Different Types of Chargers: What You Should Know

Most of us carry a phone, a tablet, maybe even a laptop—all of them hungry for power. Walk into any store and you'll see wall-to-wall chargers. Which one do you grab? A quick rundown of the main phone charger types helps you skip the guesswork, cut back on extra cables, and keep every device ready when you need it.

In this article, we will walk through the core types of chargers—USB-C blocks, wireless pads, portable power banks, multi-port hubs, and desktop stations—and point out a few stand-out picks from Anker. Whether you're swapping out an aging adapter or looking for faster charging, this guide will help you choose with confidence.

6 Different Phone Charger Types

With multiple phone charger types available today, selection may be perplexing. Below, we separate the types of chargers you might see and bring up their features, uses, and the leading option for each so you can find the best fit for your charging needs.

USB-A Chargers

USB-A chargers are one of the oldest phone charger types still widely used. They're easy to recognize by their rectangular shape and are compatible with many older phones, tablets, and accessories.

Pros and Cons

Pros: USB-A still works well with older phones, cameras, and other earlier-generation gear. Cables are everywhere and cost less than newer options.

Cons: The trade-off is performance. USB-A supplies less power and slower data rates, so it can't deliver a true fast charge for today's power-hungry devices.

USB-C Chargers

If you've bought a new phone, tablet, or laptop in the last few years, it probably ships with a USB-C port. The slim, oval plug fits either way and carries enough power and data to cover almost anything you need from a single connector.

Take Anker Prime 100W Charger (3 Ports) as an example. This GaN unit tucks two USB-C ports and one USB-A into a palm-sized brick yet still pushes a full 100W. Drop it in a backpack and you can top up a laptop, a phone, and earbuds all at once—handy on a commute or in a dorm room.

Pros and Cons

Pros: USB-C can deliver up to 100W, so it truly fast-charges phones and many laptops. The same plug also carries video and high-speed data, and because it's reversible, you never have to flip it around.

Cons: Cables and adapters that meet the newest USB-C specs usually cost a bit more than basic USB-A gear.

Wireless Chargers

Wireless charging removes the cable altogether. Place your phone on a pad and coils inside the charger pass energy through induction. Anker's Qi-certified lineup works with recent iPhones and other Apple devices and comes in flat pads, upright stands, and multi-device docks that can charge an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Great on a nightstand or desk—no cords to tangle and no extra strain on the phone's port.

Cons: Slower than a cable, and your phone has to sit in exactly the right spot to charge.

Portable Chargers (Power Banks)

Ever run out of battery with no outlet in sight? A power bank solves that problem. It stores its own charge so you can top up a phone, tablet, or even a laptop wherever you happen to be.

A good pick is Anker Prime Power Bank (250W). It can push up to 250W, enough to fast charge a laptop while still feeding smaller devices. The smart display shows how much power is left, and built-in heat management keeps everything cool. That makes it a solid choice for travelers, photographers, or anyone who works away from a wall plug.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lets you recharge on the move. High-capacity units can refill several devices before they need a wall charge, and most slide easily into a bag or jacket pocket.

Cons: The bank itself needs recharging later, and higher-capacity models add a bit of bulk and weight.

Desktop Charger

A desktop charger is a power hub you park on your desk or nightstand. With several ports in one place, it can top up a phone, tablet, laptop, and earbuds all at once—no more swapping cables.

One standout choice is Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports). Four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports share a hefty 250W, enough to keep a high-performance laptop running while smaller devices fill up beside it.

Pros and Cons

Pros: One hub, many ports. You can charge a phone, tablet, laptop, and earbuds from a single wall outlet—perfect for a busy desk or a shared workspace.

Cons: These chargers are bigger than a basic wall cube and are meant to stay in one spot, so they're not something you'd toss in a pocket.

Multi-Port Chargers

Multi-port chargers are built for people who juggle several gadgets. Plug one hub into the wall and you can top up phones, laptops, earbuds—everything—without hunting for extra outlets. Anker offers the full range, from a travel-friendly two-port model to a six-port desktop station that handles USB-A and USB-C at different speeds.

Pros and Cons

Pros: A single charger can power several devices, helping you reduce wall clutter. With both USB-A and USB-C ports, it handles older and newer devices with ease—perfect for home, dorms, or travel.

Cons: If multiple ports are in use, charging might slow down. These chargers are also bulkier than single-port models, so they're less ideal for packing light.

Choose Phone Charger Types to Suit Your Devices

From USB-A bricks to USB-C adapters, wireless pads, power banks, and multi-port hubs—there's a charger for just about every device and situation. Knowing how each one fits into your routine can make it easier to choose the right charger for your daily setup.

Anker has you covered, whatever you're looking to charge. Whether it's a simple phone charger, a powerful desktop hub, or a slim wireless pad, you'll get dependable performance backed by smart, thoughtful design.