Best USB-C Chargers, Docks, Batteries and Other Accessories
Here are the devices that make the charging and data port even more useful.
After some growing pains, USB-C has hit its stride. Many laptops and phones come with USB-C ports for data and charging, and now an abundance of accessories take advantage of the standard.
Even Apple, which for years favored its competing Lightning connector, is building USB-C into new iPads and reportedly will release USB-C iPhones in 2023. That's great, because more USB-C devices means more USB-C charging ports everywhere, so you're less likely to be stuck with a drained battery in an airport, office or friend's car.
Accessories unlock USB-C's potential. USB docks and hubs multiply the abilities of a single USB-C port on your laptop. Multiport chargers are great for people with lots of devices to charge, and efficient new gallium nitride, aka GaN, electronics makes them smaller and lighter. And now USB-C is increasingly useful as a video port to connect external monitors.
We've tested a range of products to help you get the most out of USB-C. This is a general list, but you can also check out our picks for best USB-C chargers and best USB-C hubs and docking stations.
First, though, a little explanation, because USB standards can be confusing. USB-C is the physical connection. It's the oval port and the reversible cables that now are commonplace on laptops and Android phones. The main USB standard is currently at USB 4.0. This governs the data connections between devices, for example plugging a backup drive into your PC. USB Power Delivery (USB PD) governs how devices cooperate for charging and is newly upgraded to reach powerful 240-watt levels.
USB-C is good for replacing both the original rectangular USB-A ports that first arrived on 1990s PCs to connect printers and mice. The small, trapezoidal ports that caught on for phone charging are called USB Micro B.
2022-05-30 21:55:55
