Sockets with built-in USB charging now come with USB-A, USB-C, or a combination of both ports, and choosing the right combination depends on the devices you actually own.
What's the Difference Between USB-A and USB-C?
USB-A is the traditional rectangular USB connector, still used by many older phone chargers, cables and accessories. USB-C is the newer, reversible connector now standard on most recent phones, tablets and laptops, and typically charges faster.
Do I Need Both?
Many households have a mix of older USB-A cables and newer USB-C devices, so a socket with one of each port is often the safest choice for flexibility. If you've already replaced all your cables with USB-C, a USB-C-only or dual USB-C socket may suit you better.
Does Charging Speed Matter?
Check the wattage/output rating of the USB ports if you're charging larger devices like tablets or laptops — lower-output USB sockets are designed primarily for phones and smaller devices, and may charge larger devices slowly.
Our Advice
Check the cables you actually use day to day before choosing — there's little benefit in USB-C-only sockets if most of your devices still use USB-A cables, and vice versa.