I’ve used many USB car plugs, and most of them perform adequately for my needs. I rarely need to charge more than two devices at the time – a phone and a tablet, or two phones. However, if you have more than two gadgets that need charging, or are using USB to power some of your “fixed” in-car devices (dedicated GPS navigator, radar detector, etc.) then even two dedicated USB ports can be inadequate. For those of you who are in need of as much of a charging power you can get, this quad Aleratec USB charger will be the right option.

One of the great features of this USB charger is that all four of the USB outlets run 2.4 A current. This feature is important because the USB outlets that provide more than 2 A of current are ideal for charging tablet devices. They also work with most smartphones these days as well, and will charge your devices more than twice as fast as the smaller, “ordinary” 1 A USB outlets.

I’ve tested this charger by simultaneously using it with my iPhone, iPad and a radar detector. I was able to charge both of my i-devices effectively while still being able to use the detector. The front console of my car did get a bit cluttered with all these wires though, and you definitely don’t want to be fiddling with charging your gadgets while driving. I would strongly recommend that you plug all of your devices before setting on a trip, or have someone in the passenger seat do it for you.

The charger overall seems very solidly built. This is particularly the case of the metal lighter charger contacts. The design is not particularly fancy or elegant, this is a charger that is designed primarily with the utilitarian ends in mind. Furthermore, I am not a big fan of the LED power indicators – they can get really bright and distracting when you drive at night. I keep this charger plugged inside the (closed) central car console precisely for this reason.