How to buy a safe phone charger and cable for under $25
What to check on a phone charger and cable before you buy, so you get fast, safe charging for under $25 without paying extra for a brand name.
Manon Lambert3 min read
A bad charger can damage your phone or worse. This is one place where the cheapest option is a gamble.
The good news is that a safe one is cheap. Here is what to check.
Match the wattage to your phone
Your phone has a maximum charging speed, listed in watts on the maker's spec page. A charger that offers more power is fine, because the phone only pulls what it can take. A charger with less power will charge slowly.
Most recent phones charge well with a 20 to 30 watt charger. Some tablets and laptops need more. Check your device before you buy.
What to check on the charger
- A safety mark on the body. Look for a certification such as UL, ETL, CE or similar for your region. If there is no mark, skip it.
- A clear wattage rating. It should be printed on the charger and the listing.
- The right port. Most phones now use USB-C. Older ones may use Lightning or Micro-USB.
- A known brand or the phone maker. This is not snobbery. It is about who answers if something goes wrong.
- Fit. A bulky charger can block the next socket.
What to check on the cable
- Rating. Cables carry different amounts of power. A USB-C cable should list its wattage, such as 60 watts, if you need fast charging.
- Strain relief. The plastic where the cable meets the plug should be thick and flexible. That is where cables fail.
- Length. Six feet is more useful than three if your socket is far from the bed.
- Braided or tough sheath. Not essential, but it often lasts longer.
- Data or charge only. If you also want to transfer files, check that it supports data.
Walk away if
- The listing has no wattage.
- The charger weighs almost nothing in your hand.
- It claims "super fast" with no number.
- Reviews mention heat, a burning smell or a swollen phone.
- The price is a fraction of the maker's own charger and there is no brand.
What you get at this price
You can typically get a certified 20 to 30 watt wall charger and a good cable for under $25 combined. You will not usually get a high wattage laptop charger or a very long braided cable in the same budget.
Make them last
Do not yank the cable by the cord. Unplug by the plug. Do not leave a charging phone under a pillow.
If your phone charger keeps dying, work out the cost per use of replacing a $6 cable every four months against a $15 one that lasts two years. For other small buys worth considering, see things worth buying under $25.
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