Fast charging with USB-C has been supported from the iPhone 8 to the latest and greatest iPhone 15 models. Every iPhone model from 2017 onward has the same charge specs. And those charging specs are expected to remain the same with future models. The best iPhone fast chargers listed below will fast charge your iPhone today and likely your next iPhone.
iPhone 15 w/USB-C | About Fast Charging | Best iPhone Fast Chargers | USB-C to USB-C Cables (iPhone 15) | USB-C to Lightning Cables
iPhone 15 with USB-C Port
The new iPhone 15 series (and all future iPhones for the foreseeable future) now uses a USB-C port instead of Lightning. You can use any USB-C charger you already own with the new iPhone 15. Likewise, any new charger you need now will be the same as it was before. But you’ll need to replace any Lightning cables you still use with USB-C cables for your new iPhone.
The iPhone 15 will include an Apple USB-C to USB-C cable (60W, 480Mbps), which will work with any USB-C charger. No charger is included with the phone. Under their environmental goals Apple states: “We encourage you to use any compatible USB‑C power adapter.” Any of the USB-C power adapters below would be good companions to a new iPhone 15 of any make or size.
Any USB-C to USB-C cable also listed below will work with the iPhone 15 and charger. No specific cable will charge the iPhone any faster than the next.
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro and want a USB-C cable that supports the 10Gbps transfer rate (also 5Gbps and the standard 480Mbps), then you’ll need to get a USB-C cable that supports USB 3.1 and/or specifically states 10Gbps data as part of its specifications.
Fast Charging the iPhone
iPhones from the past six years all support USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as their fast-charging standard. A USB-C charger offering 18W or more will fast charge any iPhone 14 through iPhone 8 and their variations. An iPhone 8 is the same as an iPhone 14 Pro Max in terms of fast charging.
Using an 18W USB-C charger an iPhone’s battery goes from 0-50% in about 30 minutes. The remaining 50% takes longer but is considerably faster than a regular USB charger.
It is safe to use a USB-C charger offering a higher wattage, such as the 65W or 100W charge you may use for your MacBook. The iPhone (like all USB-C devices) controls how much power it draws, so a higher-outputting charger won’t overload it.
Best iPhone Fast Chargers In 2023
The best iPhone fast chargers tend to have these qualities:
- USB-C offering 18W or more
- Small design, the lower the output the smaller the charger can be
- Low cost, for only fast charging your iPhone there’s no need to pay for unneeded features
But in most cases the cost difference is small, so go for the size and features you want even if it is a few dollars more.
The best travel-friendly fast charger for your iPhone.
The Anker 312 20W II charger is the smallest option with foldable prongs, so no worrying about the metal tips catching on anything else in your bag or scratching your electronics. The only reasons to pass on it are because you want the lowest price or the smallest, lightest option.
Port 1: 20W USB-C
Dimensions: 1.23 x 1.25 x 1.3 in | 1.3 oz
The smallest and lightest fast charger for your iPhone.
The Anker 511 Nano Pro is the smallest 18-20W charger you'll find from a reliable brand. Its fixed prongs are the compromise needed for the reduced size. Still suitable for travel when packed mindfully, also great for a dedicated outlet in a tight space, or when you want a wall charger that is hardly noticeable or more colorful.
Port 1: 20W USB-C
Dimensions: 1.16 x 1.16 x 1.18 in | 1.1 oz
The best value fast charger for your iPhone.
The ZMI zPower 33W charger is typically one of the least expensive on any phone charger list while still offering a compact design and more charging options than its pricier competitors. In addition to fast charging a phone, it can fast-charge most tablets (including all iPads) and even some small laptops.
Port 1: 33W USB-C
Dimensions: 1.2 × 1.2 × 1.34 in | 1.73 oz
Which Charger Should You Choose?
The Anker 312 20W II is the best all-around fast charger for the iPhone I’ve tested, especially for travel. Its folding prongs make up for the slightly larger size. And it is in the middle of the pack in terms of price. For a better value, you can also pick up a two-pack of this charger for only a few dollars more. The Anker 511 Nano Pro offers a smaller footprint in a power outlet and it offers more color options if you want a wall charger to look better. But while Anker boasts about its pocket size many travelers don’t love the idea of the metal prongs sticking out. The ZMI zPower 33W is what I would recommend for anyone looking for a dedicated home or office charger where function matters more than form. It is cheaper and can offer support to tablets and even laptops (though not quite optimal). Its larger size and fixed prongs aren’t an issue when it spends most of its time in one place.
Best Multi-Port iPhone Fast Chargers In 2023
Consider these options if you’re looking for one charger to fast charge two or more iPhones.
The best two-port fast charger for your iPhone.
The Spigen 40W ArcStation Pro is one of the smallest and lightest two-port chargers thanks to its inclusion of GaN technology. With two iPhones connected, each can fast-charge at its maximum rate. Additionally, with only one port, you can fast-charge any model iPad.
Port 1 or 2: 30W USB-C
Port 1 and 2: 20W USB-C each
Dimensions: 1.91 x 1.86 x 1.09 in | 2.6 oz
The best value two-port fast charger for your iPhone.
The Amazon Basics 36W Two-Port charger is a bit bigger and heavier, but also significantly cheaper. It'll provide the same fast charge to two iPhones at the same time. But with each port receiving a dedicated 18W even when used alone it won't support larger devices.
Port 1 and 2: 18W USB-C each
Dimensions: 2.34 x 2.21 x 1.09 in | 3.8 oz
Amazon Basics 36W Two-Port Review
Comparison of All Recommended Fast Chargers for iPhone
Anker 312 20W II | Anker 511 Nano Pro | ZMI zPower 33W | Spigen 40W ArcStation Pro | Amazon Basics 36W Two-Port |
20W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A | 20W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/2.22A | 33W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.5A, 33W PPS 5-11V/3A | 1 Port: 30W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.52A 2 Ports: 20W USB-C each 5V/3A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A | 18W USB-C on each port 5V/3A, 9V/2A |
1.23 x 1.25 x 1.3 in | 1.16 x 1.16 x 1.18 in | 1.2 × 1.2 × 1.34 in | 1.91 x 1.86 x 1.09 in | 2.34 x 2.21 x 1.09 in |
1.3 oz | 1.1 oz | 1.73 oz | 2.6 oz | 3.8 oz |
Folding prongs | Fixed prongs | Fixed prongs | Folding prongs | Folding prongs |
$12.99 | $15.99 | $6.99 | Price not available | $11.79 |
USB-C to USB-C Cables for Fast Charging iPhone 15 In 2023
The iPhone 15 has replaced the Lightning port with a USB-C port. So no previous Lightning charging cable will work with the latest iPhone. Apple does include a USB-C to USB-C cable with the iPhone 15. But if you need more cables you can find better deals with equally good brands.
What To Look For In a USB-C Cable
There are a lot of cheaply made and unregulated cables on the market. You want to look for known good brands to be sure you’re getting a safe and durable product. Finding one that is USB-IF certified by the developers of USB is a nice bonus.
For charging, there’s no difference between one well-designed USB-C cable and another. All USB-C cables allow at least 60W and the iPhone doesn’t draw nearly as much power. That said, 100W cables usually have little cost difference and will support larger devices, including the largest MacBook Pros. So for future-proofing, I suggest focusing on 100W cables.
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro and need 10Gbps data transfer support you’ll need a USB-C cable that advertises that feature, as it is not standard.
There can be a difference in the exterior of various cables. Many are standard nylon, which is thinner and more flexible. Recently braided nylon has become more popular, which offers more durability.
Best USB-C Cables In 2023
The most recommended 100W/5A charging cable for your Steam Deck.
Anker has constantly been a favorite brand for USB-C cables, and their New Nylon model is their best seller. It is sold in pairs unless you get the 10-foot option. But your cost per cable is lower than many other options. The extra cable can be used with almost any USB-C device and charger. As a 100W/5A cable, it'll support Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W PPS) and laptops that use a 65-100W USB-C charger. It'll also charge smaller devices just as well as its same price 60W/3A cousin. The exterior is braided nylon which gives it more durability and lifetime bends. I use two of these in my travel kit and have been happy with the thinness and flexibility as a braided cable.
Length: 3, 6, 10 feet
A non-braided Anker charging cable option for your Steam Deck.
An older but now classic Anker USB-C cable and a best seller for those who don't want a braided nylon cable. This model has a standard nylon exterior (less durable but thinner, lighter, and more flexible). While still supporting up to 100W/5A, allowing it to work with every charger on this list and the vast majority of USB-C devices and chargers.
Length: 6 feet
A USB-IF-certified charging cable for your iPhone 15.
Cable Matters is also a well-respected brand for all types of USB cables. Their go-to USB-C cable supports 100W/5A, making it compatible with all chargers listed here and most any other USB-C device and charger combination. The big selling point for this cable is that it is USB-IF certified. That means it meets all USB-C specifications and guidelines according to the USB-IF, the governing body that created USB-C. USB-IF certification is important to people who value assurances of device safety above all else. That said, a lack of USB-IF certification should never be seen as a red flag. To gain certification, a company has to buy membership into the USB-IF and then go through steps to submit and get testing done. Most brands (including Apple, a founding member of the USB-IF) don't find certification worth doing.
Length: 6.6 feet
A 10Gbps data transfer supporting charging cable for iPhone 15 Pro.
Another Cable Matters entry, this one supporting both 100W charging and up to 10Gbps data transfer rates found on USB 3.1 devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro. It'll charge your iPhone 15 Pro and allow the full data transfer rate advertised by Apple. The other device must also support 10Gbps to get the full speed, but you'll also get a big speed bump if it only supports 5Gbps over the more standard 480Mbps of USB 2.0.
If you do not have a Pro model this cable is overkill and not worth paying extra for.
Length: 3 or 6 feet
USB-C to Lightning Cables for Fast Charging iPhones 14 or Earlier In 2023
As of late 2020, all iPhones come with the USB-C to Lightning cable. If you already have the cable from Apple it’ll work with all of the chargers listed above. Older iPhones may need a new cable to go along with their new USB-C fast charger. I would also recommend getting a dedicated travel cable if buying a dedicated travel charger.
What To Look For In a USB-C to Lightning Cable
There are a lot of cheaply made and unregulated cables on the market. You want to look for known good brands offering MFi-certified (certification from Apple for use with their products) cables. For charging, there’s no difference between one well-designed USB-C to Lightning cable and another. The cable specifications offer the best power and data rates for Lightning-equipped iPhones. There can be a difference in the exterior of various cables. Most are standard nylon, which is thinner and more flexible. You can also look for braided nylon, which offers more durability.
Best USB-C to Lightning Cables In 2023
The OG charging cable for your iPhone.
Apple offers cables for those wanting to stick with the Apple brand for their iPhones. And it is among the best-selling cable on Amazon. Apple's cables don't usually last as long as many third-party options. As part of their going green efforts, they removed PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This may make a single cable more environmentally friendly. But user reports from as far back as 2017 have commented on Apple cables not lasting as long. Buying two Apple cables over the lifetime of another brand may cancel out any environmental benefits of their design.
Length: 1 meter (3.3 feet) or 2 meters (6.6 feet)
The most recommended charging cable for your iPhone.
Anker is the most recommended brand for USB-C to Lightning cables. They consistently cost less than Apple's cables and review comments on their better durability. They provide the same fast-charging throughput and are MFi-certified by Apple. Almost all of my Lightning cables are from Anker. The Anker 310 is the latest version of their flexible USB-C to Lightning cable.
Length: 3, 6, or 10 feet
If you want the same type of cable but only 1 foot long then check out the Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning cable. It costs more and doesn’t offer new features other than having a 1-foot length option. But sometimes you just need less cable.
The most durable charging cable for your iPhone.
This MFi-certified cable from Anker features a braided nylon exterior. That gives it more durability, allowing for 3.5 times more lifetime bends than a standard cable. The cable is a little thicker, a little heavier, and a little less flexible. But if you need more durability and a longer lifespan, this cable will better meet those requirements.
Length: 6 feet