Get Charged: The Straightforward Guide to Cables, Chargers & Power Banks That Actually Work

Get Charged: The Straightforward Guide to Cables, Chargers & Power Banks That Actually Work

Some tech gear just looks good in a box. Other gear actually performs. If you're the kind of person who just wants things to work—first time, every time—then this one’s for you.

We’ve rounded up the most useful charging gear in the game: power banks that last longer, cables that don’t fray at the ends, and wall chargers that make your old one look like a toy. 

Quality Chargers and Cables for Every Budget Reading Get Charged: The Straightforward Guide to Cables, Chargers & Power Banks That Actually Work 8 minutes

Wall Chargers: What Wattage Really Means (And Why It Matters)

Whether you’re powering a phone, tablet, or laptop, the right wall charger makes all the difference. It’s not just about speed—it’s about compatibility, safety, and having a charger that works across all your devices without slowing you down.

What to look for in a good wall charger.


•    USB-C Power Delivery (PD): This is the current fast-charging standard. It adapts the output depending on the device—so it won’t overpower your device but will still fast-charge your phone, tablet or laptop. 
•    Multiple ports: Handy if you’re charging more than one device at a time—think phone + smartwatch, or tablet + earbuds.
•    Compact, travel-ready size: Ideal for on-the-go setups without adding bulk to your bag.
•    Smart charging protection: Keeps your devices safe from overheating or overcharging.

Not all wall chargers are created equal. The power output—measured in watts (W)—makes a big difference in how quickly your device charges, and whether it can handle things like tablets, laptops, or multiple devices at once.

So, what’s the deal with watts?

Wattage is simply a measure of how much power your charger can deliver. A higher wattage = faster charging, but only if your device supports it. If your phone maxes out at 25W, using a 65W charger won’t damage it—it’ll just charge at its fastest supported speed. The benefit? That same charger can also handle your laptop, earbuds or tablet without needing separate gear.

Charging your phone with a basic 5W plug (like the ones we all used to get in the box) takes over 2 hours. With a 25w or more powerful charger, that drops down to under an hour for most newer models. It’s the difference between leaving home with a half-full battery and being good to go after a quick top-up while you get ready.

Which Wall Charger Is Right for You?

Use Case

Recommended

Why it Works

Simple, reliable top-up
Single device charging; phone, watch, or earbuds
EFM 20W Eco Wall Charger Lightweight, eco-friendly, and ideal for everyday carry or bedside use.
Eco-conscious power user
Charge two phones or a tablet and earbuds
EFM 40W Eco Wall Charger Made from recycled materials. Dual-port fast charging with a lower footprint.
Everyday all-rounder
Fast-charging phone, earbuds, and tablet
EFM 65W GaN Wall Charger  Compact but powerful. GaN tech delivers fast, efficient charging across devices.
Work-from-anywhere setup
Phone, laptop, tablet, watch—all charging at once
EFM 100-140W Desktop Power Station

Serious power with multiple ports. Perfect for desks, hotel rooms, or remote work hubs.

 

Quick Tip:
Don’t judge a charger by size alone. GaN tech (used in most of our wall chargers) runs cooler and faster in smaller bodies, while eco chargers give you solid performance without the environmental baggage.

See all EFM wall chargers ➡

 

________________________________________


Power Banks: Pick the Right Power for Your Day (or Week)


Power banks aren’t just for emergencies—they’re part of the everyday kit now. Whether you’re off-grid, on a job site, or just smashing through back-to-back meetings, the right power bank means you’re never scrambling for a charger.
But not all are built equal. Some are good for a quick top-up. Others? Full workstations in your backpack.

What to look for in a good power bank:


But here’s where most people get it wrong: it’s not just about size. If you want fast, reliable charging, look for:
•    USB-C with Power Delivery (PD): adapts to each device for safe, efficient charging
•    Output wattage: phones can charge on 18–30W. Laptops need at least 45W, ideally 60W+
•    Multiple ports: top up your phone and your earbuds at the same time
•    Build and portability: slim, rugged units are easier to carry and last longer

Power at a Glance: What You Need & Why It Matters


When buying a Powerbank, there are 2 important things to look at:


1.    W or Watts, how fast it charges and what it can charge

 Feature

What It Means

What It's Good For

18–30W Output Fast charging for phones and tablets iPhones, Androids, iPads, small accessories
45W Output Entry-level laptop charging MacBook Air, Surface Go, Chromebooks
60–65W Output Fast charging for most laptops + phones Work setups, mobile professionals, universal charging needs
100W Output High-performance laptop charging Gaming laptops, creative workstations, power-intensive devices

 

2. mAh. When you see mAh, think of it like fuel capacity. More mAh = more charges.

Feature

What It Means

What It's Good For

5,000mAh One full phone charge Day trips, commutes, light everyday use
10,000mAh Two to three full phone charges All-day phone power, MagSafe charging, compact backup
20,000–27,000mAh Multiple full phone charges or 1+ laptop charge Travel, off-grid use, working remotely, powering laptops

 

✅ Quick tip:
Look at both numbers:
•    mAh = how much charging power it can hold
•    W = how fast it charges and what it can charge

Ready to find the ideal Power bank for your situation?

Just take a look at the table below for your Powerbank match.

Use Case

Recommended Power Bank Specs

Your Perfect Match

Everyday backup Out and about, just need a quick top-up 5,000mAh • 10–20W output EFM 5,000mAh Power Bank On-The-Go Small, fast, pocket-ready
All-day phone charging Travel, workdays, or back-to-back calls 10,000mAh • 10–20W output EFM 10,000mAh FLUX Magnetic Power Bank with kickstand

Multi-day charging  Multiple devices or longer days

20,000mAh • 15–20W output EFM 20,000mAh Essential Power Bank Multiple ports

Heavy mobile use
Off-Grid, High-demanding devices, Long getaways

30,000mAh+ • 15–30W output

EFM 30,000mAh Digital Power Bank  Multiple ports, built though

High-performance devices Work remote, mobile office, high-performance devices

20,000mAh+ • 65W+ output EFM 27,000mAh Laptop-Grade Power Bank Charges your MacBook, phone, tablet—all at once

 

Quick tip:
For phone users, any 18–30W power bank will charge fast.
For laptops, look for 60W+ USB-C PD, and mAh over 20,000 so it lasts longer.

See all EFM Power Banks ➡

 

________________________________________


Cables That Actually Keep Up


Not all cables are created equal. Some are built to charge. Others are built to charge fast and move data. And a few, like the ones from EFM, are built to last through real life, not just sit pretty in a box.
If you’ve ever had a cable split at the connector, tangle itself into a knot, or crawl at snail-speed while transferring files, you’ll know why quality matters.


 What Makes a Great Cable?

  • Power only vs Power + Data: Some cables just charge. Others can move files, videos, and backups. Always check the label.
  • Transfer Speed: For moving files, video or syncing devices, look for 480Mbps (standard) or 5Gbps+ (USB 3)
  • Charging Wattage: Make sure to check how much power your device needs.  Laptops need a minimum of 100W.
  • Cable Length: Short (1m) for desk or car setups. Longer (2m+) for flexibility around the house.
  • Braided & Reinforced: Helps prevent wear and tear, twisting, and fraying at the ends. Key for daily use.

      ·     Connector types: Lightning cables are used for iPhone 14 and older. Most phones charged through USB-C

✅ Quick Tip:

Need to charge your phone fast? Make sure your cable supports Power Delivery (PD) and matches your charger’s wattage. Using a high-wattage charger with a basic cable = slower speeds. Match both for max performance.

EFM Cable Range: Built for Speed and Strength


Lightning Cables
Used for all iPhones before iPhone 14 and older iPads. Supports fast charging through USB-C charging and standard data transfer. Ideal everyday carry.

100W USB-A to USB-C Cables
All-rounder for charging and data. Works across phones and tablets. Go-to for basic charging needs for phones. 


100W USB-C to USB-C Cables
All-rounder for high-speed charging and data. Works across phones, tablets, and most laptops. Go-to for work and travel.


140W USB-C PD Power and Data Cables
Top-tier power and data delivery. Built for fast-charging laptops, external drives, and USB-C monitors. Future-proofed for whatever you plug in next.


✅ All EFM cables are braided, reinforced, and tested for over 20,000 bends. No weak spots. No fraying. Just high-performance gear that goes the distance.
 

Shop all EFM Cables ➡

 

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.