Our pick
This model can charge phones, tablets, and computers on its USB-C port, and it has a second port for charging USB-A devices. It adheres to USB-C fast-charging standards and includes a quality cable.
Compared with the familiar USB-A port, the smaller USB-C port can charge most modern phones faster (if you’re using the right cable) and can even charge tablets and laptops. And the Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger provides the best of both worlds. When you’re using a USB-C–to–Lightning cable, the charger’s USB-C port can charge an iPhone about three times faster (at 18 watts) than the USB-A wall charger that Apple used to package with its phones; your phone can charge from empty to 54% in just half an hour while you’re sitting in traffic, say, or running errands around town. This Nekteck charger’s 45-watt output and included USB-C–to–C cable also support the maximum charge rate on Android phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S10), the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pros, and even many laptops. And you can use the 12-watt USB-A port at the same time to charge a second phone or other device with any USB cable you already have.
Port one: 45 W USB-C
Port two: 12 W USB-A
Upgrade pick
If you want to have the fastest charge possible on two modern devices—such as an iPhone 8 or later, or a Samsung Galaxy S8 or later—this is your best bet. But you need to bring your own USB-C cables.
With two USB-C ports, the Scosche PowerVolt PD40 (CPDCC40) is the charger you should get if you want to fast-charge two modern devices at the same time. Each of the PowerVolt PD40’s USB-C ports supports 20-watt charging, so you can charge two modern phones at top speed; that means an iPhone’s battery will go from zero to around 54% charged in half an hour, compared with about 45% on a standard 12-watt USB-A charger. You can also use MagSafe wireless chargers at full speed. The PowerVolt PD40 is one of the most affordable dual–USB-C chargers available from a company we trust, and during testing it stayed firmly in place in our car charging port. You can still use this charger with older phones, such as an iPhone 7 or earlier—they just won’t charge any faster than they would on a USB-A charger.
Port one: 20 W USB-C
Port two: 20 W USB-C
Budget pick
Though ZMI’s dual-port charger doesn’t charge as quickly as USB-C chargers, it does provide the fastest USB-A power possible, in a nice metal package and at a low price.
We think getting a faster USB-C charger is worth spending a little more, but if you simply want a good, inexpensive power source in the car, go with ZMI’s PowerCruise C2 36-Watt Dual USB Car Charger with QC 3.0. Any two-port, 24-watt USB-A charger from a reputable company in this price range works just as well as any other, but unlike similar models we tested, the PowerCruise C2 stands out because it supports Quick Charge 3.0 on both ports, offering slightly faster speeds to devices that support that standard. It’s also made of metal instead of the cheaper-feeling plastic of almost every other charger.
Port one: Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A
Port two: Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A
