Energizer 5W Premium USB Wall Charger review

Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6

CNET Editors' Rating

4.0 stars Excellent
Review Date:

Average User Rating

0.0 stars No reviews. Write a review


The bad: Even when the cable is wrapped, the 5W's USB and phone ports are exposed.

The bottom line: With its convenient and portable package, the Energizer 5W Wall Charger offers some welcome improvements over the common cell phone charger.




(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)


Almost round in shape, the 5W charger is slightly larger than a golf ball. On the front end is a small light and the USB plug for the included cable. Fortunately, the cable isn't fused in its plug so you can replace it if you like. On the rear side, the wall plug folds up for easy storage. Though the 5W's shell is made of plastic, I didn't worry about its durability. More importantly, the small size and light weight made it eminently portable.

The cable is no different from the one that Apple included in the box with your i-device. It stretches to a comparable length and the plug fit my iPhone securely. Unlike your Apple-supplied charger, however, the 5W charger has a groove around its perimeter for wrapping the cable. Rubber flaps hold it securely in place and prevent it from getting tangled. Keep in mind, though, that the plugs on either end will stick out. It shouldn't be a problem, but there may be a slight danger if they jangle against something sharp in your bag.

As your device charges, the 5W's light will shine blue.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

I tested the 5W charger with an iPhone 4. After connecting my handset, it began receiving a charge immediately. The 5W charger fully powered my iPhone in a couple of hours, which is no longer than when I use an Apple-made charger. Energizer's product stands on its own, however, by including a light just above the plug. It will shine blue as your device charges and then extinguish when charging is complete. That's a nice touch for the energy-conscious.

As I said, the 5W charger doesn't do anything a normal Apple charger already does. Instead, it offers a more convenient and portable design for powering your device when you're traveling around town or around the world. If it were more expensive than buying a replacement charger from Apple ($29), I wouldn't see the point. But as an alternative power device, its improved design and cheaper price are worth considering.


Member Comments

Add Your Comment

Conversation powered by Livefyre

Quick Specifications

  • Max Output Current 1 A
