I've used adaptive chargers with my iPhone and Android for a year - but should you?

iPhone and Android for a year - but should you?">

ZDNET's recommendations are based on extensive testing, research, and comparison shopping. Our editorial team writes on behalf of our readers, aiming to deliver accurate information and knowledgeable advice to help make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and services. When it comes to USB chargers, modern technology has made them incredibly smart.

They negotiate with devices to find the safest voltage and current combination, continuously monitoring voltage, current, and temperature to ensure safe charging. But what if chargers could be even smarter? This is where adaptive chargers come in, also known as "intelligent" charging, "smart regulated," or "AI" charging.

Anker calls it Care Mode. These chargers communicate with devices to optimize charging, starting with a fast charge, then ramping down to a steady charge, and finally switching to a trickle charge. I've tested adaptive chargers, including the Anker Nano 45W, and seen a noticeable drop in charger and device temperatures.

However, adaptive power doesn't defy physics, and reducing heat during charging means extending charging times. The biggest limitation of adaptive charging is that it doesn't work with every phone, currently only supported on iPhone 17, 16, and 15 series, and iPad Pro models since 2020. However, with hundreds of millions of iPhones supporting this technology, the future looks promising.

If you're not ready to invest in an adaptive charger, consider using a low-power charger for overnight charging and saving fast chargers for day-to-day use. Ultimately, how quickly a battery charges is controlled by its battery management system. But given the impact of heat and aggressive charging on battery wear, I'm not sure pushing maximum power is the best idea.

The best adaptive charger option is the Anker Nano 45W, which is affordable at $29 and features a TUV-certified Care Mode. Another good choice is the Ugreen Uno 100W, which does a great job of shifting into trickle mode when the bulk of charging is done.