Installation of USB wall sockets has become increasingly more popular in UK homes and for good reason too. Due to the increase in gadgets using USB charging, they help to free up available sockets and also increase the charging speed.
From testing and plenty of research, we found that the best USB wall socket is the BG Electrical NSB, which has a choice of finishes and two 3.1A USB ports. However, if you also require a USB-C port for use with certain devices, the Knightsbridge alternative is the perfect solution that’s also packed full of safety features.
After replacing hundreds of wall sockets over the years, we based the recommendations in this article upon our own experience as well as multiple factors. The factors that were considered included the USB performance, USB port types, socket finish, safety features, ease of installation, warranty and value for money. If you haven’t changed a socket before, we created an in-depth step by step guide that walks you through installing any of our recommendations.
Table of Contents
USB Wall Socket Comparison
| USB Wall Socket | USB Amperage | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| BG Electrical NSB | 2 x 3.1A | Brushed Steel or Polished Chrome |
| Knightsbridge USB-C | 2 x 3.1A | White |
| Livolo Outlet | 2 x 2.1A | Hardened Glass (Black or White) |
| Luceco LEXS30W30-01 | 2 x 2.1A | Brushed Satin Steel |
| Bay City Electrical | 2 x 4.2A | White |
| Mega Socket Charger | 1 x 2.1A & 1 x 1.0A | Polished Black Nickel |
An important factor to consider when choosing between the various USB sockets is the amperage. The higher amperage rating will result in a higher flow of electricity, which means faster charging. However, to avoid any potential damage, most sockets use an intelligent charging circuitry that automatically sets the maximum amperage for optimum charging.
Below is a list of the best USB wall chargers that are direct replacements for standard UK faceplates.
The Best USB Wall Socket
1. BG Electrical NSB USB Wall Socket
The BG Electrical brand produce 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.
Other features of the BG Electrical NSB include:
- 2 x 3.1A USB ports
- 25 mm boxing depth
- Anti-finger print lacquer
- Twin earth for high integrity circuits
- Auto detects the USB device
- Standby mode once device is fully charged
- Protective overloaded functionality
- White inserts with visible screws
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.
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2. Knightsbridge Fast Charge USB-C Wall Charger
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 are 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.
Other features of the Knightsbridge Fast Charge include:
- 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
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.
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3. Livolo Remote Controlled USB Wall Socket
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.
Other features of the Livolo Smart Socket include:
- 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
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.
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4. Luceco LEXS USB Wall Socket
Another affordable USB wall socket is the Luceco LEXS, which is finished in a 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 offer an impressive 25 year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Other features of the Luceco LEXS include:
- 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
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 of these sockets.
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5. Bay City Electrical USB Port Wall Socket
This twin USB charger socket by Bay City Electrical is designed purely for fast USB charging. Each of the ports are rated at 4.2 amps each and have 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 its not shared between the two ports.
Other features of the Bay City Electrical Socket include:
- 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
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.
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6. Mega Socket Double USB Wall Charger
The Mega Socket double USB wall socket is a high quality option that’s finished in a polished black nickel that’s designed to compliment any room. For peace of mind, it’s also CE approved and meets all the latest UK standards too.
Other features of the Mega Socket Charger include:
- 2 x 13A sockets
- 2 x USB ports (1A & 2.1A)
- 27 mm mounting depths
- Screwless installation
- Individually switched
- Polished black nickel finish
- Black inserts
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.
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How We Rated The USB Wall Sockets
After carrying out multiple house renovations, we often replace all of the sockets to a more modern wall socket such as the above recommendations. Therefore, we have tried and tested a range of sockets and have plenty of experience to base our recommendations on. However, we also rated the USB wall sockets upon a number of factors, which included their USB performance, USB port types, socket finish, safety features, ease of installation, warranty and value.
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.
