Quick answer

To get fast charging from a car charger, look for at least 30 watts total output and a USB-C Power Delivery port. The Brookstone 4 Port Rapid 60 Watt Car Charger and the Brookstone 3 Port Rapid 50 Watt Car Charger both meet that bar for different needs.

Wattage vs. port count: the real trade-off

A higher wattage number doesn't always mean faster charging for every device. Car chargers split their total power across all ports. If you plug in two phones and a tablet, a 60-watt charger can still deliver a decent speed to each, while a 50-watt charger might slow down when all ports are active. The trade-off is that more ports usually mean a slightly larger plug, which can stick out farther from your cigarette lighter socket.

USB-C Power Delivery vs. older USB-A

Fast charging on modern phones and laptops requires USB-C with Power Delivery (PD). Older USB-A ports top out at around 12 watts, which is fine for overnight charging but slow for a quick top-up. If your car charger has a USB-C PD port, you can charge a compatible phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. Without it, you're stuck with slow charging no matter the total wattage.

How to choose your car charger: decision rules

  • Check your device's fast charging standard: Look up whether your phone or tablet supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) or Qualcomm Quick Charge. Most modern Android phones and iPhones (8 and later) use PD over USB-C. If your device doesn't support PD, a standard USB-A charger is fine, but you won't get fast charging.
  • Match total wattage to your typical load: For charging one phone, 18-30 watts is enough. For a phone plus a tablet, aim for 45-60 watts. For a laptop, you need at least 45 watts through a single USB-C PD port. If you often travel with multiple devices, choose a 60-watt model like the Brookstone 4 Port to avoid slowdowns.
  • Count ports vs. physical size: More ports mean a wider or longer plug. If your car's socket is in a tight spot, a 3-port charger may fit better than a 4-port one. Measure the space if possible.
  • Look for LED indicators (optional): Some car chargers have a small LED to show they're powered. This can help you confirm the charger is working, but it's not related to charging speed. If you drive at night, a dim or blue LED may be distracting. Consider a charger with a subtle or no light.

Car chargers that deliver fast charging

  • Brookstone 4 Port Rapid 60 Watt Car charger: Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A ports, this charger is designed to meet the power needs of a variety of devices, ensuring a reliable and rapid charging experience. The 60-watt total output and USB-C PD port let you fast-charge a phone or tablet while still having three other ports for passengers.

    Brookstone 4 Port Rapid 60 Watt Car charger

    Brookstone 4 Port Rapid 60 Watt Car charger

  • Brookstone 3 Port Rapid 50 Watt Car charger: Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A ports, this charger is designed to meet the power needs of a variety of devices, ensuring a reliable and rapid charging experience. With 50 watts and three ports, this is a more compact option that still supports fast charging for one or two devices at a time.

    Brookstone 3 Port Rapid 50 Watt Car charger

    Brookstone 3 Port Rapid 50 Watt Car charger

Which car charger fits you?

Best for

  • Drivers who need to charge a phone and a tablet simultaneously at full speed
  • Families or carpoolers with multiple devices in the car

Not ideal for

  • Someone who only charges one phone and wants the smallest possible plug
  • Users with older devices that only use USB-A charging