Types of chargers
The range of chargers is huge, and the right choice depends on the device you want to charge, how fast you want to charge it and how many devices you want to connect at once. Below we go through the most common types, so you can pick exactly which variant best suits your situation.
Fast chargers
A fast charger is designed to charge your device in a fraction of the time compared to a standard charger. Through fast-charge protocols like Quick Charge, USB-C Power Delivery or Xiaomi HyperCharge, much higher power is briefly delivered to your smartphone or laptop.
A 65-watt fast charger is enough for both your smartphone and a mid-range laptop, while a 120-watt model often fully charges your phone in less than half an hour. It's important, though, that your device supports the matching fast-charge protocol, otherwise it charges at a lower standard speed.
Phone chargers
A phone charger is the most important accessory for most people with their smartphone. The right wattage and the right connection make the difference between a slow overnight charger and a fast charger that fully refills your device within an hour.
For modern smartphones, a USB-C charger of 18 to 33 watts is often more than enough, while high-end devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro with HyperCharge benefit from 67 watts or more of charging power. If you have an older device with a micro-USB connection, there are still compact adapters available that perfectly match your phone's original charging speed.
Wireless chargers
A wireless charger is a handy addition to wired charging, especially for use on your desk or nightstand. Thanks to the Qi standard, virtually all modern smartphones support wireless charging, with 15 watts being the sweet spot between charging speed and heat build-up. You simply place your phone on the charging pad, no hassle with cables. Many models also support charging earbuds or a smartwatch at the same time on the same pad.
Car chargers
With a car charger you can charge your smartphone, tablet or navigation system on the go via your car's 12V socket. More and more of these chargers come with multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, so both the driver and passengers can plug in their devices at the same time. Models with Power Delivery or Quick Charge make sure your battery gets noticeably topped up even during short trips.
GaN chargers
GaN stands for Gallium Nitride and is the successor to traditional silicon components in chargers. The result is a significantly more compact and cooler design at the same or even higher charging power. A 65-watt GaN charger is often barely bigger than a standard 20-watt adapter, which is ideal for on the go or for anyone who wants to charge multiple devices with one compact block.
Multi-port chargers
If you have multiple devices you want to charge at the same time, a charger with several ports is a real lifesaver. Models with two to four connections in a mix of USB-C and USB-A easily power a smartphone, tablet and earbuds all at once. Smart power distribution makes sure every connected device gets the right amount of power, without needing a separate adapter for each one.
The best-selling chargers
Which charger suits your device?
Choosing the right charger starts with the type of device. For your smartphone, a phone charger of 18 to 33 watts is often more than enough, unless your device supports fast charging at higher wattages. For a tablet, the ideal charger is usually between 20 and 45 watts, while a laptop needs at least 45 to 65 watts for comfortable charging during use.
Always check your device's specifications or the original adapter for the stated wattage and the supported fast-charging protocol. For Xiaomi smartphones with HyperCharge, for example, an original or certified Xiaomi charger is the most reliable choice for maximum charging performance. Still unsure which to choose? On every product page you'll see exactly which devices the adapter is suitable for.
How many watts do you need?
A charger's wattage largely determines how fast your device charges. Too little wattage means a slow charging time, while too much wattage is usually not harmful but also adds nothing if your device can't make use of the extra capacity. The breakdown below will help you determine the right power for your situation.
- 5 to 18 watts: suitable for basic charging of smartphones, earbuds and small accessories. Great for anyone who isn't in a hurry or charges their phone overnight.
- 20 to 33 watts: the sweet spot for modern smartphones and small tablets. At this wattage you benefit from fast charging without the adapter becoming unnecessarily large.
- 45 to 65 watts: the standard for anyone who wants to charge both a smartphone and a mid-range laptop with the same charger. A 65 watt USB-C adapter is versatile and compact, especially in a GaN version.
- 67 to 120 watts: designed for powerful laptops and smartphones with advanced fast-charging techniques like Xiaomi HyperCharge. A 120 watt charger often tops up a compatible phone in less than thirty minutes.
- 140 watts and higher: ideal for heavy-duty laptops, gamers and multi-device setups where several powerful devices need to charge at the same time.
So choose a charger that matches the most demanding device you want to charge with it. Connecting a lighter device to a more powerful adapter is no problem, but the other way around results in slow or incomplete charging.
What to look for when choosing a charger
Besides wattage and compatibility, there are a few practical things to consider when buying a new charger. By keeping an eye on the following points, you'll choose a charger that not only charges fast, but is also safe, durable and pleasant to use.
- Safety and certification: look for a CE mark and built-in protection against overheating, overvoltage and short circuits. Uncertified chargers can cause damage to expensive devices.
- Number of ports: the more devices you want to charge at the same time, the handier a model with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports is. Smart power distribution between those ports is a nice extra.
- Compactness: if you travel a lot or often work on location, a GaN charger is often the smartest choice. It offers plenty of power in a small size.
- Included cable: not every charger comes with a cable in the box. Check whether a USB-C or Lightning cable is included and how long it is.
- Durability: reinforced connection points and high-quality materials ensure a longer lifespan, especially with intensive daily use.
- Safety protections: choose a charger with built-in protection against overvoltage, overheating and short circuits for extra peace of mind during daily use.
By weighing up these points before you make a purchase, you'll avoid running into limitations later on. And if you want to store your chargers without cable chaos on your desk or nightstand, there are practical solutions like charging stations and cable management accessories. A well-chosen charger will last for years and support all your devices without any hassle.
Buy a charger at TechPunt
At TechPunt you're choosing certainty when it comes to price, quality and service. As an official Xiaomi distributor and with the widest range in the Benelux, you'll always find the right charger for your device here, whether it's a fast charger, a wireless charging stand or a powerful adapter for laptop and tablet.
Thanks to our lowest price guarantee, free shipping from 75 euros and delivery from our own warehouse in Barneveld, you'll often have your new charger in your home as soon as the next business day. View the entire range, compare the models and order your new charger today.
FAQ about chargers
Which charger do I need for my phone?
Which charger do I need for my phone?
The right charger for your phone depends on the wattage and fast-charging protocol your device supports. For most modern smartphones, a USB-C charger of 18 to 33 watts is plenty, while Xiaomi devices with HyperCharge can handle up to 120 watts of power. Always check your phone's specifications for the best combination.
How do you know which charger you need?
How do you know which charger you need?
You can tell which charger you need by looking at the connection type, the wattage and the fast-charging protocol of your device. You'll find this information on the box of your old charger or in your device's manual. For most modern devices, USB-C with Power Delivery is the safest and most universal choice.
How many watts do I need for my charger?
How many watts do I need for my charger?
For smartphones, 18 to 33 watts is usually plenty, for tablets count on 20 to 45 watts, and for laptops at least 45 to 65 watts. If you want to charge multiple devices with a single adapter, your best bet is a charger of 65 watts or higher with multiple ports.
How many amperes does my charger need?
How many amperes does my charger need?
The required amperage is related to the wattage and voltage. At 5 volts, 2 amps delivers 10 watts, while 3 amps delivers 15 watts. With modern USB-C Power Delivery chargers, the voltage is automatically adjusted up to 9, 12 or even 20 volts, which makes the total wattage a more important measure than the amperage.
