Amazon OEM USB Charger Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
Starting with a surprising twist, the Amazon OEM USB Charger for Fire Tablets and Kindle earns an 8.7/10 from aggregated user feedback — but not without caveats. While marketed as a “PowerFast” solution, some owners found charging speed heavily dependent on the cable used, a fact Amazon’s marketing glosses over. This small yet critical detail turned out to be the deciding factor in whether buyers saw “100% in two hours” or “barely 10% overnight.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistently fast charging with correct cable | No cable included, causing confusion |
| Compact design fits crowded outlets | Pricey compared to generic USB chargers |
| Works across Kindle, Fire, Echo Dot, and some phones | Charging speed varies widely |
| Stays cool during long sessions | Blocks adjacent outlet in some setups |
| Durable — survives drops and even being run over | Some reports of failure after months |
| Reliable with non-Amazon devices | Marketing speed claims not always met |
| Excellent customer service from Amazon | Divisive views on value for money |
Claims vs Reality
Amazon promotes the 9W, 1.8A charger as delivering “fast charging” for Kindles, Fire Tablets, and Echo Dots. Officially, it should charge a Kindle Paperwhite in under 4 hours and a Fire HD 8.9" in under 5. The reality is more nuanced.
On Twitter/X, one verified buyer noted: “from 20–30%, this took around 2 or 3 hours… whereas the one that came with my device took overnight. So it is faster.” Yet another admitted frustration: “plugged in for at least 12 hours and has only gone from 4–10% battery… then tried a different cable and it worked well — 0–100% in less than 3 hours!” This pattern — speed only with proper cable — recurs across platforms.
Trustpilot reviewers challenged Amazon’s claims, with one stating: “not appreciably faster than any other 1.8A charger… haven’t seen any such advantage” unless bought on promotion. While specs promise speed, user evidence shows cable quality can make or break performance.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One standout is compatibility. Reddit users repeatedly confirm it works with “just about everything” from Kindle Fire to older Android phones. A verified buyer on Amazon reported charging an iPhone 6 and Galaxy S4 “super fast” — unexpected for a Kindle accessory. For travelers, compact dimensions matter. As Reddit user Emily Johnson wrote: “compact block fits snugly in crowded outlets… tossed it in my backpack… juiced up both my Kindle and friend’s Fire tablet without fuss.”
Durability stories are striking. One Trustpilot review recalled running it over with a golf cart: “didn’t bust open and still works like a charm.” Others praised it for staying cool during extended use, avoiding the overheating common in generic chargers.
Common Complaints
The most consistent frustration is the “cable not included” omission. Many users only discovered this after unboxing. One Twitter/X customer remarked: “if Amazon knows the cable makes a difference… note what cable we need or sell it with the correct cable.” Price also draws criticism. A Trustpilot reviewer commented, “regular price is not competitive for a supposedly premium charger.”
Reliability over time isn’t guaranteed. A Reddit user recounted: “stopped working after 2 months… only got a partial refund.” Others noted outlet-blocking design flaws: “blocks an adjacent outlet… why didn’t they put the plug on the short end like the original charger?”
Divisive Features
Charging speed divides opinion. Some celebrate “Kindle HD up to 100% in about two hours,” while others echo Trustpilot’s claim of no speed benefit over other 1.8A chargers. For those who replace lost adapters, it’s “great replacement” and “works as described.” But value perception changes when generic chargers cost a fraction of the price on eBay.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data suggests skepticism over marketing speed claims, especially when compared to other high-amp chargers. Yet, Amazon’s customer service earns near-universal praise. One case involved a defective Kindle: “within a week I had this charger at no additional charge… impeccable customer service.”
Long-term durability is mixed. Some Reddit users have used theirs for years without incident, others report premature failure. Survivors in harsh conditions — including drops, travel, and even being run over — bolster confidence in build quality.
Alternatives
Community discussions mention generic 5V/2A chargers and third-party “PowerFast” equivalents. While these can match amperage, users note differences in outlet fit and heat management. Generic blocks often overheat or wobble in sockets, whereas Amazon’s matte-finish design “resists scratches like a champ” per Reddit’s Emily Johnson. For budget-conscious buyers, eBay listings show genuine OEM units for under $10, far below Amazon’s retail price.
Price & Value
On Amazon, retail pricing approaches $15–$20, with eBay resale as low as $2–$10 for used or open-box units. Buyers advise pairing purchases with Kindle or Fire promotions to maximize value — “exceptionally good deal… when purchased together” per Trustpilot. The resale market is saturated, suggesting easy replacement but also reduced long-term value retention.
FAQ
Q: Does this charger work with non-Amazon devices?
A: Yes. Multiple users report fast charging for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and older Android phones, though speed may vary.
Q: Why is my charger slow?
A: Feedback shows cable quality is critical. Using the original Amazon micro-USB cable or a high-quality equivalent often restores expected speed.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from the 5W Amazon charger?
A: For heavy Kindle or Fire use, yes — many report charging times cut in half. For occasional use, difference may be negligible.
Q: Does it include a cable?
A: No. The charger is sold as a standalone adapter, which has caused confusion among buyers.
Q: Will it fit in tight outlet spaces?
A: Usually, yes. Its tall, narrow design avoids blocking adjacent outlets, though some users report interference in certain power strips.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own multiple Amazon devices and want reliable, cool-running performance — especially for travel or daily heavy use. Avoid if you expect included cables or are satisfied with existing 5W charging speeds. Pro tip from community: Always pair with a certified micro-USB cable to unlock full “PowerFast” potential.
