NOCO USB Power Adapter Review: Fast, Reliable, Pricey Verdict
Some users claim the NOCO USB Power Adapter Wall Charger turns hours of waiting into minutes — one verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It went from half charge to full in less than 40 minutes,” when charging the GBX75. With scores averaging 4.7–4.8/5 across platforms, early signs point to a well-engineered, if slightly overpriced, niche charger. Verdict: 8.5/10 for speed and reliability, tempered by a few complaints about availability and lack of inclusion in kits.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges NOCO Boost X jump starters up to 5x faster | Often sold separately from devices that need it |
| Universal voltage input for travel | No USB cable included |
| Compact, lightweight form factor | Limited to single port (NUSB211NA model) |
| Multiple adapter options with U65 version | Stock availability issues |
| Durable build and safety protections | Some find price high for a wall charger |
| Cross-compatibility with phones, tablets, laptops |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing for the 65W U65 unit promises “up to five times faster” charging than a traditional 2A wall charger. Amazon buyers back this up, with one saying: “Without this charger, you are there for hours trying to charge off a USB port.” For technicians performing ECU flashes, the U65 shaved downtime dramatically; a user explained, “Need to recharge quick to move onto other cars — works very well.”
The compact design claim also holds up in the field. Multiple Amazon reviews, like “power in my pocket!”, highlight how easy it is to slip into a bag or glovebox. However, the NUSB211NA’s single-port limitation means users powering multiple devices still need a secondary charger, revealing a trade-off between portability and flexibility.
Safety protections like overcurrent and thermal control are touted in specs. Reddit discussions show no reports of overheating under normal use, though some technical users caution about protocol compatibility when pairing with non-NOCO devices — an engineer on r/UsbCHardware noted that cheaper multi-protocol chargers can be problematic when mixing ports.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Twitter/X, speed remains the most consistent win. A verified buyer on Amazon shared: “This fully charges the GBX75 really fast… gives me peace of mind to put it back in the truck asap.” For travelers, the universal voltage and included adapters in the U65 kit are a boon — Twitter/X promotions emphasize worldwide charging readiness.
Durability also earns solid marks. Trustpilot user Dylan Howard said, “Everything works like a charm and feels super durable,” while Reddit threads mention months of steady service without degradation. The NUSB211NA’s small form factor makes it a favorite for glovebox storage and mobile technicians — its reliability under frequent plugging/unplugging is repeatedly confirmed.
Common Complaints
Ironically, the top gripe comes from fans: NOCO doesn’t bundle these chargers with their Boost units. “Without this charger, you are there for hours,” one Amazon buyer lamented. Stock availability also frustrates some — the NUSB211NA was “currently unavailable” at Amazon during multiple checks, leading buyers to hunt on eBay with mixed shipping costs.
Another recurring criticism is pricing. For a wall charger, $50–$70 depending on model feels steep, especially given that cables are not included. Technical hobbyists on Reddit prefer alternative GaN chargers with more ports for similar or lower costs.
Divisive Features
The U65’s interchangeable adapters divide opinion. Travelers praise the flexibility, but some domestic users see it as unnecessary bulk. Protocol compatibility sparks debate too: while NOCO’s USB-C PD implementation works for most modern devices, power users note incompatibility with certain laptops if multiple ports are used simultaneously — trading maximum output for multi-device convenience.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s handful of reviews show a mid-tier score of 3.6 overall, but comments lean positive on sturdiness and ease of setup. Long-term use cases on Reddit indicate these chargers hold up over months of regular service; “Worked like a champ!!” and “Plug and play!! Great!!” capture the sentiment among mechanical trades.
No reports of counterfeit NOCO chargers surfaced, though scarcity sometimes drives buyers to third-party marketplaces. Sellers with high feedback scores, like one eBay vendor at 99.6%, seem to offer legitimate stock, mitigating scam concerns.
Alternatives
One frequently discussed alternative is the Nomad 65W AC Wall Adapter, praised for dual USB-C ports and foldable prongs. Gear Diary noted it delivers “a full 65W of power when charging one device” but falls short on high-demand laptops. Anker’s Powerport PD Nano 20W surfaces in Quora discussions as a budget, travel-friendly option — far less powerful, but ideal for phones and small tablets. Compared to NOCO, these lack the niche optimization for Boost X jump starters.
Price & Value
eBay listings show the NUSB211NA at $9.95 plus shipping, underscoring how secondary markets can save significant money over MSRP. The U65 averages $69–$74.99 new, with eBay sellers bundling complete kits. Trustpilot comments imply buyers would prefer inclusion with the jump starter purchase to avoid aftermarket spending. Community tips often lean toward timing purchases during seasonal tool sales or bundling with NOCO kits when offered.
FAQ
Q: Does the NOCO U65 really charge five times faster?
A: For NOCO Boost X models, buyer reports confirm major speed gains — one Amazon review cited full charge from half in under 40 minutes, compared to 5+ hours with a generic brick.
Q: Can I use these chargers for non-NOCO devices?
A: Yes, both NUSB211NA and U65 handle phones, tablets, and laptops via USB-A or USB-C PD. Technical users caution against mixing incompatible ports with demanding laptops.
Q: Are travel adapters included?
A: The U65 kit ships with plugs for US, UK, EU, and Australia. The NUSB211NA is North America–only unless paired with a separate adapter.
Q: Why are these often sold separately?
A: NOCO positions them as add-on accessories to keep Boost X unit pricing lower, but users often argue they should be bundled given the charge time impact.
Q: Is there a risk of overheating?
A: User feedback shows stable temps under normal use; protections like overcurrent and thermal cutoffs are built-in.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a mechanic, traveler, or NOCO Boost X owner who values speed and global compatibility. Avoid if you need multi-port flexibility for varied devices or balk at premium pricing without bundled cables. Pro tip from the community: hunt eBay for kits with adapters to save and avoid stock outages.
