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Should you buy a separate durable iPhone charger?
In 2024, your brand-new iPhone won’t ship with an included charger.
This surprising policy has been in place since the iPhone 12 launch, as part of Apple’s intent to reduce the e-waste associated with their best-selling phone.
The hope is that, over the years, you’ve amassed a small pile of Apple device chargers and cables that you can use with your new phone. Given the questionable durability of Apple chargers and cables, though, you might not be so lucky.
So, what’s to be done?
Well, you could shell out another $19 to Apple for the USB-C power adapter, and yet another $19 for the separately sold USB-C to lightning cable…
Or, you could spend less money for a more durable, more powerful, and more versatile third-party iPhone charger cable and adapter.
We know what we’d prefer. But what’s the best durable, third-party iPhone charger on the market in 2024? Are third-party Apple chargers safe for your devices, and how can you pick the right one?
We’ve put together a guide and product showcase for exactly that.
At a glance…
- Perfect for: Those prioritizing fast charging and data transfer in their cables.
- Perfect for: Families or someone with a full suite of USB-C chargeable devices.
- Perfect for: Those looking for a reliable GaN charger at a reasonable price.
How to choose the right iPhone charger for your needs
Same as with the cases, there’s a hell of a lot of choices out there when it comes to third-party Apple chargers — especially since they stopped including them as standard.
The best one for you depends largely on your needs; how many Apple devices you have, your preferred charging setup, etc. However, there are a few key qualities that everyone will appreciate.
When assembling our list of the most durable iPhone chargers, we’ve prioritized the following #BuyiItForLife qualities:
Rugged: 50% weight of total score – As always, we’re looking for tech that’s built to withstand use and abuse, surviving all the usual bumps, bends, and scrapes to long outlast the typical lifespan of a standard Apple charger. This means chargers that have the following:
- Premium adapter and cable materials and build.
- Apple MFi certification — the ‘made for i-devices’ certification is in place to provide consumers with the assurance that a third-party device is tested and safe-to-use with Apple devices. Non-MFi chargers can damage your device.
- GaN technology — ‘Gallium nitride’ is a contemporary alternative to silicon transistors in chargers that can conduct higher voltages more efficiently (and thus, charges quicker with less heat production).
- Preferably CE mark — A European standard of compliance with health, safety, and environmental protection.
- Optimal amperage/voltage/wattage — Amperage (electricity that flows through the battery) and voltage (strength of flow) produce the wattage, a figure that represents the measure of total charging power to your phone.
Repairable: 20% weight of total score – Additionally, we look for technology that can be serviced or repaired in order to extend its lifetime. The following services are prioritized in our list:
- Extended or lifetime warranty
- Repair or service options
Upgradable: 15% weight of total score – If you’re buying a separate phone charger, you may as well look for one that you can bring with you through multiple generations of technology. In chargers, that means:
- Option to purchase additional or replacement parts or accessories
- Multi-output adapters
- Variable cable-lengths
Multipurpose: 15% weight of total score – And finally, we want chargers that will suit a variety of contexts, whether you’re relaxing at home or taking a flight somewhere across the world. We’ll look for chargers with the following versatility features:
- Adaptable to international charging ports
- Compact, portable designs
- Multiple ports for charging more than one device
- Power Delivery compatibility
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Most durable iPhone chargers
Charging adapters and cables often come packaged together under one product — but not always.
Accordingly, we’ll include a complete set as well as some individual adapters and cables (the main culprit for damage, wear, and breakage), so you can keep it simple, or mix and match to best suit your needs and preferences.
Higher wattage means faster charging but more strain on the battery. Choosing a high wattage charger with Apple MFi certification mitigates risk while decreasing charging time.
With that said, let’s dive in!
Anker PowerPort III 2-Port 12W with Charging Cable
Power Output: 12W | Ports: x2 USB-A | GaN: No | Warranty: 18-months
Most electronic tech companies consider charging and charging accessories as an afterthought — but not Anker. Their focus is on charging and charging alone, and they are the proud global leaders in the space.
The PowerPort III squeezes everything you could want in a charger into a pleasantly compact package. Measuring in at just 1.65″ x 1.57″ x 1″ (42 x 40 x 25.5mm) (smaller than a golf ball), the adapter offers two USB-C ports for multi-device charging at a well-optimized 12W.
This means you could charge an iPhone 11 in just two hours, compared to the standard Apple charger’s three hours and 27 minutes.
Durability | Anker PowerPort III
The included USB-C to lightning charging cable is MFi-certified for use with Apple devices, and laboratory tested to have a lifespan of ‘12,000 bends’ — a figure we can only assume is significantly higher than Apple’s standard cable.
In terms of safety, the adapter combines high-voltage protection, current regulation, and temperature control to keep you and your devices protected.
We love that the plug-prongs are foldable for even better portability, and the 30-day satisfaction guarantee combined with their standard 18-month warranty is nothing to complain about either — especially at $3 less than the Apple charger.
- Compact and portable
- Dual ports for multi-device charging
- Doesn’t support fast charging
PRICE: Around $18
PERFECT FOR: Those looking for versatile, durable charging at a budget-friendly price point.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Save Time Charging: Connect to one of the USB ports to get a powerful charge up to 12W—that’s...
- Double Duty: Twin USB ports provide enough power to charge 2 phones simultaneously. (does not...
Last update on 2024-05-04 at 00:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-02-17 at 10:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
UGREEN 100W 3C1A GaN Fast Charger
Power Output: 100W | Ports: 4 (x3 USB-C & x1 USB-A) | GaN: Yes | Warranty: 24-months
Taking it up a notch both in terms of technology and power, we have the UGREEN 100W GaN charger.
Perfect for the person with a collection of power-hungry devices, this is a 4-port USB-C (x3) and A (x1) charger that utilizes GaN technology at an impressive 100W. This means that, with one device plugged in, you get 100W of charging power — still safe thanks to the efficiency of GaN semiconductors.
With multiple devices connected, the power is evenly distributed for resourceful charging of your entire tech arsenal.
All ports support fast charging for compatible devices. From some power perspective, this charger can take a 13” MacBook Pro to 100% in under two hours.
Durability | UGREEN 100W
Utilizing GaN technology makes for a charger that’s highly efficient and safe to use with your Apple devices, which the reviews for this product support. The charger features over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit, and over-heat protection, and the 24-month warranty offers further comfort for those wondering about its longevity.
We love the versatility of this charger, which suits a family or someone with multiple USB-chargeable devices, for example, a MacBook, iPhone, AirPods, and iPad.
This adapter doesn’t come with a lightning cable for your iPhone, but you can add their durable nylon-braided cable to your basket to complete the set (more on this cable later).
- Impressive 100W power
- QuickCharge compatible
- Bulky and heavy
- No cable included
PRICE: Around $70
PERFECT FOR: Families or someone with a full suite of USB-C chargeable devices.
- 100W Max fast charge: Connect a single USB C device for up to 100W of power, maximum support 5A...
- 4 In 1 Multiport charger: 3 USB C ports and 1 USB A port provide 100W to phones, tablets, laptops,...
- Wide Compatibility: Fast charging with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhone 15 14 13 12 series, Galaxy...
Last update on 2024-03-06 at 16:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ Dual USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger 68W
Power Output: 68W | Ports: x2 USB-C | GaN: Yes | Warranty: 24-month standard and $2,500 connected equipment warranty
If $70 is too steep for you and you only have one or two devices, a good alternative exists in the form of Belkin’s GaN charger.
Known for their close relationship with the Apple product ecosystem since the beginning, Belkin is a solid choice for reliable charging tech.
The BOOST CHARGE Dual USB-C GaN charger features two slots, both PD (Power Delivery) compatible for fast charging.
Power-sharing provides the most efficient charge to one large device or any two devices by sensing when each port is in use, directing optimal power accordingly.
At 68W total output, you can charge devices from the iPhone 8 upwards to 50% in a nifty 30 minutes. Or, charge your bigger devices like your MacBook Pro or iPad with the 60W port and use the 18W output for your iPhone for optimal charging of both devices.
Durability | Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™
Built-in over-current and over-voltage protection will keep your devices safe from malfunction, and as it’s USB-C, this charger is also compatible with Samsung and Google devices.
The charger is protected by a two-year product warranty and a generous $2,500 ‘Connected Equipment’ warranty, should it end up frying your phone or laptop (which they seem pretty confident it won’t).
- High wattage with GaN tech
- Generous warranties
- No cable included
PRICE: Around $55
PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a reliable GaN charger at a reasonable price.
- GaN FAST CHARGING TECHNOLOGY: This dual port USB-C Charger uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) for an ultra...
- DUAL PORTS OPTIMIZED FOR MOST DEVICES: Using one USB-C port, you can charge a single device with up...
- PROTECTION AND POWER: This Type C charger has certified over-voltage protection, giving peace of...
Last update on 2024-05-04 at 00:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Ventev ChargeSync Apple Lightning Cable
Power Output: 2.4A | Length: 4ft / 10ft (122cm / 304cm) | MFI Certified: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
With all your new iPhone charging adapter options, you’ll need a rugged iPhone cable to pair them with, for reliable charging that may outlast the lifetime of the phone itself.
And for that, take a look at Ventev’s ChargeSync lightning cable.
Their focus is on extra-long cables that are resistant to the type of fraying you’ll recognize if you’ve used the standard Apple cable before.
With two options at 4ft and 10ft, you can lay in bed or on the couch and charge simultaneously for endless scrolling. A Velcro strap is included to reel some of the generous length in, if necessary.
At 2.4A/12W output, this cable is rated for rapid charging speeds with inner-wire jackets that protect against voltage drop in longer cables.
Durability | Ventev ChargeSync
The cable is MFi-certified for safe charging of any USB-C Apple device, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty against workmanship defects, which we love!
As for the design, the cable is protected with a high-tensile braiding that’s tangle-free and fray-resistant.
Similarly, the connectors feature an Aluminum over-mold that prevents tearing where the strain is usually concentrated.
- Braided cable and housed connectors
- Lifetime warranty
- Some reviews suggest compatibility issues
PRICE: Around $25
PERFECT FOR: Those wanting longer cables to use their phones while charging.
- ENGINEERED TECHNOLOGY: Designed and tested to provide long-lasting durability! Laser-welded inner...
- DURABLE DESIGN: Patented braided cable design provides a full range of motion and protects from...
- EXTRA LONG: Braided charger for outlets that are just out of reach! Standard length chargers don’t...
Last update on 2024-05-04 at 00:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Fast-Charging Cable
Power Output: 3A | Length: 3ft / 6ft / 10ft (91cm / 183cm / 304cm) | MFI Certified: Yes | Warranty: 24-months
As mentioned earlier, UGREEN offers a cable that’s just as focused on durability as it is on charging your iPhone as quickly as possible.
With its MFi-certified C94 lightning connector, this product is capable of fast charging your iPhone when used with a PD-enabled adapter.
At 3A, the cable delivers a charging speed that can bring your iPhone 11 to 50% in under 30 minutes. It can also deliver high-speed data transfer to and from your iPhone at up to 480Mbps. You can purchase this cable at lengths of 3ft, 6ft, and 10ft.
Durability | UGREEN USB-C to Lightning
As with the prior entry, this cable is braided with nylon to reduce tangles and fraying. The ‘stress points’ of the cable (connectors) are also reinforced to offer a tested rating of up to 15,000 bends, higher than the earlier example of Anker’s iPhone charging cable.
As with UGREEN’s adapter, this cable comes with a pretty reasonable 24-month warranty.
- 3A fast charging
- Braiding and connector protection
- Reviews point to cable stiffness
PRICE: Around $14 — $17
PERFECT FOR: Those prioritizing fast charging and data transfer in their cables.
- Official True MFi Certification: With the original C94 connector and MFi certified chip, this USB c...
- PD Fast Charge and Data Transfer: this c to Lightning cable fast charging charge your iPhone 14 from...
- Universal Compatibility: UGREEN USB C to Lightning Cable supports fast charging for iPhone 14/14...
Last update on 2024-05-04 at 00:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Native Union Belt Cable Universal
Power Output: 2.4A | Length: 6.5ft (198cm) | MFI Certified: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
This might be the last cable you’ll ever have to buy for your devices… until a new standard comes along, of course, which thankfully won’t be coming anytime soon.
Native Union wanted to design a single cable that works with all manner of brands and devices. And they have succeeded with a simple but clever innovation.
The Belt Cable Universal is three-pronged — the main output being a micro-USB that can be plugged into an attached two-headed output. One, a USB-C, and the other, Apple’s lightning connector.
In terms of power standards, the cable offers 2.4A for the lightning connector and 3A for USB-C. We appreciate the midpoint 6.5ft cable length to suit most people’s needs and three stylish color options for the more aesthetically minded customer.
Durability | Native Union Belt
As for durability, the cable is nylon-braided with O-flex strain relief at the connectors for a lifespan of up to 10,000 bends. The cable comes with a genuine leather strap for neat and stylish cable management, and the lightning port is MFi-certified for use with any iOS device.
They back their claims with a limited lifetime warranty that entitles you to a free replacement if something goes wrong — big thumbs up from us.
- Universal 3-connector design for charging multiple device types
- Stylish and customizable
- Average charge time
PRICE: Around $40
PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a stylish cable with universal compatibility.
- ULTRA-STRONG: Durable charging cable featuring an ultra-strong reinforced structure for unparalleled...
- EXTENDED LIFESPAN: O-Flex strain relief design at connector joint provides controlled flexibility to...
- COMPATIBLE WITH LIGHTNING, USB-C AND MICRO-USB DEVICES: Integrated 3-in-1 adaptor to charge both...
Last update on 2024-05-04 at 00:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Comparison tables
Finding it difficult to pick your perfect charging setup? See the below tables for a spec comparison of all the products included on our list.
iPhone Chargers | Comparison Table
| Product | Features | RUGGED RATINGS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Recommended Pair | UGREEN 100W 3C1A GaN Fast Charger
| 8.4 | Check Latest Price |
Runner-up Charger | Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ Dual USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger 68W
| 7.9 | Check Latest Price |
 | Anker PowerPort III 2-Port 12W with Charging Cable
| 7.7 | Check Latest Price |
iPhone Charging Cables | Comparison Table
| Product | Features | RUGGED RATINGS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Recommended Pair | UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Fast-Charging Cable
| 8.7 | Check Latest Price |
 | Ventev ChargeSync Apple Lightning Cable
| 8.5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Native Union Belt Cable Universal
| 7.8 | Check Latest Price |
Rugged Recommendation
It’s time to say goodbye to your three-year-old Apple charger and cable, whose connectors are hanging on for dear life by a frayed bit of plastic, and say hello to rugged iPhone chargers that last. But which one to pick? Well, if we had to recommend a perfect setup from our list…
We’d suggest getting your hands on the UGREEN 100W GaN Fast Charger. It’s beefy, with four slots for all your USB-C and A devices, directing its formidable 100W power to wherever it’s needed most. You’ll love the speedy charging times and sturdy design of this adapter, even if it’s a little on the expensive side.
If that’s too much cash (or wattage) for your needs, go for the Belkin BOOST CHARGE. It uses the same GaN technology for a combination of high power (68W) and efficiency, also with multiple slots for charging up to two devices at almost $20 less than the UGREEN.
Pairs perfectly with the UGREEN USB-C charging cable, a tough nylon-braided cable at variable lengths to match your setup. You’ll enjoy the 3A fast charging speeds that the combination of the two products will offer.
What to check next: The Most Durable iPhone cases. Without some sort of protection on your shiny, new iPhone, it’s not a matter of if your screen will smash or your frame will be dented or chipped, it’s a matter of when. Getting a case for your iPhone is not just smart anymore. It’s essential.
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