NOCO USB Power Adapter Review: Fast but Flawed
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up simply: “This fully charges the GBX75 really fast. It went from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes.” That speed has earned the NOCO USB Power Adapter Wall Charger an 8.7/10 from aggregated user feedback, but not without caveats. While many praise its rapid charging and portability, others warn of failed units, poor heat tolerance, and frustrating warranty policies.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for fast, reliable charging of compatible devices, but with concerns over durability and support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges NOCO Boost X and other USB-C devices rapidly | Some units fail after short usage |
| Compact, lightweight design for travel | Warranty process slow and requires customer to pay shipping |
| Works worldwide with interchangeable plugs | Poor tolerance to extreme heat or cold when stored |
| Matches manufacturer’s recommended specs | Not included with jump starter kits, must buy separately |
| UL-certified safety features | Inconsistent quality control in reports |
| Built-in device detection optimizes charge | Limited repair/replacement options |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing highlights for the U65 and NUSB211NA models promise 5x faster charging and “safe, efficient energy transfer anywhere in the world.” The U65 comes with interchangeable adapters for four global plug types, while the NUSB211NA offers a compact single-port 10W USB charger aimed at NOCO jump starters and everyday electronics.
Digging deeper into user reports, the speed claims largely hold true for those charging NOCO jump starters and USB-C devices. A Trustpilot reviewer noted that it took “less than 40 minutes” to top up a GBX75 from half capacity, compared to “about 5 hours” with a common wall charger. However, speed advantages diminish when using substandard cables, as one Reddit comment hints that “the cable must meet or exceed the charger’s power to enable full-speed charging.”
The “designed to work anywhere” claim also has support—international adapters are appreciated by travelers, and multiple buyers mention charging in different regions without issue. Yet, some reality checks appear: extreme temperatures in car storage have led to premature battery failures in connected jump starters, undermining the idea of universal field-readiness.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit, rapid charging is the standout positive. Vehicle technicians and mechanics, in particular, find the speed essential. One Amazon reviewer needing quick turnaround during ECU flashes said: “Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars. Works very well.” The compact form factor gets equal praise from travelers and mobile workers, with one noting it “keeps my devices charged and ready when I need them.”
The U65’s kit of global plug adapters resonates with international users. A buyer living abroad wrote: “Definitely worth the money… I like the different options it gives if you live elsewhere.” Compatibility extends beyond jump starters: people use it for laptops, tablets, wearables, and cameras, making it a versatile travel essential rather than a single-purpose accessory.
Common Complaints
Several patterns emerged on durability. Reports of chargers—or the jump starters they replenish—failing within a year are not uncommon. On Twitter, one frustrated user detailed having “two different ones stopped working” and being told repairs were unavailable, only discounts for replacements. Another Amazon account complained, “It cannot jump a 2011 gas motor Silverado 1500… highly disappointed.”
Warranty support is a sore spot. Many express irritation at having to pay shipping for defective units, with one user describing the process as “poor form… this is their product, DOA, never worked… and their ‘warranty’ is for me to pay shipping.”
Environmental conditions seem to play a role. Storing in a hot or cold car degrades lithium battery health, leading to failures during emergency use. This issue hits hardest for drivers who expect these devices to be standby solutions under all conditions.
Divisive Features
Portability and separation from main kits split opinion. Some appreciate that these chargers are sold separately so they can choose their preferred setup, but others see it as a necessary extra purchase. “Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port,” said one Amazon reviewer, implying it should be bundled with jump starter kits.
The NUSB211NA’s small size is seen by fans as an ideal grab-and-go charger, but skeptics feel its single 10W port is underpowered compared to modern multi-device chargers, making it less appealing for those with high-power laptops or multiple gadgets.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reviews suggest brand reliability is uneven. Dylan Howard praised his NOCO gear as “seriously impressed me… it just makes life easier,” yet Jordyn Sullivan said, “Honestly, I expected more… it felt a bit flimsy.” The key complaint isn’t the charger’s day-one performance—it’s whether it sustains that quality long-term.
On Reddit, reports of functional speed are abundant, but persistent threads about failed jump starters point back to charger hardware expectations. One case showed a NOCO Genius 1 charging cycle dragging past 4 days for a dead AGM battery, raising questions about efficiency in edge cases.
Alternatives
While few direct competitors are named, some users mention defaulting back to older plug-in jump boxes when NOCO units failed. There’s also implicit comparison in comments about “less expensive brands” being considered after warranty frustrations. For buyers strictly seeking a wall adapter for travel or multi-device use, GaN-based chargers from brands like Anker or RAVPower (mentioned tangentially in user circles) are perceived as similarly strong, though without the NOCO integration benefits.
Price & Value
Current retail listings on eBay show the NUSB211NA at $9.95 plus shipping, while the U65 hovers around $69.95. For jump starter owners, users advise buying direct from authorized sellers to ensure warranty coverage. Resale is limited—failed units often end up recycled rather than resold, and intact ones aren’t common on the secondary market due to niche compatibility.
Community tips suggest pairing purchase timing with sales events (like Prime Day) and considering the total kit cost if a charger isn’t included with the main device. A few emphasize using high-quality cables to unlock full potential.
FAQ
Q: Is the NOCO U65 worth buying for non-NOCO devices?
A: Yes, if you need fast USB-C PD charging for laptops, tablets, and phones. It’s universally compatible and praised for speed, but its value shines most when paired with NOCO jump starters.
Q: Does the NUSB211NA charge as fast as modern multi-port chargers?
A: No, it’s capped at 10W 2.1A output. While it quickly tops up small electronics and jump starters, it lags behind multi-output, high-wattage GaN chargers for laptops or multiple devices.
Q: Can I store the charger in my car year-round?
A: You can, but risk reduced battery life in connected jump starters due to temperature extremes. Users recommend removing these devices during very hot or cold weather.
Q: Are NOCO chargers bundled with jump starters?
A: Often no. Multiple buyers lament needing to purchase them separately to avoid slow charging from standard USB ports.
Q: How fast can a U65 charge a GBX75 from empty?
A: Reports say under an hour from half charge, suggesting a full cycle could be well under two hours given optimal conditions.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a traveler or auto professional needing rapid, reliable charging for NOCO Boost X or other USB-C electronics. Avoid if you expect the charger to withstand extreme environmental exposure or require flawless, long-term durability without hassle from warranty processes. Pro tip from the community: pair it with quality cables and store indoors for maximum lifespan.
