Anker 75W retractable car charger review: does the cable reach?

We have not tested this charger. This page is built from Anker's UK product page, the Amazon.co.uk listing and ChargerLAB's published teardown; the sources are listed at the bottom.

Key specs

The Amazon.co.uk listing is not consistent on warranty: the bullet points say 24 months while a separate field shows 18. Anker's UK page says "Hassle-Free Warranty" without a period. Check the paperwork in the box.

What the specs mean in a UK car

• Reach is the deciding number. In many cars the 12 V socket sits low in the centre console, while a phone mount sits on a vent or the dash. Before buying, run a tape measure from the socket to the bottom of your phone along the route the cable would take. If it is more than about 70 cm, the built-in cable will be taut or will not reach, and you would end up using the 30W port with a separate lead anyway.
• 45W plus 30W. Both outputs are USB-C Power Delivery. ChargerLAB's teardown also found PPS and Quick Charge support on both ports and a separate controller for each. Because 45W plus 30W equals the 75W total, Anker's figures describe both ports in use together, not one port on its own.
• No USB-A. Rear passengers with older USB-A cables need a USB-C cable or an adapter.
• Engine-off behaviour. If your socket stays live with the ignition off, the charger stays powered too. Seedoes a 12 V socket work with the engine off?and can a car charger drain the battery?

Who it suits

• Drivers with a USB-C phone who are tired of loose cables in the cubby or footwell.
• Cars where the 12 V socket is close to the phone mount, so the 72 to 75 cm cable reaches comfortably.
• Two-device households: the driver on the cable, a passenger on the 30W port.

Who should skip it

• Anyone charging a laptop that needs more than 45W.
• Cars with the socket a long way from the phone, such as a socket in the rear of the centre console or in the boot.
• Anyone who needs USB-A or three ports.

What owners report

We could not read the Amazon.co.uk review text, only the rating, and Anker's UK product page showed no reviews when we checked. The most detailed independent look we found is ChargerLAB's teardown, which is an inspection rather than an owner's long-term report:

• How the cable carries power. The retractable module uses a spool with a slip ring and three brushes, and the cable is flat.
• Build. ChargerLAB noted glue reinforcement on components and solder joints and a flame-retardant PC housing. It did not publish heat measurements.

The weak point of any retractable charger is the reel. When reading Amazon.co.uk reviews, search for "retract", "stuck" and "stopped charging" to see how the mechanism holds up after months of use, and your car's model name to check socket fit.

How it compares

UGREEN 130W. UGREEN offers 100W on one USB-C port, 30W on a second and a USB-A port, with a separate 1 m cable. It is the better pick for a 100W laptop or three devices; the Anker is the tidier choice for phones. Read ourUGREEN 130W reviewand the Anker 75W vs UGREEN 130W comparison.

For what to check on any car charger, see ourcar charger buying guideand the shortlist on best car chargers. Other Anker products are on our Anker brand page.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Anker 75W charge a laptop?

Yes, within limits. The retractable cable delivers up to 45W and the USB-C port up to 30W. That suits lighter USB-C laptops and tablets. A laptop that expects much more will charge slowly, or only hold its level while in use. If you need 100W for a laptop, look at a charger with a 100W port.

How does the retractable cable work?

Anker says to pull the cable out by more than 2 inches to extend it, then give it a short pull and release to retract it. The cable reaches up to 29.5 inches (75 cm) by Anker's figure; ChargerLAB's teardown measured about 72 cm.

Will it charge an iPhone 14 or older?

Not from the built-in cable on its own, because iPhones before the iPhone 15 use Lightning and the built-in cable is USB-C. Use the separate USB-C port with a USB-C to Lightning cable. iPhone 15 and later use USB-C and work with the built-in cable directly.

Does it work in a 24 V vehicle?

Anker lists the input as 12 V / 24 V, so it is designed for both car and commercial vehicle sockets.