That slim, sleek iPad in your hands represents both power and potential. Power to browse the web, FaceTime friends, play immersive games, and get work done wherever you roam. Potential to enrich your life and productivity like few other gadgets can.
But its portability and capabilities rely entirely on battery life. And your battery life depends on having the right charger.
While the standard Apple charger that comes with your iPad is perfectly capable, there are even better options available that charge faster, boast helpful features, and are designed for portability.
Upgrading to the right third-party iPad charger for your needs and budget can take your iPad experience from good to GREAT.
In this comprehensive, 2000+ word guide, we’ll:
- Explain how to choose the best iPad charger for YOU
- Compare the TOP 5 Chargers for iPad
- Reveal insider shopping tips for charger buyers
- Answer the most frequently asked questions about powering up your iPad
Let’s dive in and find YOUR perfect iPad charging companion!
A Tale of Two Chargers…
Meet Lucy.
Lucy loves her iPad Pro and relies on it heavily for work and leisure. But she’s noticed it seems to take forever to charge with the included wall adapter, which is frustrating when she’s trying to head out the door.
She finally decides to shop for a faster third-party charging option. After researching some well-reviewed choices online, she selects a 30W GAN charger that promises 3X faster charging speeds.
Once her new rapid charger arrives, she eagerly plugs it into her iPad Pro. She’s amazed to see it already half full after only 20 minutes! The fast charging capabilities make a huge difference improving her user experience.
Now, meet logical Luke.
Luke enjoys reading ebooks and playing casual games on his new iPad Air. The standard Apple 12W charger it came with works reasonably well to charge his tablet overnight.
But he dislikes how the wall adapter lacks USB-C ports to accommodate his other devices. One day, the cable starts to fray which makes Luke anxious about safety.
He decides to purchase an affordable third-party charger but wrongly assumes that higher watts automatically mean faster charging. The 18W charger ends up providing no noticeable speed boost, leaving Luke disappointed.
Lucy chose the optimal charger to meet her needs. As a result, she enjoys a much improved charging experience that unlocks the full potential of her iPad.
Luke unfortunately did not make the best choice. He ends up with basically the same charging speeds as before.
The right iPad charger for Lucy was not the right pick for Luke. And that’s because the best iPad charger depends mainly on your individual needs and priorities.
The key is first understanding a few fundamental factors that determine charging performance. Let’s break it down…
What Makes for the Best iPad Charging Experience
While there are many iPad chargers to choose from, they’re NOT all created equal. Several key factors influence how quickly and reliably your iPad charges:
Charger Wattage
The charging speed comes down to wattage, or power output. Most standard iPhone/iPad USB power adapters are 10-12 watts. Faster iPad charging requires higher wattage – generally 18W, 20W or 30W.
For example, the latest iPad Pro 12.9” model features a massive battery built to support blazing fast charging at up to 27W.
So if faster juice up times are your priority then wattage matters!
Higher wattage iPad chargers enable faster charging, but you want to match capabilities of your specific iPad model
Charger Port Type
Ensure your charging cable and ports pair correctly with your iPad model for maximum power delivery:
- Newer iPad models utilize USB-C ports instead of Apple’s older Lightning ports
- Some chargers offer both USB-C and USB-A ports allow you to charge all your different devices
Safety Features
Today’s advanced chargers boast intelligent safety capabilities that older, basic models lack:
- Temperature monitoring tracks heat levels and adjusts power flow to prevent overheating
- Short circuit protection turns off output if abnormal power flow is detected
- Foldable prongs minimize risk of snapping off when traveling
Brand Reputation
While Apple manufactures the iPad, many other brands now produce quality chargers often superior to Apple’s own. Anker, RAVPower and AUKEY are consumer favorites known for better-built, full-featured chargers.
Helpful Extras
Other aspects that improve functionality and convenience:
- Multi port charging
- Compact/folding design
- Generous cable length
- Carrying pouch
Now let’s examine today’s TOP-RATED iPad chargers! Discover which is best for fast charging, travel, budget buyers or other needs…
The 5 Best iPad Chargers Compared
Anker 715 Charger (Nano II) – Best Overall
The Anker 715 Charger (Nano II) strikes the ideal balance of fast charging speed, ultra compact design, helpful features and affordability.
The tiny yet mighty Anker 715 Charger
This pint-sized dynamo pumps out an impressive 30W to rapidly charge even the latest iPad Pro 12.9” at max speeds up to 27W. That’s nearly 3X faster than the old standard 12W iPad charger!
It outperforms much larger 30W chargers thanks to advanced GaN technology which enhances power efficiency and heat dissipation in a small form factor.
Cleverly foldable plugs make this highly portable – smaller than a credit card when collapsed! It intelligently monitors temperature while charging to prevent overheating.
The Anker 715 Charger is available in fun color options and backed by Anker’s 18 month product assurance.
Over 50,000 Amazon reviewers praise its rugged design, charging velocity and tiny yet mighty functionality. It‘s the BEST OVERALL iPad charger!
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches
- Output: 30W (Max 27W iPad charging)
- Ports: USB-C
- Price: $21.99
Buy the Anker 715 Charger on Amazon >
AUKEY Omnia 65W PD Charger – Best for Travel
Frequent travelers should check out the AUKEY Omnia 65W PD Charger for keeping their iPad and other gadgets powered up wherever they roam.
This versatile charger pumps out a hefty 65 watts of power thanks to advanced GaN components normally reserved for top-shelf laptop chargers.
That’s enough juice to fast charge an iPad Pro AND refuel a MacBook Air/Pro simultaneously!
The mighty AUKEY Omnia Charger fuels iPads, iPhones, Macbooks & more!
Two included USB-C ports and one USB-A port allow charging up to 3 devices at once. Intelligent temperature control provides safe adaptive charging calibrated to each device, preventing iPhone or iPad battery overheating.
Frequent fliers will love the ultra slim, foldable plug design which slips easily into luggage, purses and backpacks. Plus a handy carrying case helps keep everything together on the move.
For powering up ALL your devices – effortlessly and efficiently – while hopping planes, trains and automobiles, the AUKEY Omnia 65W Multi-Port PD Charger is your perfect travel companion.
Over 7,000 worldwide travelers rate this 5/5 stars for its versatile charging prowess and globetrotter-approved portability perks!
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches (folded)
- Output: 65W (Max 27W iPad charging)
- Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A
- Price: $45.99
Buy the AUKEY Omnia 65W Charger on Amazon >
Anker 615 Charger (ganPrime) – Fastest Charger
Insanely fast charging is what you get with the state-of-the-art Anker 615 ganPrime Charger. At half the size of Apple‘s 20W USB-C adapter, it leverages advanced GaN chipsets to drive charging speeds up to 3X faster!
Tiny design, ULTRA fast charging!
How fast is “ultra fast”? We’re talking 50% charge in just over 30 minutes fast – even for the maxed out 12.9" iPad Pro!
This breakthrough pace is almost 3X quicker than standard 12W iPad/iPhone chargers. All that in a minimalist form factor barely larger than a single AirPod.
It does run warmer than less powerful adapters during peak charging, but integrated safeguards prevent any risk of overheating your device. Safety is also enhanced with fire-resistant materials that reduce risk of electrical danger.
If you desire the FASTEST charging experience in the most portable package, the premium Anker 615 ganPrime Charger is your best bet!
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches
- Output: 20W
- Ports: USB-C
- Price: $19.99
Buy Anker 615 ganPrime Charger on Amazon >
Choosing YOUR Perfect iPad Charger
Now that you know about the top charging options available, let’s explore key factors to consider when choosing the best iPad charger for YOUR unique needs and preferences.
Charging Speed Needs
What‘s your tolerance for charging duration? Are you fine with overnight charging or do you need rapid refueling to dart out the door in the morning?
Faster charging demands higher wattage output. Newer iPad Pros now support blazing fast 27W charging if speed matters most.
Device Compatibility
Ensure ports match your model – USB-C for newer iPads vs Lightning for older ones. Multi device chargers allow powering other gadgets too.
Portability Level
If you commute or travel often then slim, light designs with foldable plugs are essential. Hardwired or bulky bricks won‘t cut it!
Safety & Protection
Advanced models monitor temperature and adapt output to prevent fire risk or gadget damage from electrical faults. This protects your expensive investment.
Charging Locations
Will it charge on the nightstand, or on the go? Airplane-friendly designs excel for travelers who need charging anywhere, everywhere.
Budget Factor
How much should you spend? Variable pricing means there’s quality iPad chargers for every budget. Avoid overspending just for extreme speed your iPad can’t even utilize.
By considering your unique needs, preferences and budget, you can zero in on YOUR ideal iPad charging solution.
Let‘s recap quick pros and cons of the top iPad charger picks:
| Charger | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Anker 715 Charger | • Compact size • Fast charging • Advanced safety features | • No USB-A port |
| AUKEY Omnia 65W Charger | • Powers all devices • Best for travel • Intelligent temperature control | • Bulkier than ultra compact models |
| Anker 615 ganPrime Charger | • Blazing fast charging • Cutting-edge GaN technology | • Runs warm at max speed |
Asked & Answered: Your Top iPad Charging FAQs
Let’s wrap up by answering some frequently asked questions about powering up your iPad:
Do I really need to buy another charger for my iPad?
The included 12W or 20W Apple charger works fine, but many third-party options now available deliver helpful bonuses like faster charging, smaller size for travel, ability to charge additional devices simultaneously and more advanced safety protections.
What wattage iPad charger should I choose?
Faster charging requires higher wattage – aim for at least 20W output for modern iPad models, up to 30W for max speed with iPad Pro. But don’t overspend on extreme wattage your iPad can’t utilize. Avoid sketchy uncertified chargers with unrealistic wattage claims.
Why does higher watts not always mean faster iPad charging?
The max charge rate depends on your iPad model not just the charger itself. Your iPad will only draw the wattage needed. The latest 12.9” iPad Pro supports crazy fast 27W charging, but iPad Air only needs 20W.
Can I use the same iPad charger for my iPhone?
Yes! Your iPad charger will work fine with iPhone and other smartphones. And many multi-port chargers nowadays allow simultaneously powering a mix of USB-C and USB-A devices.
Should I buy Anker, RAVPower, AUKEY or other brand?
Anker and AUKEY have fantastic reputations for quality and performance if you want an alternative to the Apple option. RAVPower, Belkin and UGREEN also produce reliable third-party iPad chargers. Ultimately get one matching your requirements and budget.
Keep That iPad Battery Buzzing
Your iPad is only as liberating and useful as its battery life. While Apple earns rave reviews for hardware engineering and interface design, much work remains improving iPad charging speeds and capabilities.
Thankfully third-parties like Anker, AUKEY and RAVPower continue pushing charging innovation with cutting-edge designs leveraging GaN chipsets and other technologies normally exclusive to elite laptop power adapters.
Thinner, smaller and yet more powerful. Folding prongs for global roaming and enough output to juice a MacBook. Intelligent sensors and materials that enhance reliability and safety.
Investing in the optimal fast charger tailored specifically to your iPad model and lifestyle empowers you to:
- Save hours of charging time each week
- Use your iPad anytime, anywhere (not just when plugged in)
- Protect your expensive device from electrical damage
- Reduce ewaste from discarded old chargers
- Charge earbuds, e-readers, and other gadgets too!
We hope this guides helps you select YOUR perfect iPad charging companion. Juice up that iPad and elevate your experience! 🙌
