NOCO USB Power Adapter Review: Fast but Flawed Performance
From a flood of glowing praise to sharp frustration over durability, the NOCO USB Power Adapter Wall Charger evokes strong reactions across platforms. With scores like 4.7/5 on Amazon for the NUSB211NA 10W model and 4.8/5 for the U65 65W charger, it’s clear many users find these chargers “super fast” and “worth the money.” But recurring issues with longevity and warranty support temper that enthusiasm. Verdict: 8/10 — great performance for those needing rapid, reliable charging, but be wary of storage conditions and long-term reliability.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges devices up to 5x faster than standard USB chargers | Some units fail after months, often due to heat/cold exposure |
| Compact, travel-friendly form with worldwide adapters (U65) | Warranty replacements slow and sometimes require user-paid shipping |
| Safe design with overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection | Not included in main NOCO kits — must buy separately |
| Compatible with wide range of devices, from jump starters to phones | Cannot repair faulty units — only discounted replacements offered |
| Universal voltage input for global use | Poor performance on heavily discharged or larger vehicle batteries reported |
| UL-listed and energy efficient | No included charging cables |
| Durable feel praised by many users | Storage in vehicles can lead to rapid battery degradation |
Claims vs Reality
One of NOCO’s flagship marketing claims is “up to five times faster” charging compared to traditional 2A wall or car chargers. Digging deeper into user reports, this holds for many. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “This fully charges the GBX75 really fast. It went from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes,” compared to the five hours they experienced with a generic Apple brick. Reddit users working in automotive tuning also praised the U65’s quick recharge, describing it as essential for moving rapidly between ECU flash jobs.
Another claim is “universal compatibility,” covering everything from jump starters to laptops and earbuds. Real-world commentary backs this up. One Amazon reviewer said, “I’ve used it for different other things in my house. It’s a very fast charger. I’ve had no problems with it.” The U65’s interchangeable adapters have given travelers “different options… if you live elsewhere.”
However, the promise of “reliability and durability” meets a caveat. While officially marketed as robust and safe, multiple Trustpilot reviewers and Reddit contributors report premature failures — sometimes after only two jump starts or two months. One frustrated Trustpilot user wrote, “Broke after 2nd jump start… I was jumpstarting my riding lawn mower, not even a full-size vehicle.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed emerges as the most consistent positive. For those working in the field — mechanics, roadside assistance teams, and ECU tuners — fast turnaround transforms workflow. Reddit user u/[name withheld] emphasized: “Use battery jump box to perform ECU flashes. Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars. Works very well.” Households see similar benefits; a Twitter post noted that the NUSB211NA “efficiently charges your USB devices at home, work or on the go,” with users appreciating the compact form.
Travel adaptability also earns praise. The U65’s four included plug adapters (US, UK, EU, AU) mean it can replace multiple regional chargers. One Amazon customer said, “Super fast charger & I like the different options it gives if you live elsewhere.”
Safety features — such as overcurrent and thermal protection — are cited often. Both the 10W and 65W models are UL-listed. For tech travelers carrying drones, cameras, and laptops, these safeguards give confidence when plugging into unpredictable foreign grids.
Common Complaints
The most frequent gripe is that these chargers aren’t bundled with NOCO jump starters, forcing separate purchase. “Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port,” lamented one Amazon buyer.
Durability under extreme temperatures is a larger concern. Multiple long-term owners store units in cars only to find them nonfunctional after weeks. A Trustpilot reviewer explained: “Lithium batteries just can’t take the heat and cold of being in a car… it’s dishonest… to sell a product designed to be used in a way that isn’t technically possible.”
Warranty service appears slow and user-costly. One buyer recounted paying shipping for a DOA unit under warranty, adding: “For this amount of money and lack of service, I will move on.”
Divisive Features
Compact size divides users — some see it as perfect pocket portability, others worry it’s too easy to misplace or insufficiently rugged. The lack of cables included prompts opposite reactions: minimalists like the reduced bulk, while others feel it’s a clear inconvenience. Input voltage flexibility (100–240V) is great for travelers but irrelevant for domestic-only users, making the added cost harder to justify for that group.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis shows an overall 3.6-star rating for NOCO across products — skewed by the strong performance of chargers but marred by failures of jump starters they’re meant to charge. Complaints often center on strict warranty processes, shipping charges, and inability to repair units.
Reddit threads suggest that avoiding extreme storage conditions dramatically improves long-term survival. One user now “only [takes] the second one with me on longer trips,” hoping to prolong life by minimizing exposure to hot/cold cycles.
Alternatives
While no direct competing chargers were named in user data, comparisons were made to generic bricks from Apple and “abble” chargers, which took 4–5x longer for recharge. Operators who switched from these to the U65 reported dramatic workflow gains. In cold climates, traditional plug-in jump boxes were viewed by some as more reliable for big jobs — one reviewer ditched their NOCO unit for a “30 year old electric plugged into the wall jump box” after repeated failures.
Price & Value
eBay listings place the NUSB211NA at around $9.95 plus shipping, while the U65 hovers near $69.95 new. Twitter and Amazon confirm official prices at $69.95 with a 22% discount from MSRP. Resale appears limited — these are niche chargers, typically bought new to match specific NOCO gear.
Buying tips from the community stress pairing the charger model to the correct jump starter for fastest results, and avoiding vehicle storage between uses to prevent battery degradation.
FAQ
Q: Does the NOCO USB Power Adapter work with non-NOCO devices?
A: Yes. Users have successfully charged phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and drones using both the 10W and 65W versions, thanks to universal USB-A and USB-C outputs.
Q: How fast can it recharge a NOCO GBX75 jump starter?
A: One Amazon buyer reported going from half charge to full in under 40 minutes with the U65, versus about five hours on a standard brick charger.
Q: Is it safe to use overseas?
A: The U65 supports 100–240V input and comes with adapters for US, UK, EU, and AU plugs. Users traveling internationally found it reliable in multiple countries.
Q: Does it come with charging cables?
A: No. Neither the NUSB211NA nor U65 include cables, prompting some frustration from buyers expecting a full kit.
Q: Are there known issues with warranty service?
A: Yes. Several buyers report slow service and having to pay for shipping defective units back, even when they arrived DOA.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need rapid charging for NOCO Boost X jump starters, travel frequently, or want safe, compact USB power for multiple devices. Avoid if you intend to store the unit long-term in your vehicle or expect top-tier warranty responsiveness. Pro tip from the community: keep chargers indoors when not in use to dramatically extend their lifespan.
