Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
With a pair of USB-C ports and ultra-fast charging, this portable car charger is a winner. Read More
AmazonBasics Dual Port USB Car Charger isn't the quickest charger we've tested, but it does the trick. Read More
The Anker doesn't support Quick Charge, but it's got enough juice to recharge a pair of iPads at the same time. Read More
This charger is very lightweight, durable, and resists scratches, so you can safely keep it in your travel bag. Read More
This charger allows you to charge two devices at the same time and easily travel with it due to its compact size. Read More
Many modern vehicles now have everything you need to charge smartphones, tablets, and laptops, built right into them—even base model vehicles include charging USB ports that can juice up multiple devices simultaneously. However, if you need a few additional port chargers to use on a road trip, or have an older vehicle, you'll need to invest in a charger that can be plugged into a 12-volt port or, if your ride’s of a certain age, a cigarette lighter.
Out of many plug-in, 12-volt car chargers and wireless charging docks, the Anker PowerDrive III Duo (available at Amazon) is one of the best car chargers you can buy. It charges reliably, is well-built, and its quick-charge port allows it to live up to its fast-charging standards for your phone’s battery.
The Anker PowerDrive III Duo is a fast, reliable 12-volt charger for modern USB-C devices.
Very small and compact
Has two charging ports
Affordable price
Did not charge as quickly as some of the others
No quick charge technology
PowerIQ and VoltageBoost tech
Small yet powerful
No Quick Charge support
There are lots of things to consider when buying a car charger to use with your smartphone, tablet or another USB-powered device. Some, for example, come with built-in cables with a male adapter on the end for charging a specific device, whether it be a USB-C charger for an Android phone or a multitude of other devices or, Apple’s Lightning charging standard. This can be handy if you’re charging a compatible device, however, you’ll need to pack an extra cable if you want to charge anything that doesn’t use the adapter that the charger is equipped with.
Other car chargers come with multiple ports. One or more female USB-A or USB-C ports and allow you to plug in whatever cable you wish. These 12V chargers are far more versatile, you’ll need to remember to bring the charging cables you need with you or leave some in the car.
In some instances, a 12-volt car charger will feature a ‘fast charger’ port which, as the name suggests, offers compatible devices faster charging than a regular USB or wireless charger connection can. The reliability of such claims depends heavily upon the quality of the charger and which fast charging technology it employs.
Samantha is an avid writer, editor, and consumer with an oddly deep love for finding amazing deals on amazing products, especially stuff that makes life easier. Her personal passions include smart home tech, 3D printing, crafting, cocktails, and cats.
Christine Persaud is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
Shoot us an email
