20W Wall Charger Buying Guide: USB-C & USB-A
By GabbaGoods - Everyday Consumer Electronics – Gabba Goods | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a 20W wall charger for fast charging. Compare USB-C and USB-A ports, Power Delivery technology, and find the right charger for your iPhone, Samsung, or other devices.
Quick answer
For fast charging, a 20W wall charger with Power Delivery (PD) and a USB-C port is your best bet. It will quickly charge iPhones, Samsung phones, and other USB-C devices, while a second USB-A port adds versatility for older gadgets.
Why 20W matters for fast charging
20 watts is the sweet spot for fast charging most smartphones without the bulk of a higher-power laptop charger. It can deliver a full charge to an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy significantly faster than a standard 5W or 10W charger. The key is Power Delivery (PD) technology, which negotiates the optimal power level with your device.
USB-C vs. USB-A: Which port do you need?
A USB-C port is essential for modern fast charging. It supports Power Delivery and is the standard for iPhones (from the iPhone 8 onward) and most Samsung Galaxy phones. A second USB-A port is useful for charging older devices like an older Kindle or a Bluetooth speaker, but it will not provide the same fast charging speeds as the USB-C port. If you only need to charge one phone, a single USB-C port is sufficient. If you often charge multiple devices, a dual-port model is more convenient.
Your 20W wall charger decision rules
- Check the wattage and PD support: Look for a charger that explicitly states '20W' and 'Power Delivery (PD)'. This ensures fast charging for compatible devices. Without PD, a 20W charger may not charge your phone faster than a 10W one.
- Match the port to your devices: If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, or a Samsung Galaxy S8 or newer, a USB-C port with PD is required for fast charging. A second USB-A port is a bonus for older devices but won't provide fast charging. For a single modern phone, a USB-C-only charger is fine. For multiple devices, choose a USB-C + USB-A model.
- Consider the charger's physical size: 20W wall chargers are generally compact, but some may be wider to accommodate two ports. If you need to plug it into a crowded power strip, a slim or right-angle design is better.
Product facts
- Rapid PD 20W Wall Charger- USB-A and USB-C: 20W Power Delivery (PD) technology with one USB-C and one USB-A port. This means you can fast charge a modern phone via USB-C while still having a USB-A port for an older device or accessory.
Rapid PD 20W Wall Charger- USB-A and USB-C - Rapid PD Power Delivery 18 Watt Wall Charger With USB-A and USB-C: 18W Power Delivery (PD) technology with one USB-C and one USB-A port. At 18W, it still provides fast charging for most phones, but may be slightly slower than a 20W charger for larger battery packs or tablets.
Rapid PD Power Delivery 18 Watt Wall Charger With USB-A and USB-C
Who should buy a 20W PD wall charger?
Best for
- Anyone with an iPhone 8 or newer who wants faster charging than the included 5W charger.
- Samsung Galaxy owners who want to take advantage of fast charging for their S8 or newer models.
- Users who need a compact, single-solution charger for both their phone and a secondary device like wireless earbuds.
Not ideal for
- Users who need to charge a laptop (laptops typically require 45W or more).
- Users who only charge older micro-USB devices (a 20W PD charger is overkill; a cheaper 10W charger will work fine).
