NOCO USB Power Adapter Review: Fast Yet Flawed
Few chargers inspire such sharply split opinions as the NOCO USB Power Adapter Wall Charger — scoring a conditional 7.5/10 based on user feedback. Its standout trait is speed: a verified buyer on Amazon noted, "It went from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes", comparing it favorably against a standard brick that took "about 5 hours". Yet beneath the quick-charge capability lies a pattern of warranty frustrations and reliability concerns, especially for those depending on it for automotive jump starter readiness.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for fast charging jump starters and USB-C devices, but questionable warranty handling and inconsistent long-term reliability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges Boost X jump starters up to 5× faster than standard USB | Warranty process seen as slow and requiring customer-paid shipping |
| Universal input with interchangeable plugs for global use | Multiple reports of units failing after short usage periods |
| Compact, travel-friendly GaN design | Some units arrive dead-on-arrival (DOA) |
| Strong safety features: overcurrent, overvoltage, thermal protection | Not included with jump starter kits, forcing extra purchase |
| Works with phones, tablets, laptops via USB-C PD | No English manual included for certain models |
| Efficient power sharing across two ports (X100W version) | Heat and cold storage can degrade battery lifespan in associated products |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing for the NOCO U65 and related chargers centers around “up to five times faster” power delivery, globe-trotting versatility, and broad device compatibility. NOCO states that the U65 “efficiently recharge[s] GBX45, GBX55, GBX75 and GBX155 up to five times faster than traditional USB wall or car chargers” and comes with Type A, C, G, and I plug adapters. This claim holds water in many cases. A verified buyer commented: “Charges super fast & I like the different options it gives if you live elsewhere.”
However, the gap emerges when users encounter DOA units or premature failure. One Amazon buyer wrote: “DOA. Left me stranded when went to use first time… their 'warranty' is for me to pay shipping. Not about the money, about how customers should be treated.” This paints a picture where speed exists — until it doesn’t, due to product stoppage or slow support.
NOCO also highlights “universally compatible” charging for phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and more. Feedback supports this, with one buyer saying: “I’ve used it for different other things in my house. It’s a very fast charger.” The reality twist is that its intended automotive use — keeping jump starters in top shape — can be undermined by environmental factors. Reddit users note that storing battery-based NOCO gear in hot or cold cars leads to failure, making portability less useful for constant in-vehicle readiness.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed is king here. Multiple Amazon and Trustpilot reviews frame the charger as “super fast” and “worked like a champ” for quickly getting jump starters back in service. For technicians, reducing downtime is critical: “Use [a] battery jump box to perform ECU flashes. Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars. Works very well,” one buyer reported.
Travelers benefit from the interchangeable plug set with the U65. The ability to charge in Australia, UK, Europe, and US without a separate adapter was a standout convenience. NOCO’s GaN compact designs also make them easy to fit into tool bags or gloveboxes. Buyers frequently referenced the pocketable size when praising it for carrying “power in my pocket.”
Common Complaints
Warranty headaches dominate negative threads. A Reddit account described a multi-step ordeal involving chat support, repeated troubleshooting requests, and paying shipping for a faulty unit: “Opened box, plugged in, never works… and their 'warranty' is for me to pay shipping.” The lack of exchange support via Amazon compounded frustration.
Reliability lapses hit automotive users hardest. One buyer lamented: “The second one just recently failed. It won’t charge up at all… lithium batteries just can’t take the heat and cold of being in a car.” Another characterized their device as a “one time use” after flawless performance on a neighbor's car, only to stop charging weeks later.
Divisive Features
The omission of the charger from jump starter kits sparks debate. While speed makes it “definitely worth the money” for some, others bristle at paying extra. “Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port” was a common thread. Likewise, environmental resilience divides opinion: some manage years of use with careful storage, while others see short-term failures in real-world conditions.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit reveal a recurring motif: initial performance impresses, but customer service falters when issues arise. Dylan Howard noted, “Everything works like a charm and feels super durable,” contrasting starkly with accounts from users who found NOCO “dishonest” in selling a product meant for all-weather readiness but failing under those conditions.
Long-term durability varies widely. Some report smooth operation after extended travel, while others list multiple units dying due to circuitry faults or battery degradation. Reddit user experiences like the lawn mower incident — “Stopped charging and jump starting after two jump starts” — underscore the unpredictable lifespan.
Alternatives
The only direct competitor mentioned in user circles are generic high-wattage USB-C chargers. While cheaper, they lack the tailored output profiles for NOCO Boost X jump starters. Users who tried off-brand solutions reported far slower charges, with one noting their previous “Apple brick charger took five hours” compared to NOCO’s 40 minutes.
Price & Value
Pricing ranges starkly: the U65 wall kit hovers around $69.95 to $74.99 according to eBay sales, while the 10W NUSB211NA is available for $9.95 plus shipping. Community advice leans toward getting the charger if you regularly depend on a Boost X starter — speed justifies the cost — but watch for bundle deals or sales. Sellers like CBM Tools on eBay offer free US shipping and full adapter sets.
FAQ
Q: Does the NOCO U65 charger work with devices other than jump starters?
A: Yes. With USB-C Power Delivery, it charges phones, tablets, laptops, and more, alongside Boost X jump starters. Users report fast, reliable performance with everyday electronics.
Q: How much faster is it compared to a regular USB wall charger?
A: Up to five times faster in ideal conditions, per NOCO specs. Users have clocked GBX75 charging from half to full in under 40 minutes, versus several hours with standard adapters.
Q: Is it safe to store the charger and connected jump starter in a car year-round?
A: User reports suggest extreme heat or cold degrades battery health of connected products. For longevity, store indoors when not in immediate automotive use.
Q: Does NOCO include this charger with their jump starter kits?
A: No — it must be purchased separately. Several users wish it were bundled, as charging via common USB ports is significantly slower.
Q: Are plug adapters included for international use?
A: For the U65 model, yes. It ships with interchangeable adapters covering North America, Europe, UK, and Australia.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need rapid turnaround for NOCO Boost X jump starters or a versatile USB-C Power Delivery charger for travel. Avoid if you expect bulletproof reliability in harsh vehicle storage without maintenance. Pro tip from the community: store your jump starter in moderate conditions and grab the dedicated charger early — long recharge times from generic bricks can leave you stranded.
