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Which USB Charger and Cable is Right for Me?
Which USB Charger and Cable is Right for Me?
By Angus Jones
Chances are you have recently bought a new smartphone, and there is no USB charger in the box. Maybe you bought a new wireless smart security camera, again without a USB charger. Did you know that many laptop PCs can now be charged from a USB charger and cable?
This guide will look at the right chargers for your devices and the right cables.
| USB or Universal Serial Bus is a computer industry standard that establishes specifications for power supply, cables, and communication. A USB charger is a mains-powered transformer that feeds electricity into a cable to power or charge a connected device. |
To charge a device, you need a USB charger and a USB cable. Cables are interchangeable.
Why might my current USB charger and cable not be suitable?
The latest smartphones advertise fast charging speeds, but they require a USB charger with a certain wattage output to achieve these speeds. Older USB chargers may not provide enough power or may charge devices very slowly. Below is a comparison of USB standards over time:
| USB | Year | Watts | Power | Direction | USB Cable Type | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB 1.1 | 1998 | 1.25 | 2.5V, 500 mA | 1 Way | A to B | 12 Mbps |
| USB 2.0 | 2000 | 4.5 | 2.5V, 1.8A | 1 Way | A to B | 480 Mbps |
| USB 3.0 | 2008 | 9 | 5V, 1.8A | 1 Way | A to B | 5 Gbps |
| USB 3.1 | 2015 | 100 | 20V, 5A | 2 Way | C | 10 Gbps |
| USB 4 (Future) | 2019 | 240 | 48V, 5A | 2 Way | C | 40 Gbps |
What do I need to know about USB cables?
Since the introduction of USB, there have been 14 different connector types. USB cables carry power and data, and as demand for both has increased, the cables have evolved. Now, power can even flow in both directions with certain cables.
Apple also has its own proprietary charging accessories, such as the Lightning connector.
How do I pick the right USB charger for me?
A laptop using a USB charger requires more wattage, while a smartphone supporting fast charging will need a charger capable of supplying a higher wattage to reduce charge times.
To charge your latest device faster or charge a laptop via USB-C, you need a charger with USB-C Power Delivery (PD). USB-C PD chargers recognize that your device can accept higher wattage and adjust accordingly. All leading manufacturers, including Apple, now support PD.
| Charger Wattage | Devices | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 16 W | Smartphones, cameras | USB-A to any |
| 18 - 27 W (PD30) | Smartphones, cameras, drones | USB-A to USB-C |
| 27 - 45 W (PD45) | Tablets, notebooks | USB-C to USB-C |
| 45 - 100 W (PD100) | Laptops, displays | USB-C 5A Cable |
USB Charger Features to Consider:
- Power Delivery (PD) – Required for fast charging and high-wattage devices.
- Cable Type – Choose between USB-C or USB-A.
- Multiple Outlets – Charge multiple devices at once.
- Travel Friendly – Supports 100-240V for worldwide use.
- Charge Protection – Prevents overheating or damage.
- Warranty – Buy from a reputable retailer for warranty support.
Wireless Charging
If you prefer a cable-free experience, wireless charging may be the right solution. Simply place your phone on a charging pad to charge wirelessly.
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Summary – Choosing the Right USB Charger and Cable
A USB charger is essential as more devices now ship without one. While an older charger will work, a USB-C PD charger unlocks faster charging and better compatibility with high-power devices like laptops.
A high-quality cable with the correct connectors ensures reliable charging and data transfer. For those who prefer cable-free charging, Qi wireless charging is an excellent alternative.