The number of USB connectors in the design of the device. We emphasize that here we are talking only about classic, full-size connectors — the so-called USB A; the number of USB-C ports, if any, is specified separately (see below).
The number of USB ports (of any type) corresponds to the number of gadgets that can be simultaneously connected to the charger using adapter cables or plugs for the appropriate connector. Note that not all chargers are capable of delivering full power to all charging outputs at once; see "Charge current" for details. As for the specific number of ports (USB A and/or USB-C), nowadays, relatively simple chargers for
1 port or
2 ports are the most popular. This is due to the fact that separate chargers are usually purchased for one or two specific gadgets, and a larger number of charging outputs is required relatively rarely. However, on the market you can easily find models with
3 ports or
4 ports ; and the most “multi-charged” modern devices have
5 or
6 USB ports or even more.
The number of
USB-C connectors provided in the design of the charger.
USB-C is a relatively new type of connector; it has dimensions slightly larger than microUSB and a double-sided design that allows you to insert the plug in either direction. At the same time, despite their compact size, rather advanced features can be implemented in such charging ports — in particular, high power supply and many fast charging technologies. On the other hand, specifically in chargers for gadgets, connectors of this type are much less common than full-sized USB (USB A), and in smaller quantities —
one at a time, less often
two. This is due to the fact that a cable is usually used to connect rechargeable gadgets, with detachable cables it is more convenient to use ordinary USB ports, and installing such ports in a charger (even a compact one) is easy. So in fact, it makes sense to specifically look for a device with USB-C mainly if the you have such a cable already (or a gadget with a suitable plug).
