Buy a car charger for your phone

Looking for a car charger? Here you'll find all kinds of car chargers, from compact plugs for the 12V outlet to models with multiple USB-C ports for the entire backseat. When it comes to car chargers, power is key: not enough watts and your phone will actually run out of battery while you’re navigating. If you mainly charge at home, check out our selection of chargers and fast chargers. We compare the current prices from all retailers, 100% independently: use the filters for power, connection type, and number of ports to instantly find the charger that’s right for your device.

What should you look for in a car charger?

First, check the power output, and only then consider the rest. A 20- to 30-watt car charger charges a phone noticeably faster than most built-in USB ports in a car. If you’re charging two devices at the same time or have a laptop plugged in, you’ll likely need around 45 to 65 watts. Also consider the type of connector, the number of ports, and the cable you use: these three factors together determine whether the power actually reaches your battery.

As of December 28, 2024, new phones, tablets, and earbuds in the EU must charge via USB-C (Dutch Government). If you’re buying a car charger now, choose a model with at least one USB-C port, even if your current device still uses USB-A. Your next phone will have that port anyway.

This is the classic bad purchase. Navigation, a bright screen, Bluetooth, and a hotspot together consume more power than a cheap charger of a few watts can provide, causing your battery to slowly drain during the trip instead of charging. Count on at least 20 watts via USB-C Power Delivery when using navigation on the road, and even more once passengers join you. A charger that doesn’t deliver enough power isn’t a savings—it’s a bad buy.

12V outlet or the car’s own USB port

The USB ports built into the dashboard at the factory are, in many cars, primarily intended for data transfer, CarPlay, and Android Auto—not for fast charging. A separate charger plugged into the 12V outlet—the socket that used to be the cigarette lighter—will provide more power. Newer cars sometimes do have a USB-C port with serious charging power built in; check the owner’s manual before you buy anything, because you might not need a separate charger at all. If you drive a van or truck, look for a charger that can also handle 24V.

Multiple ports: power is shared

A charger with two or three ports is convenient when there are more people in the car, with one important caveat: the total power is divided among the ports. A 45-watt charger won’t deliver 2x45 watts when used on two ports at the same time. Check the specifications for the power output per port, not just the highest number listed on the packaging. If you also want to charge older devices, choose a model with both USB-C and USB-A ports.

The cable accounts for half the result

An old or cheap cable limits the current, causing your phone to switch to slow charging. For fast charging, you need a USB-C-to-USB-C cable that can handle your charger’s power output; look for the CE mark and the listed wattage. Length matters, too: the longer the cable, the greater the power loss. So a cable that just reaches your phone holder is better than one that’s three meters long.

Car charger, power bank, or wireless charging?

There are three ways to charge on the go, each with its own pros and cons:

Fast chargers: the same USB-C Power Delivery technology for home and office use, usually with more power than a car charger
Power banks: handy if you need power outside the car as well, but you have to remember to keep it charged yourself
Wireless chargers: a magnetic mount charges without a cable, but it’s slower and generates more heat, which can be problematic in a car parked in the sun

Tip: Do you want to be able to charge a laptop on the go as well? Then choose a car charger rated at 65 watts or higher with USB-C Power Delivery and first check whether your laptop supports charging via USB-C.