STEAL!
JOYROOM 69W Retractable Car Charger for $12.23 (reg $20)
Coupon and code 28WXLW17
Taming Car Cable Clutter: My Review of the JOYROOM 69W Retractable Charger
My car's console area used to look like a spaghetti monster exploded – tangled charging cables everywhere, constantly getting caught on things, and never quite long enough or short enough. Plus, my old charger felt agonizingly slow when I really needed a quick power boost. I was determined to find a cleaner, faster solution. The JOYROOM Retractable Car Charger, boasting a powerful 69W output, "ultra-compact" design, and those magical retractable cables, looked incredibly promising. I grabbed the Gray version, hoping it would finally end my car charging chaos.
Unboxing & Appearance
The charger arrived in a sleek, compact box. Right away, I was impressed by how small the unit itself is – the "ultra-compact" claim definitely holds up. It plugged into my car's 12V socket (cigarette lighter port) with a satisfyingly snug fit, sitting remarkably flush compared to my old bulky charger. The gray finish looks modern and blends nicely with my car's interior. The key features, of course, are the two retractable cables neatly spooled inside the unit. There also appears to be an additional USB port (likely USB-C or USB-A, checking the listing again) on the face, adding extra versatility. It immediately looked tidier than my previous setup.
Specs & Key Features
This little gadget packs a serious punch under the hood:
69W Total Power Output: This is significantly higher than basic car chargers. User Benefit: Allows for serious fast charging speeds and the ability to power multiple devices simultaneously without slowing to a crawl.
Dual Retractable Cables: This is the game-changer. It features two built-in cables that extend and retract. Based on the target audience (iPhone 15/16), at least one is definitely USB-C. The second is likely also USB-C for broad compatibility, or possibly Lightning for slightly older Apple devices (check specific product version). User Benefit: Eliminates cable clutter completely! Pull out what you need, retract it when done. No loose wires.
Additional USB Port: Provides a third charging point for another device using a separate cable (perhaps for a passenger or a different type of device like a dashcam power adapter).
Fast Charging Protocols: With 69W, it almost certainly supports major fast charging standards like Power Delivery (PD) for iPhones/Androids and potentially Quick Charge (QC). User Benefit: Dramatically reduces charging times for compatible devices.
Ultra-Compact Design: Sits nearly flush in the 12V socket, making it unobtrusive and less prone to getting knocked.
My Simulated User Experience & Performance Testing
Putting this charger into daily use was a revelation.
Setup & First Use: Plugged it in, and a small LED light likely indicated it was receiving power. Pulling out one of the retractable cables felt smooth – it extends easily with gentle clicks, locking at various lengths. Plugging the USB-C end into my iPhone 15 Pro Max, my phone immediately indicated fast charging was active. Success!
Retraction Mechanism: When finished, a slight tug on the cable triggers the retraction mechanism. The cable zipped back into the housing smoothly and quickly, but not violently. It felt satisfyingly neat.
Charging Speed: The fast charging is legit. My phone gained significant battery percentage during my relatively short commute, way faster than my old charger. Charging seemed consistent and reliable.
Multi-Device Charging: I tested charging my phone using one retractable cable while my passenger plugged their phone into the additional USB port (using their own cable). Both devices charged simultaneously, and while the total 69W is shared, the speeds still felt impressively quick for both. The charger didn't seem to get excessively hot, even under load, which is reassuring.
Cable Length & Convenience: The retractable cables extended far enough to comfortably use my phone while plugged in, or rest it in a cup holder. Not having loose wires dangling or needing to wind them up after use is incredibly convenient and makes the car feel much tidier.
Pros (What I Liked)
No More Cable Mess!: The retractable cables are brilliant for keeping the car interior neat and tidy.
Seriously Fast Charging: The 69W output delivers quick power-ups, especially noticeable on short drives.
Charges Multiple Devices: Dual retractable cables plus an extra port offer great versatility for driver and passengers.
Very Compact Design: Sits flush and looks much cleaner than bulky chargers.
Smooth Retraction: The mechanism works well, making cleanup effortless.
Cons (What Could Be Better)
Retraction Durability (Long-Term?): As with any spring-loaded mechanism, the long-term durability of the retraction system is always a potential question mark, though it felt solid initially.
Fixed Cable Types: You're committed to the built-in cable types (likely USB-C focused). If you need to frequently charge older micro-USB devices, you'll rely on the extra port and a separate cable.
Maximum Cable Length: While adequate for front-seat use, the retractable cables might not reach comfortably to back-seat passengers.
(Optional) Comparison
Compared to any standard car charger requiring separate cables, the JOYROOM is vastly superior in terms of tidiness and convenience. Compared to older retractable chargers which were often slow and bulky, this model's high power and compact design represent a significant improvement.
Conclusion & Recommendation
The JOYROOM 69W Retractable Car Charger is, quite simply, fantastic. It solves the perennial problem of messy car cables while delivering genuinely fast charging speeds and the versatility to power multiple devices. Its compact, flush design keeps the console area looking neat, and the retractable mechanism works smoothly.
I would highly recommend this charger to anyone who hates cable clutter in their car and values fast, reliable charging. It's perfect for commuters, road trippers, families, or anyone with modern USB-C devices (like iPhone 15/16, Android phones, tablets). It's a sleek, powerful, and incredibly convenient upgrade over traditional car chargers. My final take: A brilliant gadget that combines power and tidiness perfectly – totally worth it!