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chargers

25 Best MagSafe Accessories (2025): Qi2 Chargers, Magnetic Wallets, and More

by admin September 25, 2025

Other Good MagSafe Accessories

The accessories below aren’t as great as the top picks in this guide, but they’re still good options if you’re looking for more MagSafe gadgets.

Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for $30: Using Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, you can wirelessly use your iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook. It supports various video calling apps too, from FaceTime to Zoom. This circular silicone puck magnetically sticks to the back of your iPhone and can be used as a phone grip or kickstand, but you need to keep your screen close to a 90-degree angle, or else the weight of the iPhone will drag the screen back or forward. There’s also a mount for external displays, in case you want one for your home desk setup.

STM Goods MagPod Smarter Phone Stand for $31: I’ve been carrying this mini tripod from STM Goods all over my apartment. When I’m not using it to see notifications at a glance at my desk, I’ll place it on my kitchen counter to stream TV shows while cooking dinner, on my coffee table to FaceTime with friends while on the couch, or on the bathroom sink to listen to podcasts while doing my makeup. I’ve also used it to shoot video. It has a magnetic disc with a socket that moves around smoothly, allowing you to position it at multiple angles. The retractable legs are sturdy too, even while tapping through notifications or typing out texts. They fold in neatly into a compact size, making it easy to travel with.

Casetify Wireless Car Charger for $70: I’ve been using this for over a year. It’s easy to install, has MagSafe support (with a USB-C cable) and an adjustable ball joint for various viewing angles, and it’s Qi 2-certified with a 15-watt rate. It’s a bit more affordable than Belkin’s and comes in several fun patterns. (I have the Penguin design, and it’s tough not to smile while looking at it.)

iOttie Velox Pro Magnetic Wireless Cooling Charger for $80: This iOttie option has a suction cup (if your vents are awkward, or you just prefer a dash or windshield mount) that has strong magnets to keep it in place. The telescopic arm also has a ball joint to give you a wide range of movement to find the ideal position. The 7.5-watt charging rate is disappointing, but the USB-C charging cable is removable, so you can detach and stow it when your iPhone is charged. The built-in fan also helps to keep the temperature down when the sun is out.

MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) for $60: This little orb has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on the back, and over on the front is a Qi2 wireless charging pad that can recharge your phone. It’s great for workstations where you need to plug in a lot of gadgets. Each of the USB-A ports dishes out 12 watts, and the USB-C ports can output 67 watts, though this lowers if other ports or the pad are in use.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

A MagSafe SSD Enclosure for $60: If you have an iPhone Pro Max and you want to tinker with Apple’s more advanced video recording formats (ProRes 4K at 60 frames per second or higher), well, you’ll run into one big problem immediately: You can’t natively record without an external storage device. You’ll need a solid-state drive plugged into your iPhone, and it will record your video directly to the external storage. But a dangling SSD doesn’t sound very safe, right? They don’t transfer power or data via MagSafe but merely attach to the back as a convenient way to store the SSD while recording.

Casely Grippy for $25: When Octobuddy (the original suction phone mount) started to get popular, I really wanted one. But since it uses adhesive to attach to your phone, the thought of all the dust and germs the suction cups would collect kept me from trying it. This one from Casely is one of the few that has MagSafe support. It works well, for the most part. I’ve stuck it on kitchen cabinets, mirrors, the refrigerator—basically whatever surface is around. But when sticking it on said surface, I recommend applying extra pressure to make sure the suction cups are really stuck on there. Otherwise, it’ll slide off, and your phone will go with it.

AccordionItemContainerButton

MagSafe is the name of Apple’s accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 ranges. A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe cases) can help transfer power more precisely and faster than traditional wireless chargers. However, it’s also a handy way to hold an accessory in place, like a wallet, or to mount the iPhone without requiring clamps.

Although MagSafe is a term made by Apple, Android phones like the Google Pixel 10 are getting MagSafe-like features with the new Qi2 standard. Most of the time, a MagSafe accessory will work without issues with Qi2 devices.

Make Sure Your Case Has MagSafe Too

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If you use a case with your iPhone, make sure it’s a MagSafe case (it should have its own ring of magnets inside). A standard case will just weaken the magnetic attachment between the iPhone and the MagSafe accessory. A MagSafe case will maintain the magnetic strength, and sometimes case-makers use stronger magnets for a more secure attachment. We have lots of recommendations in our iPhone case guides:

Is MagSafe Compatible With Android?

AccordionItemContainerButton

Natively, no. MagSafe won’t work with most Android phones. However, there are MagSafe cases for certain Android phones, like the Google Pixel series or Samsung Galaxy phones, and these cases have a similar (if not the same) magnetic ring inside, allowing you to use many of the same MagSafe power banks, wireless chargers, and other accessories, though your mileage may vary. Several accessory companies also include or sell the MagSafe magnetic component that you can stick to the back of your smartphone to enable compatibility, though I’ve never used one I really like.

The Qi2 wireless charging standard is changing all of this. Qi2 adds the Magnetic Power Profile, which is based on MagSafe. That means Qi2 phones feature a similar magnetic attachment system, enabling MagSafe accessories to work with more devices, no case needed. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Android phones with Qi2 natively baked in. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, for example, are “Qi2 Ready” phones because you need a magnetic case to enable the Qi2 functionality as there’s no magnets built into the phone. The recent Google Pixel 10 series is the first range to fully support Qi2, so we should see more devices throughout the next 12 to 18 months.

That’s why you may also start seeing “Qi2” MagSafe devices—the latest iPhones all support Qi2, and any device you buy with Qi2 will offer maximum compatibility.

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September 25, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Justin Herbert controls game in Chargers’ win over Raiders

by admin September 16, 2025

Kris Rhim
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Kris Rhim
ESPN
Ryan McFadden
Close
Ryan McFadden

Sep 16, 2025, 01:05 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — Much of the focus going into the Los Angeles Chargers’ 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night was on the matchup between the two coaches — Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. Two coaching giants with a two-decade-old rivalry renewed on “Monday Night Football.”

The game reflected two teams that embody their coach’s mindsets — physical offensive and defensive lines, big hits and two physical first-round running backs. Ultimately, Harbaugh’s Chargers dominated this game essentially from start to finish — with an effective passing attack and stingy defense that didn’t allow a touchdown and forced Raiders quarterback Geno Smith to throw three interceptions.

The Chargers begin the season 2-0 for the second straight season and the third time since 2012, and they hold sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Though, it wasn’t all good news as Khalil Mack exited the game early after sustaining an elbow injury.

Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:

Herbert threw two touchdown passes, one to Keenan Allen and another to Quentin Johnston. Ian Maule/Getty Images

QB performance: The Chargers got off to a slow start Monday night, but quarterback Justin Herbert quickly settled in, picking apart the Raiders’ defense for 242 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 31 rushing yards. In Year 2 with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Herbert looks as comfortable as he has in his career, both throwing and rushing the ball, a good sign for the Chargers’ ceiling.

Trend to watch: Roman appears to be moving away from running the ball. The Chargers didn’t attempt a rush until 4:52 left in the first quarter Monday night. They finished the game with 54 designed rushing yards. But Roman isn’t shifting away from the run for no reason. The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled to create lanes for the running backs, while L.A. has had great pass protection and success through the air. This offense could look very different from how Harbaugh-Roman teams have historically looked.

Stat to know: Quentin Johnston is the first Chargers player with three receiving touchdowns in the team’s first two games of a season since tight end Antonio Gates in 2014. Johnston, who has struggled since the Chargers selected him in the first round two seasons ago, is having an electric start to this season with 150 yards and three touchdowns through the first two games. — Kris Rhim

Next game: vs. Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Smith couldn’t find his receivers on Monday, completing just 24 of 43 passes for 180 yards. Candice Ward/Getty Images

It’s clear that Smith can make any throw on the field. However, his confidence in his arm can be a gift and a curse.

Smith had three interceptions Monday, and they all happened when he tried to throw the ball into double coverage — including on the first play of the game. He hurt his team’s comeback chances when he attempted a touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers with 5:58 to go in the fourth quarter, but the ball was tipped and picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson.

Turning point: The Raiders were fairly solid for the first half until the final two minutes. Herbert found Johnston wide open down the field for a 60-yard touchdown to give Los Angeles a 20-6 lead before halftime.

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Stat to know: Smith was 0-for-12 on pass attempts for 10-plus air yards. That’s a big difference from his performance against the New England Patriots in the season opener, when he went 9-for-14 on attempts for more than 10 yards.

Trend to watch: Brock Bowers’ knee injury. There was a sigh of relief pregame when Bowers was officially active after being listed as questionable because of a knee injury. However, his production was limited. Bowers had just five catches for 38 yards. He had just one catch in the first half. Bowers missed two days of practice before being a limited participant Saturday. Against the Chargers, Bowers didn’t look 100% healthy and it’s something to monitor moving forward. — Ryan McFadden

Next game: at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

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September 16, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Prediction Markets Favor Chargers in Monday Night Football Showdown

by admin September 15, 2025

In brief

The Chargers are favored, but the line is tight: L.A.’s a ~3.5-point favorite, moneyline at about −185, and the Over/Under set near 46.5. Markets expect a win by the Chargers, but not a blowout.
Sharp money wagers are driving line movement toward Chargers −3.5.
A number of analysts lean toward Raiders +3.5 given home game underdog trends, with player props (e.g. Ashton Jeanty’s looks, Brock Bowers yardage) also getting traction as sleepers.

Ever notice how when betting lines move, they’re usually pulling you toward something the public isn’t seeing? That’s exactly what’s happening with tonight’s Chargers vs. Raiders Monday Night Football game. The Chargers are about −3.5 favorites, with totals hovering near 46.5—but sharp money is quietly loading up on the Raiders and the Over.

In other words, the markets are whispering, “This game might be closer than it looks.”

At the time of this writing, Los Angeles is ≈ 3.5-point favorite in tonight’s matchup, with many sportsbooks listing the spread at Chargers −3.5. The Over/Under (total points) is around 46.5, and the moneyline favors the Chargers at approximately −185 to −196, while the Raiders are lumped in as underdogs at +150-+160.

This pricing implies confidence in a Chargers win, but a tightly contested game.

Prediction markets

The big three prediction market platforms—Myriad, Polymarket and Kalshi—were all favoring Los Angeles by roughly 65%.

(Disclaimer: Myriad Markets is a product of DASTAN, Decrypt’s parent company.)

Expert models and analyst picks

The CBS SportsLine projection model confirms the numbers above: Chargers −3.5, total 46.5. It tends to favor Chargers both to win and cover (with the profit for moneyline also tilted toward them).
Still, some analysts see value in the Raiders +3.5. Their logic: Chargers might have overhyped momentum from Week 1, whereas home field and Las Vegas’s offensive weapons could keep it close. (See SI’s prop & pick story.)
On the over/under front, there’s a split: some models lean Over 46.5, expecting moderate scoring, while others believe defensive plays, turnovers, or a more conservative game script might push the total Under slightly.

What the sharp money reveals

Several betting media outlets have spotted sharp bettors pushing in favor of the Chargers, and the numbers suggest this isn’t just public hype—it’s serious money behind belief in L.A.’s edge.

Metric

Data Point

Source

Spread % (Tickets)

~63% of spread bets through STN Sports are backing the Chargers at −3.5.

Review-Journal

Spread % (Money / Handle)

~56% of the money at BetMGM is on the Chargers covering.

Review-Journal

Moneyline Odds

Chargers: ~−185; Raiders: +150-+160

Action Network & CBSSportsLine

Total Points Movement

Over/Under opened around 44.5 and has been pushed to 46.5. At BetMGM, 72% of tickets + 92% of the money are on the Over.

Here’s what the split looks like, and what it’s telling us:

Confidence in Chargers from informed bettors: The fact that the majority of both spread bets and dollar volume are leaning on the Chargers suggests sharp money believes LA is undervalued by the public or that recent performance (vs. KC, etc.) justifies the line moving in their favor.
Movement in line/spread: The spread creeping from −3 to −3.5 aligns with sharp bettors pushing; sportsbooks adjust lines when heavy money comes in. The Chargers being −3.5 now (vs initial −3) suggests early demand forcing the shift.
Over/Under trend is Over bias: 72% of tickets but 92% of dollars on Over at BetMGM shows smart money is confident this game will have decent scoring. That reinforces the idea that props tied to offense (passing yards, receptions, etc.) are a better value.

Prop bets and key player performance bets

Here are some specific props that bettors appear bullish on:

Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 receiving yards is one of the more popular props, based on his Week 1 target volume and recent consistency. (SportsBookReview.com prop pick)
Ashton Jeanty Over 17.5 rush attempts is favored by some—suggesting the Raiders will try to lean on run to control clock or balance the offense. (See SI’s prop breakdown)
Also noted: McConkey Over 5.5 receptions and Geno Smith Over 248.5 passing yards are getting traction.

What the consensus suggests

Putting the market’s pieces together, here’s the story that appears to be forming:

Chargers are favored, but not overwhelmingly. The 3.5-point spread suggests Vegas expects them to win, but that this will be competitive.
Passing game for Los Angeles is getting respect, especially via Herbert → McConkey and possibly Allen. If their air attack fires, they likely cover.
Raiders are being undervalued in some quarters; bettors are buying into props where the Raiders can make plays—Jeanty’s work in the backfield, Geno Smith finding intermediate passes, etc.
The projected scoring is moderate. The Over/Under of ~46.5 implies a game that is likely to see some scoring fireworks, but not a shootout, assuming neither side turns the ball over too often or gets overly conservative.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the author are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice.

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September 15, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Justin Herbert shines as Chargers earn AFC West win in Sao Paulo

by admin September 6, 2025

Kris Rhim
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Kris Rhim
ESPN
Nate Taylor

Sep 5, 2025, 11:24 PM ET

SÃO PAULO — Since Patrick Mahomes became a starter in 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs have beaten up on much of the NFL, and perhaps no team understands what that dominance has felt like more than the Chargers. The Chargers went into Friday night’s game at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo on a seven-game losing streak to Kansas City and are 3-19 in their past 22 games against the Chiefs.

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It wasn’t always a beatdown for the Chargers, and the games were often decided in the final minutes — or seconds — but in the end, the Chiefs were on top more often than not.

The paradigm shifted Friday night.

Quarterback Justin Herbert scrambled for 19 yards on 3rd-and-14 in the fourth quarter to effectively end the football game and send his teammates into a celebrating frenzy. Herbert and the Chargers offense picked apart the Chiefs’ defense all night with ease, and the Chargers defense slowed Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense just enough to edge out a 27-21 victory.

Here are the most important things to know from Friday night for both teams:

Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)

What to make of the QB performance: This is a much different Herbert than we saw early last season. It wasn’t until Week 6 last season that Herbert had a game for over 200 yards, and he didn’t hit 300 until Week 7. Herbert hit the latter total Friday night, finishing with 318 yards and three touchdowns. It was Herbert’s first 300-yard passing, three-touchdown game since Week 10 against the Detroit Lions in 2023. Friday night’s performance reflected an improved wide receiving core and a vote of confidence for offensive coordinator Greg Roman, playing to Herbert’s strengths.

AP Photo/Doug Benc

Trend to watch: Mekhi Becton’s health: The Chargers right guard, L.A.’s top free agent signing, appeared to be exhausted throughout Friday’s game. Becton missed snaps throughout the contest while getting oxygen on the sideline. Becton missed three weeks of training camp practice with an undisclosed injury and came into Friday’s game questionable with an illness.

Stat to know: Keenan Allen became the third Charger with 60 touchdowns in franchise history. This is a milestone that just a year ago seemed like it would never happen, as the Chargers traded Allen to the Chicago Bears following a contract dispute. Allen ran an out route Friday night that left him wide open in the end zone late in the third quarter for an 11-yard touchdown catch. — Kris Rhim

Next game: at Las Vegas Raiders (10 p.m. ET, Sept. 15)

Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

Even when the circumstances were dire, Mahomes still created magic, finding receiver Hollywood Brown for a 49-yard completion on fourth-and-7 with less than four minutes remaining. Kansas City stayed alive with a field goal to cut the deficit to 27-21 but could not get a stop when it mattered on the subsequent possession.

The loss was the Chiefs’ first regular-season defeat abroad. Prior to Friday, the Chiefs were undefeated in international games under coach Andy Reid, winning contests in London, Mexico City and Frankfurt, Germany.

What to make of the QB performance: In the second half, Mahomes was once again asked to put on a superhero performance. Without Xavier Worthy, who left early with an injury, Mahomes used every bit of moxie and determination to give the Chiefs an opportunity in the fourth quarter. Mahomes’ second-half performance — finishing with 160 passing yards and another 42 yards on the ground — ignited the Chiefs’ offense after a lackluster start.

In the third quarter, safety Derwin James Jr. was an unblocked blitzer and applied immediate pressure on Mahomes, who was forced to scramble up into the pocket. After James attempted to make a shoestring tackle in the middle of the pocket, Mahomes had the presence of mind — while his body was parallel to the turf — to flip the ball forward to receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a critical conversion on third-and-5 near midfield. Mahomes finished the drive with a perfect intermediate pass to right end Travis Kelce, who scored on an easy 37-yard touchdown reception.

Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Turning point: With 12 minutes left, the Chiefs appeared to have momentum following the second consecutive touchdown drive. All the Chiefs defense needed to do was get one stop to give Mahomes a chance to lead his team to a game-winning drive. Instead, the Chargers took seven minutes off the clock with a methodical, 11-play drive where Herbert completed all eight of his passes, many of them in the middle of the field. The reason was simple: Herbert and his two best receivers, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, exploited the Chiefs’ poor play from safeties Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks. Herbert finished the Chargers’ possession with a 23-yard touchdown strike to receiver Quentin Johnston, who beat Hicks on a one-on-one matchup. The score gave the Chargers a 27-18 lead from which Kansas City could not recover.

Stat to know: Entering Friday’s game, the Chiefs had won 17 consecutive one-score games, a league record. Herbert was excellent in the second half, allowing the Chargers to keep their lead despite Mahomes’ rallying efforts. In the second half, Herbert completed 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs blitzed Herbert often, sacking him twice, but the quarterback sealed the victory for the Chargers when he scrambled to his right for a 19-yard gain on a third-and-14 snap just before the two-minute warning. — Nate Taylor

Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET, Sept. 14)

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September 6, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Chargers expect RB Najee Harris to start vs. Chiefs

by admin September 3, 2025

SAO PAULO — Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris, who missed all of training camp because of an eye injury sustained in a fireworks mishap, is expected to start in Friday’s season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday.

Harris was listed as having fully participated in practice.

“He says he’s ready, and he looks ready to go,” Harbaugh said. “Really hard to predict play counts. He’s going to play football and have at it. That’s the mindset.”

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Harris was on the field with his teammates Wednesday for a light on-field work session just hours after the team arrived in São Paulo. In front of hundreds of reporters, Harris once again wore a helmet with a tinted visor, which he has done whenever he has practiced in front of the public this summer.

Harris said Monday that he didn’t care what people think he might be doing based on the perception that he could be wearing shades to hide what he calls a “superficial” injury. He has participated in just six practices with the Chargers.

“I’m ramping up to it, just trying to get back in that football shape,” Harris said Monday. “But I am feeling good, though, and we’ll just see where it leads.”

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September 3, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

The best fast chargers for 2025

by admin August 27, 2025

A good fast charger can make a world of difference when you’re low on battery and short on time. With more devices — from smartphones to laptops — supporting quick-charging tech, having an accessory that can deliver serious power in minutes is almost essential. Many newer phones no longer come with charging bricks in the box, so picking up a reliable fast charger will be essential for most people. Whether you’re at home, at work or on the move, the right charger can help keep your gear topped up without wasting time.

Today’s fast chargers come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find compact wall plugs perfect for travel, multi-port hubs for charging several devices at once and GaN (gallium nitride) chargers that offer powerful performance in a smaller footprint. Some support multiple charging standards like USB Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge, making them great for everything from iPhones to Android phones, tablets and even some laptops. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best fast chargers for your setup, so you can spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time getting things done.

Best fast chargers for 2025

Anker

If you just need an extra power adapter that you can put in a convenient location (like next to your bed or a couch), you can’t go wrong with Anker’s 30W Nano Charger. It’s exceedingly affordable at under $20 while providing excellent charging speeds for its size. And because it’s so small, it can fit pretty much anywhere. The folding prongs are a nice touch as well.

$14 at Amazon

Plugable

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly two-port adapter, consider Plugable’s 40W Dual USB-C Charger. At $60, it is pricer, but it gives you the ability to power up a couple of devices at the same time like a tablet and a phone. Like a lot of other bricks, its 40W output is shared across both ports. Keep that in mind if you have two devices plugged in at the same time, since charging times will be slower.

$45 at Amazon

Anker

If I were trying to pack light and could only choose one fast charger to bring with me, it would be Anker’s 67W three-port wall charger. Not only is it even more compact than the previous model, it has three ports (including one USB-A) and a max output of 67 watts. That’s enough to support most ultraportable laptops. And thanks to Anker’s PowerIQ 4.0 tech, the brick can detect which device plugged into its USB-C ports has the lowest battery before allocating additional juice to that gadget. For anyone who likes this design but wants something with a higher power output, Anker has a 100W model that’s also really compact.

$50 at Amazon

UGREEN

For anyone who puts a premium on thinness, UGreen’s 65W Nexode Ultra-Slim fast charger is another excellent contender. Like Anker’s model, it has three ports (one of which is USB-A) and a similar max power output. To maintain its super sleek dimensions, Ugreen thoughtfully included folding prongs. The one small issue is that it may block adjacent outlets if plugged into a crowded power strip due to its thin yet wide design.

$43 at Amazon

Plugable

One thing I really appreciate about Plugable is that the company is great at making simple, affordable gadgets, and its 140W USB-C GaN power adapter is a great example of that. Sure, it only has a single port, but with a max output of 140 watts and price of just $50, it’s one of the most powerful chargers for the money on sale today. This amount of juice is enough to support all but the biggest and most powerful laptops on the market, while the charger is also smaller than many first-party bricks.

$50 at Adorama

Anker

If you just want a single charger that can handle pretty much any device, Anker’s 140W laptop charger is it. It provides enough juice to satisfy all but the most power-hungry gadgets (like 18-inch gaming notebooks) and it comes with four ports (three USB-C and one USB-A) for simple simultaneous charging. While it might seem unnecessary, Anker’s built-in display makes it easy to see exactly how much electricity is being sent to each device. Unlike a lot of less expensive bricks, this one comes with an included 140W cable as an added bonus.

$100 at Amazon

Satechi

I carried Razer’s USB-C GaN charger around for years because it was one of the first 140W adapters on the market, and I love the combination of a sturdy metal housing and support for interchangeable plugs when traveling abroad. However, at $180, it’s a bit too expensive to wholeheartedly recommend. That’s where Satechi’s 145W travel charger comes in, because it offers a similar power output along with swappable international plugs for $60 less. You also get four USB-C ports (though nothing in the way of USB-C) and a less premium plastic body, but those are very reasonable trade-offs for something with a more affordable price of $120.

$120 at Satechi

UGREEN

Weighing in at 4.8 pounds, UGREEN’s Nexode 500W charger isn’t very travel-friendly. However, if you’ve got a work station or just a ton of gadgets that need to be juiced up at the same time, it might be exactly what you need. It has a max 500-watt output, but more importantly, the top port can send up to 240 watts to a single gadget. That matches the upper limit of what the USB Power Delivery Extended Power Range spec can currently handle, which means you should be able to charge pretty much any certified USB-PD device at its max speed. And thanks to its five USB-C ports, one USB-A jack and UGREEN’s Thermal Guard tech, the Nexode is basically a one-stop charging hub for your entire fleet of gadgets.

$200 at Amazon

UGREEN

For anyone who wants a power adapter with a bit of personality, Ugreen’s 100W Uno Charger is surprisingly charming. Not only does it have a max output of 100 watts, which is more than enough to cover a wide range of devices, it has a built-in screen that can make various faces at you depending on the situation. It also features four ports and has magnetic feet so you can attach it to something ferrous like a filing cabinet or even the lid of your laptop.

$53 at Amazon

What to consider before buying a fast charger

Before you start looking at specific chargers, it’s critical to determine three things: how many devices do you need to charge, how much power do they require and whether or not you’re planning on traveling with any of them.

The reason for the first question is simple. If you only need to charge a single device, like an iPhone or Android phone, it’s cheaper and usually more space-efficient to get a lower-wattage phone charger with one port instead of two or three. Next, it’s critical to figure out how much electricity your gadgets need because it doesn’t make sense to buy a power brick that pushes out more juice than your device can actually use. This may sound a bit tricky, but most major manufacturers will list a product’s max charging speeds in its tech specs, which is typically denoted by a specific wattage (15W, for example) or a quick-charge rating.

Unfortunately, very powerful or large laptops like gaming notebooks can suck a ton of juice (more than 140 watts), which means they may rely on more traditional power adapters with barrel plugs. This may result in them not being compatible with universal chargers. Some of these PCs may also support charging over USB-C, so even if a specific adapter can’t deliver its full power draw, it can still send over some energy — but it will do so at a slower rate compared to the laptop’s included charger. To get the best performance, using a fast charging cable, such as a USB-C cable, can make a big difference in maintaining consistent power delivery.

For frequent travelers, size and weight are often important considerations, because the bigger and heavier a charger is, the more annoying it will be to lug around. You’ll also want to think about other factors like support for international plugs, which can be a big help to anyone who regularly visits other countries. If you’re already traveling with power banks or a charging station, choosing a compact GaN charger can help streamline your gear.

Finally, you’ll want to figure out if your smartphone uses a proprietary charging standard or if it’s compatible with the USB Power Delivery spec (USB PD). For example, the OnePlus 13’s included SuperVOOC power adapter can send up to 100 watts to the phone. However, if you use a generic USB-PD charger, speeds top out at 45 watts. That’s still pretty quick, but not nearly as fast as OnePlus’ brick — and the same applies to devices with super fast charging support. Also, make sure your charging cable and connector are up to spec, as lower-quality accessories can bottleneck your charging speeds.

Fast charger FAQs

What is GaN?

When looking for chargers, you may notice that some are marked as GaN, which stands for gallium nitride. This is an important distinction because, when compared to older adapters that use silicon switches, GaN-based devices support increased power efficiency and output, allowing manufacturers to create more compact bricks that run cooler and support higher wattages.

Depending on the specific power output, GaN adapters can be 30 to 50 percent smaller and lighter than silicon-based alternatives. That might not sound like much, but when they’re sitting in a bag alongside a laptop and a half dozen other accessories you might have, cutting down on excess bulk and weight goes a long way.

Do fast chargers affect battery life?

Technically yes, because the process of sending a ton of watts into a gadget and potentially generating additional heat while doing so can decrease battery health over time. That said, modern devices and chargers use various protocols to ensure temperatures and power levels stay within preset limits — in large part to avoid damaging the product or creating a safety risk. At a base level, simply charging a gadget regardless of speed will cause degradation over time (nothing stays perfect forever, you know?). So as long as you use compatible chargers and cables, the impact of fast charging is generally quite negligible.

What’s the difference between a fast charger and a regular charger?

There isn’t a single generally accepted definition of fast charging. However, with power adapters capable of sending as little as five watts or less, it’s important to know how much juice your device is getting, especially if you need to recharge something quickly. So depending on who you ask (particularly when it comes to smartphones), any charger that can push out more than 15 to 18 watts is generally considered to be “fast.” That said, with some phones capable of receiving more than 100 watts and up to 240 watts for some laptops, it’s more important than ever to consider what devices you own before buying a new fast charger.

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August 27, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Get up to 35 percent off Anker wireless chargers ahead of Labor Day

by admin August 25, 2025

Anker makes some of our favorite charging gear, and now you can save on a bunch of wireless power accessories from the brand. Whether you’re going back to school soon or want a new charging station that can power up a few devices at once, there are discounts here worth considering. One of the best is this 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station, on sale for a record low price of $63. The Qi2-certified charger wirelessly charges your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods on one compact and convenient dock. Qi2 boasts 15W of power, so you can take advantage of fast charging on compatible devices.

This means the station can charge an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 20 percent in just 20 minutes and an Apple Watch Series 10 from zero to 100 percent in just over an hour. The magnetic stand for your iPhone is adjustable with 45 degrees of vertical rotation and 360 degrees of horizontal rotation, so you can always find the perfect angle for your phone while charging.

Anker

Being able to wirelessly charge these three daily devices at once might remind you of Apple’s wireless charging pad that never was, but Anker’s 3-in-1 charging station offers an elegant solution. We tend to like Anker’s charging products, and we’ve found they make some of the best charging stations on the market.

Anker’s products can be a bit pricey, though, which is why the best time to pick them up is during these sales. The company actually has a slew of its charging products on sale right now. Its 3-in-1 wireless charging cube is 31 percent off right now and down to $104. If you’re a Prime member and have a Qi2-compatible iPhone, then you might also look at Anker’s simple Qi2 charging pad, which is 35 percent off for a two-pack right now.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

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August 25, 2025 0 comments