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Smartphones, tablets, wireless earphones, notebooks, and other devices that are charged via USB are becoming increasingly common.
Along with this, the types of USB chargers are diversifying surprisingly.
With many specialized terms such as output wattage and port type, and fast charging standards, many people may be wondering “Which one should I choose?”

Choosing the wrong charger can not only result in slow charging, but also prevent you from taking full advantage of your device’s performance, and in the worst case, can lead to safety issues such as device failure or overheating.
“As long as it charges, anything is fine” is actually a very dangerous way to think.

In this article, we will resolve your doubts and concerns about choosing a USB charger, and explain in an easy-to-understand manner how to confidently find the best one for your devices, even if you are a beginner.
Please read to the end and make your digital life more comfortable and safe.

Basic Knowledge for Finding the Optimal USB Charger

Choosing a USB charger is extremely important for your digital life.

Why is choosing a charger important now? What are the risks of making the wrong choice? And what is the current situation with smartphones? We will explain the basics in an easy-to-understand manner.

Avoiding Risks from Incorrect Selection

If you choose the wrong USB charger, several risks may occur.
The most immediate risk is that charging takes a long time.
If you use a charger with an output (wattage) lower than what your device requires, it may take hours to fully charge, preventing you from using your device when you need it.

More serious is the risk of device failure or overheating.
Using poor quality products or products that are incompatible with your device can cause unstable voltage or current, which can overload the device and accelerate battery degradation or damage internal circuits.

In particular, products that do not meet the Japanese Electrical Appliance and Materials Safety Law, meaning they do not have a PSE mark, are not guaranteed to be safe.
“You get what you pay for” is not only about money, but it can also lead to damage to your valuable devices. Therefore, it is very important to have a conscious mindset of “choosing a good product.”

The Arrival of the Smartphone Era Without Chargers

In the past, when you bought a smartphone, a charger (AC adapter) and cable were always included in the box.
However, recently, Apple’s iPhone 12 series and later models no longer include a charger, citing environmental considerations.

This means that even if you buy a new smartphone, you need to prepare a charger separately.
Those of you who have always used the included charger will need to understand how to choose one and find a charger that suits your smartphone.

There are many high-performance and convenient products other than genuine ones, so learn the correct knowledge and choose a charger with confidence.

Step 1 in Choosing a USB Charger: Checking Your Devices

The most basic step in choosing a USB charger is to accurately know what we want to charge.
Identifying all the devices you want to charge, such as smartphones, tablets, and notebooks, is the first and most important step in finding the optimal charger.

It is important to check in advance what connection terminals your devices have and what fast charging standards they support.
By doing so, you can avoid regretting your charger choice.

Listing the Devices to Be Charged

Listing the devices to be charged is an action to understand all the charging needs of the devices you own.
This is very useful in determining the “type” and “number” of chargers you need.

Write down all the devices you can think of that may be charged via USB, including smartphones, tablets, notebooks, wireless earphones, smartwatches, and portable game consoles.

By listing the devices you want to charge specifically, you can clearly visualize the type and number of chargers you need.

4 Factors That Determine Charging Performance and Convenience

To choose a USB charger, it is important to check the 4 factors that affect charging performance and usability.

If you understand these factors, you will be able to see the optimal charger for your devices.
“Output (Wattage)”, “Fast Charging Standards”, “Port Type and Number”, and “Size and Shape”. We will explain each point in detail so that even beginners can understand.

Output (Wattage) – The Key to Charging Speed

The “output (wattage)” of a USB charger is a factor that greatly affects charging speed.
“W (watts)” is a unit that indicates the amount of power that the charger can supply at once.

The larger this number, the faster the device can be charged.

For example, smartphones generally can be fast-charged at around 20W to 30W, but tablets require 30W or more, and notebooks with high power consumption require 45W to 100W or more.
Check the wattage required by your devices and choose a USB charger with an output greater than that.

Also, if you want to charge multiple devices simultaneously, you need to choose a charger with a total output greater than the sum of the wattage required by each device.

However, as explained in the port number section, when using multiple ports, the output is distributed to each port, and the maximum output of each port may decrease.
By choosing the appropriate output charger, you can shorten the charging time and reduce stress in your daily life.

Fast Charging Standards – Importance of Checking Compatibility (USB PD, QC, etc.)

To maximize the performance of a charger, it is very important to check compatibility with fast charging standards.
Fast charging standards are like agreements that allow devices, chargers, and cables to communicate with each other and efficiently and safely supply power.

Representative standards include USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and Quick Charge (QC).

USB PD is widely used in USB Type-C ports and can charge a wide range of devices from smartphones to notebooks at high power.
Quick Charge is a standard mainly adopted by Android smartphones with Qualcomm processors.

Also, fast charging requires all of the device, USB charger, and USB cable to support the same fast charging standard.

Standard Name	Features	Main Compatible Device Examples
USB Power Delivery (PD)	Can charge much faster than standard charging, can also charge notebooks	iPhone 8 and later, many Android smartphones, many tablets, many notebooks
Quick Charge (QC)	Can easily fast charge Android smartphones	Many Android smartphones (depending on the model), some tablets

It is important to know which fast charging standards your devices support.
Instead of thinking “I don’t know if it’s compatible, but it looks fast, so I’ll just choose this one,” please take the time to check.

By understanding the fast charging standards supported by your devices, you can choose the best combination of charger and cable and significantly reduce charging time.

Ports – Selecting the Type (Type-A/C) and Number

The “port type and number” of a USB charger is a point to consider depending on how you use it.
The main shapes are USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and Lightning.

USB Type-A is a traditional, square-shaped terminal that is still common in many older devices and chargers. (Output only)

Lightning is Apple’s proprietary terminal and is mainly used for input terminals on iPhones and certain iPads.

On the other hand, USB Type-C is a new, oval-shaped terminal that can be plugged in smoothly without worrying about the orientation, and is widely adopted in the latest smartphones, tablets, and notebooks. (Both input and output are often used)

It is important to check whether your devices use one of these three types, or other shapes such as Micro USB Type-B.

Terminal Name	Brief Description of Shape	Main Features	Input/Output	Main Compatible Device Examples
USB Type-A	Square	Traditional standard terminal	Output only	Old chargers, PC ports
USB Type-C	Oval, symmetrical	Can be plugged in without worrying about orientation, supports high-speed data transfer and high output (USB PD)	Both input and output	Latest smartphones, tablets, notebooks, earphone cases, etc.
Lightning	Apple’s proprietary slim shape	Apple’s proprietary terminal	Basic input	iPhone (before 14), some iPads, AirPods cases, etc.
Micro USB Type-B	Small, trapezoidal shape	Standard terminal for older small devices, still in use in some cases	Input only	Old Android smartphones, mobile batteries, Bluetooth speakers, etc.

Checking the terminal is essential to choose the right cable.
Make sure you look carefully at the terminal of your device so that you don’t end up saying, “I wanted to charge it, but the terminal is different!”

Confirm the type of terminal your device uses, and choose a charger that matches your usage scene.
Choosing a charger that is easy to use will make charging even more comfortable.

Size and Shape – Portability and Installation Location

The “size and shape” of a USB charger is a point to consider depending on how you use it.

If you often carry it around, choose a compact and lightweight model that won’t get in the way in your bag or pocket.
A model with a foldable plug is even more portable and convenient.

On the other hand, if you use it in a fixed location such as at home or in the office, you can also choose a larger model with multiple ports or a design that blends in with the installation location.

This GaN material is more efficient and suppresses heat generation than conventional silicon, allowing the charger body to be made smaller and lighter.
This makes it easier to carry high-output chargers, reducing the burden of carrying a large AC adapter for a notebook computer.

Consider your main use case (for carrying around or for fixed use) and choose the optimal size and shape of USB charger, taking into account the space available at the installation location.
Choosing a charger that is easy to use will make charging even more comfortable.

Essential Checks for Safe and Secure Use

When choosing a USB charger, safety for your devices and yourself is the most important thing, along with charging performance and usability.

Check for the “PSE Mark” as Proof of Safety Standards

The “PSE mark” is a proof of safety standards stipulated by the Japanese Electrical Appliance and Materials Safety Law.
It shows that the product meets the technical standards set by the country.

It is mandatory to display this mark on electrical products, such as USB chargers and AC adapters, that are manufactured or imported into Japan.
The mark is displayed on the product body or packaging.

PSE Mark Display	Safety	Legality in Japan
Displayed	Safety has been confirmed based on the law	Sale and use are permitted
Not Displayed (including similar marks)	Safety has not been confirmed based on the law	Sale and use are not permitted

To protect your valuable devices and prevent unexpected accidents such as fires, be sure to choose a product with the PSE mark when purchasing a USB charger.

Check for Protection Functions such as Overcharge and Overheat Prevention

USB chargers have various protection functions to protect your devices and the charger itself from trouble during charging.
It is also essential to check whether these functions are equipped to judge safety.

Representative protection functions include overcharge prevention, which automatically stops charging when the device’s battery is full, overheat protection, which stops charging when the charger or device becomes abnormally hot, short-circuit protection, which prevents short circuits, and overcurrent protection, which prevents abnormally high current from flowing.

Protection Function	Functionality
Overcharge Prevention	Suppresses battery degradation
Overheat Protection	Prevents fire and equipment damage
Short-Circuit Protection	Prevents equipment damage due to short circuits
Overcurrent Protection	Protects equipment from abnormal current

To maintain a safe charging environment and use the USB charger safely and securely for a long time, it is important to check whether these protection functions are described in the product specifications.

Points for Selecting Products from Reliable Manufacturers

To choose a safe product from the many USB chargers available, it is also a very effective point to choose a product from a reliable manufacturer.
The choice of manufacturer greatly affects the quality and reliability of the product.

Reliable manufacturers set strict safety standards from the product development stage and thoroughly conduct safety tests based on the law.
They reliably obtain necessary safety certifications such as the PSE mark and disclose that information.

Also, detailed specifications and safety functions about the product, and support system in case of trouble are well-prepared.

Checkpoints for Reliable Manufacturers	Content
Safety Certification Status	Whether it has appropriately obtained and displayed safety certifications stipulated by the country, such as the PSE mark
Product Information Details	Whether output specifications, compatible standards, and safety functions are clearly disclosed
Customer Support	Whether there is an inquiry window and a warranty system, and whether a quick response can be expected
Market Evaluation and Track Record	Whether there is a long sales track record and high evaluations from other users (word-of-mouth, reviews, etc.)

Instead of jumping on cheap products with unknown origins, choosing a product from a manufacturer that is clearly committed to safety and has earned the trust of many users is a smart choice for safely and comfortably charging your devices.

Final Check for Choosing the Optimal USB Charger

Based on what you have learned in the previous steps, here are some points you must check in the end.
The most important thing I want to tell everyone is “safety” and “whether it matches your usage scene”.

Here, we will briefly review the 6 steps of important points and explain how to make a final judgment based on your own usage scene.

Please do not miss this final check to safely and comfortably charge your valuable devices.

Important Points Review

First, let’s review the 6 steps we’ve taken to choose the optimal USB charger.

By keeping these 6 points in mind, you will greatly increase your chances of finding the optimal USB charger.
In particular, it is important to always prioritize checking the PSE mark and protection functions related to safety.

In addition, consider your specific “I want to use it like this” and choose the charger that best suits your needs.
This is the final step to finding a charger that you can use comfortably and for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is choosing a wireless charger different from choosing a wired charger?

Yes, the points to consider when choosing a wireless charger are slightly different from those of a wired charger.
When choosing a wireless charger, first check whether your smartphone supports the international standard “Qi (Chi).”
Wired chargers mainly focus on wattage and fast charging standard compatibility, and the type and number of ports, while wireless chargers need to consider whether it is a pad type to place your smartphone on or a stand type to hold it up, and whether it can charge multiple devices simultaneously (e.g., “2 in 1”).
Charging speed tends to be slower than with wired chargers, but the latest standard-compliant products can charge at high speed.
Also, be careful as some cases may prevent charging.

How long can a USB charger be used? Are there any signs of aging?

The lifespan of a USB charger generally ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the product quality, frequency of use, and storage environment.
If the charger is aging, the charging speed may be slower than before, it may become abnormally hot during charging, or strange noises may come from the body.
If you notice any of these abnormalities, it is recommended to replace it with a new charger for safety.
Continuing to use it against your better judgment may lead to failure or unexpected accidents.

Are there any other safety certification marks besides the PSE mark?

The PSE mark is the most important safety standard proof in Japan for selling and using electrical products.
However, there are various other safety certifications in the world.
For example, the CE mark is required for distribution mainly in the EU (European Union) and shows compliance with safety standards.
The UL certification is a standard set by the American insurance safety testing laboratory and is given to products that have passed very strict tests.
Products with these overseas certifications can also be said to meet a certain level of safety.
To use USB chargers safely in Japan, be sure to check for the PSE mark first.

What are the points to consider when choosing a cable, as mentioned in the article?

Yes, as mentioned in the article, choosing the right cable is just as important as choosing a USB charger to maximize its performance.
In particular, when fast charging, the charger, cable, and device must all support the same fast charging standard (e.g., Power Delivery).
The cable also has specifications such as “〇〇W compatible” and “〇〇A compatible.” Choosing a cable with specifications that match the power required by your charger and device is important.
If you use a cable that is not compatible, you may not be able to achieve the original charging speed even if you choose a high-output charger.

How to choose a USB charger that is convenient for travel and business trips!

If you are considering carrying it on travel or business trips, portability is the most important thing.
Choose a compact and lightweight model that won’t get in the way in your bag.
A model with a plug that can be folded into the body is even more convenient as it is less likely to damage other items in your bag.
Also, if you often carry multiple devices such as smartphones and tablets, choosing a model with multiple USB ports will allow you to charge them simultaneously and use your time effectively.
However, models with multiple ports tend to be larger, so consider the balance with portability.

I have multiple chargers. Is it okay to use any of them?

In principle, there is no problem in using multiple USB chargers you have in combination with different devices and cables.
However, it is important to understand the “output wattage,” “compatible fast charging standards,” and “port type” of each charger.
It is okay to use a charger with an output higher than the wattage required by the device, but using a charger with a significantly lower output will take a long time to charge.
Also, it is essential to use a product with a safety certification such as the PSE mark.
If it is safe, you can use it in combination with your device.

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