Considering the number of USB-powered gadgets we have to charge on a daily basis, dedicated USB charging stations can be considered real life savers. And this becomes especially true in those cases when wall outlets are scarce, such as in hotel rooms or other living spaces.
If you decide to use a USB desktop charger, you can significantly reduce clutter. Keeping the gadgets of multiple people charged becomes easy and comfortable. Since most employ fast charging, there is no real loss of charging speed if compared with plugging directly into a wall.
However, you should keep present that this type of desktop chargers do not transfer data, delivering only power. If you wish to transfer data, you will need a USB-powered hub. However, if you are looking for an effective and uncomplicated method to charge all your portable devices, you should take into consideration the following top-rated charging stations.
Bolse 60W Charging Station
One of the top-rated chargers available on Amazon, Bolse’s 60 Watt Charging Station provides incredible charging power wrapped in a small package. The gadget features seven fast-charging USB ports which provide 12A of combined current. With this device, you can charge 5 iPad Airs simultaneously, at full speed.
However, one of the most appealing features of this device is its smart microchip. The microchip is capable of determining the necessary voltage for each connected device.
Though certain lower quality chargers can damage your gadgets by overcharging, the adaptive ports Bolse 60W is endowed with can determine when individual ports must switch to trickle charge.
Portability is another excellent feature of Bolse’s USB. The device only measures 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 inches, thus becoming extremely easy to slip into a bag or a pocket and allowing you to keep your portable electronics always charged and ready to be used.
However, there is one downside. The power LED of this unit is so bright that, at night, it can light up a room. But, apart from that, it is an amazingly useful gadget.
Pros:
- Smart charging ports capable of providing the correct voltage for all devices
- Overcharge protection: full charging is stopped when the device reaches 100%
- Compact form factor
Cons:
- Low quality rubber feet
- The plastic case quality can be improved
- The Power LED can’t be disabled
iClever USB Desktop Charger
Another notable competitor on the portable USB chargers market, the iClever’s 50W Desktop Charger has 3.9 x 2.7 x 1 inches and comes with an AC 110-220V input voltage that makes it suitable for international travel.
The 6 USB ports the device features draw from a 10A output; each one of them can deliver up to 2.4A for fast charging. The charger also features the SmartID technology which allows it to identify which type of gadget is connected to a specific USB port.
These features allow the iClever charger to offer the fastest charge for virtually any device: smartphones, tablets, external battery packs, cameras, GPS, and many other USB peripherals.
In addition, it has a compact figure and it is made of high quality material. The plastic is sturdy and comes with a matte finish which resists fingerprints while still being soft at touch.
Pros:
- Compact form factor
- High quality material
- Smart charging ports that provide the appropriate voltage for any device
Cons:
- The device doesn’t come with USB cables
- Only 50 Watt output
Sabrent 60W Desktop Quick Charger
The 60W Desktop USB Charger manufactured by Sabrent is the ideal solution for those who need more charging ports. The 10 USB ports the device features are supported by a 12A output, which means that the device can charge up to 6 smartphones and 4 tablets simultaneously.
Considering its charging power, the size of Sabrent’s USB charger is surprising: 3.8 x 1.9 x 2.1 inches. This makes it extremely easy to fit into a pocket or take along on big trips. The AC 110-220V input voltage makes it ideal for international travel.
The device uses smart charging, thus ensuring that the connected gadgets get the fastest possible charge. However, the device has one flaw: the blue LED on each USB port remains on, no matter if the port is in use or not. So if you plan to keep this gadget by your bedside, make sure to cover these useless LEDs.
Pros:
- Compact design
- 10 USB ports that deliver the maximum charging power
- Smart charging ports that provide the appropriate voltage for any type of device
Cons:
- Slow charging on certain phones
- Useless blue LEDs
Anker PowerPort 60 Watt Multi-Port USB Charger
A renowned brand for electronic accessories, Anker provides a 60 Watt solution that can meet all your USB charging needs. If compared with other similar models, the lightly higher price is backed up with a great customer service and an 18 month warranty.
Providing 12A of current, the desktop charger uses PowerIQ, which is Anker’s branding for the essential smart charging. The gadget delivers a fast charge even for the newest devices.
Unfortunately, the charger can’t support Qualcomm Quick Charge2.0 . This means that devices such as LG G4, Galaxy Note 4, or Nexus 6 can be charged quicker with the 18W wall chargers produced by Anker.
With a compact design – 3.9 x 2.8 x 1 inches,- the charger offers portability and durability (i.e. safety features and built-in surge protection).
Pros:
- Smart charging ports that provide the appropriate voltage for any type of device
- Standard safety features and surge protection
- 18 month warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0
- Difficult to make it stand up with chargers plugged in
- More expensive
EC Technology: the 50W USB Charger featuring a Qi Wireless Charging Pad
One of the largest USB desktop chargers, the 50W USB Charger manufactured by EC Technology provides a Qi-certified wireless charging pad.
The Qi wireless pad is able to charge any compatible gadget, including Google Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy s6, LG G4, Galaxy Note series and more.
Due to the extra wireless charging, the device is rather bulky and it may get a little warmer than other smaller devices. However, this inconvenience is easy to look over, as the device provided 5 USB ports that use smart charging. Each USB port draws from a total of 10A and up to 2.4A for each port.
Safety features such as overcharge protection or short-circuit protection wash away all the fears regarding the warmer running temperature.
Pros:
- Smart charging ports that provide the appropriate voltage for any type of device
- Safety features against over-discharge and overcharge
- Qi wireless charger
Cons:
- Its larger size makes it more difficult to carry around
- When charging, the device runs on the hot side
- Only 5 USB ports