Smart Charging Made Simple: The Best USB Wall Sockets

Charge smarter, not harder, with our handpicked selection of USB wall sockets that feature both USB-A and USB-C ports.
✅ Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Jump To Products ↓
Best USB Wall Socket
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
DIY Works is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Find out more.

As more and more electronics are using USB as a means of charging, the installation of USB wall sockets has become very popular. The benefits of replacing your standard socket with an upgraded USB faceplate include faster charging speeds (where applicable), reducing the need for a charging adapter and it also helps to free up available sockets.

In terms of the types of USB wall sockets you can choose from, they include a variety of styles, USB-A and/or USB-C ports as well as multiple power options. In terms of performance, amperage is an important consideration as the higher it is, the higher the flow ectricity. Therefore, if you want to achieve faster charging from your electronics that support higher amperage, you’ll want to pay particular attention to this rating.

If you want to upgrade your socket yourself but don’t know how to do it, we created an in-depth step-by-step guide that walks you through installing any of our recommendations.

To assist you in selecting a USB wall socket, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience installing and using multiple sockets. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Best Overall: BG Electrical NSB USB Wall Socket
Read More
Best USB-C: Knightsbridge Fast Charge USB-C Wall Charger
Read More
Best Smart: Livolo Remote Controlled USB Wall Socket
Read More
Luceco LEXS USB Wall Socket
Best Quality: Luceco LEXS USB Wall Socket
Read More
Bay City Electrical USB Port Wall Socket
Best Fast Charge: Bay City Electrical USB Port Wall Socket
Read More
Mega Socket Double USB Wall Charger
Best Value: Mega Socket Double USB Wall Charger
Read More

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates USB Wall Sockets

After carrying out multiple house renovations, we often replace all of the sockets with more modern wall sockets such as the above recommendations. Therefore, we have tried and tested a range of sockets and have plenty of experience on which to base our recommendations on.

However, as well as our testing and experience, we also rated the USB wall sockets on the latest research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the USB performance, USB port types, socket finish, safety features, ease of installation, warranty and value for money.

Best USB Wall Socket

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

The Best USB Wall Sockets

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: BG Electrical NSB USB Wall Socket

(How We Review →)

The BG Electrical brand produces the widest range of USB wall sockets and this NSB model is the brand’s most rated. It has a slim design with rounded edges and a choice of finishes that includes brushed steel or polished chrome.

In terms of the integrated USB ports, it features two fast charge 3.1A ports where the charge is shared across the two.

Pros
  • Auto detects the USB device
    •
  • 25 mm boxing depth
    •
  • Anti-finger print lacquer
    •
  • Twin earth for high integrity circuits
    •
  • Automatically goes to a standby mode once the device is fully charged
    •
  • Protective overloaded functionality
    •
  • White inserts with visible screws
Cons
  • Lacks USB-C inputs

To conclude, the NSB USB wall socket by BG Electrical ticks all the boxes and is a smart-looking socket that can be installed anywhere in your house. In terms of performance, design and value for money, it cannot be beaten.

2. Best USB-C: Knightsbridge Fast Charge USB-C Wall Charger

(How We Review →)

For smartphones or tablets that support USB-C charging, you can benefit from faster charging. Although compatible phones can be charged via any USB wall sockets, those with a USB-C port can satisfy the fast charging requirement.

Knightsbridge is one of the first brands in the UK to offer a wall socket with a USB-C port and this CU9904 model is a great example that promises up to 3 times faster charging.

Pros
  • USB C (3A) + A (2A) ports
    •
  • Switches between 5V, 9V and 12V
    •
  • Choice of front panel and insert colours
    •
  • Built-in power saving mode
    •
  • Short circuit, soft start and thermal protection
    •
  • Automatic charging selection
Cons
  • Not available in the desirable chrome finish

Although the Knightsbridge USB-C wall socket comes with a premium price tag, it’s worth spending the extra. The fast charging capability along with the built-in safety features make it one of the best sockets on the market.

3. Best Smart: Livolo Remote Controlled USB Wall Socket

(How We Review →)

The Livolo is a unique USB wall socket that features a futuristic design that can be controlled via a remote. The socket itself is constructed of hardened glass and it has illuminated switches for using the sockets manually.

Pros
  • Tempered glass and poly carbon holder
    •
  • Available in black or white
    •
  • Uses an intelligent Microsoft chip
    •
  • Touch and remote controlled
    •
  • 2 x 2.1A USB ports
    •
  • CE certified
Cons
  • Most expensive within this article

Overall, the Livolo Smart Socket is a unique and stylish USB wall socket that’s something a bit different. Although it comes with a remote, it’s more of a gimmick and you are more than likely going to use the manual touch buttons. However, there may be certain applications where a remote control can make all the difference and be very useful.

4. Best Quality: Luceco LEXS USB Wall Socket

(How We Review →)

Another affordable USB wall socket is the Luceco LEXS, which is finished in desirable satin-brushed steel. In terms of the USB performance, it’s rated at 2.1 amps and it’s a direct replacement for any standard socket.

Compared to similar priced alternatives, the brand offers an impressive 25-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

Pros
  • Brushed satin steel finish with black inserts
    •
  • Dual 2.1A USB ports
    •
  • Standard 25 mm mounting depth
    •
  • Long 25 year warranty
    •
  • Easy replacement for standard UK sockets
    •
  • Suitable for every room in the house
Cons
  • Lower powered USB ports when compared to the alternatives

Overall, the Luceco USB wall sockets are an excellent all-round option that are much higher quality than you would expect. The fact that it comes with a 25-year warranty is a display of the brand’s confidence in these sockets.

5. Best Fast Charge: Bay City Electrical USB Port Wall Socket

(How We Review →)

This twin USB charger socket by Bay City Electrical is designed purely for fast USB charging. Each of the ports is rated at 4.2 amps and has dedicated switching for turning them on or off.

Unlike some of the cheaper alternatives, this USB wall charger uses separated independent circuits. In short, this means that each port is capable of 4.2A and it’s not shared between the two ports.

Pros
  • Twin USB ports with no outlets
    •
  • Automatically selects powered that is required
    •
  • Compatible with most USB powered devices
    •
  • Unique 1 amp low blow fuse
    •
  • Separated independent circuits
    •
  • No complex wiring required
    •
  • CE and RoHS certified
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

Overall, the Bay City Electrical USB wall charger is a high-performing option that the brand states is also one of the safest on the market. This is mainly due to the built-in safety features and unique 1 amp blow fuse.

6. Best Value: Mega Socket Double USB Wall Charger

(How We Review →)

The Mega Socket double USB wall socket is a high-quality option that’s finished in polished black nickel that’s designed to complement any room. For peace of mind, it’s also CE-approved and meets all the latest UK standards too.

Pros
  • 2 x 13A sockets
    •
  • 27 mm mounting depth
    •
  • Screwless installation
    •
  • Individually switched
    •
  • Stylish polished black nickel finish with black inserts
Cons
  • Not as powerful when compared to the alternatives

Overall, the Mega Socket is a cheap yet high-quality USB wall socket that has a stylish design and meets all the latest UK standards. The only drawback is that the ports aren’t as powerful as some of the alternatives, which may result in slower charging for certain devices.

Conclusion

USB charging is a requirement of many electronic gadgets. Therefore, many people are replacing their standard faceplates with USB wall chargers, which helps to free up sockets and even provide faster charging. All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and include multiple finishes to best suit your requirements.

If you aren’t confident changing the wall sockets yourself, we would recommend using an electrician. It’s very easy to do and the electrician should be able to change at least two or three per hour as long as everything goes to plan.

For further information regarding any of our USB socket recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

Why Trust Us?

We grasp the significance of trust and reliability in product reviews, but what sets us apart as a trustworthy source?

Find Out More About Us →
Our Editorial Process →
How We Test →
Related Reads

Follow #DIYWorksUK

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.