OE
Quote
Professional Guide

Best USB C Wall Sockets for Fast Charging: 2025 Expert Review

O

Oli

Owner, OR Electrics & 18th Edition Electrician

Published 18 December 2025

We have all been there—hunting for a specific charging brick behind the sofa or realising the only spare plug socket is occupied by the lamp. In 2025, installing integrated USB-C wall sockets isn't just a luxury; it is the smartest way to organise your home and declutter your worktops.

However, not all USB sockets are created equal. In my daily rounds across Leeds, from student HMOs in Headingley to family homes in Armley, I see a lot of poor quality units. Some buzz loudly, some charge painfully slowly, and worst of all, some are a nightmare to fit into older shallow back boxes.

In this review, I'm cutting through the jargon to recommend three specific sockets I would be happy to install in my own home. I'll cover a reliable budget option, a high-power unit capable of charging a laptop, and a smart problem-solver for 20W fast charging.

Live in Leeds?

Unsure about wiring or back box depths?

Get a free quote for professional installation.

Contact OR Electrics

Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Fits Standard Back Box"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim these sockets slot straight into your existing 25mm wall boxes."

The Reality

In older UK properties (especially Leeds brick terraces), boxes are often shallow or crowded with wires. USB sockets are physically deeper. You often need a 35mm deep box, or you'll have to use a spacer frame to stop the sudden crushing of cables.

The Spec: "Fast Charging speeds"

The Theory

"All 'USB C' sockets charge your phone quickly."

The Reality

Not true. Many are just standard 5V (slow). To 'fast charge' an iPhone or Samsung, you need 'Power Delivery' (PD) of at least 20W. To charge a laptop, you need 45W+. Check the wattage, not just the port shape.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Double Plug Socket USB C Switched Wall Socket with 2 USB Ports

Budget Pick
Double Plug Socket USB C Switched Wall Socket with 2 USB Ports

RICOKEY

This RICOKEY unit is a fantastic general-purpose upgrade for bedrooms or living rooms where standard overnight charging is needed. The screwless faceplate gives a clean, modern finish, hiding any messy decorating edges often found in older homes.

Price£12.98 (at the time of writing)
USB Output3.4A Total (Shared)
ProfileScrewless rounded edge
The Good
  • Excellent price point for a double USB unit
  • Screwless front plate hides ugly screw heads and uneven plaster
  • Claimed 20mm rear depth makes it easier to fit in standard boxes
The Bad
  • Sharing 3.4A means charging slows down if two devices are plugged in
  • Not powerful enough for laptops

Installer Tip:

The screwless front pops off to reveal the fixing holes. Be gentle when clipping it back on; if your wall isn't perfectly flat (common in Victorian builds), the plate can sometimes sit slightly proud. Don't force it.

Priced at £12.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

LIDER 2-Gang Switched 13A Socket with USB TYPE C & A, 65W PD

Quality Pick
LIDER 2-Gang Switched 13A Socket with USB TYPE C & A, 65W PD

LIDER

This is a powerhouse. With a massive 65W output, this socket can actually charge a laptop (like a MacBook Air or Dell XPS) directly from the wall, completely eliminating the need for bulky power bricks. Ideally suited for home offices.

Price£45.99 (at the time of writing)
USB Output65W PD Max
Required Depth35mm Back Box
The Good
  • Huge 65W output capable of powering laptops
  • Frees up the 13A plug sockets for other equipment
  • High-quality build with active safety protections
The Bad
  • Significantly more expensive than standard units
  • Requires a deep 35mm back box – check your wall depth first!

Installer Tip:

WARNING: Do not attempt to force this into a shallow 25mm box. The electronics for 65W charging require physical space for cooling. If you have solid walls, we may need to chase out the brickwork to set a deeper box, or use a spacer frame.

Priced at £45.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Electrical Double Wall Socket with USB C Charging Port, 20W Fast Charging

Problem Solver
Electrical Double Wall Socket with USB C Charging Port, 20W Fast Charging

Nottac

This unit solves a very specific problem: you want 'Fast Charging' (20W) for your phone, but you don't want to pay £50 for a laptop-grade socket. The Nottac offers true 20W PD speeds, meaning your phone charges significantly faster than on standard USB sockets.

Price£11.99 (at the time of writing)
Charging Speed20W Fast Charging
FinishWhite with modern styling
The Good
  • 20W PD provides genuine fast charging for modern phones
  • Incredible value for a fast-charging specification
  • Clean aesthetic fits well in modern interiors
The Bad
  • 20W is great for phones/tablets but won't power a laptop
  • Finish quality is good for the price but not premium

Installer Tip:

If you are replacing a socket near a bed, this is the one to go for. The 20W speed means a quick 20-minute boost while you get ready provides plenty of battery life, solving the 'forgot to charge it overnight' panic.

Priced at £11.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deeper back box for USB sockets?
Often, yes. Standard sockets fit 25mm boxes, but the transformer inside a USB socket takes up space. Whilst some 'slimline' models fit 25mm boxes, I always recommend a 35mm box for safety and to prevent crushing the wires—a common issue in Leeds terraced houses.
Can I install a USB socket myself?
In the UK, replacing an existing socket is capable of being a DIY task if you are competent. However, you must safely isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and test it is dead before starting. If in doubt, or if the wiring looks old (rubber or fabric coated), call a pro like OR Electrics immediately.
Why does my USB socket make a buzzing noise?
A faint buzzing is 'coil whine' from the transformer stepping down 230V to 5V. High-quality units generally do not do this noticeably. If the buzzing is loud or the socket feels hot to the touch, switch it off and replace it, as it could be a sign of component failure.
What is the difference between USB-A and USB-C?
USB-A is the older, rectangular port. USB-C is the newer, smaller oval port. USB-C supports much faster charging (Power Delivery) and is becoming the standard for all new phones and laptops.
Will these sockets charge a laptop?
Standard USB sockets (like the budget RICOKEY) will not. You need a high-wattage 'Power Delivery' (PD) socket like the LIDER (65W) reviewed above to charge a laptop effectively.
How much does professional installation cost?
It varies depending on whether we need to chop out brickwork for a deeper box. For a straightforward swap, it is a quick job. Contact OR Electrics for an accurate quote based on your specific needs.

Need Professional Socket & Switch Installation?

Our team at OR Electrics specialises in Socket & Switch Installation across Leeds.

Get a free quote for professional installation.

View Our Socket & Switch Installation Service