Are UGREEN Accessories More Reliable Than Apple Ones?

Some phone accessory brands are well liked, but they technically all play second fiddle to Anker, which remains the company behind the most popular chargers in the US. Yet popularity isn't a measure of reliability. When you stack up UGREEN against Anker, the underdog comes out as a clear winner in terms of features. If you're not sold on UGREEN because it's more niche, consider how often it's cited as a top USB charger brand that can compete with Anker, and that may be enough to assure you your devices are safe with its products. Is it Apple-friendly, though? And taking it a step further, are UGREEN accessories more reliable than Apple ones?

The answer to both questions is yes. Like a battle of David v. 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 into the premium market like a proverbial glove. As such, its Apple-friendly chargers use all the safety protocols, with protections against voltage spikes, overheating, overcharging, and more. Not knocking Apple, but its stuff is basic in this department, and it operates like a traditional charger. UGREEN takes reliability up a notch with its GaNFast chips, which deliver high wattage at high efficiency but with far less heat than a regular silicon charger.

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. Again, you're in good hands, as the company makes chargers for everything from phones and 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, etc.

If you need a powerhouse of a charging hub for your devices that allows you to eliminate even the tiniest sliver of doubt and you've got money to spare, then UGREEN has got you covered. The UGREEN Nexode 500W GaN 6-Port Desktop Charging Station, for example, has six different ports and, despite delivering 500W, works flawlessly and doesn't heat up. It's a bit pricey at $220, but it's basically six chargers in one box, so complaining about it is a bit tone-deaf.

The only potential downside of UGREEN is losing out on some of that street cred that comes from rocking original accessories. Apple's stuff may be basic, but it comes with a more premium, minimalist design that's instantly recognizable. Some could argue it feels more premium, but it's on you to decide if you want to sacrifice substance and functionality for style.