Contents
Action Car Chargers: Value or Vexation? An In-Depth Review of Budget-Friendly Options
Action stores have become a magnet for bargain hunters, and their electronics department is no exception. Shoppers frequently praise Action’s own-brand electronics for offering surprisingly good quality at incredibly low prices. If you’re in the market for a car charger, Action often has them at appealing price points. I personally put selected models from their Sologic and Re-Load brands to the test. Which ones are worth buying, and which should you avoid? Let’s find out.
What to Know Before Buying a Car Charger
In today’s vehicles, we carry a multitude of electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, navigation systems, and dash cams are common companions on our journeys. While we use them responsibly (especially drivers!), these devices often demand significant power. This is where the car’s 12V accessory socket, commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket, comes in handy, providing power to charge our electronics on the go.
If you need more power than a standard USB port (which isn’t always available in older vehicles), choosing the right car charger is crucial. Here’s what to consider when selecting one:
- Total Output Power (W) and Fast Charging Standards: Look for support for fast charging technologies like Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) to ensure your devices charge efficiently.
- Number and Type of Ports: Determine how many devices you need to charge simultaneously and what kind of ports (USB-A, USB-C) are required.
- Safety Features: Essential protections include overvoltage, short-circuit, and overheating protection to safeguard your devices and vehicle.
- Size and Build Quality: Consider the charger’s physical dimensions, how well it fits into your car’s socket, and its overall construction. A low-profile design can prevent obstruction.
- Cable Management: Think about the shape of the charger and how cables will route to avoid a tangled mess around the gear shifter.
- Placement of Car Charging Sockets: Be aware of where your car manufacturer has placed the 12V sockets, as this impacts charger accessibility and cable length needs.
If you typically travel alone, a single charging port might suffice. However, for longer trips, especially with multiple passengers or children, several devices often need charging simultaneously. Any parent who has traveled with kids knows that handing them a phone or tablet is often essential for surviving long hours in the car. In such scenarios, a single socket might need to power three or even four devices at once.
Furthermore, modern devices require higher current to charge within a reasonable timeframe. Older, cheaper chargers often fall short – they might not even sustain a device’s battery level while it’s in use, let alone actively charge it. Therefore, choosing an accessory that provides both adequate power and a sufficient number of ports is essential.
What Does Action Offer for Drivers?
At the popular discount store Action, you’ll find a wide array of wired and wireless chargers. This includes models for wall outlets and a significant selection of car chargers designed for the SAE J563 standard socket, commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket. In practice, the 12V power outlet is rarely used for igniting cigarettes anymore, instead serving primarily as a power source for electronics.
Important Note: Sockets located in trunks or for rear passengers are typically solely for powering electronics. You should avoid inserting a traditional cigarette lighter element into these, as it can cause damage.
Action’s car charger selection is largely dominated by two brands: Sologic and Re-Load. Sologic products are geared towards those who need a simple, functional solution without any frills. These are extremely affordable “buy and forget” chargers, often costing less than a cup of coffee. The Re-Load series, on the other hand, is positioned slightly higher. These products are generally a bit pricier, made from better materials, and offer superior charging parameters.
I purchased several chargers from both brands, and not all of them became permanent fixtures in my car. Which ones passed the test, and which simply didn’t measure up?
Re-Load 52W 5-Port Car Charger: A Multi-Device Solution
If all your passengers need to charge their electronics simultaneously, the Re-Load 52W fast car charger could be a good option. It features three USB-A inputs and two USB-C inputs, ingeniously separated by a 1.5-meter (approximately 5-foot) cable. This design ensures that ports are accessible to both the driver/front passenger and those seated in the back.
The 1.5-meter cable is usually long enough to reach from a front console socket (or even a trunk socket) to the rear seats comfortably.
But how does it perform in terms of charging speed? The outputs offer various combinations of 5V, 9V, and 12V with corresponding currents, summing up to the declared maximum of 52W. However, it’s important to note that when all five ports are occupied, none of the devices will charge particularly fast.
Here’s a breakdown of the power distribution:
Charger Plug (2 ports):
- USB-C1 (PD): Offers up to 20W independently.
- USB-A1 (QC): Offers up to 18W independently.
- Combined (C1 + A1): When both ports are used simultaneously, their power is significantly limited to a shared 15.5W.
Cable Hub (3 ports):
- USB-C2 (PD): Similar to the plug, offers up to 20W independently.
- USB-A2 (QC): Offers up to 18W independently.
- USB-A3: This is the weakest port, offering a standard 12W.
- Combined (C2 + A2): Just like the plug, simultaneous use of these two ports on the hub limits their total power to a shared 15.5W.
Despite these limitations when fully loaded, the declared fast charging technologies are a plus, including QC 3.0 (red USB-A sockets) up to 18W and Power Delivery (PD) for USB-C ports (up to 20W). I paid around $9.00 for this charger, and I still use it today. While it provides the most ports, this product demonstrates that a high port count doesn’t always translate to fast charging for every single device simultaneously.
Re-Load 65W Compact Charger with Angled Cable: Power and Portability
For a similar price, I also purchased the Re-Load 65W charger with two ports (USB-A and USB-C). This model not only promises high power but also includes an angled USB-A to USB-C cable, which the manufacturer claims can handle up to 100W. Of course, this cable can be used with other chargers or devices as well.
Two factors swayed my decision to buy this one: its sufficient power to charge a laptop and its solid, 90-degree angled USB cable, combined with a highly compact size. This charger fits almost entirely within the cigarette lighter socket, leaving a very low profile.
However, there’s a significant drawback related to its power output. The USB-A port offers a maximum of 18W, while the USB-C port can deliver up to 65W independently. If you use both ports simultaneously, the charging power dramatically drops to a shared 15W. This is stated in the specifications and confirmed in real-world use – charging speed plummets, and the 15W is divided between the two connected devices.
If charging speed (when using only USB-C) and compact size are your top priorities, this model should appeal to you. Just remember the two-port trap: while the USB-C alone can charge a laptop at 65W, adding a second cable to the other port will cause the total power to drop sharply to a combined 15W.
Sologic Chargers: The Ultra-Budget Option
If you’re not looking to spend more than approximately $2.50, the cheapest Sologic car charger might be enough for your basic needs. This is a simple accessory with two ports (USB-A and USB-C), allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously. It’s worth noting that despite its low price, it includes basic surge protection certificates.
However, charging won’t be fast. A total power output of 12W is sufficient for slow-charging smartphones, headphones, smartwatches, or e-readers. But when charging two devices at once, the actual power to each port will be even lower, significantly extending charging times for phones with larger batteries. Regardless of whether one or two cables are connected, the charger will not exceed 12W total.
In practice, with navigation running and the screen bright, this charger was often only able to “maintain” the battery level rather than actively charge it.
I used this accessory for a while, but it didn’t fully meet my expectations (though they weren’t particularly high given the budget). Slow charging was just one issue. Once plugged into the socket and with cables connected, the entire unit protruded a bit too much. In my car (a Volvo V50), the socket is quite close to the gear stick, and since the cables primarily needed to run towards the windshield (for phone and dash cam charging), it wasn’t the most convenient solution when maneuvering the gear stick.
Conclusion: Finding Your Best Car Charger at Action
If your sole priority is the absolute lowest price, a Sologic charger might seem appealing. However, you can easily find more sensible alternatives that offer a much better power-to-price ratio. For me, the Re-Load brand chargers proved to be the superior choice. For instance, the 38W two-port charger for around $5.00, or the 66W three-port model for about $7.00, which includes two USB-C ports with support for Power Delivery fast charging technology.
Of course, my humble review doesn’t cover every product you’ll find at Action. Their range of car chargers and other automotive accessories is much broader, offering a variety of choices to suit different needs and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of car chargers does Action offer?
Action stores carry a wide selection of car chargers, including models from their own brands, Sologic and Re-Load. These range from basic, ultra-affordable dual-port chargers to more advanced multi-port fast chargers supporting technologies like Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC).
What’s the difference between Sologic and Re-Load car chargers at Action?
Sologic chargers are Action’s entry-level, extremely budget-friendly option, designed for basic charging needs. Re-Load chargers are positioned slightly higher, offering better build quality, higher power output, and support for faster charging technologies, usually at a slightly higher but still affordable price point.
Can I fast charge multiple devices simultaneously with Action’s multi-port chargers?
While multi-port chargers from Action (like the Re-Load 5-port model) offer many connections, their total power output is shared. When multiple devices are plugged in, the individual charging speed for each device will often decrease significantly, and fast charging capabilities might be limited or disabled for some ports. It’s best to check the product specifications for power distribution details.
Are Action’s budget car chargers safe to use?
Even the most affordable Sologic chargers often come with basic safety certifications, including protection against overvoltage and short circuits. However, it’s always recommended to choose chargers from reputable brands (even store brands) that clearly list their safety features to ensure the protection of your devices and vehicle.
Source: Gemini
Opening photo: Gemini
About Post Author
