I stopped buying random chargers after learning how they actually work

While we carefully weigh the pros and cons of cases and headphones, chargers don’t tend to attract the same level of attention as other phone accessories.

After all, while a good phone case is vital to avoid hundreds of dollars in damages, and good ANC on headphones is a crucial element of modern life, surely any old charger will do?

While we’re past the era of manufacturers including new charging bricks with new phones in a misguided attempt to appear environmentally friendly, most of us still have multiple chargers kicking around in drawers or buried under spare cables.

But pairing your new Android flagship with the random charger you’ve been keeping around for years isn’t always the best idea.

Yes, it’ll probably work, but understanding the basic facts about chargers can improve your charging experience and your phone’s health in the long run.

Low wattage and high wattage matter

Safety is important, but don’t be afraid to buy more power than you currently need

If there’s one number people understand on a charger, it’s the wattage (W). This determines how fast a charger can charge your device, so a higher number = faster charging speed = better charger.

However, there’s a little more to the story than “a big number is good.”

Every device has a maximum charging speed. For example, the Google Pixel 10’s maximum charging speed is 30W. This means that you won’t get any benefit from plugging in a faster charger, but neither will a faster charger harm your device.

So even if you plugged a 100W laptop charger into a Pixel 10, it would only draw 30W without harming the device. But there’s one important caveat to this fact.

While modern chargers “talk” with devices to determine the appropriate wattage, older or cheaper chargers don’t.

If a charger doesn’t communicate with your phone, it can permanently damage your phone’s battery.

Only buy chargers from reputable brands (for example, Anker, Nekteck, or UGreen) and be wary of any charger that doesn’t have a manufacturer’s logo or safety specs printed on the outside.

Understand what multi-port chargers actually mean

It’s easy to feel cheated if you don’t know how they work

Now that you understand that there’s no downside to a high-wattage charger, it’s logical to assume that one charger can charge all your devices.

But one port is limiting, so the obvious choice is to select a multi-port charger.

Multi-port chargers are extremely useful. I use a 65W UGreen charger to charge my Pixel 10 Pro (45W charging speed), Chromebook (45W), and Samsung tablet (45W).

However, multi-port chargers charge your devices at different speeds depending on how many are plugged in, so I chose a charger with more power than I need to handle multiple devices at once.

For example, my charger is advertised as a 65W charger with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port.

However, it will only reach that maximum output when a single device is plugged into one of the first two ports. When all ports are in use, they charge at 30W, 20W, and 15W.

It becomes complicated fast. Look at these diagrams UGreen provides for understanding my charger.

When buying a multi-port charger, understand how it shares power across devices and identify the fastest ports.

Choose the right cable (but don’t waste money)

Know the specifications that mark a good charger

While manufacturers no longer include chargers with phones, you can still find the trusty USB-C to USB-C cable included.

This is usually sufficient for the packaged device, but if you’re shopping for a new cable, you need to check its compatibility.

Like chargers, USB-C cables have a maximum wattage. It’s easy to pick up cheap cables that can charge at 100W or more, making them suitable for practically every device in your house.

Apart from the wattage, the most important factor is durability. Don’t spend less than $10 on a charger, and check reviews for reports on its durability.

The other factor to consider is whether a cable supports the USB Power Delivery (PD) fast-charging specification. Cables that support this specification can handle power levels up to 240W, whereas a non-PD USB 3.0 cable can only deliver up to 4.5W. Check for “PD” in a cable’s specifications to confirm.

For the best charging experience, choose GaN chargers

The catch-all term for good-quality chargers

If you want the fastest and most efficient chargers, look for GaN chargers. These use gallium nitride (GaN) instead of silicon in their internal circuitry, which means they conduct electricity more efficiently.

They tend to be smaller and lighter than traditional chargers, handle faster charging speeds, overheat less, and consume less electricity.

Choosing a GaN charger that aligns with the guidelines set out earlier in this article will provide you with the best charging experience. Filter your search for a new charger to include only GaN-compatible devices, and you won’t go wrong.

Finding the right charger is easier than you think

Following these basic rules will help you identify the correct charger for your needs. Don’t worry about complicated calculations or niche specifications. Pick a charger that suits you best.

Wireless chargers are another option, but for reliability and power, go old-school and plug in a wire.