The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2020

How to Charge Your iPhone Faster

If you’re an iPhone user, you’re probably all too familiar with waiting hours for it to reach a full charge using the wimpy 5W adapter Apple includes in the box. The good news is, it doesn't have to take that long. With the right fast charger, you can fully power up in less than half the time you're used to. Here's what you need to know.

Does Your iPhone Support Fast Charging?

While iPhones have long supported faster charging with a 12W iPad adapter, Apple introduced fast charging via USB Power Delivery (PD) with the release of the iPhone 8 in 2017. With USB Power Delivery, newer iPhones can theoretically support charging up to 22W. That said, the difference in charge time is negligible if you use an adapter that exceeds 18W. And it's worth noting Apple already include an 18W adapter in the box with the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

Essentials for Fast Charging

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a fast charger. First and foremost, you want to make sure the charger supports PD. A USB-C port is also essential for the fastest charging speeds.

Since most iPhones ship with a USB-A-to-Lightning cable, you’ll want to invest in a good USB-C-to-Lightning cable. This is an area where you don't want to skimp, as we've seen some unintended consequences from using off-brand cables. For most people, Apple's own USB-C-to-Lightning cable (starting at $19) will do the trick, but we also like some of the cables out there from reputable brands like Native Union and Nomad.

Once you’ve got the basics covered, you’ll want to assess your needs. Do you frequently charge multiple devices simultaneously? If so, it probably makes sense to buy a charger with multiple ports.

When multiple ports come into the mix, it’s important to understand the total power output for the adapter. Some chargers will clearly list the power output for each port, but most will simply provide the total power output for the adapter, which can lead to longer charge times.

Should You Buy a GaN Charger?

The majority of chargers on the market use silicon semiconductors. Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a relatively new alternative to silicon that offers a lot of benefits—GaN chargers are smaller, more efficient, and require less components than silicon chargers. They’re also more expensive. Ultimately, traditional silicon chargers are fine for most people. If you’re looking for the absolute slimmest options on the market, however, it's probably going to be a GaN charger.

With that in mind, we’ve selected our favorite fast iPhone chargers you can buy right now. Pick the the one that best fits your budget and needs and you won't be disappointed.

Best for Durability: Anker PowerPort PD 2

Anker PowerPort PD 2

Although Anker’s PowerPort PD2 has been around for some time, it remains one of our favorite fast iPhone chargers. It offers dual charging with an 18W USB-C port and a 12W USB-A Port. It's easy to throw in a bag or suitcase thanks to a folding plug, and after using one for years we can attest to its durability. 

Best for Charging Multiple Devices: Anker PowerPort PD 60W 5-Port USB Wall Charger with USB-C Cable

Anker PowerPort PD 60W 5-Port USB Wall Charger with USB-C Cable

Anker’s PowerPort PD 60W charger is a complete solution for all your charging needs. It features a USB-C port with PD for charging up to 30W, along with 4 USB-A ports. The USB-A ports support up to 12W of output each, with a maximum output of 30W shared between them. It ships with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, but you’ll want to pick up an USB-C-to-Lightning cable to get the fastest iPhone charging speeds.

Best for Guaranteed Compatibility: Apple 18W USB-C Adapter

Apple 18W USB-C Adapter

Apple’s 18W USB-C Adapter tops is understated, relatively inexpensive, and is guaranteed to work well with your iPhone. Apple sells as a standalone item, so you’ll probably want to pick up a USB-C-to-Lighting cable while you’re shopping.

Best for Smart Charging: Aukey Focus Duo 30W Dual-Port PD Charger with Dynamic Detect

Aukey Focus Duo 30W Dual-Port PD charger with Dynamic Detect

Aukey's Focus Duo features a USB-A and USB-C ports for dual charging, and a smart power management system to quickly charge your devices. When using just the USB-C port, the adapter offers up to 30W charging. When using both ports, it sends 18W to the USB-C port and 12W to the USB-A port. Like most of the products on this list, it ships without any cables so you’ll want to pick up a USB-C-to-Lightning cord to get the fastest iPhone charge.

Best for Affordability: Aukey Swift 18W PD Charger

Aukey Swift 18W PD Charger

Aukey's Swift 18W PD Charger is a simple and inexpensive power adapter that delivers big results. It supports 18W charging via PD, meaning you can easily charge your iPhone 50 percent in just half an hour, and a folding plug makes it easy to carry in a bag.

Best for Included Cable: Belkin Boost Charge 18W USB-C Home Charger with USB-C to Lightning Connector

Belkin Boost Up Charge 18W USB-C Home Charger with USB-C to Lightning Connector

Belkin's Boost Charge 18W USB-C Home Charger is compact and has a folding plug so it’s easy to pack in a bag. It supports PD with 18W of output, so it will charge your iPhone as fast as possible. There's also a USB-C-to-Lightning cable in the box, making it a one-stop solution for your quick charging needs.

Best for Phone and Tablet Charging: Belkin Boost Charge 27W USB-C + 12W USB-A Home Charger

Belkin BOOST UP CHARGE 27W USB-C + 12W USB-A Home Charger

Belkin’s Boost Charge dual adapter has a USB-C charging port with 27W output, as well as a 12W USB-A port. The extra wattage means it can easily do double duty, charging both your iPhone and iPad. Like its less expensive sibling, it features a stylish design and a folding plug for easy travel. You’ll still want to pick up a USB-C-to-Lightning cable to get the fastest charge for your iPhone.

Best for Travel: Native Union Smart Charger PD 18W

Native Union Smart Charger PD 18W

Native Union’s Smart Charger PD is ideal for travelers, thanks to included EU, UK, and US adapters. It has a USB-C port that supports a maximum output of 18W to quickly charge your iPhone, as well as a USB-A port that maxes out at 12W. Like most of the fast iPhone adapters on this list, the Smart Charger PD doesn't come with cables, but Native Union sells some of our favorite durable USB-C-to-Lightning cables on the market.

Best for Small Spaces: RAVPower PD Pioneer 30W GaN Tech USB-C Wall Charger

RAVPower PD Pioneer 30W GaN Tech USB C Wall Charger

At 1.6 by 1.6 by 1.1 inches (HWD), the RAVPower PD Pioneer is the smallest 30W charger on the market. It offers more than enough power to quickly charge your iPhone, and can even handle your iPad or MacBook. It ships without any accessories, so you’ll find to pick up a good USB-C-to-Lightning cable to get the fastest iPhone charging speeds.

Best for Most Power: RAVPower PD Pioneer 45W GaN Tech USB-C Wall Charger

RAVPower PD Pioneer 45W GaN Tech USB C Wall Charger

Although the RAVPower PD Pioneer 45W charger is one of the more expensive selections on this list, its tiny footprint makes it one of our favorite fast iPhone chargers for travel. It features a single USB-C charging port that can deliver up to 45W of power output. While that's more than enough to quickly charge your iPhone, you can also use it to charge your iPad, iPad Pro, or MacBook Air. It can even be used as a trickle charger for the MacBook Pro 

The Best Wireless iPhone Chargers

If your nightstand is cluttered with cables for your AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPhone, it's time to streamline your power routine with a wireless charging pad. We've assembled a list of our favorite wireless charging stations for Apple products, with phone-only and multi-device options in a range of prices. Some of them even support fast charging.

Posted in: ADAPTER