Types of Chargers Explained: From USB to Wireless & More

Let’s be honest: chargers can be confusing. USB-A and Micro-USB are quickly becoming old news, while USB-C is now the go-to for just about everything. Add in wireless chargers, car adapters, and even solar options, and suddenly, picking the right one isn’t so simple.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of chargers (and cables) you’re likely to come across—what they’re for, how they differ, and how to pick the right one without overthinking it.

alt: phone charger cable types

Types of Chargers

From old-school USB-A plugs to faster USB-C chargers, wireless pads, car adapters, and desktop hubs, there’s a wide range of different types of chargers to choose from these days. Let’s see what each one has to offer:

USB-A Chargers

USB-A, also called Type A, are the classic, rectangular ports most of us grew up with. Most USB-A plugs provide a fixed 5V output, usually delivering between 5W and 12W (typically 5V⎓2.4A). That’s fine for overnight charging but feels sluggish by today’s standards.

Some models support Quick Charge 3.0, which bumps that up to around 18W, but it’s still a far cry from what modern USB-C can do.

That said, USB-A is widely compatible, working with everything from older Micro-USB and Lightning cables to newer USB-C connectors. While USB-A chargers are gradually being phased out in favour of USB-C, they’re still a convenient choice for older phones, accessories, or households with a mix of tech.

alt: Anker USB-A Charger

USB-C Chargers

USB-C has quickly become the new standard—and for good reason. It features a small, oval-shaped, reversible connector (no more fumbling to plug it in the right way), and it can deliver much more power than USB-A.

Driven by the EU’s Common Charger Directive, USB-C is now the default across most phones, tablets, and laptops. Even Apple made the jump with the release of the iPhone 15 lineup.

The real magic comes from the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. Earlier PD chargers capped out at 100W, but the newer PD 3.1 standard bumps that all the way up to 240W—enough to charge power-hungry laptops and future-proof gear.

For smartphones, you’re usually looking at 20W to 65W fast USB-C chargers. Some also support PPS (Programmable Power Supply), which adjusts the voltage and current in real time for more efficient, cooler, and faster charging—especially useful for Samsung, Pixel, and other PPS-compatible phones.

Now, a good quality USB-C charger and certified cable can often handle your entire setup—phones, tablets, laptops, and earbuds—cutting clutter and simplifying your life.

alt: Anker USB-C charger

Lightning Chargers

When you think of chargers for iPhone, Lightning cables are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Lightning is Apple’s proprietary, reversible, 8-pin connector introduced in 2012. It’s still found on iPhone 14 and earlier, older iPads, AirPods cases, as well as many other Apple accessories.

If you’re using a USB-A to Lightning cable with a Type-A adapter, charging speeds are typically limited to 12W (2.4A at 5V). But if you switch to a 20W+ USB-C PD charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable, you can take advantage of fast charging—getting your Lightning iPhone to about 50% in just 30 minutes.

However, with Apple now moving everything over to USB-C, Lightning is slowly being phased out. If you’re buying new, USB-C is definitely the more future-proof option.

alt: Close-up of a Lightning cable

Wireless Chargers

Wireless charging makes life simpler—just drop your phone on a wireless charger pad or stand and let it top up without plugging anything in. This is made possible by a technology called electromagnetic induction. The charger contains a transmitter coil that generates a magnetic field, which is then picked up by a compatible receiver coil inside your phone, allowing electricity to be transferred wirelessly.

Most phones today use the universal Qi standard, which supports speeds between 5W and 15W, depending on the device and charger. Apple’s MagSafe added magnets for better alignment and a more stable connection—delivering up to 15W on compatible iPhones (12-16 models).

Even better, the new Qi2 standard brings MagSafe-style magnets to all phones and manufacturers, including Android. From simple pads and stands to magnetic power banks and full multi-device stations, any Qi2-certified third-party charger gives you that satisfying snap-on connection and fast 15W charging for your iPhone.

Wired charging is still faster overall, but MagSafe and Qi2 close the gap—and it’s hard to beat the convenience at your desk or bedside.

alt: Anker Qi2 wireless charging stand

Car Chargers

Need power on the road? Car chargers plug into your vehicle’s 12V socket and can pack a serious punch.

Look for models with USB-C PD and PPS support—many offer 45W to 60W from the USB-C port, plus an additional USB-A QC 3.0 port for older devices. High-end models can output up to 75W or 100W total across multiple ports.

Metal builds tend to be more durable, and it’s worth checking for built-in safety features like over-temperature and over-voltage protection.

alt: Anker car charger

Desktop Chargers (Charging Stations)

If you’re juggling multiple devices at once, a desktop charger can clear the clutter. These chargers for multi-device—often built with GaN (gallium nitride) tech—are compact, cool-running, and efficient.

A good model typically includes at least two USB-C PD ports (often supporting 65W–100W each) plus one or two USB-A ports for older accessories. Total output can go well over 100W, though power gets shared when using multiple ports at once, so check the wattage breakdown in the product specs.

They are perfect for powering laptops, tablets, phones and headphones all in one go, with just a single plug socket.

alt: Anker desk charging station

Solar Chargers

Ideal for camping, festivals, hiking, or power cuts, solar chargers use fold-out panels to generate charge from sunlight. Small models output around 10W, while slightly larger portable panels can deliver 20–30W, enough to charge a phone or top off a power bank.

Under full sun, a 10W solar charger might take 2–5 hours to recharge a phone. But in the UK’s mixed weather, the smart move is to pair a solar panel with a power bank, so you can store energy during the day and charge whenever you need.

They’re not the fastest or most reliable option, but for outdoor use or backup charging, they’re incredibly handy.

alt: Anker portable solar panel charger

Quick Note: Types of Charging Cables

Now that we have covered the different types of chargers for phones, let’s dig further into the cables. You need the right connector at each end, of course, but also the right power rating and certification. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of cables you’ll run into:

USB-A Cables

USB-A to Micro-USB

USB-A to Micro-USB cables are still common on older Android phones, power banks, Bluetooth headphones, and budget accessories. These cables usually deliver 5V at 1–2.4A, giving you between 7.5W and 12W, depending on the USB-A charger.

They don’t support USB Power Delivery, so while they’re fine for basic charging, they’re not built for speed. It’s a solid pick for older devices or low-power gear.

alt: USB-A to Micro-USB cable

USB-A to USB-C

USB-A to USB-C cables allow older USB-A chargers to connect with modern USB-C devices. They are commonly used with newer Android phones, tablets, and other USB-C-enabled devices.

These cables serve as a helpful transition for users who still have USB-A power adapters but have upgraded to devices with USB-C ports. With the right charger, you might get Quick Charge speeds up to 18W, but you won’t get true USB-C PD fast charging with this setup. For that, you’ll need USB-C on both ends.

alt: USB-A to USB-C cable

USB-A to Lightning

USB-A to Lightning cables are used with older iPhones, iPads, and Apple accessories. When paired with a standard USB-A power adapter, they typically provide up to 12W of power (5V at 2.4A).

If that level of charging works for you, just make sure to choose an MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) cable to avoid cheap knockoffs that can cause errors or wear out quickly.

However, if you want fast charging (like 0–50% in ~30 minutes), this cable won’t cut it—you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable paired with a USB-C PD charger instead.

alt: USB-A to Lightning cable

USB-C Cables

USB-C to USB-C

This is the standard for most modern devices—phones, tablets, laptops, and more. But power and performance depend heavily on the cable itself. There are two main types:

• 3A cables, which support up to 60W.
• 5A e-marked cables, which handle up to 240W, perfect for larger laptops or docking stations that need serious power.

For data, speeds can range from basic USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) all the way up to USB 3.2, USB4, or Thunderbolt 4 (40–80 Gbps). Many cheaper USB-C cables are charge-only or capped at low data rates, so check labels carefully.

USB-IF certified cables now often show power and speed right on the packaging—like “USB-C 60W / 20Gbps”—which helps cut through the confusion.

If you’re using a high-powered laptop or monitor, or want to cover all your bases, look for a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable that supports both fast charging and high-speed data. These are backwards-compatible and future-proof.

alt: USB-C to USB-C cable

USB-C to Lightning

A USB-C to Lightning cable is the go-to for fast-charging older iPhones and iPads. When paired with a 20W or higher USB-C PD charger, this cable supports Apple’s fast charge feature—giving you around 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

Now that Apple has moved to USB-C with iPhone 15 and beyond, this cable mainly serves older models and accessories. Again, stick with MFi-certified versions for peace of mind.

alt: USB-C to Lightning cable

Conclusion

By now, you’ve got a solid understanding of the main types of chargers and how they differ—plus the cable types that make them work. Whether you’re plugging in with USB-C, topping up wirelessly, or using an older USB-A charger for backups, the key is knowing what your device supports and matching it with the right combo of charger and cable.

Newer devices are pushing towards faster, smarter, and more efficient charging, with USB-C leading the way and wireless standards like Qi2 closing the gap. If you’re still using older gear, that’s fine too. Just make sure you’re not slowing yourself down with outdated cables or underpowered plugs.

FAQs

What is A, C type and B type charger?

USB Type‑A, Type‑B and Type‑C refer to the physical connector shapes used in chargers and cables. Type‑A is the classic flat, rectangular plug found on most host devices like PCs. Type‑B is squarer and commonly used on printers or scanners. Type‑C is the modern oval, reversible connector used widely for charging smartphones, tablets and laptops—offering higher power and data capabilities than legacy ports.

What are the three types of chargers?

The three most common types of phone chargers are USB‑A, Micro-USB, and USB‑C. USB‑A is the traditional rectangular plug used on computers and wall adapters. Micro‑USB, once common on older Android phones and accessories, has a slim, tapered shape. USB‑C is the latest oval-shaped, reversible connector that supports faster charging and data speeds. It is now the standard for most new smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Which is a Type-C charger?

A Type‑C charger uses a USB‑C connector, a small, oval, reversible plug capable of delivering high power (via USB‑PD up to 100 W or more) and supporting fast data rates and video output. It’s the modern standard for charging and connecting devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops, replacing the older Type‑A and Type‑B ports.