Fast charging with USB-C has been supported from the iPhone 8 to the latest and greatest iPhone 14 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.
About Fast Charging | Best iPhone Fast Chargers | USB-C to Lightning Cables
Front: ZMI zPower 33W, Anker 312 20W II, and Anker 511 Nano Pro
Rear: Amazon Basics 36W Two-Port and Spigen 40W ArcStation Pro
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 |
| $14.99 | $14.99 | $9.99 | $29.99 | $13.50 |
USB-C to Lightning Cables for Fast Charging iPhones 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