Buying a Charger: Which Charger Is Right for Your Device?
Need a charger? No matter how big your battery is, there comes a time when you need to recharge. That goes for you, but also for your devices. And since you don’t want to spend unnecessary time plugging in, choose a charger that’s best suited for your device and can charge it as quickly as possible. You’re guaranteed to find it here.
Which charger do you need?
Choose a charger based on three factors: the connector, the power output in watts, and the cable. The connector is now almost always USB-C, the power output determines how long it takes to charge, and the cable is the silent game-changer that almost no one thinks about.
USB-C is mandatory in the EU
As of December 28, 2024, all new phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, cameras, game consoles, and computer mice sold in the EU must be chargeable via USB-C (Dutch Government). The same rule has applied to new laptops since April 28, 2026. So, one charger for everything. The downside: you can no longer use your old micro-USB charger with new devices.
The charger is no longer included in the box
When buying a new device, expect to purchase a charger separately. Apple stopped including an adapter in 2020, Samsung followed suit a year later, and many other brands did the same: at most, you’ll get a cable. The EU doesn’t require manufacturers to include a charger, but it does require them to use a pictogram on the packaging to indicate whether one is included. Good for the environment, not so good for your wallet.
How many watts do you need?
For a phone, a 20- to 30-watt charger is more than enough in practice. If you’re also charging a tablet or laptop, 45 to 65 watts is more practical. A higher-wattage charger won’t damage your phone—it will only draw as much power as your device can handle—but it also won’t charge any faster than your device allows. You can find out exactly how much power your model requires by checking the fast chargers.
- Fast chargers: for those who want to spend as little time as possible plugged in, with 45 watts or more.
- Wireless chargers: convenience over speed—you simply place your device on the charger instead of plugging it in.
- Power banks: a charger that carries its own power, handy when you’re on the go.
- Multi-port and travel chargers: a single adapter for your phone, earbuds, and laptop at the same time, often with plugs for use abroad.
The cable also plays a role
A charger is never faster than the cable connected to it. A standard USB-C cable is rated for up to 60 watts. If you want more, you’ll need a cable with an e-marker chip, capable of 100 or even 240 watts. If your device uses a proprietary fast-charging technology, it often comes with the manufacturer’s own cable. An expensive charger paired with a cheap cable is a waste of money.
With a cable or wirelessly?
A cable is faster; wireless is more convenient. If you put your phone next to your bed at night, you won’t notice the difference in speed. But if you have twenty minutes to spare between appointments, you will. Read more about wireless chargers or see which phones support wireless charging.
