USB Chargers - What's worth the money?

maxwellian on 25/05/2016 - 17:37

I've noticed a trend of multi outlet USB chargers popping up and given I've got a number of devices nearby my desk that are USB powered; Raspberry Pi, Bluetooth Speaker, and charge even more devices than before - Motorcycle helmet, Bluetooth headset, mouse, torch, cellphones I've grown curious.

At present I shuffle around cables to keep everything charged from a Xiaomi powerstrip with 3USB ports onboard. However it's quite a noisy unit and leaves me a little concerned about it's safety and longevity. I've seen the Tronsmart unit on sale recently but it also had reports of noise coming from it. Has anyone got something with high current and quality they can recommend?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • odc on 25/05/2016 - 17:59
    +1

    I use a Aukey PA-T1 5-Port USB Wall set up and only buy Anker micro/lightning usb cables. I'm aware it is cheaper but was concerned with overseas stock in case of fires so wanted local supply. No noise, reliable and excellent quality.
    I've caught my kids (both under 4 y.o) using the usb cables as skipping ropes and other silly things and still works perfectly.

    http://www.gadgets4geeks.com.au/epages/shop.mobile/?ObjectPa…

    • scrimshaw on 25/05/2016 - 18:07

      When you say noise, are you actually talking about audible noise coming from the switching power supply, or noise in the electrical signal?

      I'm not sure how anyone can accurately determine that a USB charger has no noise without a digital oscope

      • maxwellian on 25/05/2016 - 18:56

        I'm asking more about audible noise, however if people can comment on electrical noise/hardware quality that'd be awesome.

    • maxwellian on 25/05/2016 - 18:53

      Cheers for the recommendation, it's not a cheap one but hey I certainly understand your reasons and thinking. I'll shortlist it and see if we come across any more input.

  • odc on 25/05/2016 - 18:26

    No expert here so can't measure device. My wife has excellent hearing at 0-10 db from last hearing test results. Honestly, she can't hear a thing whilst charging 2 ipads, 2 phones at the same and having good night sleep.
    Previous Jackson charger was shocking though.

  • Tm15 on 25/05/2016 - 21:47
    +1

    Ive had quite a few different ones: Tronsmart, aukey and anker.. ive found anker to be the highest quality.. however all have been silent. dont think i would trust something overnight thats making an audible electrical sound.

  • Master Bates on 26/05/2016 - 20:51

    If you don't need QC2 I bought a couple of 5 port Blitzwolf chargers (from a similar deal to this) that have been running fine and produced no audible noise, so recommend them if you can find a good deal.

  • firstworldproblems on 27/05/2016 - 00:42

    there's a few different ways to do it. but from personal experience, i would recommend anker. anker products give me a raging clue. they make me believe that Made In USA still means something.

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