As mobile devices become more and more popular, methods of charging them continue to multiply. Gone are the days where you’d just plug your cellphone into you wall charger and wait for it to hit 100%. Now, there are various ways to charge mobile devices, from wall chargers to connecting them to the computer to external charging. With our increasing dependence on technology, chances are that you probably have more than one device that needs to be charged.
All these options can be overwhelming—you have to think about what’s most practical and about the fastest option. With smartphone batteries that last barely a day, speed is a significant factor to consider. How can you keep up with all of your device charging needs? Keep on reading to find out about the different ways to charge your mobile devices and the best option for you.
Connector Types
First, it’s important to learn what types of chargers are most popular. The three main types of connectors are micro USB, USB type-c, and lightning cables. Depending on your individual device, it probably calls for one of these—your connector may be different, but these three options are the most popular on the market right now. Check out the pros and cons of each type of charger:
Micro USB
Micro USB connectors are currently the most popular type on the market. Virtually every manufacturer has adopted this standard, which makes the lives of consumers a lot easier since they can share the same cables between their devices. Apple is one of the only manufacturers that hasn’t embraced micro USB connectors.
USB Type-C
USB type-c connectors are expected to replace micro USBs in the next couple of years. The connector itself is small and compact, but the most notable difference is that it’s completely reversible—no matter what side of the connector you try to insert into your phone, it’ll work. A widespread annoyance with guessing which side to plug your micro USB cable has been experienced around the globe, and thankfully, type-c chargers will be able to fix that.
They offer a faster charging rate, and are reversible so users will always get their charger connected on the first try!
Lightning
Lightening cables are used by Apple exclusively for their products. These cables are also reversible and use a special chip that makes it difficult for manufacturers that aren’t part of the Made For iPhone program to duplicate them.
Different Ways to Charge Your Devices
Now what we’ve explored the different types of connectors, we can move on to the various methods you can use to actually charge your device. Depending on your lifestyle and how often you need to charge your device, your ideal option may vary.
External Charging
Many of us depend on our smartphones for a number of day-to-day activities, including keeping in touch with family and friends, staying up to date on current events, and even getting directions for how to get around. Our intense use of these devices compared with their sometimes not-so-great batteries often results in our cellphones dying before the day is even over.
To avoid being chained to a wall outlet while charging their phone, many people have adopted the use of external chargers. External battery packs offer a way to charge your device on the go; however, you won’t be able to charge all devices using one of these compact power banks. Their small size offers great convenience to users, but unfortunately it means that they’re not able to pack as much power as you may need. Most external chargers will take care of one, maybe two, full battery charges for your smartphone but likely won’t be able to charge your tablet or laptop sufficiently. This is a good backup to keep handy in case of emergency, but might prove to be unreliable when you need to charge your devices consistently.
Wall Charger
The wall charger is probably the most familiar of them all. Chances are, you received a wall charger when you purchased your device and use it most often to power up your phone. Since a wall charger generally gives more output, it’s often the more efficient choice when charging at home. However, it can be pretty inconvenient when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wait for your device to fully charge. Carrying a wall charger around with you when you’re on the go can still prove to be inefficient since you’ll have to locate an outlet wherever you go.
Car Charger
Car chargers offer a great on-the-go solution when your device dies unexpectedly. However, it’s not a good idea to completely depend on car chargers since their output tends to be much lower—this means that it’ll take a significantly longer time to fully charge your device. While it’s a good idea to keep a car charger in your vehicle in case of an emergency, we advise against using it for everyday charging purposes.
Multiport USB Charger
Multiport USB chargers is an extremely convenient way to charge multiple devices at once—something you can’t do with most external, wall, or car chargers. A USB charger with multiple ports will not only charge your device at a rate comparable to a wall charger, it’ll also act as a multi-device charging station. With a four-port USB powered hub, you’ll be able to charge multiple iPads, tablets, or cellphones. With a USB charging station for multiple devices, you’ll have the perfect tool to charge multiple tablets and devices whether you’re at home or on the go—it’s the best of both worlds.
If you’re looking for the perfect multi-port USB charger to take care of charging all your devices, Ohming Technology has the perfect solution for you. Our Charge M.E Multiport USB 3.0 Hub with Charging Ports is the ideal choice for charging your devices efficiently and all at once. You can charge up to eight devices by plugging it into a standard wall outlet, or you can even access its network capabilities by connecting it to a computer—but don’t worry, it’ll maintain it`s charging functionality in four ports! Its compact size makes it perfect for home, or travel. If you’re interested in purchasing one of our multiport USB hubs, shop online now.
Paul Romanenko
Latest posts by Paul Romanenko (see all)
- Why Households with Multiple Devices Need Multi-Device Chargers - August 7, 2019
- 5 Situations Where You Don’t Want Your Phone Battery to Die - July 24, 2019
- Visiting National Parks: Travel Essentials to Pack for the Great Outdoors - July 17, 2019