LISEN 90W USB-C Car Charger Review: Strong but Limited
With promises of super-fast dual port charging up to 90W, the LISEN 90W USB C Car Charger Fast Charging earns a cautious 7.5/10 from user consensus. While many praise its compact all-metal build and speed, a surprising technical limitation on 12V vehicles has left some buyers feeling misled.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best for 24V or high-power users, less ideal for standard 12V cars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium all-metal housing resists heat | Can’t deliver full claimed wattage on 12V cars |
| Extremely compact “thumb-sized” design | Marketing seen as deceptive by some buyers |
| Comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning cables | Price varies widely; resale value low |
| Supports multiple fast-charging protocols | Speed gain less noticeable for lower-powered devices |
| Blue LED locator light | Limited availability and occasional stock shortages |
| Wide compatibility with phones, tablets, laptops | Requires careful cable choice to optimize speed |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing pushes the dual PD 45W per port output as a “game-changer” for charging an iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPad Pro simultaneously. Reddit threads echo the speed potential, with quotes like: “Charged my iPhone 16 from 10% to 80% while my Pixel hit 70% in half an hour”. However, Trustpilot feedback reveals a serious caveat: “It could only deliver 45W PD if it was plugged into a 24V battery… plugged into 12V it can only deliver 18W PD and 36W total.” This affects most passenger cars, as they typically run 12V systems.
Another claim centers on temperature control: “All-metal body won’t heat, safer than plastic.” Across Amazon and Reddit, this largely holds up. Even under simultaneous load, users reported the charger staying “cool to the touch,” thanks to heat-dissipating alloy construction. That said, the thermal benefit doesn’t solve the reduced wattage problem in 12V contexts.
Finally, Lisen touts universal compatibility with everything from MacBooks to Kindles via PPS, PD 3.0/4.0, QC 3.0, and more. Users confirm this versatility, but note that laptops requiring higher sustained wattage (like MacBook Pro models) may undercharge in 12V vehicles — fine for top-ups, not ideal for full work sessions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
High marks come for the compact flush-fit design. Trustpilot buyers call it “smaller than a coin,” while a verified Amazon reviewer explained: “Fits perfectly in my truck’s lighter port without wobbling. The blue LED makes it easy to find at night.” Travelers like the portability — it occupies minimal glovebox space, yet delivers substantial current output for smaller devices.
Another widely enjoyed feature is the bundle of two quality cables. The nylon braid stands out, surviving “40,000+ bends” per the manufacturer, and multiple Reddit users confirmed durability in real-world use: “Cable still looks brand new after six months of daily plugging.” For those juggling both USB-C and Lightning devices, having both in one kit adds immediate value.
Heat management also earns praise. Across Twitter, Quora, and eBay listings, owners note zero overheating even in summer driving. This reassures anyone who has endured melted or warped plastic chargers in the past.
Common Complaints
While the charger is advertised as 90W total, several detailed Trustpilot and Slickdeals posts reveal frustration when real-world tests on 12V systems yield under 40W. A user on Slickdeals said bluntly: “Deceptive marketing… had to return it.” This complaint appears often enough to be called a recurring pattern.
Stock and pricing volatility also frustrates buyers. Listings range from under $11 for Prime members to nearly $45 on Newegg. eBay auctions have closed for as low as $5.20. This variance has hurt perceived value among early buyers who paid more before discounts appeared.
For MacBook users, Reddit threads caution that this is a “good in-car top-up, bad for full work charging” unless running off a 24V supply like in larger vehicles or RVs.
Divisive Features
The LED locator light splits opinion. Some love the subtle glow — “great for late-night drives,” per one Reddit member — while others find it “too bright in a dark cabin.” There's also mixed sentiment on the all-metal construction; while heat resistance is universally welcomed, a few drivers worry about durability under moisture exposure compared to sealed plastic chargers.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries warn that marketing overstates performance in typical cars. The repeated claim of “PD45W per port” misleads those without a 24V system. Such feedback has built skepticism toward Lisen’s specs. One buyer wrote: “Staff spam — they bury the 12V limitation in fine print.”
Long-term use stories from Reddit show structural resilience: units stay cosmetically intact even after months of daily insertion/removal. Cables hold up well — no fraying reported after extended bending in confined car cabins.
Alternatives
In community discussions, some users compared Lisen’s 90W to older A+C port chargers from brands like Anker. While these competitors lack dual high-watt USB-C, they often make more transparent power claims and sometimes outperform on 12V systems due to lower per-port expectations.
For budget seekers, the dramatically lower eBay auction prices for Lisen itself point to potential deals — if warranty isn’t critical. Those prioritizing maximum horsepower in 12V cars might consider brands listing exact 12V/24V outputs separately.
Price & Value
At €26.32 on Amazon Belgium, $23.99 on Lisen’s own site, and $10.77 in selective Prime deals, price swings are enormous. A Reddit buyer paid $14.99 only to see it drop the following week. Auction resale values are modest, rarely topping $12 used — suggesting depreciation is steep.
Community tips urge checking vehicle voltage before purchase. For 24V truck or RV owners, the advertised performance is achievable and price becomes more competitive. For standard cars, investing in a lower-rated but fully supported 12V charger might be smarter.
FAQ
Q: Does the LISEN 90W car charger actually output 45W per port?
A: Only on 24V systems. On most 12V cars, users report about 18W per port, totaling near 36W.
Q: Will it fast-charge a MacBook Pro?
A: On a 24V system, yes. On 12V, it can top up but won’t sustain full operational charging loads.
Q: Is the LED light dimmable?
A: No, brightness is fixed. Some find it helpful for night use, others consider it distracting.
Q: Do the included cables support all advertised speeds?
A: Yes, if paired with compatible devices; both cables are PD-rated for their respective max outputs.
Q: Is it safe to leave plugged in overnight?
A: Users report no overheating or damage from leaving it connected, thanks to in-built temperature controls and automatic shut-off.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a 24V system user — truck drivers, RV owners, or high-output accessory ports — seeking ultra-fast dual USB-C charging with premium build quality. Avoid if you expect full advertised speeds in a standard 12V car. Pro tip from the community: verify your vehicle’s voltage before purchase to dodge disappointment.
Slug: lisen-90w-usb-c-car-charger-fast-charging-review
