3 Anker Accessories To Keep In Your Car
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Modern motor vehicles are souped-up tech machines. Even at the most basic trim level, you'll find everything from USB-C ports and robust infotainment systems to driver-assistance features that make driving feel more intuitive. As long as your car, truck, or SUV can turn over its alternator, you'll be able to plug in a number of accessories, too. One manufacturer that's renowned for vehicular gadgets is Anker, and if you and yours are always a.) traveling with phones, tablets, and laptops, and b.) in need of a charger, Anker has more than got you covered.
The company specializes in plug-and-play chargers, portable power banks, and cables. Many Anker products even come with USB cables, so you won't have to scrounge in the junk drawer for an A-to-B connection. But what are the best Anker accessories to keep in the car? That question inspired us to put together this short list of must-have Anker products. All three are chargers on the surface, but two magnetically attach to most iPhones (and Android phones with a magnetic case), letting you flip easily between portrait and landscape views.
We're going to break down the pros and cons of every Anker device we chose; we didn't run into any quality control issues, but it's worth knowing about some of the negative experiences customers have had. So, without further ado, let's dive right into our first Anker add-on: a DC adapter that's loaded with USB connections.
Anker Max 3-Port Car Charger
We could create a roundup based entirely on Anker's many travel chargers. Instead, we'd like to highlight the $54 Anker Max 3-Port Car Charger, which was marked down to $34 when we wrote this. If you're the type of person who uses a laptop on the road, you'll know how frustrating it can be to charge a MacBook with a USB-A DC adapter. While this Anker product includes a 22.5-watt USB-A port, its USB-C connections are worth writing home about.
Plug in a single device, and the top USB-C port delivers up to 100 watts, while the lower port pushes 45 watts. That's a lot of power for such a small accessory, and both USB-C ports support fast charging, too, making it a go-to gadget for topping off an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device in record time. Anker also built in a few failsafes, including protection against voltage spikes, voltage drops, and excessive temperatures.
Conveniently, the manufacturer also includes a 3.3-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and an 18-month warranty. The adapter scored 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on over 3,450 user reviews, and up to 89% of feedback was at the 5-star level. That said, a few users said the adapter got overly warm at times; one person's unit got so hot it warped the connection point.
Anker Prime Qi2 MagSafe Car Mount
Magnetically docking your phone while driving helps in more ways than one. That's why we're spotlighting the $90 Anker Prime Qi2 MagSafe Car Mount, which features an adjustable vent hook. Once you've clamped it in, plug in the included DC adapter, connect the provided USB-C cable for power, and you're done. The charger even includes a cord organizer to keep things looking clean.
The Qi2 wireless charging standard delivers up to 25 watts to compatible devices, making it ideal for iPhone 12 and later; you can also mount an Android phone with a magnetic case. According to Anker, you can charge an iPhone 17 Pro from 0% to 50% in just 22 minutes, which is pretty impressive. True to the manufacturer's defensive engineering, Anker's ActiveShield 5.0 runs millions of temperature checks per day to keep your docked device from frying.
You can also easily flip your phone between portrait and landscape modes, and tilt the entire chassis up to 32 degrees for a better viewing angle. Amazon shoppers gave the Anker Prime Qi2 4.4 out of 5 stars, based on over 830 reviews. Most users appreciate its fast, reliable charging and strong magnetic grip. Keep in mind that the charger may not work as well with uniquely shaped vents (as shown in this three-star write-up).
Anker Nano 75W Car Charger
While it isn't much different from the Anker Max 3-Port adapter we discussed earlier, we love the $30 Anker Nano 75W Car Charger for its built-in, retractable USB-C cable. The wire is rated for up to 10,000 retractions, and it extends up to 29.5 inches. It's not the only connection this adapter includes, but it also delivers up to 45 watts, making it perfect for fast-charging an iPhone or compatible Android device.
The integrated USB-C lead isn't the only charge point; there's also a USB-C port that delivers up to 35 watts, for a combined 75 watts. If you need a quick power boost while driving, this is one of the best DC adapters for the job. Anker also provides an 18-month warranty for this product in case you run into any charging or compatibility issues.
We don't expect you to, though; Amazon shoppers gave the Anker Nano a 4.6-out-of-5-star score based on over 3,600 reviews, and most feedback was five stars. We read a couple of reports of failed units, but that's pretty par for the course with a car charger. And don't forget: there's a better-than-normal warranty in place should something go wrong.
How we chose these Anker accessories
Anker is best known for its extensive lineup of chargers and charger-adjacent accessories, but we wanted to focus on three products best suited for a motor vehicle. When making our selections, we didn't choose any product with fewer than 4 stars on Amazon, and we also referenced user feedback when applicable.