The 5 Best USB Type-C Power Meters
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in December of 2018. One of the most useful aspects of the relatively modern USB Type-C protocol is its ability to charge a huge range of products at a precisely controlled wattage. Because not all batteries, devices, and wall warts are created equal, many users turn to a power meter to verify the rate at which they're transferring electricity. The right tester will help you refuel your phone or laptop without worry. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Klein Tools ET920
2. MakerHawk TC66
3. Flight-Sky Multimeter
Editor's Notes
December 31, 2020:
To be clear, it's important that you use only reliable devices with your USB-C charging equipment, lest they get damaged by faulty electronics. To that end, we've narrowed it down to just a few options that are highly dependable. At the top of the list is the Klein Tools ET920, which looks, feels, and operates like a professional-grade product. The MakerHawk TC66, on the other hand, looks almost like a DIY project, but in fact provides even more information than the Klein. The Flight-Sky Multimeter provides almost as many useful statistics, plus it costs about half as much as most others.
If you don't need all that functionality and would rather have something more sleek, the Satechi TCPM and Kavalan Indicator are both viable choices.
January 03, 2019:
USB type C was developed for added convenience, data transfer, and charging capabilities in the newest and fanciest devices. As a relatively new standard, however, not every cable, charger, battery pack, and phone plays nicely together. An in-line tester like the Jokitech will give you all the info you need, and you won't have to carry any extra cables or adapters with you. The Drok will require an additional USB-C cord, but it's also a multipurpose meter that serves a range of advanced functions, much like both MasterHawk options. The Eversame is similarly versatile, and might last a little longer, as unlike some, it's fully encased in a durable plastic body. If you're only working with power up to 18 watts, and only in one direction, you should be able to get by using the Soonhua, which is incredibly inexpensive, and also especially streamlined.
4. Kavalan Indicator
5. Satechi TCPM
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.