How to Choose the Best Fast Charger for your iPhone

When it comes to charging your iPhone, speed and safety are paramount. With numerous options available, choosing the best fast charger for your iPhone can be quite confusing.

Waiting for your iPhone to charge fully can be frustrating, especially as phones continue to get bigger, more powerful, and have larger batteries.

If you’re still using a 5W charger, the struggle is even worse—you’ll be stuck waiting forever, which can feel like mental torture.

This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the best fast charger for your iPhone, ensuring you get the most out of your device while keeping it safe.

What is Fast Charging
Why Choosing the Right Charger Matters
Is Your iPhone Compatible with Fast Charging?
What You Need to Fast Charge Your iPhone
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fast Charger
Top Picks for the Best Fast Charger for iPhone
How to Use a Fast Charger Safely
Using a Wireless Charger for Your iPhone
MagSafe iPhone Charger
Can You Use MagSafe with Older iPhones?
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is Fast Charging

Fast charging is a feature that allows your iPhone to charge more quickly than with standard chargers. Apple introduced fast charging with the iPhone 8, and all subsequent models support it.

To achieve fast charging, you need a charger that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and a USB-C to Lightning cable. The quick charging capability can charge your iPhone up to 50% in about 30 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for users on the go.

Why Choosing the Right Charger Matters

Using a subpar charger can lead to slower charging speeds, overheating, and even potential damage to your iPhone’s battery.

Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a charger that supports fast charging and is reliable and safe.

However, the new iPhone 16 series will feature high battery capacity.

Is Your iPhone Compatible with Fast Charging?

iPhones have been able to charge faster for a while now, especially if you’ve used a 12W iPad adapter. But in 2017, Apple took it up a notch with the iPhone 8 by introducing fast charging through USB Power Delivery (PD).

If you have a newer model, like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, these officially support 20W charging. Some models have been tested for charging at speeds as high as 27W.

However, since 2020, Apple has stopped including power adapters with new iPhones. So, you’ll either need to use an older adapter (which might be slower) or buy a new one from a recommended list.

What You Need to Fast Charge Your iPhone

When looking for a fast charger, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the charger must support PD (Power Delivery). It’s also important that the charger has a USB-C port.

Since Apple only started including USB-C-to-Lightning cables with the iPhone 12 in 2020, if you have an older iPhone, you might need to buy a new cable from Apple or a trusted brand.

This isn’t where you want to go cheap because using off-brand cables can lead to problems. Apple’s USB-C-to-Lightning cable (starting at $19) works just fine for most people.

However, we recommend cables from reliable brands like Native Union and Nomad. If you have an iPhone 15, it comes with a braided USB-C-to-USB-C cable that matches the USB-C port.

Finally, think about your charging habits. Do you often need to charge multiple devices at the same time? If so, getting a charger with multiple ports might be a good idea.

Just make sure to check the charger’s total power output and the power output for each port. Some ports may not deliver enough power, leading to slower charging times

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fast Charger

#1. Wattage

The wattage of your charger determines how quickly it can charge your iPhone. Apple recommends a 20W charger for fast charging.

However, iPhones can benefit from chargers up to 30W, especially for models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which can charge at higher speeds.

It’s important to note that while higher-wattage chargers (like 60W or 100W) can be used, they won’t charge your iPhone any faster than a 30W charger.

#2. Certification

Always opt for chargers that are MFi (Made for iPhone) certified. This certification ensures that the charger meets Apple’s safety and performance standards.

Using non-certified chargers can risk damaging your iPhone or may not provide the promised charging speeds.

#3. Cable Quality

The charging cable plays a crucial role in fast charging. Ensure you use a high-quality USB-C to Lightning cable, preferably MFi-certified.

Apple’s official cables are a safe bet, but third-party options are also available that offer durable and reliable performance.

#4. Portability

Consider how portable the charger is, especially if you travel frequently. Some chargers come with foldable prongs or are designed to be compact, making them easy to carry in a bag or pocket.

#5. Compatibility

Make sure the charger is compatible with your specific iPhone model. While most modern iPhones support USB-C chargers, older models may require a USB-A to Lightning cable.

It’s also worth checking if the charger can be used with other devices, like iPads or MacBooks, for added versatility.

#6. Additional Features

Some chargers have extra features like multiple ports, which allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, or built-in safety features like overcurrent and overheating protection. While these aren’t necessary, they can enhance the overall charging experience.

Top Picks for the Best Fast Charger for iPhone

Here are some of the best options available in the market, based on the factors mentioned above:

#1. Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter

Wattage: 20W
Pros: Official Apple product, reliable, compact.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than third-party options.

This is the standard choice for iPhone users who want to ensure compatibility and safety. It’s compact and reliable and works perfectly with any iPhone model that supports fast charging.

#2. Anker PowerPort III Nano

Wattage: 20W
Pros: Extremely compact, affordable, high build quality.
Cons: No cable included.

Anker is known for its high-quality charging accessories, and the PowerPort III Nano is no exception. It’s one of the smallest fast chargers available, making it ideal for travel.

#3. RAVPower 30W USB-C Charger

Wattage: 30W
Pros: Higher wattage, foldable prongs, fast charging for multiple devices.
Cons: Slightly bulkier than 20W options.

The RAVPower 30W charger is a great option for those needing a bit more power. It’s capable of charging your iPhone and other devices like iPads or MacBooks.

#4. Belkin BoostCharge 20W USB-C PD

Wattage: 20W
Pros: Reliable brand, compact design, includes cable.
Cons: Slightly higher price.

Belkin is another trusted brand, and their BoostCharge 20W charger is a solid choice. It’s compact, reliable, and has a cable, making it a great all-in-one option.

#5. UGreen 30W USB-C Charger

Wattage: 30W
Pros: Affordable, multiple ports, high power.
Cons: Slightly larger size.

UGreen offers an excellent 30W charger that’s both affordable and powerful. It’s a bit larger than some of the 20W options, but its higher wattage offers more versatility.

How to Use a Fast Charger Safely

While fast charging is incredibly convenient, it’s important to use it correctly to ensure the longevity of your iPhone’s battery. Here are some tips:

Avoid Overheating: Always use your charger in a well-ventilated area. Avoid charging your iPhone in direct sunlight or under a pillow, as this can cause overheating. Make sure you prevent your iPhone from getting hot.
Unplug When Full: Although modern iPhones are designed to handle being plugged in after reaching 100%, it’s still a good practice to unplug your phone once fully charged to avoid unnecessary wear on the battery.
Use Quality Accessories: Stick to MFi-certified chargers and cables to ensure the safety of your device.

Using a Wireless Charger for Your iPhone

Wireless charging is super convenient because you don’t need to mess with cables. Place your iPhone on a charging dock, and it starts charging automatically. Since the iPhone X and iPhone 8, all iPhones support wireless charging.

There are many different wireless chargers out there—some are vertical, others horizontal, and they come in different colors, like white or black. The key thing to look for is certification to ensure it’s safe for your iPhone.

Like wired chargers, wireless chargers offer fast charging options. The higher the Watts (W), the faster your iPhone will charge. There are different bases with varying power levels.

For example, if you’re charging your iPhone overnight, you don’t need the highest power setting. But if you want a wireless charger for your desk at work, you might choose a more powerful dock for quicker charging.

MagSafe iPhone Charger

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 introduced a new type of charger called MagSafe. It combines the best features of wireless and wired charging.

The Apple MagSafe charger uses a magnet that snaps onto the back of your iPhone, allowing you to charge it quickly and safely while still being able to use it.

Can You Use MagSafe with Older iPhones?

Yes, you can use MagSafe with iPhones older than the iPhone 12, but it won’t magnetically attach to the back, and charging might be slower.

We recommend getting MagSafe only if you have an iPhone 12 or later. If you have an older iPhone, your best bet is to stick with a traditional wireless charging dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know a fast charger for iPhone?

In addition to the lightning bolt symbol, a fast-charging iPhone may also display a notification on the lock screen indicating that it is charging rapidly. This notification appears when the iPhone is connected to a compatible fast charger and is a convenient way to identify if your device is fast charging.

Is a 30W charger good for iPhone?

Therefore, a high-power 30W charger is recommended for the iPhone Pro Max model. However, a 20W charger is deemed sufficient for the Pro or basic iPhone models, ensuring minimal impact on the device’s temperature and battery life.

How do I choose a good iPhone charger?

Any fast charger with an output above 20W will suffice, but avoid going lower than this stated number. You will notice the difference. For instance, your iPhone can charge up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a compatible fast charger.

How many watts is a fast charger for an iPhone?

To fast charge your iPhone 12 and later, you need a 20W or higher power adapter. Information about products not manufactured by Apple or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple is provided without recommendation or endorsement.

Can I use any fast charger for my iPhone?

According to Apple, you can also use other compatible fast-charging power bricks, but you’ll need at least a 20-watt brick to fast-charge an iPhone 12 and later. Mkeke makes a 20-watt charger.

Conclusion

Choosing the best fast charger for your iPhone doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering factors like wattage, certification, and portability, you can find a charger that perfectly suits your needs.

Remember to prioritize safety and reliability over price, and always opt for MFi-certified products to ensure your iPhone’s best performance and longevity.

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References

Macworld.com – Best iPhone chargers: How to pick the right USB-C power adapter
Benjamindada.com – Guide: How to choose which fast charger to buy for your smartphone
Pcmag.com – The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2024