Types of Chargers: A Complete Guide

Smartphones have become the hub for banking, navigation, streaming, and staying in touch. Yet many people still grab the nearest wall plug without thinking about wattage, port shape, or safety certs. The result is sluggish charging or—worse—early battery wear. At Anker we test thousands of cables and adapters every year, so we see the common mistakes. This guide breaks down the main types of chargers you'll spot online or at big-box stores in Canada and shows you how to choose confidently. Let's get started.

Alt: Various types of phone chargers including USB a USB c lightning and wireless chargers on a table

Different Types of Phone Chargers

Choosing the right charger for your device isn't just about plugging in any cable you find. From older devices to the latest flagship models, there are a variety of charger types, each with its specific purpose. Understanding these different chargers helps ensure you're powering your devices efficiently, safely, and with longevity in mind.

USB-A Chargers

USB-A is the classic rectangular port that became standard through the 2000s.

Typical power range: 5 W to 12 W

Best for: Older Android handsets, basic Bluetooth accessories, e-readers

Cable pairing: USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-A to Lightning, or USB-A to USB-C

Because the connector's design predates fast-charge protocols, even a branded 12 W USB-A brick will take roughly 90 minutes to fill a 3 000 mAh phone, according to internal Anker lab tests. That said, it remains handy as a low-cost spare.

USB-C Chargers

USB-C uses a small oval port found on almost all modern Android phones, many laptops, and the latest iPad models.

Typical power range: 18 W to 140 W

Best for: Current smartphones, tablets, USB-C laptops, Nintendo Switch

Cable pairing: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning (for fast-charging recent iPhones)

Thanks to Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards, a 30 W USB-C adapter can push a compatible handset from 0 % to 50 % in about 25 minutes. Statista shows that by late 2023, 88 % of new Android devices shipped with USB-C.

Lightning Chargers

Exclusive to Apple mobile devices launched before the iPhone 15, Lightning uses an eight-pin connector.

Typical power range: 5 W to 20 W (when paired with a USB-C PD brick)

Best for: iPhones up to the 14 line, some iPads, AirPods cases

Cable pairing: USB-A to Lightning for older bricks, or USB-C to Lightning for fast charge

Apple's 2023 earnings call noted about 900 million Lightning-based devices still in daily use, so the format remains relevant despite Apple's recent shift to USB-C on flagship phones.

Wireless Chargers

Qi wireless pads and stands send power through coils on the back of your phone.

Typical power range: 7.5 W to 15 W for most iPhones, up to 30 W on select Android models

Best for: Desk setups, nightstands, people who prefer fewer cables

A StatCan-backed survey highlighted a 32 % uptick in Canadian ownership of wireless-ready phones from 2021 to 2023. Although wireless is less efficient than a direct cable, many users find the convenience outweighs the extra 15–25 minutes. Look for “Qi certified” to avoid coil overheating. For an enhanced experience, consider a magnetic charging pad that aligns your device perfectly, ensuring optimal power transfer.

For those seeking the ultimate convenience in wireless charging, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe is a perfect choice. This Qi-certified charger allows you to wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, all while maintaining a sleek, clutter-free desk or nightstand setup. Offering up to 15W fast charging for iPhones with MagSafe, it combines convenience and reliability, ensuring quick power delivery while protecting against coil overheating. For users seeking both functionality and style, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube is the ideal addition to any home or office.

Alt: Anker 3 in 1 cube with magsafe compact charging station with USB c adapter

Car Chargers

Plugged into a 12-volt socket inside the vehicle, car adapters convert DC to USB-friendly power.

Typical power range: Older models typically deliver 12W through USB-A ports, while newer designs with dual USB-C ports offer power outputs of 30W or more.

Best for: Navigation drains, road-trip streaming, topping up multiple phones during rideshare shifts

Modern car chargers often include trickle-charge logic that protects a phone's battery during long drives and safeguards the car's own battery when the engine is off.

For drivers seeking a compact yet powerful car charger, the Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) – offers a reliable solution. With a compact design and 3 ports, it delivers up to 167.5W of total power, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once with efficiency and speed. Whether you're navigating, streaming, or powering up your devices on a long road trip, this charger ensures quick and safe power delivery while protecting your phone and car's battery.

Alt: Anker nano car charger

Portable Chargers (Power Banks)

Power banks store energy in lithium cells so you can recharge away from a wall outlet.

Typical capacity: 5 000 mAh for pocket-size units up to 26 800 mAh for long weekends

Output: Usually one or two USB-C or USB-A ports, sometimes Qi pads on top

Best for: Festivals, camping, business trips, emergency kits

As a rule of thumb, divide a power bank's rated milliamp-hours by your phone's battery size to estimate full recharges, then subtract ten percent for conversion losses.

Multi-Port Chargers

These compact hubs combine two to six outputs, often mixing USB-C, USB-A, and AC outlets.

Total power budget: 45 W to 200 W, intelligently shared

Best for: Households with phones, tablets, and wearables charging at once; hotel rooms with limited sockets

A standout option is the Anker Prime Charger (100W, 3 Ports, GaN). This ultra-compact charger delivers up to 100W total output across two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. Measuring just 1.7 × 1.1 × 2.7 inches and weighing only 6 ounces, it's perfect for travel. The charger features foldable prongs and a well-balanced design to prevent it from falling out of the outlet. Powered by Anker's advanced GaN technology and equipped with ActiveShield™ 2.0, it ensures intelligent temperature monitoring for a safer charging experience.

Alt: Anker prime charger 100w 3ports gan

How to Choose the Best Charger for Your Phone and Devices

Now that you're familiar with the various types of chargers available, it's time to choose the right one based on your device and usage. Making an informed decision about charger type, power rating, and safety can ensure a faster, safer, and longer-lasting charge. Here's how to navigate the choices:

Confirm Port Type

Inspect the phone jack. A pill-shaped oval means USB-C. A tiny eight-pin slot on older iPhones means Lightning.

Match Power Requirements

Check the device specs or original box. If it states “18 W PD,” aim for an adapter rated at least that high. Extra headroom is fine because smart chips throttle as needed.

Prioritize Safety Certifications

Look for UL, ETL, or CSA marks for Canadian compliance. Over-temperature and short-circuit protection add peace of mind.

Think Usage Scenario

Home office: Multi-Port chargers with PD covers laptop plus phone.

Nightstand: Qi wireless stand keeps the screen visible for alarms.

Road trips: Car plug supports fast navigation top-ups and passenger streaming.

Plan for Future Devices

If your current phone still uses Micro-USB, consider upgrading the charger to USB-C with an adapter cable. Your next handset will almost certainly take USB-C directly.

Conclusion

The landscape may feel crowded, yet every style serves a clear purpose. USB-A handles legacy gear, USB-C fuels today's fast-charging flagships, Lightning still supports millions of iPhones, Qi pads trim desk clutter, car plugs keep maps alive, power banks free you from wall sockets, and multi-port bricks untangle family charging wars. By matching port, power, and safety to your routine, you will charge quicker and extend battery health without overspending. Ready to find the perfect charger for your needs? Browse our top-rated chargers and get the power you need today!

FAQs

Can I use a USB-C charger for my older device?

Yes, you can use a USB-C charger for older devices if you have the appropriate adapter or cable. However, older devices without USB-C ports won't take full advantage of the fast charging potential of USB-C.

Is wireless charging slower than wired charging?

Generally, yes. Wireless charging is often slower than wired charging due to energy loss in the transfer process. However, some fast wireless chargers are comparable to standard wired chargers.

Which is better Type B or Type-C charger?

USB-C is superior to Type-B in terms of speed, power delivery, and versatility. It supports faster data transfer, higher charging speeds, and is reversible, making it the preferred choice for modern devices.

How do I know if I have USB A or C?

USB-A has a rectangular shape, while USB-C is smaller, oval, and reversible. USB-A ports are commonly found on older devices, while USB-C is increasingly used in newer smartphones, laptops, and accessories.