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No charger in the box? No problem: This one is on sale for just $6

This USB-C AC adapter provides what Apple and Samsung left out.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read
mkeke-usb-c-charger

Six bucks buys you a basic wall charger for your iPhone 12, Galaxy S21 or the like.

Mkeke

Last year, Apple "bravely" decided to stop including an AC adapter in the box with the new iPhone 12, and Samsung just followed suit with the Galaxy S21. I don't know if I agree with the reasoning -- cuts down on waste, allows for less packaging, everyone's already got a dozen of these anyway, yada yada -- but here we are.

One thing I do know: You shouldn't buy an AC adapter from Apple or Samsung, because you'll pay way too much for it. (The companies charge $19 and $35 for their plugs, respectively.)

Instead, look to an inexpensive third-party option like this one: For a limited time, and while supplies last, the Mkeke 20-watt USB-C charger is just $6 when you apply promo code ZHTATAWE. Regular price: $12.

The plug is compatible with the iPhone 12, Galaxy S21, Nintendo Switch and just about every other device that relies on a USB-C port for charging. It has a 4.9-star average rating from 400 buyers, meaning it works as advertised.

If it sells out, have no fear: Here are lots of other USB-C chargers starting at $10. (Although the headline indicates "iPhone 12 charger," they're all compatible with the Galaxy S21 and other gear as well.) Why spend a little more? Maybe you want a plug that has two outputs instead of just one, or one that supplies enough juice to charge a laptop.

Your thoughts?

Watch this: Review: The Galaxy S21 5G surprised us with its changes

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