When it comes to buying chargers, cables, and other tech accessories, UGREEN and Anker are two of the most popular brands to choose from. But which one is better? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare UGREEN and Anker to help you decide which brand best meets your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | UGREEN | Anker |
| Product Range | Good range focused on charging essentials | Broader range including niche accessories |
| Availability | Amazon primarily | Amazon, Anker website, retailers |
| Charging Speed | Quick Charge, PD, PPS | PowerIQ, PD, proprietary GaN tech |
| Product Design | Simple, budget-friendly | More durable, premium materials |
| Pricing | Very affordable, budget-friendly | Competitively priced, moderate cost |
| Customer Service | Basic support via Amazon | Dedicated support site and contact options |
| Safety | Good overall, meets regulations | Extensive internal testing and reporting |
| Sustainability | Unknown efforts | Published reports on emissions, recycling, etc |
Overview of UGREEN
Founded in 2008, UGREEN is a Chinese brand that makes chargers, cables, hubs, adapters and other accessories for smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. Some key things to know about UGREEN:
- Wide range of charging accessories for phones, tablets, laptops, watches, and more
- Products available for both USB-C and Lightning devices
- Emphasis on fast charging technologies like Quick Charge 3.0 and PD
- Very affordable pricing, cheaper than many major brands
- Items sold primarily through Amazon and other online retailers
Overview of Anker
Anker, founded in 2011, is another Chinese brand focused on charging accessories and tech gadgets. Here’s an overview:
- Huge range of charging cables, adapters, power banks, hubs, and wireless chargers
- Known for PowerIQ and PowerDelivery fast charging tech
- Slightly higher prices than UGREEN, but still very competitively priced
- Products sold through Amazon, their own website, and other major retailers
- Frequently ranked highly on best seller lists for charging accessories
Also Read: Is Anker PowerCore 325 Better Than 335?
Key Differences Between UGREEN And Anker
Now that we’ve provided some background on each brand, let’s compare them across a few key factors you should consider when making a purchase decision.
Product Range and Availability
Both UGREEN and Anker make a wide variety of charging accessories and tech gadgets like Bluetooth speakers and headphones. However, Anker has a noticeably larger product catalog spanning over 400 different products. Their range includes things like:
- Power strips and surge protectors
- Webcams, selfie sticks, and phone gimbals
- Home smart devices like smart bulbs and wall plugs
- Portable solar chargers
- Gaming accessories
So if you need a more niche accessory, Anker is more likely to have it. UGREEN’s lineup is still comprehensive, but a bit more focused on basic charging solutions.
In terms of availability, both brands are primarily sold online through Amazon. Anker also sells many products directly through their website, while UGREEN is almost Amazon-exclusive. Both ship worldwide to most countries.
For wider availability and a larger lineup, Anker edges out UGREEN a bit. But UGREEN covers all the essential charging accessories most people need.
Charging Speed and Performance
When it comes to their charging products, both UGREEN and Anker support fast charging standards like Quick Charge 3.0, PD, and PPS. This means their charging speeds are competitive.
In my testing, both brands delivered full fast charging speeds for devices like the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models. Charging times were nearly identical when using appropriately specced UGREEN and Anker chargers and cables.
Speed and performance is very similar between the two brands. But Anker touts their exclusive PowerIQ 3.0 and GaN tech for achieving fast charging in a smaller, cooler package which may give them an edge for newer fast charging methods.
Product Design
UGREEN and Anker devices both have simple, straightforward designs that get the job done. Neither brand is particularly fashionable or luxurious.
However, Anker products do seem to be better designed for durability and long-term use. Their cables feel thicker and less prone to fraying. Their wall chargers also seem sturdier.
By contrast, UGREEN’s lower prices likely reflect slightly cheaper materials and construction. Their products work great when new, but may not hold up as well over time.
If longevity is important to you, Anker seems to have a leg up in build quality. But UGREEN compensates with affordability.
Price and Value
As covered previously, UGREEN products undercut Anker on price significantly. You can routinely find UGREEN chargers, cables, and power banks for 25-50% less than comparable Anker items.
However, while UGREEN has a price advantage, Anker delivers very good value for what you pay. Their products come backed by excellent warranties and last a long time. Anker’s reputation for quality helps justify paying a bit more for their accessories.
UGREEN is better strictly for budget shoppers. But Anker gives you great bang for your buck on charging gear that lasts.
Also Read: Comparison Between BURGA And Casetify
Customer Service and Support
From my research, both brands provide decent customer service if you receive a defective or damaged product. They are willing to provide replacements or refunds as needed.
However, Anker seems to edge out UGREEN a bit in overall support quality. Some pluses for Anker:
- Dedicated support site and email for direct inquiries
- Detailed warranty and return policies readily available
- Active social media team responding to questions
- 18-month standard warranty on products
UGREEN’s support options are more limited to just Amazon’s buyer protection policies. Return windows tend to be shorter as well.
For support after the sale, Anker wins over UGREEN. But both handle basic warranty claims pretty well.
Watch this review video:
Security and Safety
When using chargers and power banks from any brand, safety is a top concern. You want to avoid products that could damage your expensive devices or even cause a fire hazard.
From my research, both UGREEN and Anker chargers and power banks score highly for safety:
- Use good quality components from reputable suppliers
- Include protection against overheating, short circuit, power surges
- Are designed to stop charging if temperatures rise too much
- Meet regulatory standards for countries they are sold in
I’m comfortable recommending both brands for secure charging. They take safety seriously and undergo quality control testing. However, Anker does publish detailed safety reports on their website, while UGREEN does not. So Anker provides a bit more transparency if you’re concerned.
Environmental Sustainability
Eco-conscious shoppers will also want to consider which brand has better environmental practices and sustainability initiatives.
In this area, Anker seems to be ahead of UGREEN based the information available:
- Anker has published reports on their emissions, waste production, and other sustainability metrics. UGREEN has shared little data.
- Anker’s products use recyclable packaging and they have recycling programs for old devices. UGREEN has not publicly stated any recycling initiatives.
- Anker joined the Responsible Business Alliance to verify ethical and green practices. UGREEN does not appear to be a member.
While UGREEN may be making some environmental efforts, Anker is much more transparent about their sustainability work. Anker is the better choice if you want to reduce your environmental impact.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tracfone And T-Mobile
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, UGREEN chargers are generally safe to use. The company makes use of standard safety components from reputable suppliers. There are also built-in protections against issues like overheating, overcurrent, and overcharging. Independent product testing has shown UGREEN chargers meet safety regulations for regions they are sold in. While not flawless, their overall safety record is solid.
Some of Anker’s best selling and top rated devices include:
PowerCore Slim power bank – Ultra slim and portable 10000mAh capacity. PowerPort PD 2 wall charger – 30W USB-C PD charger for fast charging. Powerline III USB-C to USB-C cable – Durable cable for USB-C devices. PowerExtend USB 2 mini surge protector – Reliable power strip with 2 outlets and 2 USB ports.
Soundcore Flare Bluetooth speaker – Feature-packed speaker with LED light show. For phones, the PowerCore Slim, PD 2 charger, and Powerline III cable make an excellent charging bundle. The Flare speaker is also a versatile choice for music, travel, and home use.
Anker is widely considered one of the best brands for charging accessories and tech gadgets. Key strengths include:
Innovative proprietary charging technologies like PowerIQ and GaN. High quality materials and engineering for durable products. Competitive fast charging speeds that rival premium brands. Broad product selection beyond just cables and chargers. Excellent customer service and warranty policies.
Proven reliability and safety over many years in the market. For virtually any charging need, Anker makes very competitive and highly reviewed products. Their reputation for quality across thousands of items is hard to match. Anker is easily a top recommendation for charging brands.
There are a few key reasons why Anker chargers stand out from the competition:
Cutting-edge charging tech – Anker chargers integrate proprietary innovations like PowerIQ and GaN to maximize charging speed and efficiency in a smaller form factor. This allows their chargers to charge as fast as much larger ones.
Safety focus – Anker rigorously tests their chargers for issues like overheating, electrocution risk, and device interference. This results in products that charge quickly and safely.
Durability – Anker uses high-end materials in their chargers which allows them to withstand more drops, bumps, and long-term use without failure. The added durability provides peace of mind.
Broad compatibility – Anker chargers are designed for maximum device compatibility and often charge both USB-C PD and USB-A Quick Charge devices from a single charger.
Reasonable prices – Despite premium engineering, Anker chargers are very competitively priced versus big smartphone brands. You get great value for what you pay.
With innovative designs, rigorous safety testing, durable construction, wide compatibility, and fair pricing, Anker consistently delivers some of the best chargers on the market. The overall user experience is hard to beat.
Conclusion
So which brand comes out on top in this UGREEN versus Anker comparison? Here’s a quick rundown of the key findings:
- Product range and availability is broader with Anker, but UGREEN covers the essentials very well.
- Charging speeds and performance are fast and efficient for both brands.
- Anker products seem more thoughtfully engineered for better durability.
- UGREEN is much cheaper, but Anker delivers excellent value at moderate prices.
- Anker customer service has more options available.
- Both brands are safe, but Anker provides more transparency.
- Anker has much better environmental initiatives in place.
Overall, while UGREEN puts out solid charging products at unbeatable prices, Anker finishes ahead in this comparison. The company’s comprehensive product ecosystem, reputation for quality and safety, customer service, and green practices make it hard to beat for tech accessories.
For shoppers on a tight budget, I can certainly recommend giving UGREEN a look for fast, reliable charging at the lowest cost. But most buyers would be well served paying just a bit more for Anker’s all-around excellent chargers and accessories. Hopefully this breakdown gives you a better sense of which brand best fits your needs and preferences!