NOCO U65 USB-C Charger Review: Fast but Conditional Buy
If speed is your priority, the NOCO U65 65W USB-C Charger earns a solid 8.5/10 from buyers who praise its lightning-fast charging times—often cutting hours off the recharge cycle of NOCO Boost X units. But dig deeper into community feedback, and durability concerns plus premium pricing make it a conditional buy, especially for those storing gear in vehicles exposed to extreme temperatures.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges Boost X jump starters up to 5x faster | Premium price compared to generic chargers |
| Multiple interchangeable plugs for global use | Not included in jump starter kits by default |
| Compact, portable design | Some users report failures after limited use |
| Safe, UL-certified with overcharge protection | Warranty support seen as slow by some buyers |
| Universal USB-C compatibility | Heat/cold storage issues can shorten lifespan |
Claims vs Reality
NOCO markets the U65 as capable of charging GBX models “up to five times faster than traditional USB chargers.” On Amazon, a verified buyer noted: “This fully charges the GBX75 really fast… from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes”. Others echoed similar results, saying it was “super fast & definitely worth the money.”
Another claim: portability and broad device support. Travellers appreciate the included plug adapters, but some see a missed opportunity—“The only dislike I have is NOCO should include this in their charger kit… Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port”, reported one buyer frustrated by the extra purchase requirement.
Finally, reliability: while marketed as precision-regulated, Reddit and Amazon reviews reveal repeat product failures for some. One Trustpilot reviewer shared: “My GBX45 stopped charging after two jump starts… only offered a slight discount for replacement”—contradicting the expectation of long-term dependability.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Enthusiasts across Amazon, Twitter, and eBay agree the U65 excels for users needing rapid turnaround—mechanics performing ECU flashes or truck owners relying on Boost X gear for roadside readiness. The ability to recharge jump starters quickly between jobs is a standout: “Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars. Works very well”, wrote one Amazon reviewer. Travellers also benefit from the global plug kit; a buyer who frequently moves between continents said the interchangeable adapters “give different options if you live elsewhere.”
For gadget users, universal USB-C PD support means laptops, tablets, and wearables can share the same charger. A NOCO fan on Twitter praised that it “charges almost everything including your favorite USB-C devices.”
Common Complaints
The most significant frustration is that the 65W charger is not bundled with Boost X jump starters, despite being essential for optimal performance. This is compounded by the premium price, with one Amazon buyer arguing, “Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port.”
Durability concerns appear repeatedly. Multiple Trustpilot posts document gear failing after light use: “It performed perfect… weeks later not getting a charge from household current.” Others point to extreme temperature vulnerability, noting that leaving the charger—or jump starter—in a hot or cold car shortens lifespan and leaves devices dead when urgently needed.
Warranty processes also draw criticism. Buyers report slow exchanges and return shipping costs on defective units. One reviewer vented: “This is their product, DOA… and their warranty is for me to pay shipping. Poor form.”
Divisive Features
Portability is a selling point for some, but others find the compact form unnecessary if the device doesn’t last. A Reddit discussion highlighted differences—one user argued the U65’s build felt “super durable,” while another countered it was “a thrown together piece of junk.” The three-year warranty sounds reassuring, yet real-world resolution speed divides opinion: prompt for some, weeks-long for others.
Trust & Reliability
Feedback on NOCO’s warranty protocol reveals a split between positive convenience experiences and lengthy, bureaucratic exchanges. Trustpilot users like Dylan Howard still “can’t recommend this enough if you’re looking for reliable, top-notch gear,” but others—especially those who experienced DOA units—felt abandoned.
Long-term durability is mixed. Owners who kept the charger in climate-controlled conditions report lasting performance, while those storing it in vehicles during seasonal extremes often face functionality loss within a year. As one reviewer explained: “Lithium batteries just can’t take the heat and cold of being in a car… designed to be used in a way that isn’t technically possible.” That impacts both the charger’s viability for emergency kits and the brand’s reliability perception.
Alternatives
While no direct competitor models were deeply detailed in sourced data, some buyers compare NOCO’s output and build to cheaper generic USB-C PD chargers. They acknowledge slower speeds from these $25 alternatives but note greater willingness to replace them if they fail, given lower cost. However, these often lack plug adapters, UL certification, and brand-backed safety assurances.
Price & Value
From eBay sales, the NOCO U65 averages around $72–$74 new, with shipping and adapters included. Used or discounted units trend toward $69–$70. Community tips recommend seeking bundled deals or checking for open-box returns to offset cost. Resale activity suggests moderate demand, aided by cross-device compatibility. For those who rely on Boost X units professionally, the time saved may justify the expense. As one Amazon buyer said: “Definitely worth the money… along with buying the case.”
FAQ
Q: Does the NOCO U65 work with devices other than Boost X jump starters?
A: Yes—its USB-C PD output charges phones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and more, though its main advantage is rapid Boost X recharging.
Q: Why isn’t the U65 included with Boost X units?
A: Community consensus is that NOCO sells it separately to keep starter kits’ base price lower, though many buyers feel it should be bundled given recharge time differences.
Q: Is the U65 safe to use internationally?
A: Yes—comes with interchangeable Type A, C, G, and I plugs and supports 100–240V input, making it suitable worldwide.
Q: How fast can it charge a GBX75?
A: Verified buyers report going from half to full in ~40 minutes versus up to 5 hours with standard 2A chargers.
Q: What’s the warranty process like?
A: Officially a 3-year limited warranty, though some users find exchange times long and shipping costs on defective items a drawback.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a mechanic, traveller, or tech user who needs rapid, multi-device USB-C charging with global compatibility. Avoid if your usage involves storing gear in climate extremes or you expect instant warranty resolutions. Pro tip from the community: keep Boost X units and chargers in climate-controlled spaces to preserve battery life and performance.
