the best SSD enclosures – you’d benefit a great deal from using a hub that supports 10 Gbps connections – alternatively known as USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB 3.2 Gen 2. Unfortunately, very few USB hubs actually support these higher speeds and even fewer still support the 10 Gbps speed when it comes from a Type-A, rather than a Type-C, port. 

The Inatek HB2025AL gives you four USB Type-A 10 Gbps output ports and one upstream Type-A 10 Gbps connector that's on a built-in cable. Considering that few laptops have USB Type-A ports that support 10 Gbps and few desktops have 10 Gbps Type-A ports on the front panel, you're probably going to be plugging this into the back of your motherboard. The model we tested was actually the HB2025A, which has a 1.6-foot cable, but we're recommending you spend an extra dollar or two to get the HB2025AL which has a 3.3-foot cable instead. Even 3.3 feet could be short if you're working with a desktop that’s on the floor.

You can also get other versions of Inatek's USB hub, the HB2025 for example, that connect to your computer via USB-C, which is a more common interface for 10 Gbps connections, particularly on laptops. We really wish one of these hubs had a mix of USB-C and USB Type-A downstream ports, but they are all Type-A downstream. 

No matter what version of Inatek's hub you choose, the 10 Gbps connection is very welcome if you're working with external drives. Our test laptop did not have a USB Type-A 10 Gbps port so we connected the hub to a port on the back of our desktop and got read-and-write transfer rates of 684.7 and 492 MBps on our DiskBench 25GB test. By way of comparison, we got rates of 358.1 and 274.8 MBps when connected to a standard 5 Gbps port on our laptop, so the 10 Gbps speed makes quite a bit of difference.

7. JoyReken 4-Port Mini USB 3.0 Hub

Several portable USB hubs could fit in your pants pocket or your bag, but here’s one that’s so small that it can fit in the your shirt pocket or the front pocket on your Members Only jacket and nobody would even notice it. JoyReken’s 4-Port Mini USB 3.0 hub is a hub-on-a-stick that plugs directly into a Type-A port and provides you with four USB 3.0 Type-A connections, along with a cute RGB light show that cycles through a series of colors (you can’t control the patterns or turn them off).

We can’t decide whether the idea of turning a USB hub into a stick which has a male connector instead of a cable is a great idea in the long term. In the short term, it’s very convenient to have something this small that turns one USB 3.0 port into four, and performance was solid – identical to connecting directly to the laptop’s USB Type-A port in our tests. However we worry about what happens when you accidentally exert too much force when plugging a device into the JoyReken hub when it’s dangling off of the edge of your laptop; could it snap? We didn’t press hard enough on our review unit to find out.

8. Atolla 7-Port USB Data Hub Splitter

This is a budget-friendly alternative to Sabrent’s HB series of USB hubs as it has 7 USB 3.0  data ports you can turn on and off, along with one dedicated charging port, and costs a lot less ($21 at press time). However, Atolla definitely cut some corners to get it to this price.

The chassis looks kind of ugly with a cheap-looking shiny plastic that’s a fingerprint magnet. The power toggle buttons for each port are soft and require you to hold them down for a second or two to change their state, which is a step down from the clicky buttons on Sabrent’s hubs. Also, the USB cable is built-in, so you can’t replace it with a longer one.

Similar to the Sabrent HB-U3CR, the Atolla delivered 1.2 amps at 4.8 volts on our power test and it charged our phone at 4.78 volts and 1.35 watts. The Atolla hub also offered similar performance to other hubs; we detected no slowdowns when copying files with our test SSD.

How We Test USB Hubs

When it comes to USB hubs, most of the time, the specs don’t lie. If you see a hub that has USB 3.x (USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 Gen 1) ports, those ports should operate at the same exact speed as connecting a device directly to a USB 3 port on your computer. To find out if any of  the hubs we tested created a data bottleneck, we hooked up an external SSD – a PCIe 3.0 M.2 drive in a 10 Gbps enclosure – to the hub, which we connected to a laptop. We then used DiskBench to copy a 25GB folder both to and from the disk and compared the numbers to those we got when connecting the disk directly to the laptop. 

In all cases but one, there was no change in performance from using a hub. Using the 5 Gbps interface on most USB hubs and on our laptop, we got read transfer rates of 355 to 360 MBps and write transfer rates of 273 to 285 MBps. The exact numbers could vary from one run to the next so there is no point in listing the results from each hub — they are all within the margin of error of each other. Only one hub, the Sabrent HB-UMP3, showed a slowdown in its write speed, dropping down to 179.5 MBps, about a 35 percent reduction in speed.

We also did power testing on every powered USB hub. To see just how much electricity the ports could deliver, we connected a MakerHawk Electronic Load Tester to the hub and tried to dial up as many amps as we could. As we dial up amps on any device, the voltage drops, so a 5 volt USB port could drop down to 4 volts or less as we increase the load, but USB devices need close to 5 volts – 4.7 or 4.8 volts is usually enough – so we tested how many amps we could get at 4.8 volts and at the, likely unacceptable, rate of 4.05 volts. 

We also connected an Android phone to the ports and recorded how many volts and amps it received. The phone charging test was probably the most realistic as it showed what kind of volts and amps a real device would negotiate with the hub.

Other USB Hubs We Tested

Not every USB Hub is one of the best USB hubs you can buy. We tested a number of other models that are worth considering, but not necessarily at the head of the class. 

• Sabrent HB-BUP7 (7 ports, powered) We love this hub and it’s my personal daily driver. This is the 7-port version of the 10-port Sabrent HB-U3CR we recommend and, for some folks, a better choice because it’s more compact. However, at press time, it was only $6 cheaper than the 10-port model with charging ports, so the HB-U3CR gets the nod for giving you three charging ports for only a little more cash.
• Sabrent HB-U3CR This is the 4-port version of Sabrent’s awesome line of power-switch enabled, powered USB hubs. It’s dirt cheap at just $16, but it’s the only USB hub we tested that actually bottlenecked performance, cutting about 35 percent off the write speed of our external SSD. We also don’t like the layout of the ports on this as well as on its larger siblings. However, if you’re not overly concerned with performance, this is a good buy.
• JoyReken FlyingVHUB This is a standard, bus-powered 4-port USB Type-A 3.0 hub with a built-in USB Type-A upstream cable. The main twist here is that the hub is pyramid shaped and has a little RGB light in the shape of a V in the middle. You can change the color pattern a little by hitting a button, and there's a USB-C port on the back that appears to do nothing (it gave power to a device, but didn't send data).
• Ugreen USB-C 4-port Hub At $14.99 (and on sale at press time), this a solid choice for MacBook owners or anyone who needs a cheap, portable hub that has a USB-C upstream connector and four down-stream Type-A ports. It even has a USB-C power pass-through you can use for charging your laptop.
• Atolla USB 3.0 Hub Splitter Available for less than $10 at press time, this portable USB hub is a good value with an interesting twist. The Atolla has a single, built-in Type-A cable to connect to your laptop, along with four Type-A USB 3.x ports for output. Each of its four downstream ports has an on / off switch, which is something we love on powered, desktop hubs but is less necessary on a portable hub where you're not leaving things plugged in for long periods. The 6-inch, built-in upstream cable is too short for a lot of people.

Discounts on the Best USB Hubs

Whether you're shopping for one of the best gaming laptops or another model that didn't quite make our list, you may find some savings by checking out our lists of Dell coupon codes , HP coupon codes , Lenovo coupon codes , Razer promo codes or Newegg promo codes .

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• calvynlee I am looking for a hub with 1 VGA + 1 HDMI output, and several questions in my mind. 1. Is it possible to connect to both VGA + HDMI monitors using the Hub & both active at the same time? The display set to extend mode (not duplicate mode)? 2. Since now-a-days a lot of hubs is USB type C as input, and usually our desktop doesn't have type-C port. Can I use converter such as type C to type A USB and connect to my desktop? Any one experience before above scenario? Reply
• gobuddy What is the importance of having individual power switches. Does it stop the electricity leaking out? It's very unusual to want to switch devices on and off. Reply

gobuddy said: What is the importance of having individual power switches. Does it stop the electricity leaking out? It's very unusual to want to switch devices on and off.

• Magma Man Did I miss how USB speed tests were performed? I would like to replicate the results. I was hoping to see the data that was used to compare the different hubs. Where I am seeing severe degradation in transfer speeds using USB 3 hubs is from SSD to SSD connected to the same hub. Was any testing performed using this scenario? Seems the more connections used the lower the speeds, how much will peripheral to peripheral transfers slow down peripheral to computer transfers. Example, using a sabrnet USB 3 hub to transfer a 9Gb file SSD to SSD (hub port yo hub port) takes over 9 minutes, while it only takes 15 seconds to transfer to or from the computer. Reasons or hypothesis on why the huge difference? I would like to find a product that would not be so slow port to port, as I consider Can you please explain the best testing environment setup? How to establish a solid baseline? Software used. What to use for data transfer. I would like to use a tool that looks more like an "analyzer" that would display real time data rate transfers. Thank you. Reply

Admin said: Whether it's a tiny portable hub or a desktop unit with extra power, you need a USB hub to make the most of your computer. We've tested over a dozen models to find the best. Best USB Hubs: Powered, Portable and Type-C : Read more

• jfii Shouldn't there be a cause for concern when connecting multiple USB devices through an unpowered USB hub? This practice could potentially strain the power supply of your computer, leading to issues such as diminished voltage regulation, overheating, and / or a shortened service life. Reply
• View All 6 Comments

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The 16 Best Wireless Charging Stations for Qi-Enabled Smartphones and Devices

These universal charging hubs can cease the war between iPhone and Android.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

A wired predicament requires a wireless solution, though many smartphone users are still resistant to wireless charging, whether they’re neo-Luddites or masochists for USB. But the future is wireless, as seen in mouses, keyboards , headphones, and now chargers. No plugging needed.

Well, technically there is a little plugging; a cord still needs to connect the charger with a power outlet. But that’s a reasonable trade-off when feeling for a cord behind the nightstand in the dark before sleeping at night is such a hassle. Just pop your phone on a charging pad and watch it fuel up—this quality-of-life convenience is worth the investment. First, here’s some important knowledge about wireless charging to inform your decision-making.

Wireless Charging Isn’t Faster

This is a hard pill to swallow, but wireless charging rarely competes against the rapid velocity of its wired counterparts. And just like the good ol’ cord options, the speed of wireless charging does rely on the power output of the outlet. The measurement in wireless charging is wattage, or W. The higher the wattage, the faster the charging speed, but most wireless chargers seldom have an output beyond 10W. For comparison's sake, Apple's USB-C power adapter , which we use for newer iPhones, charges at 20W.

Only Qi-Enabled Smartphones Are Compatible

“Qi” is the essence of wireless charging. Pronounced as “chee,” it’s a Chinese word that means "life force” ( Kung Fu Panda fans should be familiar with it). It is the charging method in which the device, once placed on top of the wireless charger, is aligned with a coil inside the charging pad that triggers electromagnetic induction. The charger basically instills its life force into the device.

Only Qi-enabled phones can be wirelessly charged. The good news is that almost all new smartphones nowadays are Qi-certified: Samsung, Google, Apple, LG, Huawei, etc. But because of different proprietary operating systems between brands, like iOS versus Android, charging speeds vary considerably. Apple infamously limits the wireless charging input of iPhones to 7.5W on all third-party chargers like Samsung or Google. This slow-down is also true between Apple devices: You can never charge Apple Watch or AirPods as fast as iPhones, even on MagSafe, which charges iPhones at an ideal 15W.

Thus, the best wireless chargers are one-size-fits-all. These versatile Qi charging stations can juice up both iOS and Android devices, sometimes together, for users with multiple smartphones and gadgets of different operating systems.

If you want to power up with only one string attached, these are the 16 best wireless charging stations, hubs, stands, and pads that can transfer life force into your smartphones. They are of varying designs and some can even charge across devices—smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds, at once. Whether you have Android or iOS, as long as it's Qi-enabled, these chargers will keep it vitalized in style.

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Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand

Belkin proves that a wireless charging station doesn’t have to be chunky or big; in fact, it can be sleekly designed and just the height of a mug. Boost Up delivers some really fast charging speeds: 7.5W for iPhones, 9W for Samsung, and up to 10W for all other Qi-enabled smartphones. It can power through most lightweight phone cases , up to 3mm thick, to make your charging process easier. It comes with a five-foot AC adaptor, too. 

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, 9W for Samsung, up to 10W for others

Samsung Convertible Charging Stand/Pad

It’s no surprise that Samsung can manufacture a leather wireless charging hub that blends seamlessly with home décor, while being convertible, too: It is both a pad and a stand. Meaning, you can use it as a space-saving pad or fold it into a convenient stand. If you’re concerned about heat, Samsung has a built-in fan to keep it cool. As for speed, it charges Android phones like Galaxy faster than iPhones, so if you have a Samsung Galaxy, this should be your go-to.

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones , up to 9W for others

Anker PowerWave Stand

Anker is a brand you can count on for electronic devices, particularly chargers. And its PowerWave charging stand proves that wireless charging doesn’t have to be expensive. This standing design means that you can easily see your phone’s notifications at any time, and its charging capacity is not too shabby—as powerful as the costly ones. And at this price, you even buy multiple to scatter around your home. 

Speed: 10W for Samsung, 7.5W for iPhones, 5W for others

Nomad Base Station Mini

Designed to be as thin as possible, Nomad's Base Station Mini is a frequent traveler’s best friend. But don’t underestimate the power within its tiny frame: It packs 15W, making its charging rates comparable to wired charging. And with an extra USB-C cable feature, you can plug it into your phone to charge it faster. It’s got the look, too—modern, with a padded black-leather charging surface that is scratch-free. 

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, 10W to 15W for others

Hoidokly 2-in-1 Charging Stand

Two-in-one wireless charging is hot right now. Usually, it’s one for your phone and one for your earbuds. Hoidokly’s duo charging station features one stand for powering up smartphones, while its pad can charge select earbuds or smartwatches (just not together). So in some ways, Hoidokly is 2.5-in-one. It also features a rare magnetic design: The pad and stand can be detached from each other to be used separately. You can avail yourself of this feature to save space, or take one part and bring it with you on the go.

Speed: 10W for Samsung, 7.5W for iPhones, 5W for others

Apple Watch not supported

Einova Dual Charging Stone

Don’t call this a charging station or hub or pad, call it a charging stone . Made in genuine marble with an artisanal quality, Einova’s charging stone is both functional and decorative. Its patented wireless charging technology is precisely cut into the stone to ensure optimal charging performance, and it comes with a dual charging option for two phones as well (some earbuds are compatible). With no extraneous buttons, lights, or plastic fixtures, this piece of art is very intuitive. 

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, 5W to 10W for others

Satechi Trio Wireless Charging Pad

Airpods, Apple Watch, and an iPhone are the holy trinity, so a wireless charging pad that satisfies all three simultaneously might just be the holy grail. Satechi’s Trio simplifies wireless charging with a convenient place for all three devices, and you’ll certainly never run out of power. While Satechi can quickly power any Qi-enabled smartphone, it is most ideal for Apple users, since it can only charge AirPods and Apple Watch on the pads. 

Speed: 2.5W for Apple Watch, 5W for AirPods, up to 7.5W for phones

Courant CATCH:3 Classics

With Courant’s CATCH:3 Classics , made in Italian leather, even wireless charging can become a luxury experience. By adding a spacious accessories tray to power coils, CATCH:3 is the new home for your most essential items, where you can thoughtfully organize accessories and charge one smartphone at the same time. Placing the CATCH:3 on both the bedside and entryway of your home is highly recommended.

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, 10W for others

MEISO Dual Wireless Charging Desk

Want to enjoy quick, easy charging while being able to scroll through TikTok or view YouTube videos comfortably? Give Meiso’s foldable wireless charger stand a go. It is a handy companion due to its foldable design, which allows you to put it in your bag and take it with you to the office or library, and you can adjust its angles for watching media or FaceTiming. It is duo, too, featuring a pad that charges your earbuds. 

Raptic Rise Headphones Charging Stand

Headphone people, heads up. Raptic Rise is not a charging stand you want to ignore. Not only does it come with a 12W wireless base, its headphone stand can also hold your Beats , Bose, Sony , or any over-the-ear headphones. The bonus is, there's an additional USB-A port at the back that allows you to charge all over-ear and on-ear wireless headphones while they rest on the stand. And it’s crafted with aluminum alloy and a refined black leather base to fit into any environment effortlessly.

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, 12W for others

WAITIEE 5-in-1 Wireless Charger

We’ve seen two-in-one and three-in-one, but Waitiee’s five-in-one wireless charging dock really boasts, “Well, we have room for everyone .” There’s one port for a smartwatch, two for smartphones, one for earbuds, and one for only Apple Pencil . At first glance, a five-in-one option makes a great family-sharing charging station in the living room. But even if you’re living alone, with this, you can say goodbye to the mess of various charging lines for different devices, and maintain a clean, tidy desktop or nightstand. It’s foldable and travel-friendly, too. 

Speed: 10W for Samsung Galaxy, 7.5W for iPhones, 5W for others

Razer Charging Pad Chroma

“Power up and shine on” summarizes Razer’s Chroma charging pad, made for PC gamers . Because this device is lit by Razer’s signature Chroma RGB, it immerses you into the world’s largest custom lighting ecosystem for gaming devices. You can keep your devices topped up and looking sharp, and personalize the lighting to match the rest of your gaming gear. The pad is also compatible with headsets and earbuds.

Speed: 7.5W for iPhones, up to 10W for others

Ekrist Wireless Portable Power Bank

Want a wireless charging station that is truly wireless (i.e., you don’t need to plug anything in when you charge)? Ekrist’s portable charger power bank is your answer. With storage of 26,800mAh, Ekrist features a center charging pad as well as three universal USB ports for some conventional charging. This means you can charge multiple devices at once, or you can just put one phone on the pad to charge it on the go, while still using your phone as you normally would. 

Speed: 5W/7.5W/10W for wireless, max power output at 18W

Mophie Wireless Charging UV Sanitizer

No matter how fast, charging takes a while. This wait time is an opportunity for you to de-gunk your belongings. Mophie’s charging box is the two-in-one artifact to do it simultaneously. First, it doesn’t have a charging pad, but a charging lid. Second, its short cleaning cycle uses UV light to kill up to 99.9 percent of surface bacteria in just five minutes. You can take the cleaning game to the next level by placing your keys, cards, smartwatches, and earbuds into the bay for a noiseless, safe, quick sanitization.

Scosche MagicGrip Wireless Charging Phone Mount

Scosche’s MagicGrip Wireless Charging Vent Mount is the “Best for Cars” winner of  Esquire’s 2020 Gadget Awards . Not only can you listen to music or view GPS on your phone while charging it wirelessly, this mount actually stays in place. And your smartphone will stay in place to be thoroughly rejuvenated, too, thanks to the mount’s adjustable sensing arms. Just set your device near the charging base and watch the arms automatically adjust to fit it. Nice and easy, with optimum viewing.

ANYFONG Solar Power Bank Phone Charger

This Anyfong charger is a little traditional: It uses battery capacity to charge, at an ultra-large 36,000mAh. It’s also innovative, harnessing solar power to wirelessly charge Qi-enabled smartphones. Seems paradoxical, no? Not when it can charge four devices simultaneously, one via wireless charging powered by the sun, the other three via high-speed USB outputs. And it’s got a bright flashlight to keep you safe and sound at night. Thus, this power bank is an ideal backup for outdoor enthusiasts who love camping, hiking, and otherwise natural excursions .

Speed: 15W for USB, wireless charg ing rate dependent on device

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Article updated on March 8, 2024 at 1:30 PM PST

Best USB-C Hub 2024

Check out the best hubs and docks, approved and tested by our CNET experts.

Our Experts

• More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

USB-C has simplified the way we connect devices and computers. You can use the USB-C port to connect a  monitor ,  keyboard ,  mouse , Ethernet, microSD and SD cards, external storage and more. Most computers don't have enough ports for all your devices so if you want to connect all of those things at once, you'll run out of USB-C ports. Not to worry, though, as a USB-C hub or dock with multiple ports will take care of that problem. There are a lot of options, and this is a list of the best USB-C hubs that we've tested.

What's the best USB-C hub overall?

The best USB-C hub overall is the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia eight-port Hub . There are less expensive options, but the EZQuest combines an excellent assortment of ports, durability for travel and reliability over several months of testing. It even has labels on the top to get your devices connected faster with less fumbling. EZQuest makes several other USB-C hubs including a 13-in-one model also on this list. However, if a more robust dock with Thunderbolt support is necessary, the best we've tested right now is the Accell Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station  thanks to an attractive low-profile design and well-rounded port assortment, and it doesn't get hot when put to full use. 

Narrowing down your options and finding the best USB-C hub comes down to knowing how portable you need it to be, exactly which connections you need and your desired data transfer speed. Here are some of our favorite USB-C docking stations that we've tested. We'll continue to update this list as we find new USB hubs and docks to recommend. And if you're looking  to charge your USB-C devices, here are the best options per our testing. 

Read more:   Best USB-C PD Chargers of 2023

Best USB-C hubs of 2024

A little of everything, ezquest usb-c multimedia 8-port hub.

This USB-C hub has all the essentials most would need for office or home use at a reasonable price, especially if your laptop is limited to only USB-C ports. There are three USB-A ports, including one with power delivery, microSD and SD card slots, and an HDMI out that supports resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz. At the end is a Gigabit Ethernet connection with an activity LED (something other hubs this size typically leave off). But what sets it apart from others at this size are the handy labels printed on top of the anodized aluminum case. 

There is a 100-watt USB-C pass-through for power delivery, with 15 watts used to power the hub. The hub is lightweight, which makes it great for travel but also means any cords you plug into it could cause it to slide around your desk -- a common issue with hubs this size. But if you're looking for a single hub to cover everything from an external display and wired web access to charging your phone, this has you covered. 

Best budget USB-C dock

Monoprice 6-in-1 usb-c multiport 4k hdmi adapter.

We've used many Monoprice devices over the years, and they've regularly delivered more for the money. This slim six-in-one travel dock is no different, giving you just enough to hook up your laptop to peripherals and a monitor up to 4K at 60Hz. Also, should you need an Ethernet port, there is a seven-in-one model for $13 more . 

Best for Thunderbolt 4

Accell thunderbolt 4 docking station.

Accell's slim, low-profile Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is one of the most compact we've tested without sacrificing performance or ports. There are two Intel-certified Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear as well as a DisplayPort 1.4 connector that, combined, can drive dual UHD 4K monitors at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 30Hz. Another Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port on the front connects to your PC or Mac. The port is shifted all the way to the right so that the cable doesn't block other ports and makes it easier to keep the cable out of the way. 

Three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an SD 4.0 UHS-II card reader, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and Gigabit Ethernet port round out the connection options. And even with the dock fully loaded, it remained relatively cool compared with others we've tested.

Best USB-C Hub for MacBooks

Plugable 5-in-1 usb-c magsafe hub.

Although there are hubs with more connections that plug directly into a MacBook's USB-C ports, this Plugable hub stands alone with its notch for Apple's MagSafe power connector. Ports include two USB-A 3.0 ports, a combo headphone/mic jack, Ethernet (in the back so it's out of the way) and a USB-C port. And unlike other small hubs like this, the USB-C port can do what the MacBook's can: data transfer up to 40Gbps, display output up to a 6K resolution at 60Hz and power throughput up to 100 watts. 

For more Thunderbolt 4

Caldigit thunderbolt 4 element hub.

Most people, including me, use hub and dock interchangeably but they are different devices. A hub adds more ports to a computer to attach more devices. The Element Hub, for instance, turns one Thunderbolt 4 port on your laptop into three Thunderbolt 4 ports so you can attach extra displays, high-speed storage and peripherals. It also gives you four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports with data speeds up to 10Gbps to add USB-A devices. And the hub can be daisy-chained to another Thunderbolt 4 dock or hub for even more connections. 

The included power adapter (it's actually larger than the hub itself) can deliver up to 60 watts of charging power to attached devices. That's not enough for more power-hungry laptops but fine for a Chromebook and smaller laptops like a Dell XPS 13 or Apple MacBook Air. You can also disconnect it from your computer and just use it to power up your phone, tablet and other devices. 

One other nice touch: CalDigit made the design reversible so you can flip it on your desk to have whichever ports you'd like facing forward. 

Best for three displays at 4K

Ugreen usb-c triple display docking station.

Ugreen's tiny tower of ports uses a DisplayLink chipset to drive three displays at up to 4K at 60Hz via its DisplayPort and dual HDMI outputs with Windows or MacOS systems. Windows users can opt to run one display at up to 8K at 30Hz plus two at 4K at 60Hz. 

DisplayLink software is required to drive the displays properly. There's also no power supply included, just a USB-C cable. If you're using it with a laptop with a USB-C power adapter, you can use it to power the dock. It supports up to 100-watt power delivery letting you charge your laptop as well as power the dock. 

It handles more than displays, too, with one 10Gbps and two 5Gbps USB-A ports, a 10Gbps USB-C port, a combo headset jack, Gigabit Ethernet and SD and microSD card slots. The minimal footprint helps keep your desk tidy, and it's light enough to travel with if you needed to (but there are better options for that on this list). 

Thunderbolt 3 with power for charging

Anker powerexpand elite docking station.

The PowerExpand Elite is part USB-C dock and part charging station. In back are 85- and 15-watt Thunderbolt 3 ports, and in front is an 18-watt USB-C power delivery port. A Thunderbolt 3 port supports up to a 5K-resolution display at 60Hz while its HDMI 2.0 port can support a display up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. Or you can run a USB-C-to-HDMI dual splitter and connect two 4K displays at 30Hz so you can run up to three monitors between the HDMI port and Thunderbolt 3 ports. 

You'll also have four USB-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack and MicroSD and SD card reader. A 3.5mm combo jack handles audio output and input.

To provide enough juice to run everything, though, the PowerExpand Elite has a large 180-watt power adapter. Also, the fanless design means the body is one big heat sink so it can get hot when it's fully loaded. You can stand it vertically to help keep it cooler. 

Best for a laptop on a stand

Lention cb-c37 usb-c hub.

Most small USB-C hubs have short attached cables. That's fine if your laptop is on a desk and not on a laptop stand  and that desk has plenty of space directly next to your laptop's USB-C port. For those who could use some extra cable reach, though, the Lention C37 is ideal.

The USB device is still compact and lightweight but has a 1-meter cable (3.3 feet). It has dual USB-C ports with 60-watt power delivery, two USB-A ports, microSD and SD card slots and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the end is an HDMI output that supports 4K at 30Hz or lower resolutions at 60Hz. This is also a great option for desktops that are kept on the floor. 

For those who still need a VGA output

Ezquest ultimate plus 12-port usb type-c multimedia hub.

The Ultimate Plus shows off just what's possible with a single USB-C port. Along with four USB 3.0 type-A ports, there are microSD and SD card slots, a 3.5mm combo headset jack and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. But the biggest reason to choose this model is its support for three displays. 

There are two full-size HDMI outputs joined by an old-school VGA output. The VGA can only handle outputting at 1080p, but one HDMI can output at resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz while the other can output up to 4K at 30Hz. That's a lot for one compact desktop dock and a single connection to your laptop or desktop. 

In our tests, it lived up to its promise of handling all of its connections at once. The ports might not offer the fastest speeds of other docks (the USB-A ports top out at 5Gbps for example), but if three monitors and a lot of extra connections on your desk are what matters, this is the dock for you.

Discreet iMac port addition

Satechi usb-c slim dock for 24-inch imac.

This add-on dock slides right over the foot of a 24-inch iMac. It includes USB-A and USB-C ports, plus slots for both microSD and SD cards and even an internal slot for an M.2 storage drive. The 11-inch wide dock also has the exact footprint as the iMac's color-matched keyboard, so it can sit on top of the dock/foot combo when not being used. At $150, it's a little on the pricey side, and there are no HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. But if you're looking for a tidy solution to add some extra ports to an iMac, this is a sweet solution. 

USB-C hub FAQs

What's the difference between a usb-c hub and a docking station.

A USB-C hub essentially acts like a splitter from a USB-C port on a laptop or desktop. They are typically small and lightweight and don't require a separate power supply; they draw power directly from the computer. Because of this, the ports might be less capable of data and power output compared with a powered dock. 

However, many USB-C hubs feature a USB-C port with power delivery, or PD. This lets you use a USB-C power adapter, such as the one that may have come with your laptop, to pass power to your laptop and other ports. This can increase display support as well as speed up charging for connected devices like a phone or a tablet. 

A USB-C docking station basically turns a laptop into a desktop. It is a larger, powered device that dramatically increases the number of external displays and peripherals that can be connected to a laptop. Because they typically use a large power adapter, they are not as portable as a hub but can power and recharge the connected laptop. Since many are made to be left connected to a monitor(s), some are designed to be mounted on the rear of a display to help clean up cables on your desk. 

Is a USB-C port the same as a USB port?

The USB port most are familiar with is USB Type-A. Sometimes called a standard or regular USB port, it is rectangular and directional, which requires you to properly align tabs inside the connectors. The newer USB-C port is a small oval that uses a reversible connector so that you don't need to flip it around to get the correct position.

Are all USB-C ports the same?

While USB-C ports may appear the same from device to device, they are not. Even USB-C ports on the same laptop might have different capabilities. For instance, Thunderbolt 3 or 4 devices will only be fully supported by a computer with the corresponding Thunderbolt USB-C port. However, you can't just look at the port and know exactly what you have. Check with your computer manufacturer for what your laptop (or desktop) model supports before you buy a USB-C dock or adapter.

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Best travel adapter 2024: power up abroad

Forget spending a small fortune on a single adapter at the airport; these universal travel adapters are the way to go

The top three

• 1. Best overall travel adaptor
• 2. Best safe travel adaptor
• 3. Best affordable travel adaptor
• 4. Best versatile travel adaptor
• 5. Best travel adaptor for South Africa
• 6. Best travel adaptor for multiple devices

Best travel adaptor 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter 02. Best safe : MyTravelPal Worldwide Universal 10A 03. Best affordable : Bestek Worldwide Travel Adaptor 04. Best versatile : Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit 05. Best for South Africa : Skross World To South Africa 06. Best for multiple devices : Bestek 200W 

Planning a trip abroad? Wherever you plan on going, you need to bring the best travel adapter with you to stay fully charged and powered while you're away.

Technology defines travel. It used to be all about postcards, travel journals and finding yourself, but can you ever feel relaxed abroad without knowing you can charge up your stash of tech? A universal travel adaptor is essential for any and all trips abroad. Whether you're sharing your trip with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, headphones, camera or Bluetooth speaker (not forgetting toothbrush, curling irons and travel kettle), you might as well get a good one.

Don't be an idiot at the airport, where universal travel adaptors are expensive and basic. Get it sorted before you set off on your travels with our collection of the very best around. Basic adaptors are available that convert from one country to another, but it's better to invest in a universal travel adaptor that caters for everything. So what should you look for?

Check out our guide below on how to choose the best travel adapter below and our top picks.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Lizzie is lucky enough to travel internationally for work, so has an extensive amount of knowledge around the best travel adaptors. 

The best overall travel adaptor

If you've entered the world of USB-C, this is the travel adaptor for you. Its multi-function plug fits more than 150 countries with UK/AU/US plugs. The adapter also has built-in safety shutters to protect you from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet. A pretty great all-rounder to begin with! 

Read more below

The best safe travel adaptor

There are a couple of reasons why this universal adaptor from MyTravelPal stands out. The first is that it claims to be the safest travel adapter in the world – it's one of the very few all-in-one travel adapters that has passed the very strict regulatory standard BS:8546. It's a great option that won't let you down.

The best affordable travel adaptor

Again, this is a decent quality charger for a great price, though it only comes with 2 USB ports instead of 4. There’s a universal socket and it’s fitted with USA, Australian, UK and European plugs for use in over 150 countries. 

Best travel adapters ranking 2023

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you have permanently positioned yourself into the world of USB-C, this is the travel adaptor for you. Although it has four standard USB slots that can each refuel a tablet, smartphone and other low-power gadgets, the Hyleton also has a USB-C slot fitted to the side for fast-charging a smartphone.

Elsewhere this compact adaptor's multi-function plug fits more than 150 countries with UK/AU/US plugs. The adapter also has built-in safety shutters to protect you from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet. I was huge fan of this adaptor, and have often found myself reaching for it when packing for a trip.

• Back to the top ⤴

2. MyTravelPal Worldwide Universal 10A Travel Adapter

There are a couple of reasons why this universal adaptor from MyTravelPal stands out. The first is that it claims to be the safest travel adapter in the world – it's one of the very few all-in-one travel adapters that has passed the very strict regulatory standard BS:8546. MyTravelPal's 4 plugs have a ground/earth connection, an essential safety feature for many electrical appliances, meaning you can use this adapter with high powered electricals such as computers, curling tongs, hairdryers, laptops, phones, etc without worry. 

There's also a push-button resetting fuse, which means you don't need to carry spare fuses with you or rush out to buy replacements when you're on holiday. MyTravelPal's protection system ensures that it will automatically shut down if it detects any abnormal usage. It's a great product that won't let you down whilst keeping you safe. 

3. Bestek Worldwide Travel Adaptor

Again, this is a decent quality charger that comes in at a great price, though it only comes with 2 USB ports instead of 4. There’s a universal socket and it’s fitted with USA, Australian, UK and European plugs for use in over 150 countries. 

Thanks to the embedded micro USB cable, my phone and tablet benefitted from fast charging, which was great for work trips. With safety features, including fire proof materials, protection against power surges and a safety plug lock, this is another great all-rounder that should do the job nicely. 

The best versatile travel adaptor

4. Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit

This is an excellent choice if you're a frequent traveller, especially if you jet set between one place and another. As it has six attachments, 2 USA outlets, 2 USB-A slots and a built-in USB-C cable, it's suitable for most electronic devices, giving you versatility to what you bring with you on your trip. 

I found it to be extremely lightweight and fast charging, which made it my first choice on two of my recent trips. I also liked the way it came with a travel pouch, meaning I was able to keep track of the attachments when visiting one or more countries. 

Unfortunately, the Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit is only compatible with dual voltage products. This means it's perfect for phones and laptops, but won't work with 110V items such as hair clippers, hair dryers and hair straighteners. I found this slightly frustrating, but it's a common feature so it didn't affect my opinion too much. It should also be noted that the set doesn't include adapter plug for South Africa, so read below's listing if you're looking for one of those. 

The best travel adaptor for South Africa

5. Skross World To South Africa Travel Adapter

If you're going to Africa, you're going to need to get to know the Type-M socket. Never heard of it? Unfortunately almost all so-called 'universal travel adapter' are nothing of the sort because they don't include large parts of Africa and Asia, where an archaic UK plug now called Type-M is still used. 

As well as being standard in South Africa, Namibia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland, Type-M is common in Nepal and Bhutan, too. Cue this simple, but essential travel adapter that converts from every other plug in the world –such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, China and Brazil – to the Type-M. This Switzerland-made example from Skross doesn't convert voltage, but it does work with power-hungry devices including laptops and travel hairdryers.

The best travel adaptor for multiple devices

6. Bestek 200W Travel Adaptor

A voltage converter is required for devices that do not offer dual voltage, which makes this device incredibly handy if you’re heading to the states, where voltage is a lot lower than the UK. 

With 2 AC plugs and 4 USB ports you’ll have no problem charging multiple devices at once – just bear in mind that you cannot plug in high-powered devices, such as hair dryers or straighteners. The device comes in a handy case, which contains three international AC adaptors for use in over 150 countries. The downside is you can only plug in UK devices.

How to choose the best travel adapter

The best travel adapters have USB sockets, so charging up phones, tablets and other portable devices should be fairly convenient. However, they're not all equal. Most will have at least a couple of USB slots, but check if they're rated 2.4V first. This will refuel your phone faster, and means it can cope with a tablet as well.

Better still, look for Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0), which does it ever faster. If you have a laptop that charges via USB-C, look for a travel adaptor with built-in USB-PD (USB Power Delivery), which can send 100W into a laptop.

Not all travel adaptors will transform voltage, so it’s always worth checking to see if you need to purchase a voltage transformer alongside the adapter. Many devices are dual voltage rated, so you may not even require a transformer; even so, it’s always best to check the book of words to double-check. 

Good news is, all EU countries have the same voltage as the UK, so it’s only the USA, South America, Asia, Australasia and Africa that you need to think about. As a rule, high-powered devices such as hairdryers and straighteners cannot be used with a travel adaptor, with the advice being to purchase cheap ones when you’ve arrived at your destination. 

Amazon is usually the best place to head for travel adaptors, as you can get hold of highly-rated products for sometimes a fraction of the high street price (and with Prime Delivery).

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Best USB charging stations 2024

Goodbye cables and adapters, the best USB charging stations are way more convenient

The best USB charging stations take advantage of their bigger size and efficient design to charge multiple devices at once throughout the day. If you have found yourself with lots of tech and don't quite have the plugs to charge up a laptop, tablet, smartwatch, and smartphone at once, you will be better served by a nice sturdy charging station.

For this reason, we recommend fitting your home with some nice charging stations to better use the space and retire that mass of wires you have shoved in a draw. 

In this guide, we've gone over a range of devices, all fitting a different style, budget, and use case.  If you're looking to charge up the beefy iPhone 14 Pro and MacBook Pro with M2 quickly and at the same time, we've got you covered. 

If you feel even these are a little cumbersome, have a look at the best wireless chargers guide next. For more, it may even be worth checking out the best docking stations for MacBook Pro if you have found ports to be an issue. In the meantime, all of the best USB charging stations below will ensure your electronic essentials are powered up and raring to go. 

Best overall: Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station

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1. Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you are looking for a way to keep all of your devices charged up without having absolute chaos, then the Satechi Charging Station Dock is our favorite of the bunch. 

This dock can charge everything you throw at it. Satechi makes some of the most premium accessories on the market, and this seven-port charging station is no different. Velcro straps are included, so your array of cables don't end up too unruly while keeping your desk space clutter-free. Additionally, each slot is large enough to accommodate even the largest smartphones and any cases you may have installed.

Satechi thought about almost everything with this charging station, as there is even surge protection built-in. It even features a wireless charging pad.The Satechi 

Charging Station is one of the best you can get, especially if you care about keeping your devices organized.

Best for built-in light: SIIG 90W Smart 10-Port USB Charging Station

2. SIIG 90W Smart 10-Port USB Charging Station

This 90W charging station from SIIG is pretty impressive, thanks to the fact that you can charge up to 10 devices at once. Plus, ambient light is included to make sure you are plugging everything into the right spot.

These, combined with SIIG's smart charging, ensure that your devices won't overcharge once they've reached 100%. Unfortunately, this station has the same issue as others since having so many devices in one place can end up wreaking havoc. And you are out of luck if you want to charge your smartphone with just the USB-C cable.

The SIIG Charging Station is perfect for those with lots of different devices, as there are slots for anything (with a notable exception of a smartwatch dock) and  an ambient light, which is really handy. 

Best for Apple lovers: Sabrent Premium 60 Watt (12 Amp) 10-Port Aluminum USB Rapid Charger 

3. Sabrent Premium 60 Watt (12 Amp) 10-Port Aluminum USB Rapid Charger

Some folks don't want an actual stand to charge their multitude of devices, and that's where Sabrent's desktop charger comes in. It sports a slanted design for access to the USB ports, but you simply plug in the charging cable for your devices and go.

This design looks extremely clean and will blend in rather nicely sitting next to your iMac or one of the best MacBook devices. However, there are no USB-C portshere, and the LED indicator light cannot be turned on, so you'll have to resort to unplugging the charger if the light is bothersome. That's why we think this is a great choice if you work at a desk all day and that's when you often prefer to charge up your gadgets. 

This charging station has an aluminium build and includes a rubber bottom so that it stays in place while you plug in your devices.

Best on a budget: Key Power Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger

4. Key Power Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger

This USB charging station from Key Power has a tower design, so you don't need to worry about accidentally falling over when more devices are plugged in. While it's a tower, the charger is still compact enough not to take up a boat-load of space on the desk and measures in at just over 4 inches. This is why it's our top recommendation if you're short on space, as well as if you're on a budget as it's one of the cheapest options in our guide.

There's a handy LED light, which lets you know when your devices are being charged. However, if you are hoping for some Quick Charge support, you'll need to look elsewhere. Plus, there is no dedicated On/Off switch to turn it off when all of your devices are ready to go.

If you are looking for a no-frills charger that won't take up a bunch of space, then the Key Power Station may be the best fit. If you want more features, take a look at the Hercules Tuff Charging Station further down in our guide.

Best for fast charging: Anker 100W 4-Port Type-C Charging Station with Power Delivery

5. Anker 100W 4-Port Type-C Charging Station with Power Delivery

The new Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4 is perfect for those looking for a desktop solution capable of charging all of your devices, including the iPad Pro . There are two USB-C ports with Power Delivery, capable of providing up to 100W of power with the correct cable. The two additional USB-A ports take advantage of Anker's PowerIQ technology to ensure the best charging speeds for other devices.

Not only is the Atom PD 4 small and lightweight enough to pack away in your bag, but you can also remove the wall cable to make it even more compact. Anker ensures that this charger is compatible with all kinds of devices and will evenly distribute the necessary power based on the plugged devices. Plus, Anker offers an 18-month warranty if something goes awry with your charger.

On paper, the PD 4 marks off just about all of the checkboxes that one could want. However, there is no dedicated power button to turn the charger on or off. This means that you'll need to unplug it from the wall if you want to turn the charger off. Also, there is no official Quick Charge 3.0 support, and PowerIQ will likely do the job, but we still would've liked to see QC 3.0 onboard.

Anker's PowerPort Atom PD 4 can charge your 16-inch MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, and anything else.

Best premium USB charging station: Hercules Tuff Charging Station

6. Hercules Tuff Charging Station

This superhero of a charging station uses 2.4 amps to fast charge multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, watches, and other compatible USB electronics. It’s a six-port, USB Type-A, fast charging dock that will juice your devices up to 58% faster than other charging stations offering 2.0 amps or less.

Hercules Tuff features overvoltage and overcharge protection for peace of mind while you’re charging. It has blue light charging status indicators that turn off when charging is complete, and illuminated, adjustable dividers, that work with any phone or tablet case to keep your devices nicely organized in a row.

On the downside, this charging station has no power switch. You turn it on and off by plugging or unplugging it from the wall. Additionally, the power port for the station is located on the same side as all the other charging ports. It would be nice if the power port for the dock was located on the back or the opposite side, so it didn’t take up valuable space.

Best USB charging station for value and minimal looks: SooPii 60W 6-Port Charging Station

7. SooPii 60W 6-Port Charging Station

If you're looking for one of the best USB charging stations with a simple and minimal aesthetic and set up, we recommend this six port charging station from SooPii. 

It has a futuristic look thanks to its mostly transparent design, which means it should look the part in most homes as it's so unobtrusive. There's super-fast charging on offer here and you can juice up six devices at once, with a range of cables to pick from.

It has dedicated holders for different kinds of devices, which you can move around and slot into the base. However, some online reviews do note that these dividers are flimsy if you're stacking big or heavy products. For that reason, we'd say this is a solid option if you need to juice up a lot of smaller gadgets, like your phone, e-reader or smartwatch.

9. Ugreen Nexode RG 65W charger

This wall charger looks great, comes with a handful of USB-C ports, and even has some cool safety features like a temperature sensor. The GaN technology allows it to be much more compact and efficient, meaning it can fit 65W worth of charging into three ports in just one wall plug. 

It won't hold up your iPhone 15 or Apple Watch like others on this list but has more than enough juice to charge all your devices at once and is small enough to not jut out from the wall it's plugged into. The little face on it changes depending on how charged your device is and it avoids overcharging with some smart tech. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't come with its own cable and the 30W version only comes with a single port but it's well worth the cost. 

How to choose the best USB charging station

When it comes to finding the best USB charging station for you, we most often recommend the Satechi Charging Station Dock. We like that this charging station features five standard USB ports and two USB-C ports, making it a powerful charging station capable of keeping all of your devices juiced up at the same time.

Add in that Satechi includes velcro for cable management, along with built-in docks for your devices, and this is a no-brainer that won't just charge your devices, but will also keep your desk or office space organized. You'd be hard-pressed to find a charging station that meets all of your needs more than Satechi's offering.

If you're looking for the best USB charging station because you're upgrading your office or desk space, then check out our best CD/DVD drives for Mac and best 4K monitors for Mac guides. 

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The Best USB Hubs of 2024

Find the best USB hub for your specific needs

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The best USB hubs include four or more ports to expand the total number of usable spaces. Most are designed for data transfers and file syncing, but some will charge your devices. More capable USB hubs have additional ports, such as USB-C or HDMI, and can be used to connect multiple devices.

What to Look For in a USB Hub

Best overall, anker usb 3.0 superspeed 10-port usb data hub.

Supports fast data transfers

Easy to use and hot-swappable

Dedicated power supply

Built-in surge protection

Has only USB ports

Just one fast-charging port

This hub from Anker features ten ports, all of which are USB 3.0, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps. That means you can transfer data between devices in seconds or minutes rather than hours. Bright blue LEDs illuminate the ports at the hub's top when powered on, offering an attractive, futuristic glow.

One of the ten ports delivers fast charging at speeds up to 2A, while the other nine provide 0.9A each. An integrated surge protector ensures electrical issues won’t damage devices plugged in. Hot swapping is also possible, so you can plug and unplug devices while connected to a computer without rebooting or shutting it down.

The hub comes with a 2.6-foot USB 3.0 cable and a power adapter. It’s easy to set up, simple to use and has a minimal, albeit attractive, design.

 Lifewire / Jonno Hill 

Interface : USB, DisplayPort, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0 | Number of Ports : 10 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5Gbps

Most Compact

Uni 4-port aluminum usb 3.0 hub.

Sleek and durable aluminum chassis

Supports fast data and simultaneous transfers

Nylon braided USB cable built-in

Safety chip for hub and connected devices

No dedicated power

Rounded underside slides on flat surfaces

This ultra-slim, four-port USB hub from Uni is one of the more compact options, making it ideal for tossing in a backpack, handbag, or luggage. A flexible, braided nylon cable is built into the unit, so you never have to worry about leaving it behind. An optional variant is available, which still has the built-in cable but is much larger at 4 feet long. 

The hub supports fast data transfers up to 5Gbps for expanding USB ports or connecting multiple devices. It also has USB on the go and simultaneous transfers across all ports. It’s plug-and-play, and no extra drivers are needed for PC, Mac, or select versions of Linux (2.6.14 or later). An integrated safety chip offers overcurrent, overcharge, overvoltage, overheat, and short-circuit protection for both the hub and any connected devices.

The durable aluminum shell rounds out the features list and offers a sleek look. It matches particularly well with aluminum Chromebooks, laptops, and most MacBooks.

Interface : USB | Number of Ports : 4 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5Gbps

Best Design

Wenter powered usb 3.0 hub.

11 ports total; seven USB 3.0 and four with fast charging

On/off power switches for every port

Fast data transfers

No safety features

Power and USB cables must be connected

This massive, 11-port USB data hub from Wenter is uniquely designed. All 11 ports are USB 3.0, but four (marked in red) support fast charging for mobile devices up to 2.4A. Each port has a corresponding power switch with an LED indicator to match, so you can turn individual ports on and off without cutting power to the entire hub. The LEDs will flicker when data transfers are happening to help you discern which ports are currently in use.

It has a power adapter and a dedicated power supply, which makes sense considering it’s so large. It should be noted that both the power and main USB cable must be connected for it to work. The chassis is plastic, so no premium materials were used here, but it’s so big it’s hard to imagine anyone breaking this thing without some serious force. It’s about the size of your average surge protector and measures 7.9 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches.

It’s not exactly portable, but it’s certainly a good option for anyone who needs a massive boost in available USB ports. The option to fast-charge four mobile devices at once is ultra-convenient. Moreover, it’s plug-and-play compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Interface : USB 3.0 | Number of Ports : 11 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5Gbps

Most Versatile

Sabrent 4-port.

All four USB ports are 3.0

LED indicators with on/off switches

Built-in USB cable

Data transfer only

No premium materials

This relatively compact, four-port USB 3.0 hub works with Mac and PC devices but only supports data transfers—no charging. It has a built-in USB cable that’s 8 inches long and offers decent maneuverability.

You’ll notice right away it features brilliant blue LED indicators for each port, with an on/off switch for each one. You can turn individual ports on or off without cutting power to the rest of the hub. Each port supports fast data transfers up to 5Gbps; the unit is plug-and-play and hot-swap compatible.

Interface : USB 3.0 Type A | Number of Ports : 4 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5Gbps

Best Budget

Wonkegonke 4-port mini usb 3.0 hub.

Super sleek and portable

Built-in USB cable with damage protection

Rugged but lightweight metal chassis

Only one USB 3.0 port

No dedicated power supply

Forget the silly brand name—this four-port mini USB hub from Wonkegonke is anything but. Wonkegonke didn’t just slap the "mini" moniker on it for no reason; it's sleek and ultra-portable at just 0.27 inches thick. The built-in USB cable adds convenience, while the rugged but light metal housing keeps it protected even in the messiest of handbags or backpacks. A damage-resistant shell also surrounds the cable.

It features one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports on the side. The 3.0 port can handle fast data transfers up to 5Gbps, but it is a shame there’s only one. There is no dedicated power, and it doesn't support charging.

The trade-offs mean this isn’t the ideal device for home or office setups, but it's a good choice for anyone constantly on the move with many devices in tow.

Interface : USB 2.0, USB 3.0 | Number of Ports : 4 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5Gbps

Best High Capacity

Acasis 16-port usb 3.0 data hub.

All 16 ports are USB 3.0

Durable aluminum chassis

Fast data transfers and fast charging

Not ideal for travel

Connection latency for offset ports

If the number of ports is your biggest concern, the Acasis 16-port USB hub is one of the biggest. All 16 ports are USB 3.0, and they all support fast charging up to 2.1A and data transfers up to 5Gbps. There are no compromises, no ports left behind—just full functionality across the entire unit. There are also seven- and ten-port variants if you want something slightly smaller.

This beast is almost 9 inches long and weighs 1.8 pounds. Every port has a power switch and a bright blue LED indicator. You can turn ports on and off individually, and the light will tell you what’s powered and in use. It’s plug-and-play compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems. It has a built-in surge protector to keep all your devices and the hub safe and secure from electrical failures.

The chassis is aluminum, so it’s rugged yet lightweight, and it looks great, too. This is the ultimate hub for anyone who wants to connect several devices or transfer data from multiple USB sources simultaneously. It's worth noting that when plugged into a computer, there is some connection latency for the higher-count ports. But the first four ports are fast and responsive.

Interface : USB 3.0 | Number of Ports : 16 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 5 Gbps

Best for Apple

Caldigit ts3 plus.

Wide range of ports

Professional grade build quality

Designed to fit the apple aesthetic

There's no getting around the fact that almost $300 is an eye-watering price for a USB hub, but with the CalDigit TS3 Plus, you get a level of quality that helps make up for the sticker shock. There's no doubt the TS3 Plus is a tool built for professionals, and its space grey color scheme is designed to match your Apple hardware. It's built tough and made to last.

The TS3 Plus allows you to maximize the capabilities of a Thunderbolt 3 connection. It features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, five USB 3.1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, an SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II), a Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF) port 1x Gigabit, Ethernet, an Analog Audio In, and an Analog Audio Out port.

It's capable of outputting to dual 4K displays (or a single 5K display), has 10 GB/s USB 3.1 Gen. 2 capability, and can charge Thunderbolt 3 laptops with 85W power delivery. It's also designed to be used horizontally or vertically to better accommodate different setups.

Interface : Thunderbolt 3 | Number of Ports : 15 | Data Transfer Rate : Up to 10 Gbps

 Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Number of Ports

There is no ideal number - it just depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something lightweight and portable, you’ll want to choose something with fewer ports, sacrificing quantity. If you want something with many ports, you’ll choose a much larger hub, sacrificing portability. Typically, the smaller hubs have about three or four ports, while the larger ones can have as many as 16 or more.

Versatility

Some USB ports offer additional functionality such as fast charging, extra ports, and sometimes extra hardware like an SD card reader. If you need only the standard USB ports, then it doesn’t matter what else the hub offers. However, if you want something with a little more versatility, consider some of those extra features.

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Compatibility

Almost all hubs are plug-and-play and hot-swappable. The former means they can plug into most computers; you don’t need to install drivers or third-party software. The latter means you can plug in, unplug, and remove USB devices while the hub is plugged into a computer without rebooting the system. For added compatibility, it depends on what ports and functions are available. A USB-C port, for example, ensures compatibility with Apple devices and other USB-C systems like Chromebooks.

Safety Features

Surge, overcharge, and overvoltage protection are essential, especially when several devices are simultaneously plugged into a hub. They’re also crucial when transferring data, especially if a hard or flash drive is plugged in. An energy surge can corrupt the data and ruin those drives.

Simply put, fast charging will reduce your battery life slightly more quickly over a long period than standard charging speeds, but it's far from the most significant factor in battery longevity. Things like heat, cold, and how frequently you recharge have a much more substantial effect.

The letter following the USB indicates the physical design of the port. USB-A are the large, square, more familiar ports, and USB-C is the newer, smaller oval ports found on many modern Android smartphones. USB-C is an upgrade in almost every way over USB-A, but perhaps most importantly, USB-C is double-sided, which means less fumbling to get it correctly oriented.

The USB standard is backward compatible, so USB 3.0 will work fine with USB 2.0 or even USB 1.1. Data transfer rates limit the older USB standards, so data transfers will take longer as you go backward. For instance, when plugging a USB 3.0-ready hard drive into a USB 2.0 port and initiating a data transfer, you will see only USB 2.0 transfer speeds—up to 480Mbps as opposed to 5Gbps. They work fine, but USB 2.0 and below are slower.

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The Best Travel Adapters

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

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Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

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Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

Eric Ravenscraft

Lisa Wood Shapiro

Adrienne So

Medea Giordano

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The 9 Best Portable Chargers for Travelers

By Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There’s nothing worse than getting through the hustle and bustle of airport security only to finally make it to your gate and realize that your phone is out of battery. Searching for an outlet can be a pain and more often than not leaves you stuck hovering over one awaiting your turn. A portable charger offers peace of mind and freedom that airport outlets, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops just can’t supply. Even when you're not traveling, they're useful to have on hand for days when you forget to charge your phone at night or notice it’s running low midday after too much time on Google Maps (or TikTok).

The best portable chargers are compact, portable, and have a battery life that can last you more than one charge (an especially helpful feature for group travel). Read on for full reviews of our editors’ longtime favorites, as well as more recently tested chargers we recommend.

How we tested:

Each new charger was tested for at least three weeks. While testing, we kept these key questions in mind: how long it took to charge devices, how many devices it could charge at one time (and which devices it’s compatible with), and how long it took to charge the charger itself. We also brought them on the road to see how they fared while traveling, and included reviews for chargers we've used long-term.

Can you travel with them?

Yes, portable chargers are safe to travel with, as long as you pack them in your carry-on. They range in size, but even the largest power banks will fit into a carry-on bag or tote.

What are the qualities to look for in a portable charger?

When looking for a portable charger, it’s important to keep in mind the mAh, size, and the devices you plan to charge with it. Some portable chargers have multiple cables that can be plugged directly into your device while others come with built-in ports for USB or USB-C cords. Consider whether you want something specifically for your phone, or a multipurpose power bank that can charge your computer, smartwatch, or earphones, too.

What does mAh stand for?

It stands for milliampere hours which is a unit of measurement that’s used to describe the capacity of a battery. The higher the number, the more battery power you have. Chargers can range from as low as 1,000 mAh to as high as 50,000. For everyday use, it’s fine to get something in the 3,000 to 4,000 range, but we recommend upping the capacity when you’d like to charge more than one device at a time or if you’re looking to use it on a device of five volts or higher.

Editor favorites

Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh Dimensions: 11" x 5" x 2"

I never leave the house without my portable charger. I’m very meticulous about my phone battery and my portable charger is super easy to carry around all day. I’ve had it for five years and have had no use for anything else. It has two ports so I can charge multiple devices at once and it’s small enough to fit in my purse or my fanny pack while traveling. It’s quite thick so you don’t feel like it will break on you. Charging it is easy. There is a small cord that you plug into its side and then plug the charger into the wall, but any type of similar cord will work. It does take a while to charge, about a day if you want it to be full. However, the battery will last you at least three or four charges to your phone. — Kayla Brock , associate social media manager

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 0.7"

I’ve had this BioLite charger for a year, and while there are smaller versions I prefer for day-to-day use (this one’s less than a pound, but about the same dimensions as my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is to say a bit bigger than I’d like when carrying it in a purse), it’s a reliable option for trips when you know access to outlets may be infrequent, and can toss it in a backpack or tote. It has two USB slots and one USB-C slot, so I’ve used it to power up other devices like my Kindle, FitBit, and AirPods. You can get two to three full phone charges before needing to plug in the battery park; for more charge time—up to five hours—upgrade to the Charge 80 . — Madison Flager , senior commerce editor

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 1"

I’ve had this portable charger for about nine months now. I was intrigued to find one that didn’t need a separate charger—it has a fold-down plug that you can stick directly into the wall when it’s running low. I’ve charged my laptop, phone, and even camera with it. It has three built-in fast-charging cables that are compatible with Android and Apple devices, and three different cable ports along the bottom. It usually takes about two to three hours to fully charge and when I’m using it passively that can get me through two charges. It’s on the larger side, about the size of a long bifold wallet. I’ve been able to charge my Apple watch, phone, and camera with it. This is always tucked away in my backpack or tote , especially on longer flights. — Paris Wilson , commerce producer

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 3"

This charger is one of the first things I put in my bag when I’m on my way out the door, especially if I’m traveling. I’ve used it for about a year now and love it. It's slim which means it fits in all of my purses, even the smallest one, and is very lightweight and easy to carry around. It holds a pretty good charge so you can use it a few times before you need to recharge it. I like that the side shows four little lights which show how much battery life the power bank has left. I also appreciate the design which is pretty cute and much more stylish than any of the other phone banks I’ve used before. — Jamie Spain , travel bookings editor

Battery capacity: 4,500 mAh Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 1"

I never go anywhere—to work, to dinner, to travel—without this tiny portable charger. It’s about the size of my AirPods case or my favorite lipstick, meaning I can pack it in nearly any fanny pack, sling bag, or tote I’m carrying. And while I love it most for its compact size, it also really works—giving my phone a full charge on the go. I’ve been using mine to charge my iPhone for years and have even gifted it to several family members and friends. — Meaghan Kenny , associate commerce editor

Newly tested chargers

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: ‎5" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: Two full phone charges

Until being asked to test one for this story, I never really used a portable charger. This was not for lack of need—my phone’s battery is perennially in the orange, and no lifestyle changes or memory tricks have availed in fixing who I am as a forgetful person. Keeping this INIU power bank in my messenger bag has, quite simply, made my life a whole lot easier. The charge comes lightning-fast, and its charging port is the same as required for my Macbook, plus there are two USB out ports so you can charge two devices (even three, if you want to use the charging port as well!) at once. The little paw tracks how charged up it is at any given time, with little toes blinking blue from left to right, which is just icing on the cake. — Charlie Hobbs , editorial assistant, destinations

Pros : Can charge up to three devices at once, slim, charges devices quickly Cons : A bit heavy

Battery capacity: 6,000 mAh Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

I was very impressed with this ultra-slim power bank. It’s about the size of a credit card and lightweight, easily fitting in my jacket pocket or purse. Conveniently, it features two built-in cables and a USB to charge an iPhone or other devices directly. These small built-in cables can be neatly tucked into the device when you’re not using them, so there’s no need to worry about tangled cords in your tech case. It gives my iPhone a full charge quickly, and can even charge multiple devices at one time. Another feature I love: There’s a small LED light on the device that lets you see how much charge the power bank has left. — M.K.

Pros : Small, built-in fast-charging cables  Cons : Power bank drains quickly

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

For weeks, this foldable charger kept popping up on TikTok and Instagram—when I finally got my hands on one, it didn’t disappoint. The credit card-sized portable charger is probably the most compact one I own, and is magnetic, which means you don’t have to pull out a cord or deal with a tangle of wires in your bag or lap when using it. At first, I was doubtful of how strong the magnet would be, and found myself being delicate with my phone when moving through an airport while charging, but over time I’ve gotten used to the durability. I’ve taken it with me on a few recent flights, and have been using the kickstand when watching videos or shows on my phone—though of note, the kickstand angle is better for viewing your phone vertically rather than horizontally. — M.F.

Pros : Compact, good for in-flight or daily use, charges via a USB-C cable Cons : Can only charge a single device at once; requires MagSafe case; gets warm with extended use

Battery capacity: 2,500 mAh power Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

Calpak is a Traveler team favorite, but I hadn’t had a chance to branch out to more of their travel accessories . Voila, the portable charger that not only charges your devices but is in a beautiful leather luggage tag that you can personalize. I’ve taken it on flights to Barcelona and Cleveland where I was met with different scenarios for each trip. Traveling to a different country, I was concerned that I would run into issues with trying to use an adapter, but that was not the case. It was my saving grace while in the airport, and was an everyday necessity when I was on walking tours. It’s smaller than an iPhone but just as thin, so it can fit into a jacket pocket or crossbody bag. You can only charge one device at a time and while it is helpful, it is not a charger you should rely on for more than a few hours or so. Also if you do decide to use it more as a luggage tag, you'll need to take the charger off before checking in your luggage at the airport. — P.W.

Pros : Small, thin, lightweight Cons : Only charges one device at a time

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When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

These multiport chargers are all the power you need for all your devices

If you need to charge more than one device, and want to make sure that your battery pack is always fully charged, then you need to get a multiport charger.

GaN chargers (Gallium Nitride) have semiconductors that are more efficient, and therefore less energy is lost to heat. As they are more efficient, the body of the charger can be smaller with larger air gaps between the components.

Get yourself an efficient charger that can charge all your devices -- or act as a docking station or a hub too. We've looked at some of the best chargers for your budget, which can charge all of your devices.

Wotobeus 130W USB C GaN multiport charger

130w total charge.

The Wotobeus 130W USB C GaN multiport charger has four ports. It has three USB type C ports that can support power delivery up to 100W and a USB Type-A port that uses quick charge technology and will support up to 30W.

This charger will deliver up to 130W power output across its ports. It has adaptive 110/220 voltage and a foldaway plug for use when travelling to other countries.

• Quick charging technology
• Clunky extension cable in box

Invzi docking station and 100W GaN USB C multiport charger

Combined charger and docking station.

The INVZI 100w is a GaN power hub with 9 ports for multi-function use. It can act as a USB-Type-C docking station, delivering data transfer and up to 1Gbps internet connectivity via its Ethernet port.

It can charge up to four devices at the same time through three USB Type-C ports and a USB-A port. It has an HDMI port for 4K video and audio output at 60Hz. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C 3.1 port for 30W power ad 5Gbps data transfer.

Plug it into the wall, or use the power cable to store the charger/hub on your desk. In the box, there also is a useful 10Gbps data cable and a carrying bag.

• Combined power hub and docking station
• Will charge up to four devices at the same time

UGreen 100W GaN USB C multiport charger

Up to 100w power from four ports.

The UGreen 100w is a GaN charger with four ports. It can charge up to four devices at the same time through three USB Type-C ports and a USB-A port delivering up to 100W charging capability.

Power is distributed across USB-A and Type-C ports for optimum charging combinations when all four connections are in use.

• Distributed power across ports
• Will pause charging when the new cable is plugged in

Invzi 100W GaN USB C multiport charger

Short-circuit protection.

The INVZI 100W is a GaN charger with four ports. It can charge up to four devices at the same time through three USB Type-C ports and a USB-A port delivering up to 100W charging capability.

It has two USB-C PD 3.0 ports up to 100W, one USB-C PD 3.0 powers up to 20W, and 1 x USB-A 3.0, which uses quick charge technology and will support up to 18W power requirements.

It has over-current, over-voltage, overheating, and short-circuit protection. In the box, there are adapter plugs for other regions.

• 100W total charging capacity
• Compact size
• Over-current, over-voltage, overheating, and short-circuit protection.
• None that I noticed

Kovol 65W GaN USB C multiport charger

Four charging ports.

The Kovol 65W GaN multiport charger has four ports to charge devices delivering up to 65W power delivery. It has two USB Type-C ports which will deliver up to 65W total output.

It also has two USB-A ports which support quick charge 3.0 technology. It has a short circuit and over current protection built into the device.

• Detachable power cord
• Quick charge 3.0 technology
• No foldaway plug

Invzi 66W GaN USB C multiport charger

Compact portable charger.

The Invzi 66W GaN multiport charger has three ports to charge devices up to 66W. It has two USB Type-C ports delivering up to 65W maximum and one USB-Type-A port that uses quick charge technology and will deliver up to 36W.

If all ports are in use, the USB Type-A port will deliver up to 30W, and the other ports will deliver up to 18W each. 

• 66W maximum power delivery
• Over-voltage, overheating, and short-circuit protection.

Which charger is best for me?

When choosing chargers for your home and office, consider the power requirements that your devices need. Add the power requirements together for your peripherals to determine how many devices you need to charge concurrently.

Will you need more maximum power than the charger will support in total? If so, consider getting a more powerful charger.

Which is better: power chargers or combined hub chargers?

This comes down to personal choice. Some people want a one-size-fits-all charger that plugs into the wall and will cope with all of your devices and are prepared to pay extra for this combo. Others prefer the simplicity of a smaller charger that will fit in your pocket and go anywhere with you.

Remember, if you have access to mains power, these wall chargers are for you. If you need a power charger that will work anywhere, you need to consider a portable battery pack instead.

How did we choose these chargers?

We chose these chargers based on three factors: functionality, power output, and price.

Some of these power chargers are low cost and have fewer ports and power output than higher-cost models. However, for the price, if you only have two or three devices to power, they will fit your needs well.

Some of the chargers are ultra-compact and light with foldaway power prongs that make the chargers easy to slip in your bag when travelling; others are high-end chargers/desktop hubs that perform multiple functions that other chargers will not do.

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The best car battery chargers: expert tested from dewalt, stanley, and more, the best magsafe battery packs: expert tested, the best iphone power banks: expert tested.

The 11 Best USB Chargers to Power Up All Your Gear

These will get your smartphone battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes!

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Best USB Wall Chargers

• Most Powerful: Nekteck 107-W USB-C Charger
• Best for Recharging Lots of Gear : Anker PowerPort Speed 4 USB Wall Charger
• Best Overall : Anker PowerPort PD 2 USB Charger
• Best for a Plethora of Ports : Anker PowerPort 6
• Best USB-C PD Travel Charger : Anker PowerPort III Nano USB Charger
• Best USB Charger Battery : Anker PowerCore Fusion USB Wall Charger
• Best Night Charger : Anker PowerPort 4 USB Wall Charger
• Best Apple Charger : Apple 20-Watt USB-C Power Adapter
• Best for Dual USB-C Ports: Spigen PowerArc 40W ArcStation Pro
• Best for 15-Inch+ Laptops: Nekteck 100W USB-C Charger
• Best for 13-Inch Laptops : Nekteck 60W USB-C GaN Wall Charger

We compared 40 different USB wall chargers to compile this list of the best third-party and multi-port offerings available right now. We ensured that our picks are reliable by reading consumer review sites and customer feedback — and our two technology editors also tested several of these models for their performance while recharging smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Finally, every USB wall charger on this list is validated and deemed safe by the USB Implementers Forum , a nonprofit created to accelerate the market and consumer adoption of USB-compliant peripherals.

Nekteck 107-W USB-C Charger

Although this wall charger from Nekteck is a little bulky, it's one of the most powerful chargers on the market. Not only is it equipped with two USB-A ports, it also features dual USB-C ports — meaning that it offers the ability to quick-charge a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, and a pair of earbuds or a smartwatch all at the same time.

The charger features a removable 6-foot-long cable and safety protection against over-current, over-voltage, overheating, and short circuits.

Anker PowerPort Speed 4 USB Charger

Odds are, you probably have multiple gadgets that need recharging. So, why not charge them all simultaneously with this nifty adapter from Anker? It pushes out 43.5 watts of power (around 12 watts per port), which is three times more than the brick that was likely included with your older iPhones.

Plus, one of its ports supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, which is 4x faster than a standard charger. It's worth mentioning, though, that this option does not have any USB-C ports.

Regardless, it's still small enough to toss into a bag and is the best charger for folks who need to charge lots of devices like wireless earbuds, a phone, a tablet, and a smartwatch.

Anker PowerPort PD 2 USB Charger

With the help of a USB-C-to-Lightning cable , this charger can recharge your iPhone's battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This option charges most laptops, any tablet, any smartphone, and the Nintendo Switch at the absolute fastest rate with its onboard USB-C or USB-A port.

Not only is this charger super fast, it's also ultra portable. It has foldable prongs, weighs less than 3 ounces, and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It's available in white and backed by an 18-month warranty.

If you're looking for even more power — say, to charge a laptop — we recommend the Anker PowerPort Atom III , which pushes out up to 45 watts compared to the PowerPort PD 2's 30 watts, but it's more expensive.

If you're willing to drop more than $40 for a charger, go for the newer Atom III, but if you're just using the charger for portable devices like a smartphone or tablet, we recommend the cheaper PowerPort PD 2.

More: Keep Your Devices Charged and Synced With These Lightning Cables

Anker PowerPort 6

If you need to charge several devices simultaneously, the six-port Anker Powerport 6 is your best bet. Rather than featuring a brick-style design, this charger connects to an AC outlet by a 5-foot-long detachable power cord. The PowerPort 6 is backed by an 18-month warranty.

If you need even more ports, there's a 10-port model , too. Or if you need a USB-C port, consider this model from Nekteck that can charge power-hungry laptops with its 87-watt USB-C port.

Anker PowerPort III Nano USB-C Charger

If you don't need multiple charging ports and want the smallest charger for fast-charging your USB-C smartphone (not your laptop or tablet), the PowerPort III Nano charger from Anker is the best option available. It is extremely compact, and is backed by an 18-month warranty.

Just remember: If you want to use it with your iPhone, you'll need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. If you need two USB ports, go with the Anker PowerPort III Duo (2x USB-C) or the Anker PowerPort II (2x USB-A) instead.

We recommend buying the two-pack for some additional savings , so that you can keep one at home and the other in your bag.

Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000

This unique offering from Anker is a hybrid between a wall charger and a portable battery. The charger is equipped with a 10,000 mAh battery for on-the-go charging when an outlet isn't nearby. But when your device is plugged into the Anker unit while the unit's plugged into a wall, it prioritizes recharging the device over itself.

Its built-in battery has enough capacity to fully recharge an iPhone 12 twice. You'll appreciate that it features a foldable plug, a USB-C port, and a traditional USB-A port. The charger is about 3 inches wide and 3 inches tall, making it a travel-friendly pick.

Anker PowerPort 4 USB Charger

If you don't need the fastest charging speeds possible and tend to charge your devices before bed, we recommend this 40-watt charger from Anker.

Its four ports each charge up to 2.4 amps, so you can recharge your smartphone, tablet, wireless earbuds, and smartwatch simultaneously at full speed in less time than you could with their included chargers.

The biggest difference between this wall charger and the Anker PowerPort Speed 4 we previously mentioned is that this one doesn't support Qualcomm Quick Charging. Regardless, it’s still an incredibly versatile and powerful pick — it's just a tad bit slower, and typically a little cheaper.

Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter

If you're wary of using a third-party charger with your smartphone or tablet, you should know that Apple sells a USB-C power adapter of its own. You may want to pick one up since Apple no longer includes a charger with the purchase of an iPhone.

If you’re an Android user, we recommend this 45-watt USB-C charger , which also comes with a USB-C cable.

Spigen PowerArc 40W ArcStation Pro

This iPhone accessory from Spigen is one of the most powerful chargers we've ever used. It comes with dual 20-watt USB-C ports, which means that you can fast-charge two iPhones to up to 50% in just 30 minutes. (If you were using the charger that came with your smartphone, you’d only be at about 20% in the same amount of time!)

If you’re only using one of its ports, it’ll charge at 30 watts, which is enough power to recharge a tablet or small laptop. Spigen backs its charger with a 2-year warranty.

Nekteck 100W USB-C Charger

This affordable 100-watt USB wall charger from AUKEY is nearly half the size of Apple's 96-watt charger, despite offering even more power. It's so powerful, it can recharge 15-inch laptops at full speed. The charger is USB-IF-certified and features built-in safeguards to protect your devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging. This option is also compatible with most smartphones: It has the ability to recharge an iPhone 12 Pro Max up to 50% in just half an hour. It features a foldable plug, and even comes with a USB-C cable.

Nekteck 60W USB-C GaN Wall Charger

Nekteck’s USB-C wall charger might not be the thinnest or smallest charger, but it definitely offers the best balance in price, portability, and performance. With its 1.9-inch length, the accessory is 50% smaller than the charger that comes with most Apple laptops. It also measures 1.18 inches thick, which is twice as thick as our previous pick for this category, the RAVPower PD Pioneer 45W GaN Wall Charger, which has since been discontinued.

If you want the smallest laptop charger available, consider the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 . That model pushes 30 watts of power, so it isn’t as fast and powerful for larger, 15-inch laptops.

Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

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Best Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hubs and docks

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hubs and docks are the latest technologies in computer connectivity and expansion. They take over from Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C hubs and docks, with significant future-proof benefits while staying backwards compatible with the older connectivity standards.

Hubs and docks allow you to add more types of connections to your main computer if it lacks them itself—particularly with laptops that might have just a few ports on the side.

Desktop PCs and Macs usually have a decent set of ports at front and back, but laptops and tablets often have just a couple.

You will therefore need to connect a multifunction adapter, hub or a more able docking station that includes the ports and slots you need to add extra devices such as hard drives, memory sticks, storage-card readers, printers and so on, as well as wired input tools such as a keyboard or mouse.

They are also the best way to add an external display or two to your more mobile computer, plus Gigabit (or faster) Ethernet for wired Internet access.

All the docks and hubs tested here support at least two external 4K displays at 60Hz; a single 8K display (Windows); or a single 6K display (Mac).

We’ve seen prices rising on docking stations due to component shortages, particularly on the Caldigit docks tested here.

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4

The latest connection standards are Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, which are both based on the neat reversible USB-C connector seen on most new computing devices.

Learn more about the differences between USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 .

They supersede older USB 3.0/USB-A connectors and also slower USB-C variants in terms of speed, but are backwards compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3.

USB-A (the old rectangular connector that had to go in one way, usually not the first way you tried) usually maxed at a bandwidth of 5Gbps (USB 3.0) but could be as slow as 480MBps (USB 2.0). Many of the models tested here include faster 10GBps USB-A. Look out for device  charging potential, too, with up to 7.5W on offer with some docks and hubs.

USB-C started at 5Gbps but is also available at up to 20Gbps, although 10Gbps is more common at the upper end. Again, look for high device-charging–20W is the best we’ve seen from USB-C.

Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) can reach 40Gbps, but, unlike Apple, some Windows PC manufacturers didn’t choose to offer all TB3’s benefits.

Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) and USB4 require manufacturers to comply with all the technology’s benefits (such as 40Gbps bandwidth) to be certified, which makes TB4 much more trustworthy to PC users than TB3.

Apple users won’t see much difference between TB3 and TB4, but there are extra benefits such as the ability to better daisy-chain devices. With TB3 a device chain could be disrupted with the removal of any but the final device in the chain.

Many hub and dock manufacturers advise Windows users that their device needs to be certified for Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 due to previous connectivity-standard inconsistency. Mac users will be fine with older USB-C (12in MacBook) and Thunderbolt 3 systems.

You can still use Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C docking stations , but you’ll miss out on Thunderbolt 4’s advancements.

TB4/USB4 also offers faster PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) at 32Gbps for storage speeds up to 3,000MBps—double the minimum requirements of Thunderbolt 3, although more recent MacBooks have this already. Some of the early TB3 MacBooks had less bandwidth available on the right-hand-side Thunderbolt ports.

If you’ve heard of Thunderbolt 5 , with its 80Gbps (120Gbps video) advances, note that docks with TB5 won’t start arriving until mid 2024, and TB4 docks and hubs will still work with TB5 laptops when they hit the shelves. See our updates on Thunderbolt 5 release dates and benefits .

After our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and docks, we go into more detail about each type of port or connection that you need.

Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock – Best HDMI Thunderbolt 4 dock

• Thunderbolt 4
• Built-in SSD enclosure
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
• Only two downstream TB4 ports
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 100W)
• Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• One HDMI 2.1 video port
• Four USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• Four USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot
• UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)
• 3.5mm combo audio jack (front)
• 3.5mm microphone jack (back)
• Two (right and left channels) line out RCA jacks (back)
• 150W power supply

The Sonnet Echo 20 SuperDock justifies its “Super” name by having the most ports of any Thunderbolt 4 dock we’ve tested, including something missing from most others.

It matches the excellent Caldigit TS4 on port speed with 10Gbps US-A and USB-C, UHS-II SD card reader and 2.5Gb Ethernet alongside the two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports— differing mainly by its choice of the more popular HDMI video port compared to the TS4’s DisplayPort.

Where once DisplayPort 1.4 was superior to HDMI, HDMI 2.1, as seen here, is as powerful if not more so than the top DisplayPort.

What makes the Echo 20 extra special, I mean Super, is its built-in SSD enclosure that allows you to add up to 8TB of internal storage via your choice of M.2 NVMe (the SSD itself is included with the dock). If you need extra storage for your laptop, this is a great feature, and is much cheaper than configuring the laptop with such a large capacity at purchase.

Of course, the storage doesn’t move with you when you’re uncoupled from the dock, but it’s useful for off-laptop backups and archiving when the laptop’s internal storage is limited.

If you want more portable storage, you can use the SD card reader. The TS4 does win here with both SD and MicroSD readers but most MicroSD cards come with an SD adapter so the Echo 20’s lack of the smallest format matters little.

If you need to keep all your connected devices powered up at the same time as your laptop, the Echo 20’s 150W power supply should suffice but is nowhere near the TS4’s mighty 230W supply.

Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4 – Best DisplayPort Thunderbolt 4 dock

• 18 top-end ports
• 2.5Gb Ethernet
• DisplayPort 1.4 handles high 4K refresh rates
• Flexible design

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 98W) • Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One DisplayPort 1.4 video port • Five USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) • One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W) • Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) • 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps) • 3.5mm combo audio jack (front) • 3.5mm Audio In and Audio Out ports (back) • 230W power supply

For years, Caldigit ruled the Thunderbolt 3 roost with its compact but powerful Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus (TS3 Plus). Its Thunderbolt 4 successor, the Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) is physically and stylistically similar but boasts even more ports at even faster speeds.

All the USB (5x USB-A, 3x USB-C) and Thunderbolt ports (3x TB4) are super fast and offer impressive device charging—at the front, there’s a USB-C port with 20W power.

Caldigit has sacrificed one of the TB4 ports for a dedicated DisplayPort, which is fine if you need that video port but not as flexible as leaving three downstream TB4 ports with which you can add adapters for external displays.

Windows users with a TB4 or USB4 computer can connect a single 8K display at 60Hz, or two 4K at 60Hz; Mac users, a single 6K display at 60Hz, or 2 4K at 60Hz—Macs using an M2 Ultra chip support up to a 8K single display. Older Intel Macs and newer M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks can connect two 4K displays at 60Hz, although plain M1 MacBooks are sadly limited to just the one external display. Boasting version 1.4 of DisplayPort, this dock can support very high refresh rates on a single monitor: 144Hz on 4K, and 240Hz at 2560×1440-pixel resolution.

Wired Internet is 2.5 times faster than you’ll find on any other dock or hub tested here, if you have 2.5GbE (or above) compatible devices.

The 230W power supply is the most powerful of any dock we’ve tested, and the dock can charge a laptop at 98W.

The Caldigit TS4 matches the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock for most ports at the fastest speeds. It lacks the Echo 20’s SSD enclosure but boasts the greatest power.

Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub

• Four Thunderbolt 4 ports
• Four fast USB-A ports with 7.5W charging
• 60W laptop charging could be light for larger laptops

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W) • Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • Four USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) • 150W power supply

You won’t find any more modern USB ports on a hub or docking station than you get with Caldigit’s compact and well-priced Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Element Hub, and they are all rated at top speeds.

It boasts four Thunderbolt 4 (all at 40Gbps bandwidth and 15W charging) and four USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gbps and 7.5W) ports. That’s more than any other Thunderbolt 4 hub we have seen or tested.

One of the TB4 ports is Upstream, for connection to your computer. The other three are Downstream, for connecting other devices.

Caldigit’s Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is not a docking station by strict definition but it has so many USB ports (both Type A and Type C) that it can certainly be used as a dock if you have the right external device ports or adapters for adding external displays.

If used as a dock, the Element Hub is one of the smallest you’ll find with its own power supply

At 150W, the power supply should accommodate most of your needs, with up to 60W reserved for powering the laptop or tablet—enough for all but the biggest, meanest laptops.

Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) – Best value 40Gbps USB4 dock

• 11 fast ports
• Great value
• 2x 4K at 120Hz displays
• 100W PD, 20W USB-C
• No downstream 40Gbps ports
• Not for Macs
• One upstream USB4 port (40Gbps, 100W)
• Two HDMI 2.1 video ports
• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps)
• One USB-A port (5Gbps)
• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)
• 2.5Gb Gigabit Ethernet
• UHS-II MicroSD card reader (312MBps)
• 170W power supply

Although it’s not full Thunderbolt and lacks any downstream 40Gbps ports, the Plugable US-4VPD is a great-value USB4 docking station that offers both 40Gbps upstream data and 100W power to the host, plus some seriously top-end features.

USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are functionally equivalent, but a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 connection probably won’t work with this dock and it’s not recommended to work with Macs. That market should look at the Thunderbolt 4 docks reviewed here or Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station (TBT4-UDX1) .

One market that will sit up and take notice is the gaming community, who will appreciate the opportunity to connect two external 4K displays at a speedy 120Hz refresh rate—a big step up on most other docks tested here. Alternatively, you can connect one monitor at 8K 60Hz. 3D artists and video professionals will also enjoy the higher display ratings.

That aside, the US-4VPD is a tempting offer, with 2.5Gb Ethernet future-proofing for fast wired network access as it becomes more mainstream.

We would have preferred to swap one of the USB-A ports for a second USB-C, but appreciate the powerful 20W charging capability of that USB-C—enough to fast-charge a phone or other smaller device.

The SD and MicroSD card readers are also top-spec, and the 170W power supply is impressive.

Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub for TB4 ports

• 11 fast ports, inc 4 TB4 ports
• 180W power supply
• Quality build
• 4.5W USB-A ports
• May require display adapters

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W) • One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W) • Gigabit Ethernet  • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm audio jack • 180W power supply

As you’d expect from Kensington, the SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is a quality build with everything a dock should have: four TB4 ports, three fast USB-A and one slow one (that at least boasts 7.5W charging power compared to the faster USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports’ 4.5W), Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card reader, and audio jack.

At 180W, the power supply is great if you are powering multiple devices connected to the dock. Only the Caldigit TS4 has a more impressive power supply.

There are useful lights telling you when the dock is powered and when it’s connected, and we like the On/Off button, too.

We think paying a little extra for this dock is worthwhile, especially when you factor in the three-year warranty.

In the US there is another variant model, the Kensington SD5780T dock , that drops one of the three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports in favor of an HDMI 2.1 port. Power via the host Thunderbolt 4 port also slightly increases, from 90W to 96W, but it’s also $50 more expensive.

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock for multiple displays

• 16 top-end ports
• Supports up to four displays (Windows)
• Dedicated HDMI & DisplayPorts
• Video ports mean no downstream TB4 ports
• Few device-charging ports
• Macs limited to two displays
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)
• Two DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 5.5W)
• Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 5.5W)
• One USB-A ports (480MBbps, 7.5W)
• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps)
• 135W power supply

This Thunderbolt 4 docking station differs from most others reviewed here in one very specific way: it lacks any downstream Thunderbolt ports. This may strike you as crazy, but there’s a very good reason for the missing TB4 ports—it’s built for multiple-screen setups using both HDMI and DisplayPort rather than Thunderbolt/USB-C monitor connections, and can handle up to four external displays (Windows only).

Windows users with Thunderbolt 4 and many USB4 laptops can connect up to four 4K (3840×2160) 60Hz displays using this dock, mixing the display connectors as they see fit.

Windows and Mac users can connect a single display at 8K (7680-x-4320) at 30Hz.

MacBook Pro (M1/M2 Pro and M1/M2 Max) users and owners of less advanced Windows laptops, on the other hand, are limited to at most two 4K 60Hz displays. And plain M1 and M2 Macs are limited to just one external display, so this is not the dock you are looking for if you own a Mac.

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock looks almost identical to Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ reviewed below, but its DisplayPorts are the superior 1.4 standard rather than 1.2 and HDMI 2.1 rather than 2.0.

The other 11 ports include super-fast 2.5Gb Ethernet, fast SD, audio and seven USB connectors, so it is specced out at the top end, although we would have preferred more USB-C ports than USB-A.

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station

• Supports four 4K displays
• No downstream TB4 ports
• Macs limited to dual display
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 98W)
• Two DisplayPort 1.2 video ports
• Two HDMI 2.0 video ports
• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)

This Thunderbolt 4 docking station looks very similar to the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock reviewed above. Connected Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Windows laptops can be linked up to up to four external 4K displays at 60Hz.

However, the TBT4-UDZ’s DisplayPorts are 1.2 rather than 1.4, so can’t connect a single display at 5K, 6K or 8K. This dock is for multiple high-resolution displays rather than fewer super-resolution screens.

We appreciate the power button, which makes preserving the laptop’s battery life an easier task.

It’s cheaper than the Satechi—we prefer the other dock’s more impressive video port specifications, but if 4K at 60Hz is more than enough for you, then the price saving makes sense.

OWC Thunderbolt Hub – Best budget Thunderbolt 4 hub

• 10Gbps USB-A port with 7.5W charging

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W) • 110W power supply

The OWC Thunderbolt Hub delivers with an upstream Thunderbolt 4 port, three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an extra USB-A port thrown in for good measure.

The price is the lowest we’ve seen for one of these latest Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hubs.

All four Thunderbolt 4 are rated at 40Gbps bandwidth and 15W charging, and one USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gbps and 7.5W) port. The TB4 ports can be used for adding SSDs and other USB-C, TB3 or TB4 devices or external displays, depending on your needs.

It has a 110W power supply, which is all you should need for the number of ports on offer, and it can charge a laptop at up to 60W.

Belkin Connect Thunderbolt 4 Core Hub – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub for laptop charging

• 96W laptop PD charging
• 10Gbps USB-A port
• 150W total output
• 4.5W USB-A port

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps, 4.5W) • 150W power supply

The Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Core Hub offers the standard upstream Thunderbolt 4 port, three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a USB-A port. Where it differs from the other Thunderbolt 4 hubs reviewed here is its 96W laptop-charging, backed up with an external 150W power supply.

It is priced the same as the Caldigit Element Hub, which is still our favorite Thunderbolt 4 hub, with its four 40Gbps/18W Thunderbolt 4 and four 10Gbps/7.5W USB-A ports. However, if you own a large power-hungry laptop, the Belkin’s 96W USB PD charging will impress.

Full docking stations offer similar power, but a hub is smaller and generally cheaper if all you need is extra TB4 ports.

The 10Gbps USB-A port is fast for data transfer but offers little device-charging output—4.5W is enough for a smartwatch , headphones, keyboard or mouse but little else. The TB4 ports can be used for adding two 4K external displays at 60Hz, with one spare for SSDs and other USB-C, TB3 or TB4 devices, or an Ethernet adapter if you want to mimic a dock’s wired access suport.

OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock – Best full-size portable Thunderbolt 4 dock

• 120W built-in power supply
• Upstream port at side
• HDMI means just two downstream TB4 ports
• Front USB-A port rated USB 2.0
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)
• HDMI 2.1 video port
• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 10W)
• One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W)
• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 15W)
• 120W power supply

A Thunderbolt hub supplies as many Thunderbolt ports as the connection technology allows, but only a full docking station comes with dedicated video ports, wired Internet access, card readers and more USB ports—although the Calldigit Thunderbolt Element Hub packs four TB4 and four fast USB-A ports. With the right adapters and a decent power connection, that might be all you need.

The “Go” in OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock signifies that this fully equipped dock is more portable than other docking stations, as it doesn’t require a cumbersome external power brick to be carried with it. Instead, it has its own 120W power supply built into its case.

This does make it reasonably hefty but still much easier to travel with, and is perfect for laptop professionals often on the move and working on location.

It’s range of ports is impressive, including super-speedy 2.5Gb Ethernet.

Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station – Best USB4 dock for charging and displays

• Supports three external 4K displays
• Two 10Gbps USB-C ports with 30W
• No card reader
• No audio port
• HDMI 2.0 video port (4K at 60Hz)
• Two DisplayPort 1.4 video ports (8K at 30Hz)
• Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 30W)
• Two USB-A ports (5Gbps)
• Two USB-A ports (480MBps)
• Gigabit Ethernet

This 11-port USB4 dock is compatible with Thunderbolt computers, and is built for multiple-display solutions rather than Thunderbolt expansion as it has three video ports (two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a single HDMI 2.0 video port) but no downstream 40Gbps ports.

Either of the DisplayPort connections supports 8K resolutions at 30Hz. You’re probably considering this dock for a 4K display, however, and you can connect two 4K displays at 60Hz resolution to any two of the dock’s video ports. You can even connect a 4K display to each of the three ports, though only less comfortable 30Hz refresh rates are available under that scenario.

There are two front-mounted USB-C ports but at 10Gbps rather than 40Gbps. Each can power a connected device at up to 30W, enough for a large tablet and any phone. With its 180W power supply, this dock can power a laptop at 100W and two 30W devices using all its Type-C connectors.

We like the side-mounting of the upstream USB4 port, compared to some docks that insist on the upstream port being messily positioned at the front.

This is not the dock for you if you are using a Mac or want the fastest downstream data connections, but it works well for multiple displays and accessible 10GBps 30W USB-C ports.

Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock

• 85W laptop charging
• Power button
• Low overall 100W power supply
• No device charging on the USB-A port

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 85W) • Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps) • 100W power supply

The Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock is similar to the other Thunderbolt 4 hubs but calls itself a “mini dock”, which is fine as all the hubs can act as docks if you have the right adapters for Ethernet and external displays.

It beats most similar Thunderbolt 4 hubs with its 85W laptop-charging power (compared to 60W elsewhere). That said, its total 100W external power supply feels a little light given the potential 67.5W power drain if all the ports required charging simultaneously.

Plugable USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub (USB4-HUB3A) – Slimmest TB4 hub

• USB-C-to-HDMI adapter included

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps) • 100W power supply

Plugable’s USB4-HUB3A calls itself a USB4 hub but, as the branding on the front suggests, is also a fully certified Thunderbolt 4 hub that is competitively priced and boasts a fast USB-A port as well as the one upstream and three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports. in that respect, it is a better solution than the company’s more expensive TBT4-HUB3C, reviewed later on.

It costs around the same as the OWC Thunderbolt Hub, reviewed above, and matches that hub on ports, with the only difference being that the OWC’s 10Gbps USB-A port can charge a device at 7.5W, while Plugable’s USB-A port is equally fast but doesn’t offer device charging. For that, OWC’s hub wins our best budget recommendation.

The USB4-HUB3A is still a fine Thunderbolt 4 hub, though, and is one of our favorites tested here. It’s noticeably slimmer than the OWC so if portability is high on your list of requirements, then this might appeal to you—although like the others it comes with a fairly hefty power supply.

Belkin Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock

• 12 ports, inc 18W USB-C
• Great looks
• Just one downstream TB4 port
• Macs can’t use both HDMI ports
• Low-charge USB-A ports

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W) • One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W) • Two HDMI 2.0 video ports (4K at 60Hz) • Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W) • Two USB-A ports (480MBps, 2.5W) • One USB-C port (10Gbps, 18W) • Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm combo audio jack (front) • 120W power supply

The Belkin Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a gorgeous-looking but pricey laptop docking station, boasting 12 ports including two HDMI for Windows users to quickly add up to three external displays. Mac users, however, should stay away.

It sullies its Pro title, however, with a couple of the ports being rather average, and the power supply could do with being higher, but it is otherwise well equipped.

Belkin has included two HDMI ports as most users want to connect a couple of external displays to get past the limitations of their laptop screen space. However, that means that there is just one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port. If you want more flexibility, look for a dock with less dedicated display connections and more TB4 ports.

Windows users can add up to three displays, using the two HDMI and one Thunderbolt 4 port. The TB4 port can attach directly to a USB-C monitor or you can buy a USB-C adapter to connect to a DisplayPort or HDMI display. One 8K display can run at 30Hz, or you can have two 4K at 60Hz. Video resolution for up to three displays is dependent on your laptop’s capabilities.

The lack of port flexibility is worse for Mac users, as they can’t use both HDMI due to the way Macs handle video.

Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock for HDMI displays

• 12 ports, inc two HDMI ports and Gigabit Ethernet
• Only one downstream TB4 port
• Macs can't use both HDMI
• Not for M1/M2 Macs

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W) • One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W) • Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W) • Two USB-A ports (480MBps, 4.5W) • Two HDMI 2.0 ports (4K at 60Hz) • Gigabit Ethernet  • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm audio jack • 120W power supply

The Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is a great choice if you need to connect more than one external display to a Windows laptop—less so for Mac users.

Other Thunderbolt 4 docks we’ve tested rely solely on the TB4 ports for display connections. This means that if you want two external screens, you lose two of the three downstream TB4 ports, plus you will need HDMI or DisplayPort adapters unless the displays have a USB-C connection.

Anker’s inclusion of two HDMI ports means you don’t need any adapters to connect displays. There’s just one downstream TB4 port, but that’s all you’d have left if you connected two displays to one of the other docks or hubs.

There’s a snag for Mac users, however. They can use only one of the HDMI ports, so having two on the dock rather than another TB4 port is just a waste of space. Windows users can use both, and, indeed, the spare TB4 port to connect up to three displays.

If you aren’t planning on adding two screens, this dock is less flexible than other hubs and docks where the TB4 ports can be used for display or whatever else you desire.

The sole downstream TB4 port can also be used to connect an external monitor, so it’s possible for owners of Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptops to have as many as three displays running out of the dock: two HDMI and one TB4. Mac owners will need to add third-party DisplayLink software to achieve three displays.

If you need to power devices via the USB-A ports, look for a dock with superior charging specs as these ports are really for data only, and even then two of them are slow USB 2.0.

An extra mark for adding a power button on the front so that your laptop isn’t receiving a potential charge when it’s not needed, and keeping the dock’s temperature down at night.

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro

• 96W laptop charging on Pro model

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps) • 150W power supply

It’s tricky to tell some Thunderbolt 4 hubs from the next. Specifications are often identical, and so differentials come down to build quality and price.

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub comes from one of our favorite manufacturers and the build and design are premium. It’s slim (less deep but a little longer than the Caldigit Element Hub) and its Thunderbolt 4 ports are all present with a speedy USB-A port at the front.

It’s as slim as the Plugable USB4-HUB3A, reviewed above.

In the US only at the moment, Satechi sells the improved Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub, which has the same impressive Thunderbolt and USB specs but can now power a laptop at up to 96W.

Other countries still offer the non-Pro model, so check on the 96W PD laptop charging and 150W power supply if you want the best version. The older, non-Pro Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub can charge at 60W and has a 100W power supply. The 60W on offer will be fine for most medium-sized laptops but, if you can find the Pro version it is priced the same and more powerful.

Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Docking Station

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 5.5W) • One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W) • Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm audio jack • 135W power supply

The Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Docking Station is a great and affordable TB4 dock with everything you should need—except for any display adapters to use with the three downstream ports.

The three back-mounted USB-A ports are rated at 10Gbps and offer reasonable 5.5W charging, although you’ll probably use the front 7.5W USB-A port for powering your phone, but certainly not for data transfer as it’s pretty weedy at 480MBps.

Gigabit Ethernet frees you from dodgy Wi-Fi and the fast SD card reader is a great way to add inexpensive portable storage.

It’s a well built and good looking docking station.

Like most of the docks reviewed here, the upstream port is on the front, which we can’t fathom but maybe we’re alone in wanting that tidied away at the back with the power supply port.

Sonnet Echo 5 Thunderbolt 4 Hub

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 85W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W) • 100W power supply

The Sonnet Echo 5 Thunderbolt 4 Hub offers impressive 85W laptop charging, which is among the highest we’ve seen with a humble dock.

Not that three downstream 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 10Gbps USB-A port (with 7.5W charging power) are all that humble.

There’s a power button at the back, which we appreciate, although we’d have preferred the upstream TB4 port to be tucked away there, too. That said, this hub is dinky so there simply isn’t the space to fit four in at the back unless maybe the power button and upstream port were swapped round.

There are two handy LEDs at the front that show when the hub is powered and when it’s connected.

Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Hub

The Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Hub is a cut-down version of the company’s Blaze Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station.

Instead of 11 ports, the Blaze Hub has just five, but they are all state of the art, including one upstream and three downstream 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and a front-mounted 10Gbps USB-A port for older devices.

Some people don’t need a full docking station and a hub such as this is cheaper and much more compact—although like most hubs it will charge a laptop at 60W, which isn’t a lot of larger laptops.

It’s one of the smarter Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 hubs in looks.

OWC Thunderbolt Dock

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W) • One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W) • Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • Front-facing 3.5mm audio jack • 135W power supply

OWC doesn’t include Thunderbolt 4 in the name of its Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which may confuse some buyers. I understand what it’s doing: it is saying this universal USB-C/Thunderbolt docking station works with TB3 and TB4 (as well as USB4 and USB-C).

It doesn’t consider swapping a TB4 port for HDMI or DisplayPort, instead allowing you to choose either a direct USB-C display—or one of the other video connections via a third-party adapter.

You can add up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 5K/6K/8K monitor.

This is a well-built and sturdy docking station with all the ports you’re likely to need

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock for gamers

• RGB light show
• Fewer ports than some docks

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps) • Three USB-A ports (10Gbps) • Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm audio jack • 135W power supply

With its glowing underbelly, the 10-port Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma looks different to most of the docks and hubs we tested.

Razer is well-known for making tech kits popular with gamers, who like the fastest experience matched with glow-in-the-dark lighting, and this dock will fit right in with the aesthetic.

It has the same port arrangement (including Gigabit Ethernet, fast SD card reader and a bunch of USB-A ports) as many of the docks we have tested but misses a front-mounted USB-A port for phone charging.

Like many TB4 docks and hubs you will need a display adapter or two if your monitors don’t have a USB-C connector.

Razer looks at power distribution differently from other manufacturers and we still can’t quite understand how each port shares its charging capacity, but it worked well in testing.

The RGB light show will delight gamers but others might have preferred another port instead.

Accell Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station

• Front-mounted upstream port
• USB-A charging not as advertised

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W) • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • One DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 60Hz) • Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W) • One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W) • Gigabit Ethernet  • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps) • 3.5mm audio jack • 135W power supply

Accell’s slim Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (K160B-002G) has one powerful DisplayPort and two downstream TB4 ports. If you require two external displays you may have to add a USB-C/Thunderbolt adapter to HDMI or DisplayPort, or an actual Thunderbolt-HDMI cable unless connecting to a USB-C monitor.

There is a decent mix of ports. Next to the upstream (to your laptop) TB4 port at the front sits an audio jack, a USB 2.0 port (with 7.5W charging but weak data-transfer speeds) and a full-sized SD 4.0 UHS-II card slot. At the back there are a Gigabit Ethernet port, three speedy 10Gbps USB-A ports (but poor 4.5W charging, which actually managed only 2.5W in our testing), a DisplayPort 1.4 port, two TB4 downstream ports (which charge at 15W) and the power slot.

The dock uses DisplayPort 1.4 (versus 1.2), which adds more bandwidth, especially if if you’re interested in an external 4K display but running at speeds over 60Hz—the spec supports 32.4Gbps, basically a 4K display running at 144Hz for gaming.

Read the full Accell Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station review .

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub

• No extra USB-A port

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W) • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W) • 110W power supply

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 Hub includes the maximum Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream to the computer, and three downstream for other devices) but nothing else.

Handily there’s a USB-C-to-HDMI-2.0 adapter that you can use to attach an external display. Other hubs require you to buy such an adapter. 

What is the difference between adapters, hubs and docks?

These terms are used quite fluidly, but there are official definitions.

A hub usually combines multiples of the same type of port—for example, old-school USB-A connections—but often collects a few different ports in a compact form, frequently with a power supply.

A multi-format adapter adds different kinds of ports, usually in a very portable format that can either draw power from the host computer or channel pass-through power delivery via a USB-C port and your USB-C charger.

A docking station (or dock) is a larger beast with its own bulky power supply and a range of different ports that should cover all your connection and charging needs.

The definitions have merged somewhat and are now often more about the size and format rather than the capabilities.

Which ports do you need?

To connect the hub or dock, your computer will need to include either a Thunderbolt 4 port for a separate cable connection (often included with the hub/dock) or an integrated T4/USB4 cable.

Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports   The TB4/USB4 technology allows for four of these ports on a hub or dock–one of which is reserved for the computer connection (called the ‘Upstream” connection, compared to the “Downstream TB4 ports that you use to connect new devices). Previously, TB3 allowed for only two in total.

These are very adaptable ports that can connect to a USB-C display or a display adapter—for example, USB-C-to-HDMI or DisplayPort.

Modern SSDs and other devices also have USB-C or Thunderbolt connections, and so you can attach these using the hub when your laptop or tablet has just one or two.

Look out for the charging capabilities of these ports—many can offer 15W power, enough for most smartphones, SSDs etc.

USB-A    This is the old-school, frustratingly non-reversible USB that is common with memory sticks and older devices and chargers. If you still have a few of these hanging around, make sure your hub has one or two to hand. Look for faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports that have a decent 10Gbps bandwidth. 5Gbps is fine, but faster is usually appreciated.

If you want to use one for charging, check out the wattage—7.5W is common and enough to slowly power up a phone. Some USB-A ports are of the older, slower USB-2.0 variety, which can muster a mere 480MBps, and so are mostly used for weedy 2.5W charging rather than data sync, but are also capable of 4.5W or 7.5W charging. If you plan to use these ports for charging, check out the wattages on each hub or dock.

Display ports   Less common on hubs than docks, look out for one or two HDMI or DisplayPorts. You can use the TB4/USB4 ports to connect to a USB-C display or use USB-C (to DisplayPort or HDMI) video adapters if the hub/dock doesn’t include these, but that will use up your spare downstream ports.

Display adapters are inexpensive, costing under $10/£10 each for an unbranded adapter or around $15/£15 for one from Anker. For example, this generic USB-C to HDMI adapter is priced at £8.99/$8.99, while you can buy slightly dearer adapters from Anker or Lention. USB-C-to-DisplayPort adapters are available, such as this generic adapter .

Or you can really splash out with an Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for $69/£75 that comes with a further USB-A port. Belkin has an HDMI adapter priced somewhere in between.

Check that the adapter cable you are using supports 4K at 60Hz if that is your requirement.

Look out for DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for the best resolutions. Gamers and video professionals should consider docks that offer a higher refresh rate—the Plugable UD-4VPD supports two 4K displays at 120Hz.

Ethernet   For wired Internet access you need an Ethernet port, at least rated as Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps). You can also get faster 5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet ports as adapters for the TB4 ports. If you have the right setup, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet will significantly boost your network speed and is becoming more mainstream on Thunderbolt and USB4 docks.

SD and MicroSD Card Readers    Known mainly for camera cards, these slots also offer affordable access to extra storage, with 500GB cards costing around $60/£60, and capacities up to 1TB. Look for faster UHS-II card readers that transfer data at 312MBps rather than UHS-I’s 104MBps.

Audio jacks   Headphone and microphone jacks are also handy ports on a hub or dock to save you locating the same on your computer if it even exists.

Some docking stations include higher-quality digital audio connections for serious audio technologies.

Power and charging

Most hubs and docks ship with their own power supply (or “power brick”) to charge the connected laptop or tablet and power the devices attached to it.

Laptops will require a minimum of 60W for charging at a decent rate, but larger laptops need more like 90W. You are more likely to see higher laptop charging on the docking stations rather than the smaller hubs.

The remaining power is shared among the ports, so look for a decent power supply with around 150W total if you plan on using all the ports at the same time.

Hub and dock designs

Think about how and where the dock or hub will sit on your desk. A vertical format will save desk space compared to a slim horizontal one, although most of the hubs we’ve seen are nicely compact.

Also, consider what you want on the front or back of the device. I’m not a fan of hubs that have the upstream computer connection on the front, which can be ugly and inconvenient, although you might prefer it.

None of the hubs or docks we have tested is particularly portable – not because of the size of the hub, but the bulk of the external power supply. Of course, if you buy a second power supply, you could have one at home and one at the office.

Most of the hubs and docks tested and reviewed here come with at least one short (0.8m) Thunderbolt 4 cable to connect the upstream ports to your computer, but with up to three downstream ports you may well need some more. See our list of the best Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 cables .

Thunderbolt 4 compatibility

Thunderbolt 4 is here and you should consider buying a certified Thunderbolt 4 dock even if you have a Thunderbolt 3 computer because it’s both backwards compatible with older USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 and future-proof—at least until Thunderbolt 5 comes along, and that’s at least a few years off yet.

That’s why OWC calls its Thunderbolt 4 docking station just the “Thunderbolt Dock” as it works with TB3 and TB4, although not the distant TB2. If your computer has TB2, you need a new computer.

Note, though, that manufacturers of Windows computers didn’t always follow the guidelines for Thunderbolt 3 and so most TB4 hubs and docking stations are not recommended for PC users. They require a properly certified Thunderbolt 4 laptop.

Apple was much better at certification, though, so TB4 hubs and docks will work with all Thunderbolt 3 Macs, which means any from the past few years (2017 and later) are good to go.

Apple’s M1-based 13in MacBooks still have Thunderbolt 3 ports, even though the company calls them “Thunderbolt / USB 4”. If you connect a TB4 dock or hub to an M1 MacBook, you won’t lose any benefits as long as you are using macOS Big Sur or above. But bear in mind that, right now, M1 Macs can connect to only one external display.

The latest 14in and 16in MacBook Pro models—using the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips—do have Thunderbolt 4 ports and can support multiple external displays–they also come with more varied side ports that might even mean you don’t need a hub or a port.

Author: Simon Jary , Contributing writer

Simon was Editor of Macworld from the dark days of 1995 to the triumphant return of Steve Jobs and the launch of the iPhone. His desk is a test bench for tech accessories, from USB-C and Thunderbolt docks to chargers, batteries, Powerline adaptors and Fitbits.

Recent stories by Simon Jary:

• Startech.com Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Quad Display Dock review
• USB speeds, types and features explained
• The best USB-C & Thunderbolt cables for 2024

The best portable chargers and power banks in 2024

Here are the best portable chargers to keep your devices juiced up while you're on the go

• Best overall
• Best for USB-C
• Best lightweight
• Best compact
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best Anker 4. Best for USB-C 5. Best lightweight 6. Best compact 7. How to choose 8. How we test

The best portable chargers keep your electronics powered while you're out and about. These handy peripherals can charge various devices, including the best phones , the best tablets , the best Kindles and even the best laptops . Because you'll inevitably find yourself with low battery life when outdoors, you'll need a reliable portable charger to keep your electronics going. Not having one could prove to be extremely inconvenient.

We've done a battery (pun intended) of tests on some of the most highly-rated portable chargers on the market. To that end, we've pulled from both big brands and popular competitors. Our testing involves seeing how fast devices charge and how many full phone chargers each power bank stores. While these specific portable chargers regularly appear on bestseller lists, they're all different in several important ways.

We've got these best portable chargers ranked in order of what we would buy, with shoutouts for the best portable charger, our favorite compact charger, and the best portable charger for USB-C.

We're going to update this page with a batch of new chargers soon.

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iPadOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best portable chargers you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.

The best portable charger overall

The INIU 10000mAh is one of the best portable chargers we've tested. Not only did its charging times and speeds sit near the top of the chart but it's got 2 USB-A output ports to the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000's single USB-A charging port.

Read more below

The best Anker portable charger

The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is heavier than the INIU 10000 but it would've taken the top slot if it had a second USB-A port. Its charging times were so close to the INIU brick and its overall time to fill an iPhone 12 was 4 minutes shorter, at 1 hour and 56 minutes.

The best portable charger for USB-C

While INIU's 20-watt brick is a bit heavy (the second heaviest on this list), its dual-function USB-C port makes it a clear favorite for one of the best portable chargers for those charging with the reversible port. This way, you can both charge it and charge other devices with the same USB-C cables.

The best lightweight portable charger

Anker's 20,000 mAh brick is lighter than comparable bricks but its charging scores are consistently behind by 3 to 4%. Its other win is in its USB-C input for faster charging, but since it only has USB-A output, you're going to be refueling at a lower rate. It also has one fewer USB-A port than competitors.

The best compact portable charger

The PowerCore 5000 hits 19% after 15 minutes, which is 7% above the Miady power banks. There's nothing wrong with this charger, but it's not stellar either. If you got it as a present, you might hold onto it and get a ton of use out of it. If it goes on sale for a deep discount, we wouldn't be against considering it. But at the end of the day, it's low on our list for a reason.

The best portable chargers you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

A shocking upset for the top slot, Anker (the typical standard-bearer) loses to INIU's 10000 mAh charger. This brick is one of the best portable chargers. Not only did its charging times and speeds sit near the top of the chart but it's got 2 USB-A output ports to the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000's single USB-A charging port. And since that second port can be the difference between powering a secondary device while you charge your phone (or helping a friend out when they need it), we're giving the INIU the overall nod.

For a brand we're not that familiar with, this INIU charger stood up in 15-minute and 1-hour timed charging (at 22%, 78%), with times that were within 1-2 percentage points ahead of the PowerCore Slim's times. It only failed to beat the Anker to fill a complete phone once, putting up a 2-hour time, four minutes behind the Anker. Both chargers refilled about 2.2-2.25 iPhone 12s, so it's practically a tie. INIU also has a longer warranty: its 3-year plan is twice as long as Anker's 18-month window.

This charger has been reviewed by over 9,000 customers on Amazon and has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. A reviewer who gave it 5 stars said:

"I love this portable charger! I didn’t think it would be a good idea, because normally your portable chargers die within the first charge it does. I have charged my phone over 4 times and haven’t had to charge it! That is including just leaving it in my bag for weeks until I need it again. It will not disappoint! I love it!"

2. Anker PowerCore Slim 10000

Our number 2 pick (still one of the best portable chargers) is the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000, which is a bit heavier than the INIU 10000 pack (7.3 ounces to 6.9 ounces). But it would have taken the top slot had it had that second USB-A output port. That's because its charging times were so close to the INIU brick (21% in 15 minutes, 76% in an hour) and its overall time to fill an iPhone 12 was 4 minutes shorter, at 1 hour and 56 minutes.

But it's so close to the INIU that we have to keep it as the #2-ranked portable charger. These bricks are so close, practically within margins of error in testing. If you only need to charge one device at a time, and the sale pricing makes the Slim 10000 that much cheaper than the INIU, go for it.

This product has been reviewed by nearly 50,000 customers on Amazon and has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. A reviewer who rated it 5 stars said:

"I like the solid and sleek construction. Fits easily in my pocket. Most importantly it works! Fast charging, enough capacity to charge my phone multiple times over multiple days, and withstands plenty of me dropping it and yanking the cord out awkwardly and accidentally."

3. INIU 20W 20000 mAh power bank

USB-C is no longer the port of the future, it's the port of the day. And while INIU's 20-watt brick is a bit heavy (the second heaviest on this list), its dual-function USB-C port makes it a clear favorite for one of the best portable chargers for those charging with the reversible port. This way, you can both charge it and charge other devices with the same USB-C cables, and you've also got two other USB-A ports for recharging other devices.

On top of that, it turned in the best performance in the 1-hour charging window, bringing our dead iPhone 12 to 81% of its charge. And its 1-hour and 57-minute time to bring that iPhone to a full charge is the second-best of the pack, only off by a minute from the PowerCore Slim 10000. Its high capacity of 20000 mAh also meant it refueled an iPhone more than most of these chargers, with 4.78 iPhone 12 refills.

This product has been reviewed by nearly 4,500 customers on Amazon and received 4.6 out of 5 stars. A reviewer who rated it 5 stars said: "For 5 days on vacation I used this to charge my phone and GoPro, and the battery still had 44% of its life!"

4. Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh

Anker's 20,000 mAh brick is lighter than comparable bricks by a few ounces, but its charging scores are consistently behind by 3 to 4%. Its other win is seen in its USB-C input for faster charging of the brick, but since it only has USB-A output, you're going to be refueling at a lower rate than you might like. It also has one fewer USB-A output than competitors.

All that said, though, we could see an individual finding this to be the right charger for their needs. Anyone who is looking to primarily charge their own phone, and wants a high-capacity pack so they need to refuel less frequently will appreciate the more-portable weight. All you need is a pocket big enough to hold it, and you'll have juice for days.

This product has been reviewed by over 50,000 customers on Amazon and received 4.8 out of 5 stars. "The product Anker is amazing and I highly recommend it," said a reviewer who rated it 5 stars.

5. Anker PowerCore 5000

Compared to the higher-rated 5,000 mAh charger on our list (the Poweradd Slim 2) Anker PowerCore 5000 lags behind on speeds. It only refueled 62% of the iPhone 12 in the first hour of charging, which is the second-lowest score on the list.

The best aspect of the PowerCore 5000 is that it hit 19% after 15 minutes, which is 7% above the Miady power banks. There's nothing particularly wrong with this charger, but nothing impressive either. If you got it as a present, you might hold onto it and get a ton of use out of it. If it goes on sale for a deep discount, we wouldn't be against considering it. But at the end of the day, it's low on our list for a reason.

Anker PowerCore 5000 has been reviewed by over 29,000 customers on Amazon and received 4.6 out of 5 stars. "Because of this product’s portability, you can charge your phone anywhere without having to wait around," said a reviewer who rated it 5 stars.

How to choose the best portable charger

Finding the right charger capacity: You'll often see a four to five-digit number, with the letters mAh following it, and that's your first big indicator of how much this charger is right for you. If you're constantly refueling your phone and other gadgets, go for at least 10,000mAh. For each extra device you charge, add at least 5,000 to the mAh rating you're looking for. Just need to prevent your device from hitting 0 on late nights out? You'll be good with something in the under 5,000 mAh rating, provided you remember to charge it often.

Be a ports authority: If you hold onto your devices forever, and don't already know what a USB-C port is, you can probably just get whatever fits your price. But if you're the kind who wants faster charging, look for a brick that has PD in its name. The best portable chargers, at least for my money, charge devices the fastest and use the Power Delivery (PD) standard. Also, their USB-C ports mean you can refuel these power banks with the same cords used to charge modern laptops.

How we test the best portable chargers

You want a charger that was put through the rigors of refueling, so we did just that. With timers in hand, we kept draining an iPhone 12 and then timed how much time it took for each power bank to refuel those phones. Along the way, we checked out how much of said iPhone 12 (the same one) were refueled after 15 and 60 minutes. We kept that iPhone at 100% brightness the whole time.

Our ranking also factored in the portability and designs of each model, as especially small and pocket-friendly chargers can't physically store as many mAh of battery power as their larger brethren. Similarly, the smaller a charger is, the less likely it has more than two ports (one for gaining a charge, the other for giving power).

Those looking to keep their tech protected throughout each and every charge should check out our guide to the best surge protectors .

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Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

I tried the new Sprite Chill that tastes colder as you drink it, and it’s surprisingly awesome

The best portable charger we've reviewed is 40% off at Amazon

iOS 18 likely to offer on-device AI — here's why that matters

• Codeape Anker has 2 usb a output ports (even says so in your description)... -ve for that device says just one usb a output port... Reply
• Marcel Bro Best power banks and chargers of 2023? And most of them only output USB A?! This article is heavily outdated. Reply
• Arctic Strix This article was either done by a bad Ai, written within 5min by someone who searched for the most bought battery banks on Amazon, or reused from several years ago. The "best portable charger" is not a 10,000mAh USB-A 15W charger for $20, that's just one of the most purchased on Amazon. One of the best portable power banks is going to be the Anker 737 or the Ugreen 145w. They both feature two type C outputs and one type A output, the Anker 737 being able to output up to 140W compared to Ugreen maxing at 100W. Anker has a 24000mAh battery and PD3.1 complaint and Ugreen is 25000mAh with PD3.0; they both are compatible with all charging standards. These might be a bit overkill for the general user, but they are among the best, if not the best portable power banks. Reply
• View All 3 Comments

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Best Wireless Charging Hubs in 2022

There's nothing more convenient and satisfying than wireless charging. Just drop your phone or smartwatch on a wireless charger and — bam! — it instantly starts receiving power, without you ever having to fumble with a cable in the dark. But sometimes you need to charge more than one device at a time, and in that event a cable can still be useful. Some wireless charging hubs

There are all kinds of great wireless charging hubs to choose from, and we've sorted through all the best ones so you don't have to.

Nomad Wireless Charging Hub

Samsung Wireless Charger Duo

• HyperDrive Wireless Charger USB-C Hub

The Nomad Wireless Charging Hub is a circular enclosure that's capable of charging up to 5 devices at once thanks to its built-in USB ports. It'll run you about $80, but it's well worth it for the shopper with legions of device to charge.

• See at Nomad

Nomad's Wireless Hub perfectly blends form and function, with a sleek matte black aesthetic and a multitude of USB ports that feed neatly into a built-in cable organizer.

Two of the four USB ports output 1A, while the third outputs 2.1A and the fourth, a USB-C port, is capable of 3A out. Combined with the 7.5W wireless charging top, this is the ultimate charging hub for charging all of your devices at once — whether you have a tablet, a GoPro, or just a handful of phones.

Samsung has always made some of the best wireless chargers on the market, and the Wireless Charger Duo is no exception. For $120, you can wirelessly charge two devices from a single wall outlet, and one gets propped up so you can still see notifications come in while your phone charges at your desk.

• See at Samsung

Samsung's exhaustingly long-named Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Pad has a new, wider companion called the Wireless Charger Duo that can charge any two Qi-enabled devices simultaneously. Though it's clearly intended for Samsung's new Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Watch , it works just as well with two phones .

The downside is that unlike the Convertible Charging Pad, you can't fold down the standing side if you just want to lay both devices flat — say, if you're trying to charge two smartwatches. Still, the Wireless Charger Duo is a great way to save a spot on your wall outlet.

HyperDrive Wireless Charger & USB-C Hub

The HyperDrive isn't cheap at $120, but it's the most functional product in this list, bringing a multitude of ports to your USB-C laptop in addition to offering a convertible wireless charging top.

• See at Indiegogo

Remember Hyper, the company that made all of those USB-C hubs for the new MacBook Pros ? Turns out they're still making more of them, and their latest model happens to add in wireless charging with a convertible stand that outputs 7.5W.

When it's not being used for wireless charging, the HyperDrive also functions as an 8-port USB-C hub, adding HDMI, Ethernet, SD and microSD, USB-A, and USB-C passthrough. You don't have to use it as a USB-C hub, since it can still power your phone and other devices through a USB-C cable from the wall like every other charger on this list, but this might be the most useful overall product if you own a USB-C laptop.

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• Batteries and charging

The Best Apple Wireless Charging Stations for Multiple Devices

By Nick Guy

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, there’s a good chance you’re all in: iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. One way to keep each of these devices powered is to run three cords to three adapters—but the best way is to use a single charging station. If you have an older iPhone, Mophie’s 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand is the best charging station, offering fast wireless power for all your Apple gear (well, except for your MacBook and iPad) in a tidy, convenient design that’s worth the price. And if you’ve upgraded to an iPhone 12 or 13 with Apple’s MagSafe charging and mounting system, don’t worry—we have a pick for you, as well .

Everything we recommend

Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

The best three-in-one charging dock for a non-magsafe iphone, apple watch, and airpods.

The stand-style iPhone charger and the divot for an AirPods case make alignment easy. Plus, because it holds an Apple Watch in landscape orientation, you can conveniently snooze alarms.

Buying Options

Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe

The best charging dock for iphone 12 and 13.

This multi-device charger is the easiest to use and the best looking, and it offers the fastest possible wireless charging speeds. But it works only with the iPhone 12 and 13 series.

Apple MagSafe Duo Charger

The best charging station for frequent travelers.

This is the most portable charger you can get for an iPhone and Apple Watch, and it charges at the iPhone’s maximum rate, but unlike our other picks it can’t charge three devices at the same time.

The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand is the best way to wirelessly charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods every day, provided you own a handset from the iPhone 8 through 11 series. Rather than requiring you to precisely line up your phone on a flat pad for charging, as many other wireless charging stations do, the Mophie offers an angled stand that makes proper alignment practically foolproof. The cross-shaped AirPods divot properly fits either the basic or Pro headphones case, and the Apple Watch charger puts the display in landscape orientation so that you can utilize Nightstand Mode . Mophie’s dock charges a little quicker than other non-MagSafe charging stations, and none of its competitors offer such a great combination of features at a comparable price. (However, if you have an iPhone 12 or later, you should consider upgrading to a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging station like the Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 or the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger , either of which provides faster charging and is easier to align.)

The Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe provides full 15 W MagSafe charging and the best ease of use of any charging station we’ve tested, making it the best option if you have an iPhone 12 or later. Rather than lying on a flat pad or against an angled stand, your iPhone “floats” on a raised magnetic mount in whatever position you choose. Because the phone locks magnetically into place, there’s no way to misalign it, so you’ll never have to worry if your phone is actually going to charge. The dock’s design looks more sculptural than techy, with a round base and an angled metal stalk that branches off to hold your iPhone and Apple Watch. Belkin’s charger comes with the wall adapter, so everything you need is in the box, and its two-year warranty also covers your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods if something goes wrong while they’re charging.

A charging station with room for three devices is ideal for your nightstand, but if you want something more compact to take with you while traveling, the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger is the best choice. The MagSafe Duo fits in the palm of your hand when folded up, and it’s as thick as an iPhone in a case. Compared with most wireless charging stations, that’s tiny. It will also charge your iPhone 12 or 13 faster than any non-MagSafe multi-device wireless charger—at the full 15 W that MagSafe allows—and thanks to the magnetic alignment system, you don’t have to worry about lining it up properly for charging. If you have an older, Qi-compatible iPhone, it’s still the only travel-friendly multi-device wireless charger you can get, though you won’t see MagSafe charging speeds. It does make a couple of trade-offs: First, it has just two charging spots—one for an iPhone (or an AirPods case) and one for an Apple Watch. Second, it doesn’t come with a power brick; if you buy a 20-watt power adapter (which is required for the fastest charging speeds), that brings the price up by $15 to $20.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: mophie 3-in-1 wireless charging stand, flaws but not dealbreakers, also great: belkin boost charge pro 3-in-1 wireless charger with magsafe, also great: apple magsafe duo charger, other good apple wireless charging stations, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been reviewing mobile accessories since 2012, and I’ve been covering them for Wirecutter since 2015. I’m also the author of Wirecutter’s guides to USB wall chargers and car chargers , for which I’ve seen and tested pretty much every available charging variation.

I researched and wrote Wirecutter’s first guide to Qi wireless chargers in 2017, and I have continued testing new models and updating that guide. I also wrote our guide to Qi power banks , battery packs that use the same wireless technology.

These charging bases are designed for people who own multiple Apple devices—namely, an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods—and want to charge all of them at once, presumably overnight. Like single-device Qi chargers , these three-in-one chargers work without your having to plug cords into any of your devices.

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the wireless-charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium, an industry group with more than 500 members, including device manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung, as well as accessory makers such as Foxconn (Belkin’s parent company) and Mophie. For a charger to be certified by the WPC, the manufacturer has to submit it to an authorized test lab . All iPhones since the iPhone 8—even the iPhone 12 and 13 series with MagSafe—use a version of Qi charging.

If you want the fastest possible charge for your iPhone, you need to use a cable—going wireless is about convenience, not speed. Affordable, wired 20 W USB-PD chargers paired with a USB-C–to–Lightning cable are about 30% faster than the fastest wireless chargers.

The other downside to wireless charging is that you can’t pick up your phone and use it while it’s charging, as you can with a charging cable. This limitation makes a wireless option better for recharging overnight or when you want to see the phone’s display on your desk or in the kitchen, rather than while you’re watching Netflix, say, or scrolling through Twitter.

Apple first stoked the desire for this kind of accessory when it announced its AirPower charging station in late 2017. The flat pad was supposed to be able to charge an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once, no matter where you placed them on the pad. Ultimately, Apple pulled the plug on the project in early 2019.

In 2020, however, the company introduced its MagSafe charging and magnetic mounting system as part of the iPhone 12 lineup. Hidden magnets inside the phone allow you to connect supported accessories and charge at up to 15 watts, in contrast to 7.5 watts with other Qi chargers. The magnets also ensure proper alignment, so you don’t have to worry about your phone being out of place and not charging properly. You can find non-MagSafe-branded magnetic chargers, too, but they can’t take advantage of the faster charging speeds that MagSafe allows.

A good wireless charger should meet all of the following basic criteria, which we used as guidelines for our research:

• WPC and MFi certification: We considered only those chargers that have been certified by the WPC . This means that a charger has been tested and found to be both safe and in compliance with the Qi standard. If a wireless charger isn’t certified, that doesn’t necessarily indicate it’s unsafe or noncompliant—but choosing something that has been verified is prudent. The same can be said for MFi certification, which is Apple’s own program that supplies the hardware components for licensed accessories and applies specifically to the charging puck and MagSafe components.
• Charging speed: Most of the chargers we tested advertised 7.5 W charging for iPhones; MagSafe chargers support 15 W. We weren’t concerned about the 10 W charging that some Android phones support because people are unlikely to use an Android phone alongside an Apple Watch.
• Design: We considered not only how the charging pad looked but also how grippy the surface was for holding a phone in place, how easily we could align devices with the charging coils, and where the watch sat (some band styles may prevent AirPods from aligning properly, for example, depending on the design). We also noted any extras, such as charging or placement indicator lights.
• Noise: Some wireless chargers emit a faint (and sometimes not so faint) whine or clicking noise, which can quickly become annoying. We listened for this in our tests.
• Maker: We considered models only from companies that we knew had a good reputation for warranty coverage and customer support. Even if a charger is WPC certified, there are no guarantees it will never have a problem, and you should be able to get help if you need that.

We tested the performance of each wireless charging base by placing an iPhone 13 with a fully drained battery on the charging pad. We measured the phone’s battery level after 30 minutes of charging and then again after one hour. A good Qi charger should fully charge any phone in a few hours (and certainly will overnight), so we focused on differences in short-term charging. I first tested everything at my desk, but if I heard a sound that could be annoying, I also tested the charger in my bedroom at night, sleeping with it positioned a couple of feet from my head to see if the noise would interfere with my sleep.

The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand is the best choice if you have an iPhone that uses regular Qi wireless charging (iPhone 8 through 11) and you want a single charging station that can power your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. It charges such iPhones just as quickly as any other non-MagSafe multi-device charger we’ve tested, and it’s better designed to accommodate all three devices thanks to a stand-style phone charger and a cross-shaped divot that snugly accommodates both styles of the AirPods charging case. These thoughtful design touches make it easy for you to align the respective devices so that they charge properly. Similarly, the placement of the Apple Watch charger conveniently allows you to use the watch as an alarm clock.

We’ve found through testing single-device Qi chargers that we prefer angled, stand-style chargers that hold the phone upright, for two reasons: You can more easily align the phone properly so that it actually charges, and you can more comfortably look at the screen while the handset is charging. The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand and the Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock rank among the first models to bring that raised-charger design to multi-device power stations. We found that the angle made an appreciable difference in everyday use, especially at night and in the dark. It’s not impossible (or even necessarily difficult, with practice) to line up a phone on a flat charger, but it’s certainly easier to place a phone on a stand that keeps the device in the right position. The stand makes things so foolproof, you can do it by feel without even looking.

To the right of the phone charger is the Apple Watch charging puck, and to the left, a cross-shaped indentation for your AirPods or AirPods Pro case, ensuring a precise hold no matter which version of the headphones you use. Other Qi charging stations require you to align the AirPods case properly on a flat surface or in a round divot that doesn’t perfectly cradle the AirPods case as Mophie’s does, and that task can be difficult, especially without a clear visual guide. Mophie’s design allows the case to just nestle in, making charging the AirPods so simple that it’s extremely unlikely you’ll ever head to work with dead headphones.

Apple certifies only those Apple Watch chargers that use Apple-approved charging pucks, which this Mophie model does. That means it’s as safe as any first-party Apple charger for charging any Apple Watch. It works with open or closed bands and holds the watch in landscape orientation. Both the 40 mm and 44 mm watch sizes sit low enough that, if you’re using your Apple Watch’s Nightstand Mode, you can press its Digital Crown to snooze an alarm without knocking the watch off the charger. It’s a thoughtful design decision that makes the charging station more useful.

None of the iPhone and Apple Watch combo charging stations we tested filled up the phone’s battery quite as quickly as the fastest single-device charging stands we’ve tried. Since this combined charger is slower, we think it’s best for a nightstand, where, assuming you’ll be charging overnight, the slower charging rate won’t be as big of a concern. The Mophie charger powered our iPhone 13 to about 23% full battery after half an hour and 50% after an hour. Our Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm), also starting at zero, got to 23% battery capacity after a half hour and 55% after an hour.

Battery charging results on the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

The Mophie charger has a notably basic design. It’s an 8-by-4-inch rounded rectangle with a body primarily made of glossy black plastic. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent it from sliding around. It lacks the heaviness that you might expect high-quality materials to have, but that doesn’t affect performance. Indicator lights on the front of the charger (underneath the phone-charging stand) show whether your phone and AirPods, respectively, are charging. The lights are not terribly bright, and they turn off after a few seconds.

The power cord that you plug into the back of the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand uses a round, barrel-style connection instead of Micro-USB or USB-C, so it won’t be as easy to replace if something goes wrong or you lose it. Mophie offers a two-year warranty on its charger and says it generally replaces the entire product rather than individual pieces under the warranty.

If you have an iPhone 12 or later and want to take advantage of the easier alignment and faster charging that the MagSafe charging system allows, consider one of our other picks below.

After we experienced intermittent charging issues while using the 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with an iPhone 12 Pro in a MagSafe case, we reached out to Mophie, who confirmed that this is a known issue with some iPhone 12-series phones. The company has implemented a firmware update that should resolve the issue for all iPhones, and those affected should contact customer service for a replacement. If you have an iPhone 12 or 13, we think you should get the Belkin charger anyway. But if you’ve already invested in the Mophie charger and are having issues, seek a replacement. In the meantime, we’ve found removing the case can help resolve the issue.

Unlike other models, this Mophie charger can work only with the specific combination of a phone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods; that is, you can’t use the AirPods charging spot for a second phone.

The charger’s glossy surface collects more fingerprints than a detective. If that’s the kind of thing that bothers you, this model may not be the right pick for you. Both the Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock and the Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger , our former top pick, are better options in that case.

Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe should be your first choice if you have an iPhone 12 or 13–series phone. It’s one of the first third-party chargers to incorporate Apple’s MagSafe feature, and it’s the best implementation of the feature we’ve seen so far. Not only is attaching your phone impossible to mess up, but the dock also supports the fastest iPhone wireless charging speeds, and it’s the best-looking option. The Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 costs about the same as our top pick from Mophie, and it comes with a wall adapter, unlike Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger . Belkin’s two-year warranty covers both the charger and connected devices.

MagSafe offers two major benefits: perfect alignment and fast, 15 W charging speeds. Although you can find plenty of magnetic chargers for sale that work like MagSafe, the Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 is officially licensed by Apple, meaning it can take full advantage of these features. In contrast, non-licensed models may hold your phone properly but won’t charge at full speed.

Most comparable charging stations require you to lay your phone on a flat pad or an angled stand that conceals a Qi charging coil. The Belkin dock holds your phone in the air, attached to a magnetic charging puck, with its center about 4½ inches above the 5¼-inch round, soft-touch rubber-covered base. A circular indentation in the center of the base lets you charge your AirPods (or another phone, albeit at a slow, 5 W charging rate). A forward-angled metal stalk behind it branches off and terminates to the left with the phone charger and to the right with the Apple Watch puck.

As long as you’re using aa MagSafe-compatible phone—either without a case or with a MagSafe-compatible case —you can’t misalign your phone. You can turn it in any orientation without disrupting its charging. The sturdy base ensures that you can tap your phone without the charging station sliding around, and its rubbery underside provides enough grip that you can easily pull the device off with one hand without the dock moving. The Apple Watch charger works much the same way and supports any kind of watch band.

At this point, only Apple-licensed magnetic chargers can support 15 W speeds; models like the Mophie 3-in-1 are limited to 7.5 W. But although the Belkin charges at a faster clip than the Mophie, it’s not twice as fast in practice, as you might expect from reading those numbers. Across three tests on the Belkin, our iPhone 13 charged from 0% to an average of 37% in half an hour and 68% in an hour, versus its results of 23% and 47%, respectively, on the Mophie. Those numbers match what we’ve seen from Apple’s own MagSafe accessories, and they’re as fast as you’re going to get in charging your devices wirelessly.

Not only does the Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 work well, but it looks great, too. It’s available in either black or white, and both versions have a matte finish that doesn’t show fingerprints like the Mophie model’s glossy surface does. It looks more like a modern sculpture than a tech gadget. If there’s a downside to the design, it’s the rather bright white light on the base that indicates when that particular charger is in use. Light-sensitive sleepers might not love that light in their bedroom.

Belkin offers a two-year connected equipment warranty , covering not only the charger itself but also up to $2,500 in costs “for the repair or replacement of connected equipment damaged from surges or spikes that occur when they are properly connected to a Belkin product.” Having a two-year warranty on the dock itself is already pretty good, but that extra protection offers real peace of mind.

Our other picks are better options if you plan to charge your gear at your bedside, but if you travel a lot (or hope to in the future), consider Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger . This iPhone and Apple Watch charger is far smaller than any other charging station when in use, and it folds in half to take up even less space in your bag or a pocket. Because it uses Apple’s MagSafe charging system, the iPhone 12 and 13-series phone will charge faster on this model than with any non-MagSafe wireless charger, and they’ll magnetically snap into place so you don’t have to fuss with alignment. Even for a multi-device wireless charger, it’s a relatively expensive option, considering it doesn’t come with an AC adapter; since it has only two charging spots, it can charge either your phone or your AirPods, not both at the same time. But it’s the only wireless charging station that’s practical to take on the go.

The first thing that sets the MagSafe Duo Charger apart from every other wireless charging station is its compact size. Coated in soft-touch rubber, the charger consists of two 2.8-inch rounded squares with a thin hinge connecting them; you can fold it up when you aren’t using it, and the magnets hold it shut. The left square is the MagSafe phone charger, which can also charge AirPods or any other Qi-compatible device, and the right side is the Apple Watch charging puck, which you can use flat or folded up for Nightstand Mode. Opened up, the charger is roughly the width of an iPhone 12 or 13 and just a little taller. Folded, it’s about 0.6 inch thick, roughly the size of a makeup compact.

The other important feature is MagSafe, which magnetically locks compatible phones in place and also allows for faster iPhone charging than on traditional Qi chargers like our Mophie pick. It supports 15-watt charging speeds on the iPhone 12/13, 12 Pro/13 Pro, and 12 Pro Max/13 Pro Max, and 12-watt charging on the iPhone 12 mini/13 mini. In our tests, the MagSafe Duo Charger was just as fast as the Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 and notably faster than the Mophie 3-in-1 , our next-fastest pick: A fully drained iPhone 13 reached 34% battery capacity in 30 minutes and 69% in an hour, even when an Apple Watch was charging at the same time. (Apple also sells a stand-alone MagSafe phone charger, but it’s no faster than the MagSafe Duo Charger.) You can charge older iPhones and other Qi-compatible devices on this model, as well, but you don’t get the same speeds or the magnetic attachment.

The MagSafe Duo Charger typically costs $130, and that price doesn’t include the 20-watt adapter you need to get the fastest charging speeds; buying that accessory brings the total price to $150, about the same as for our other picks. That’s a lot to ask for a charger that offers one fewer charging pad. But we’d never even consider traveling with one of those other chargers, whereas the MagSafe Duo Charger could be convenient if and when we ever travel again.

If you are a frequent traveler , you might like the Anker PowerWave Go 3-in-1 Stand . Its modular design makes it more useful than any other charging station we’ve seen because you can add or remove just the parts you need. The phone charging stand is actually a 10,000mAh (37Wh) wireless power bank that you can take with you for portable power, and its 20 W USB-C port can charge most phones at their fastest speeds. The Apple Watch charger is removable as well, with a USB-C connector that means it can get power from the power bank, the USB-C port on your computer, or any other USB-C charger . And the wall adapter is Anker’s Nano II 45W , which (with the included USB-C-to-USB-C cable) can be used to charge many other devices as quickly as possible, including laptops and tablets. But while these individual pieces are all exciting, they contribute to a particularly high asking price of around $180 (at the time of this writing). Despite the steep cost, the PowerWave Go 3-in-1 Stand is also slower at wireless charging than our picks, charging an iPhone 12 to 17% in 30 minutes and 33% in 60 minutes, compared to 22% and 42% from our top pick from Mophie. For most people, we think it makes sense to stick with our simpler, cheaper, and quicker picks for standard bedside or desk charging.

If you want to be able to charge two phones at once , the Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock is a good alternative to the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand. Like our top pick, it has a stand-style charger for your phone and an Apple Watch charging puck. The third charging spot is flat, allowing you to power either AirPods or another phone. But the Logitech’s main charger was a little slower than that of the Mophie in our testing, it’s harder to line up an AirPods case without a dedicated divot, and this larger charging station doesn’t look as nice as our top pick.

We’re planning a new round of testing for the spring of 2023, which will pit our current picks against the following models:

• Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe
• Anker 533 Wireless Charger (3-in-1 Stand)
• Anker 544 Wireless Charger (4-in-1 Stand)
• Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand 2nd Gen (WIZ017)
• Einova Power Bar
• ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with CryoBoost
• HyperJuice 4-in-1 Wireless Charger
• Mophie 3-in-1 Stand for MagSafe Charger
• Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe
• OtterBox 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for MagSafe (78-80533)
• Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand
• Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand

We’re also excited about a new wireless charging standard called Qi2 that the World Power Consortium (WPC) introduced in January 2023. Apple allowed its proprietary MagSafe technology to be used as the basis for Qi2’s key feature, called the Magnetic Power Profile. Like MagSafe, the WPC says this feature uses magnets to “ensure that phones or other rechargeable battery-powered mobile products are perfectly aligned with charging devices, thus providing improved energy efficiency and faster charging.” We look forward to testing some Qi2-compliant devices from a variety of companies as they start to roll out later this year.

Nomad’s Base Station Hub with Magnetic Alignment packs in three 10W charging coils, an 18W USB-C port, and a 7.5W USB-A port; either of those ports can be paired with an optional Apple Watch Mount and your own Apple Watch charging cable if you’d like to charge your Watch. The biggest difference between this version and past Base Stations is the promise of magnetic alignment, which should work with MagSafe-equipped iPhones. Unfortunately, the magnet is quite weak in our experience. You have to move your phone around to search for it on the blank surface, unlike with true MagSafe accessories that make alignment foolproof. The charging pad is not sized properly for the iPhone 13 Pro; the phone’s raised camera bump prevents it from laying flat enough to make the necessary magnetic connection. While the iPhone 13 mini’s dimensions allow the magnets to make a connection, it’s still weaker than if the phone were able to lie totally flat.

Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe is a flat, three-device charging station, and one of the first non-Apple products to support fast charging with the Apple Watch Series 7 (the other is a standalone Watch charger also from Belkin). We don’t care for the flat design; it takes up more room on your nightstand and leaves your phone flat, rather than propped up at an angle, and our tests showed this model charged an iPhone 13 more slowly than our picks from Belkin and Apple.

The Scosche Base3 3-In-1 Wireless Charging Dock has a traditional Qi stand rather than a MagSafe charger, and is less expensive than our picks. But it charges quite slowly—our drained iPhone 13 got to 15% in half an hour and 30% in an hour—and the all-plastic design isn’t as nice. It’s worth considering if you’re on a tighter budget.

Belkin’s Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is our former top pick, and it’s still a good choice. But the biggest downside is its AirPods charging spot: Instead of a divot that matches the size and shape of the charging case, the spot is a round indentation, which makes alignment the slightest bit more difficult. The spot is also located right behind the Apple Watch charger, so if you’re using a closed-band loop—such as the Solo Loop Apple introduced in 2020—you need to fuss with the placement to ensure that the AirPods don’t get knocked out of place.

The ESR HaloLock 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is a flat pad with two charging spaces. One is a standard Qi charger, and the other is magnetic, allowing it to grab MagSafe-equipped iPhones and cases. Because it’s not an officially licensed MagSafe charger, it’s slower than the Belkin and Apple models we list, but it’s just as fast as other third-party magnetic chargers. In our tests, it brought a fully depleted iPhone 12 battery to 22% in 30 minutes and 48% in an hour. The lack of an Apple Watch charger knocks it out of contention for this guide, although we do appreciate the particularly low price. At the time of publication, it costs $30, and that includes a 18 W USB-C charger.

The Zens Liberty Wireless Charger Glass Edition was the first “place anywhere” wireless charger available to buy, and compared with all the other charging stations we’ve tested, it more closely matches what Apple originally promised with the AirPower station. It has 16 overlapping charging coils, all visible through a clear glass top, and those coils allow you to position two phones or other Qi-charging devices pretty much anywhere on its surface aside from the very edges. This design makes placement almost foolproof, solving one of wireless charging’s biggest drawbacks. We also like that the Liberty uses USB-C instead of a proprietary charger. But it has its downsides. The Liberty is large and expensive (a cheaper version without a glass top is available), it has loud fans that kick on when you’re charging a phone, and it doesn’t support Apple Watch charging without a $45 accessory . So although it’s a neat proof of concept, it’s best suited for early adopters willing to spend extra cash to have the coolest new tech toy.

Nomad’s Base Station Pro is similar in concept to the Zens Liberty though a bit more refined, with a slimmer and sleeker aluminum and leather design. Consisting of 18 charging coils under a roughly 5-by-9-inch surface, it’s made to charge up to three Qi devices at once, no matter where you place them. The Base Station Pro claims to power iPhones at 7.5 watts and all other devices at up to 5 watts, which means that non-Apple devices may not charge at their top speeds. But in our tests, charging was pretty slow across the board, with the iPhone 11 averaging only about 15% in half an hour and 26% in an hour, and the LG V30 hitting 9% and 16% over the same periods. Those numbers for the V30 are particularly low, but the Base Station Pro likely produced such results because it hasn’t been optimized for most Android devices yet; firmware updates may change that down the line. Rather than speed, Nomad and its partner Aira, which designed the charging technology, say the Base Station Pro’s major value proposition is convenience. It’s certainly true that you can very easily throw a phone (or three) onto the pad without worrying about lining them up perfectly, but that convenience isn’t worth the premium price: The Base Station Pro currently costs $200, or $60 more than our top pick. It’s not that hard to get your phone in the right spot with a conventional three-in-one charging pad. We hope that this technology advances quickly and falls in price, but it’s not something that most people should invest in right now.

Mophie’s 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad is another previous favorite and remains a good choice. We like its simple, clean aesthetics and its attention to detail—including features such as rubber elements that ensure your devices won’t slip and a divot for AirPods. But we prefer the stand-style charger of our current picks over this Mophie flat design, and this charger is also a total fingerprint magnet, much like the screen of an iPhone or iPad.

Native Union’s Drop XL Wireless Charger (Watch Edition) has a small footprint and is the least techy-looking of the chargers we tested. Thanks to the neutral gray fabric and rubber surface, it doesn’t scream “gadget” like much of the competition does, and it quickly charged everything we placed on its surface. Aligning AirPods can be difficult because the Drop XL has no clear marking, but other than that, it has no major faults that would prevent us from recommending it if you like the way it looks.

Satechi’s Trio Wireless Charging Pad was just a little slower than our picks in charging both phones we tested. It’s a flat charger, so lining a phone up on the raised rubber ring is slightly harder compared with using a stand, and it takes up a few more square inches on a desk, but we do like the AirPods divot, the fold-up Apple Watch puck (which can also work flat), and the USB-C charger.

The Zens Dual+Watch Aluminum Wireless Charger is a good alternative multi-device charger, particularly if you charge two phones at once on occasion. It charges devices quickly and looks quite nice. But lining up the AirPods case is difficult without any markings or a dedicated divot, and even getting a phone into the right position can take a bit of finagling.

We were excited about STM’s ChargeTree as an affordable alternative to the $100-plus chargers out there, but it turned out to be a rebranded version of a generic design. (We’ve seen at least two other companies serving Instagram ads selling the same thing.) That alone wouldn’t necessarily be disqualifying, but the ChargeTree isn’t MFi-certified, and it doesn’t come with an AC adapter. Taking all those factors together, we can’t recommend it.

Meet your guide

Nick Guy is a former senior staff writer covering Apple and accessories at Wirecutter. He has been reviewing iPhones, iPads, and related tech since 2011—and stopped counting after he tested his 1,000th case. It’s impossible for him not to mentally catalog any case he sees. He once had the bright idea to build and burn down a room to test fireproof safes.

Further reading

The Best Qi Wireless Charger for iPhone and Android Phones

by Nick Guy

We’ve spent over 900 hours testing Qi wireless chargers, and we’ve found great models across a wide spectrum of styles.

The Best USB Phone Charger

by Sarah Witman and Nick Guy

No matter what kinds of USB-powered devices you own, we have picks to power them at their fastest charging speeds.

The Best USB Car Charger

by Nick Guy and Sarah Witman

We’ve tested the best car chargers, and we have recommendations for affordable, reliable options that can fast-charge any device while you’re on the road.

iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here’s What to Get If You Need Them.

by Lauren Dragan and Nick Guy

Apple’s newest phones won’t ship with a charger or headphones. If you don’t already have something that’ll work, here’s what we recommend.