I don‘t know about you, but I use my iPad for everything – work, entertainment, even controlling my smart home devices! An October 2022 survey showed over 50% of tablet owners use these devices more than 3 hours a day.
With that much wear and tear, having a reliable iPad charger is a must! I‘ve tested tons of options over the years. In this guide, I‘ll share my top charger picks for keeping your iPad (and you!) powered up.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- Key Factors for Picking iPad Chargers
- Detailed Review of My Top 5 Chargers
- Charger Comparison Table
- How to Select the Best Charger for YOU
- What to Expect Using a Quality Charger
- FAQs on iPad Charging
Let‘s get you charged up!
Key Factors for Picking iPad Chargers
Selecting the right charger for your iPad‘s needs may seem complicated – but it doesn‘t have to be! Here are the key factors I consider:
Power Output
Higher wattage ratings like 20W+ enable much faster charging. My iPad Pro goes from 0 to 100% in under 2 hours with a good 30W USB-C charger! Lower output chargers take 4-5+ hours. Slow city!
| Output | Charge Time | What It‘s Good For |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10W | 8+ hours | Backup charging only |
| 10-18W | 4-6 hours | Reliable overnight charging |
| 18W+ | Under 4 hours | Fast daily charging |
| 30W+ | Under 3 hours | Speedy top off charging |
As you can see, 20W and up is ideal for iPads to avoid dreadfully slow charge times.
Port Compatibility
Always match your charger‘s ports and connectors to your iPad model. The latest iPad Pros use USB-C, while older Air and Mini models use Apple‘s Lightning ports.
Using the wrong charger can fry your device – so be careful! Thankfully there are lots of USB-C options now.
Safety Features
Chargers aren‘t exactly thrilling tech…until they explode! Okay, that‘s very rare, but STILL. Intelligent safety features help prevent overheating or current spikes.
I like chargers with temperature monitoring, auto shut-off when fully charged, overcharge protection, andcomplaint short circuit prevention. That gives me peace of mind for overnight charging.
Brand Reputation
When it comes to safety and performance, brand reputation matters. I stick with reliable names like Anker, RAVPower, and Apple. Questionable no-name brands can be risky.
Portability
Do you travel a lot and need a charger for on-the-go? Look for an ultra-compact, lightweight option that‘s easy to toss in your bag. Foldable plugs help keep chargers pocket-sized.
Bulkier multi-chargers may offer more ports, but aren‘t as portable.
My Top 5 iPad Charger Picks
Ready to compare my top recommendations? Here they are! I‘ll share in-depth pros, cons, and key details for each charger.
1. Best Overall: Anker Nano 3 30W Charger
My #1 overall pick is the tiny yet mighty Anker Nano 3. What makes it so great?
For starters, the 30W power output provides lightning fast charging for my iPad while still being travel-friendly. I can juice up from 0 to 60% in just over an hour!
At about 1 inch thick, 70% smaller than Apple‘s brick, it barely takes up any space in my bag. The foldable plug is a nice touch too.
It has universal compatibility beyond iPads too – I can fast charge my iPhone, Bluetooth headphones, and other USB-C devices.
One feature I really appreciate is Anker‘s ActiveShield 2.0 temperature monitoring. It makes overnight charging worry-free by adjusting power flow to prevent overheating and extend battery longevity. Nifty!
Here are the key pros and cons at a glance:
Pros:
- Fast 25W charging
- Ultra compact, foldable design
- Broad compatibility
- ActiveShield 2.0 safety tech
Cons:
- No included cable
- A bit pricier than basic chargers
Overall for its performance, portability, and safety features, the Anker Nano 3 is a total winner!
2. Best Apple iPad Charger: Apple 20W USB-C Adapter
What better matched with an iPad than Apple‘s own 20W USB-C Power Adapter?
As Apple‘s first-party charger option, it‘s optimized to safely deliver speedy charging across iPhone, iPad, AirPod and Watch devices. Convenient!
The handy little block provides a ~15V input voltage that‘s tailored specifically for iPads. So you can count on efficient, purpose-built power delivery without fussing with settings.
At under an ounce, it barely adds any weight to your bag. And the trusted Apple brand means you can expect solid, reliable performance.
There are cheaper alternatives out there, sure. But Apple‘s 20W adapter is money well spent for heavy daily iPad users that want seamless charging right out of the box.
Let‘s recap the key good and bad points:
Pros:
- Optimized charging speed
- Light and compact
- Trusted Apple quality
Cons:
- Only works with Apple devices
- Costlier than third-party options
- Cable not included
3. Best Multi-Charger: UGREEN 100W 4-Port Charger
If your family fights for charging ports like mine, check out the UGREEN 100W 4-Port Charger.
With 100 watts of total power distributed across 4 USB ports, it can juice up me, my wife‘s iPhone, and both kids‘ iPads at the same time! No more squabbling over outlets.
I like that the foldable plug design fits neatly into my travel organizer when running around airports. And the Dynamic Temperature Sensors provide some peace of mind that all our devices are charging safely overnight. No explosions!
Here is a convenient pros/cons breakdown:
Pros:
- Charges 4 devices fast
- Fits neatly into bags
- Safety features
- Broad device compatibility
Cons:
- Bulkier than solo chargers
- No MFi certification
While it is bigger than single port options, that power! Overall one of the best multi-device chargers available now.
4. Best Budget Charger: AmazonBasics 12W USB Wall Charger
If price is your main concern, check out the AmazonBasics 12W USB Wall Charger. At under $10, it delivers reliable (if basic) charging capabilities.
As an Apple MFi certified charger, compatibility and safety are covered. So while the 12W output isn‘t exactly blistering fast, you can rest easy juicing up overnight without issue.
I keep one stashed in my suitcase for when I inevitably forget a charger on trips!
Let‘s quickly summarize the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Apple certified
- Reliable charging
Cons:
- Lower 12W output
- No fast charging
It won‘t break any charging speed records, but the AmazonBasics charger gets the job done on a tight budget!
5. Fastest Charger: Anker PowerPort III Nano
Want pure charging speed focus? Meet Anker‘s PowerPort III Nano.
Packing 20 watts of power in a petite USB-C stick, this thing is a little fast charging beast. My iPhone zooms to a 50% charge in around 30 minutes!
It may only have a single port, but that enables a simplified design that‘s easy to stash in a pocket. Plus Anker provides an 18 month comprehensive warranty so I know it will hold up.
Here is an overview of what I like and don‘t about this mighty little charger:
Pros:
- Lightning quick charging
- Super portable
- Durable, grippy design
- Anker quality guarantee
Cons:
- Only one USB-C port
- No Apple MFi certification
If raw charging velocity in a take-anywhere package is your goal, the PowerPort III Nano delivers. Zoom zoom!
Comparing the Top iPad Charger Contenders
Want an at-a-glance view of how my top charger picks compare? Check out this handy specs table!
| Charger | Ports | Output | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Nano 3 | 1 USB-C | 30W | Ultra Compact | $$ |
| Apple 20W Adapter | 1 USB-C | 20W | Compact | $$$ |
| UGREEN 100W | 4 USB | 100W Total | Medium | $$$ |
| AmazonBasics 12W | 1 USB-A | 12W | Compact | $ |
| Anker PowerPort III Nano | 1 USB-C | 20W | Ultra Compact | $$ |
With detailed power ratings, port configurations, sizes and pricing in one spot, you can easily compare which pick best fits your iPad charging needs!
Hey, Want My Expert Tips on Picking the Perfect iPad Charger for YOU?
Finding the ideal iPad charger takes a bit of thinking through your needs and priorities. Let me walk you through the key questions to ask yourself!
What‘s Your Budget?
If you just need basic charging capabilities, affordable picks like the AmazonBasics 12W get the job done.
Looking for maximum ports in one charger? Step up to higher-end models like the UGREEN 100W.
Aim somewhere in the middle for the sweet spot of great performance at moderate pricing.
What iPad Models Do You Have?
If you have an older iPad with a Lightning port, USB-A chargers like the AmazonBasics will fit the bill.
For iPad Pros or latest models with USB-C, choose USB-C focused chargers like my top Anker picks instead.
Do You Travel Regularly?
Frequent travelers should emphasize portable, compact chargers that tuck neatly into bags without adding bulk. I love tossing the petite Anker Nano 3 or PowerPort III Nano into my luggage.
If you mostly charge at home, larger multi-chargers are fine.
How Tech Savvy Are You?
My top recommendations all provide intuitive, reliable charging without complexity.
If you want super advanced safety tweaks and customization, check out chargers with companion apps. I suggest the Belkin BoostCharge Pro with HomeKit for Apple-focused setups.
Let‘s Charge Up! What to Expect From a Quality iPad Charger
Wondering what it‘s actually like using one of these high-end iPad chargers day to day? In two words: seamless convenience.
With my Anker Nano 3 charger, I simply plug my iPad Pro into the USB-C port at night and it‘s ready for a full day‘s use when I grab it in the morning. No worrying about battery life when bouncing between video calls!
The compact size means it neatly fits into both my home office drawer and travel bag too. And I never bother removing it from my luggage since it doesn‘t take up much space.
Most importantly, it charges safely without overheating even if I nod off while plugged in. No more charging anxiety!
Overall, investing in the right charger for your needs means reliable power delivery every time. You can focus on using your iPad to the fullest rather than fretting over the battery.
Oh, Do You Have Any Other Questions About iPad Chargers?
What other questions do you have about getting the best iPad charger? Here are some common FAQs with my quick answers!
Why does my iPad need a specific charger? Can‘t I use a phone charger?
While a smartphone charger may technically charge an iPad, it will be painfully slow! iPads have much larger batteries that require higher wattage adapters for adequate charge times. I suggest a minimum 18W output.
Is wattage output the only factor for fast charging?
Wattage (power output) is the main specification, yes. But you also need an appropriate charge cable that‘s rated for high wattage. USB-C to USB-C cables are ideal.
What‘s the deal with USB-C vs USB-A chargers?
Most newer iPad models have swapped Lightning ports for USB-C. So USB-C focused chargers are the way to go. They provide faster potential charging wattage too.
That wraps up my epic guide on picking the best iPad chargers! Let me know if any other questions pop up. Time to charge up that iPad!
