What is the best year for chargers?
There isn’t a single golden year for chargers; the best year depends on what you charge and why. In practical terms, the 2024–2025 window marks a turning point when universal USB-C charging, higher-power standards, and broad EV charging expansion began to mature into everyday realities.
For everyday tech: USB-C, PD, and the race to universal charging
A concise look at the milestones that reshaped charging for phones, laptops, and accessories in recent years.
- USB-C became the de facto standard connector for a wide range of devices, replacing older micro-USB in most markets.
- Power Delivery 3.1 introduced up to 240W, enabling truly universal fast charging for phones, tablets, and laptops.
- GaN (gallium nitride) chargers grew popular, delivering higher power in smaller, cooler packages.
- flagship devices shifted toward USB-C or universal charging ports, accelerating consumer adoption of a single charger for multiple devices.
- Wall and car chargers increasingly supported USB-C PD, improving cross-device compatibility and charging speeds.
These developments together mean that by 2024–2025, most users can rely on a single charger for the majority of devices and enjoy faster, more portable charging solutions.
Electric vehicles: fast-charging networks expand and standardize
EV charging represents a distinct track focused on high power, interoperability, and roaming between networks. Key trends in recent years include:
- Wider deployment of CCS fast chargers capable of 150–350 kW, with some stations pushing higher for compatible vehicles.
- Broader adoption of CCS as the common fast-charging standard in Europe and North America, improving cross-network compatibility for drivers.
- Evolution of charging strategies by automakers and networks, including better roaming agreements and smoother user experiences across brands.
As a result, the era of slow, fragmented EV charging is giving way to a more seamless long-distance experience for drivers, with 2023–2025 highlighted as a period of rapid expansion and improved usability.
Wireless charging and future-proofing: where the industry is headed
Beyond wired USB-C charging, wireless charging has matured and is increasingly practical for daily use. Notable developments include the refinement of wireless standards and broader device support, along with efforts to improve efficiency, alignment tolerance, and charging across different surfaces and environments.
- Advances in wireless standards (such as Qi2) aim to improve compatibility, efficiency, and user experience for mats, desks, and automotive applications.
- More devices support faster wireless charging alongside traditional wired options, while some models experiment with reverse wireless charging.
For consumers, wireless charging is now a convenient option for many devices, but wired charging remains the fastest route for high-demand devices and laptops.
How to choose the right charger today
To pick a charger that stays useful as standards evolve, consider your typical charging scenarios and future needs. The following guidance helps balance compatibility and performance.
- Look for USB-C with Power Delivery (PD), ideally PD 3.1, to maximize compatibility and peak charging speeds.
- Match power output to your devices: 60–100W covers most phones and tablets; 120–240W or multi-port options suit laptops and power users.
- Consider GaN technology for compact, efficient chargers that run cooler and lighter.
- If you have multiple devices, a charger with multiple ports or a docking solution can reduce clutter and ensure you never run out of power.
- Think about regional standards and future-proofing: USB-C is increasingly universal in many markets, which helps future-proof your setup.
Bottom line: choose a versatile charger with USB-C PD 3.1 support, ample power, and ports that fit your typical devices to minimize upgrade cycles.
Summary
The best year for chargers isn’t a single date; it’s a moving target defined by evolving standards and regional adoption. The 2023–2025 window stands out as a watershed period when universal USB-C charging, higher-power PD, and broader EV charging networks began to align with everyday usage. For everyday devices, 2024–2025 marks the point at which a single charger can realistically cover most of a consumer’s needs. For electric vehicles, ongoing expansion and interoperability across networks continue to shape a future where long-distance charging is simpler and faster. Staying current with USB-C PD specs and regional charging rules remains the best way to ensure your chargers stay relevant.
