Some phone accessory brands are highly regarded, but they all technically play second fiddle to Anker, which remains the company behind the most popular chargers in the United States. Yet popularity is not a measure of trustworthiness. When you compare UGREEN to Anker, the underdog comes out as a clear winner in terms of features. If you’re not sold on UGREEN because it’s a more niche niche, consider how often it’s cited as one of the top USB charger brands that can compete with Anker, and that may be enough to make you confident that your devices are safe with its products. But is it compatible with Apple? And to go further, are UGREEN accessories more reliable than those from Apple?
The answer to both questions is yes. Like a battle of David versus Goliath, the underdog reigns supreme, both in terms of functionality and value. Take Apple’s 35W dual charger. For $59, you get two USB-C outputs, and that’s it. Or, for exactly $20 less, you can instead get a UGREEN Nexode 65W 3-port charger (two USB-C ports and one USB-A port) that can charge an iPhone and a MacBook at the same time. Speaking of reliability, UGREEN fits the high-end market like a proverbial glove. As such, its Apple-compatible chargers use all safety protocols, with protections against voltage spikes, overheating, overcharging, and more. I’m not knocking Apple, but its hardware is basic in this department and it works like a traditional charger. UGREEN takes reliability up a notch with its GaNFast chips, which deliver high power with high efficiency but with much less heat than a regular silicon charger.
Is UGREEN good for other phones and devices?
Sure, UGREEN may be Apple certified, but does it get the green light for other devices? Important question, especially since almost all major manufacturers have stopped including chargers with their phones. Once again, you’re in good hands, as the company makes chargers for everything from phones to laptops to smartwatches. Something like the UGREEN Nexode Air USB-C Charger costs $39 but can charge anything you throw at it, including various Android phones, AirPods, MacBooks, iPhones, and more.
If you need a powerful charging hub for your devices that takes the guesswork out of it and you have some money to spend, then UGREEN has got you covered. The UGREEN Nexode 500W GaN 6-Port Desktop Charging Station, for example, has six different ports and, despite having a power of 500W, works perfectly and does not heat up. It’s a little pricey at $220, but it’s basically six chargers in a box, so complaining about it is a bit tone-deaf.
The only potential downside to UGREEN is losing some of the street cred that comes from the original accessories. Apple products may be basic, but they come with a more premium, minimalist design that is instantly recognizable. Some might say it looks more premium, but it’s up to you whether you want to sacrifice substance and functionality for style.
