NOCO U65 & NUSB211NA Charger Review: Strong But Flawed
An astonishing 87% of Amazon reviewers gave the NOCO U65 65W USB-C Charger five stars, praising its blistering recharge speeds, yet other NOCO charging solutions like the NUSB211NA 10W USB Power Adapter have sparked frustration when paired with certain jump starters. The consensus? Exceptional charging performance for compatible devices—but only if you buy the right model for your needs. Verdict: 7.5/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent if matched to the correct NOCO product, poor warranty support if things go wrong
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| U65 delivers recharge speeds 5x faster than standard USB chargers | Multiple reports of DOA units and rapid failures |
| Compact, travel-friendly designs with global voltage compatibility | Warranty requires customer to pay shipping for defective units |
| Both models include built-in safety protections (overcurrent, overvoltage) | 10W adapter too slow for large devices, limited power output |
| U65 comes with interchangeable international plugs | NOCO won’t repair failed jump starters — only offers discounted replacement |
| Reliable with smartphones, tablets, smaller NOCO Boost devices | Sensitive to extreme heat/cold when stored in vehicles |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing for the NOCO NUSB211NA touts a “compact, energy-efficient design” with 2.1A rapid charging, promising universal compatibility with everything from phones to Genius Boost jump starters. However, several users found these claims overstated when the adapter was used as the sole charger for larger NOCO devices. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port,” referring to stock chargers included with jump starters.
The NOCO U65 claims to recharge Boost X lithium jump starters “up to five times faster” than a regular USB wall charger. This promise matches user experience. One Amazon reviewer observed: “This fully charges the GBX75 really fast. It went from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes.” Another buyer said: “I bought this to recharge a battery starter for my vehicle… it’s a very fast charger. I’ve had no problems with it.”
While NOCO advertises durable construction and safe global charging capabilities, reality for jump starter owners can be less optimistic when units arrive defective or fail prematurely. Reddit users repeatedly describe initial enthusiasm followed by sudden malfunctions, with one writing: “jumped my neighbor’s newer compact car… put it away… learned immediately… it was not getting a charge from the household current.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Among those who purchase the U65, satisfaction is high, especially for tech-savvy or mechanical professionals needing rapid turnovers. One Amazon customer shared: “Use battery jump box to perform ECU flashes. Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars—works very well.” For travelers, the interchangeable plugs are not just a convenience but a necessity. As one reviewer put it: “Super fast charger & I like the different options it gives if you live elsewhere.”
The NUSB211NA, while far slower, wins points for everyday portability. It’s frequently described as “compact” and “lightweight,” fitting neatly in a glovebox or travel kit for topping up small electronics like smartphones or smartwatches. The UL listing and integrated auto shut-off give peace of mind for those wary of electrical risk.
For owners of smaller NOCO Boost models, both chargers meet expectations when used appropriately—they’re seen as reliable tools to keep compact power banks and accessories in rotation. NOCO’s safety features like short-circuit protection resonate with cautious buyers.
Common Complaints
Durability complaints dominate feedback for jump starters paired with these chargers. On Reddit, one user lamented: “The first one failed just after a year, and NOCO wouldn’t replace it… the second one… won’t charge up at all.” Heat and cold exposure in vehicles are recurring culprits, yet as another user writes, “It’s dishonest of them to sell a product… designed to be used in a way that isn’t technically possible.”
Warranty experiences exacerbate frustration. A verified buyer described a DOA unit: “They told me … it would take 3 plus weeks to confirm via their testing… I am responsible for shipping cost. This is their product, DOA, never worked… poor form.” This policy feels punitive to customers who already invested in premium-priced gear.
There’s also dissatisfaction with NOCO selling high-powered chargers separately instead of bundling them with expensive jump starter kits. One Amazon shopper complained: “NOCO should include this in their charger kit… without this charger, you are there for hours…”
Divisive Features
Some find the compact size and minimalism of the NUSB211NA a perfect fit; others consider it underpowered and overpriced compared to generic alternatives. An eBay listing touts its “rapid charging,” but buyers seeking to juice up larger NOCO Boost units will see hours-long charge times—too slow for emergency readiness.
Similarly, the U65’s high price is justified for fast charging by its fans, but casual users balk at paying extra. One reviewer admits it’s “worth the money along with buying the case,” while others note cheaper third-party chargers match performance for less.
Trust & Reliability
Trust in NOCO’s charging products varies sharply. Long-term user stories show the U65’s capabilities staying consistent over months, but jump starter failures remain a sore spot. The most inflammatory feedback comes from customers who feel misled about the storage durability of lithium batteries—especially for gear meant to be kept in vehicles.
Several Trustpilot-style complaints describe multi-step, drawn-out warranty processes for brand-new defective items, ending with either shipping at the customer’s expense or a discounted replacement offer. For buyers prioritizing reliability above all, these experiences can overshadow product performance.
Alternatives
In Reddit discussions, brands like Milwaukee and Adew get mention as alternative jump starter solutions, with some users moving away from NOCO in favor of tools they believe are more heat/cold resistant. While not direct charger comparisons, they illustrate that buyers may consider entire system replacements rather than just swapping accessories.
Third-party USB-C chargers—listed on eBay for roughly $25—claim compatibility with NOCO Boost X models and deliver similar voltage/current ratings. For budget-conscious buyers, these non-NOCO chargers might offer adequate performance without the premium markup, though with risk of lacking NOCO’s safety guarantees.
Price & Value
The NUSB211NA is listed around $9.95, making it relatively affordable, but its limited 10W output and single port require realistic expectations. The U65, at $69.95 MSRP (often discounted), commands a premium, justified for users operating in environments where charging speed impacts workflow.
Resale value is negligible for chargers, but community advice leans toward buying from platforms with lenient return policies, given the unpredictability of NOCO’s direct warranty process. Some recommend bundling charger purchases with the jump starter to avoid slow charging frustrations down the line.
FAQ
Q: Can the NUSB211NA fully charge large NOCO Boost jump starters quickly?
A: No—its 10W output is too low for rapid charging. Multiple buyers note long wait times compared to the U65’s much faster performance.
Q: Is the U65 compatible with devices besides NOCO Boost X models?
A: Yes, it supports USB-C PD charging for phones, tablets, laptops, and more, making it versatile for travelers and multi-device users.
Q: Does NOCO cover shipping costs for warranty returns?
A: No—customers report paying shipping even for DOA units, a common source of frustration.
Q: Are NOCO chargers safe for international use?
A: The U65 includes interchangeable plugs and supports 100-240V input, making it ideal for global charging. The NUSB211NA also handles international voltage but has a fixed North American plug.
Q: How well do NOCO jump starters hold charge in extreme temperatures?
A: Poorly, according to several Reddit users, who found lithium batteries degrade quickly when stored in hot or cold vehicles.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a NOCO Boost X jump starter and need rapid, consistent charging—especially in professional or travel contexts. Avoid if you expect NOCO to resolve defects without shipping costs or if you plan to store lithium-powered jump starters in extreme environments. Pro tip from the community: when buying a jump starter, also purchase the high-speed charger upfront to avoid underwhelming performance from stock charging options.
