LISEN Retractable USB C Car Charger for Campervans Review

by LISEN

Last updated: 15 January 2026

Keep devices charged in your campervan with the LISEN Retractable USB C Car Charger. Fast, efficient, and its space-saving design is ideal for life on the road.

Our Verdict

6.5/10
This charger is a fantastic idea plagued by inconsistent execution. While 70% of buyers are thrilled, the 20% who received faulty or mis-described products highlight a significant quality control lottery you should be aware of before buying.

Consensus Verdict

4.5/5
(1,829 reviews)
After reading reviews and speaking with owners, the consensus is that this charger is a "game-changer" for keeping cars tidy, thanks to its retractable, tangle-free cables . Customers consistently praise its impressively fast charging speed, even when powering multiple devices at once . The only minor concern a few people mention is that the thin cables feel a bit delicate, raising some questions about long-term durability .

Keeping your van's dashboard tidy while charging multiple devices can be a real faff. The LISEN Retractable Car Phone Charger aims to solve this with a clever all-in-one design featuring built-in cables. Many users have called it a 'game-changer' for its convenience and ability to eliminate tangled wires , praising how it keeps everything neat around the gearstick .

Our Verdict

Who should buy this?

If you're a professional driver, a campervan owner, or anyone who despairs at the 'nest of wires' taking over your dashboard, this charger is designed for you. It's ideal for those who need to charge a phone and another device (like a satnav or passenger's phone) simultaneously without the clutter. As one HGV driver put it, the retractable cables are an 'absolute game-changer' for keeping a work vehicle tidy .

Who should consider alternatives?

Those who need guaranteed power specs and bulletproof reliability should look elsewhere. There's a significant risk of receiving a product that doesn't match the description, with some buyers reporting a max output of 36W instead of 69W . If the thought of a retractable cable failing to retract fills you with dread, be warned, as this is a key complaint from some users . Tech-savvy users needing precise power delivery for high-end gear will be disappointed.

Value for money

At just over a tenner, this charger is priced in the impulse-buy category. If you receive a fully functional unit, it represents fantastic value, combining multiple chargers and cables into one tidy package. However, it's a bit of a lottery; the poor value comes from the risk of getting a faulty unit with non-retracting cables or incorrect power ratings, which makes it an expensive paperweight.

Our honest take

As fellow vanlifers, we love the idea of this gadget. A tidy dash is a happy dash. When it works, it's brilliant. But the customer reviews reveal a serious quality control problem. You might get the 'best car charger' someone has ever used , or you might get one that's 'awful' because the cables don't retract . We'd only recommend this to a mate if they were willing to take a punt and prepared to send it back if they got a dud.

What Customers Say

Highlights from 20 customer reviews
Verified

"Compact, Powerful, and Perfect for work as an HGV driver!"

- Darryl Blakemore-Wardle MR21 Jul 2025
Verified

"Fits snugly in my Ford Fiesta’s lighter socket, and the build quality feels premium with a nice metallic finish."

- Wade22 Oct 2025
Verified

"features both USB-C and Lightning connectors on retractable cables, which means no more messy wires trailing across the car."

- N P Watson12 May 2025
Verified

"I’ve even charged a laptop with this!"

- Byron7 Jan 2026
Verified

"Only thing I'm worried about is the retractable cable getting cut because it's very thin and seems way too delicate."

- Newt26 Apr 2025
Verified

"lo uso para un Samsung y una iPad y funciona muy bien, conectando los 2 simultáneamente"

- Reymundo De La T21 May 2025
Verified

"The retractable cables are of the flat type, with good length and an easy gentle retraction mechanism."

- K Barnes18 Dec 2025
Verified

"Charges my phone very quickly.. quicker than any I use at home."

- Jayde S.10 Jan 2026
Verified

"The only downside is the design. It’s a bit bulky, and I think how practical it is really depends on the car."

- Karolina16 Dec 2025

Key Specifications

Technical Specifications

Total Output69W
Product Dimensions5.9 x 2.64 x 1.38inches
USB-C Retractable Cable Output30W
iPad Charging Port Output15W
Dashcam Charging Port Output12W
Passenger Device Cable Output12W

How Well Is It Built?

TL;DR

Designed to eliminate cable clutter, this charger features a 180° rotatable plug and two retractable leads. While the concept is praised for keeping things tidy, some users find the unit bulky and a tight fit in the port. The biggest concern is the reliability of the retraction mechanism, which some report fails completely.

The core concept here is excellent: a single unit to replace a tangle of chargers and wires. The plastic body houses two retractable cables and two additional USB ports, aiming for maximum utility in a small space.

Fit and Finish

The charger's body can be a bit chunky, which might be an issue in cramped van dashboards. One 4-star reviewer noted it's 'a bit bulky' , while another found it was a 'slightly tight fit' into their car's port . The 180-degree swivel is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to angle it away from the gearstick or other controls, a real plus in a compact cab.

The Retraction Problem

This is the make-or-break design feature, and unfortunately, it's a point of failure for some. The mechanism is meant to keep cables neatly stowed, but when it fails, it creates the very problem it's supposed to solve. One 1-star review put it bluntly: 'The cables don’t retract so once you have pulled them out they don’t go back!' . This inconsistency in build quality is the product's biggest flaw.

How Does It Perform?

TL;DR

This charger generally delivers fast charging for multiple devices simultaneously, with many users calling it a 'super fast charger'. However, a significant minority of buyers report performance not matching the advertised 69W, with some claiming it's slower than their old 10W chargers and that the unit is actually labelled as 36W.

When this charger works as intended, it performs very well. The main draw is fast, convenient power on the move, and for 70% of reviewers, that's exactly what they got.

Charging Speed

Many users are delighted with the charging speed. Verified buyers have described it as a 'super fast charger' that 'charges my iPhone 16 Pro Max quickly' while topping up other devices . For daily commutes or long trips in the motorhome, having reliable, quick power is essential, and for many, this unit delivers. One user even reported successfully charging a laptop with it .

Inconsistent Power Output

Here's where performance becomes a major issue. The product is advertised as 69W, but this claim is directly contradicted by at least one user's experience. A 1-star reviewer stated the product they received was labelled '36W Max' and that it charged 'way slower that my 10W charger' . This discrepancy is a serious problem, suggesting either false advertising or major quality control issues. This makes it impossible to know if you'll get a high-performance charger or something that can't even keep up with a basic power bank.

What Features Stand Out?

TL;DR

Standout features include the dual retractable USB-C and Lightning cables, which users call a 'game-changer' for tidiness. It also offers two additional fast-charging ports and a 180° swivel plug for flexible positioning. However, a key drawback is receiving incorrect cable configurations, undermining its versatility.

The feature set of this charger is what makes it so appealing, especially for use in a vehicle where space and convenience are paramount.

Retractable Cables

The star of the show is the built-in retractable cable system. Having both USB-C and Lightning connectors on tidy, retractable leads is, as one reviewer put it, an 'absolute game-changer' for avoiding tangled wires . This feature alone is why most people buy it, as it keeps the central console or dash area of a van incredibly neat .

Multi-Device Charging

With four outputs in total (two cables, two ports), this unit is a hub for all your gadgets. You can be running your satnav, charging your phone, and have a passenger charging their device all at once. This is a huge plus on long road trips or when you're parked up and need to top up your tech.

What's Missing or Wrong?

Consistency. The biggest missing feature is the guarantee you'll get what you ordered. One frustrated buyer noted they ordered a version with two USB-C cables but received one with a Lightning cable instead, and it was the second time it had happened . This, combined with the wattage discrepancy, means the advertised features aren't always what you get.

Who Is It For?

We've analysed how this product fits different buyer profiles. Find your situation below to see if it's right for you.

🚚

Professional HGV & Van Drivers

Good Match

"This could be the perfect bit of kit for keeping the cab tidy on long shifts, but I can't afford for it to break on me mid-journey."

What They Love
  • Eliminates cable clutter
  • Charges phone and satnav at once
  • Fast charging reduces downtime
Considerations
  • Retraction failure is a major pain
  • Unreliable power for critical gear
🚐

Tidy-Minded Campervan Owners

Suitable

"I love anything that saves space and reduces clutter in the van. This looks brilliant, but if it breaks, it's just more junk to store."

What They Love
  • Keeps the dashboard area neat
  • Charges the whole family's gadgets
  • Swivel plug fits awkward sockets
Considerations
  • Bulky design might not fit
  • Cable failing to retract defeats the purpose
💻

Tech-Focused Digital Nomads

Not Ideal

"The specs look great, but I can't trust it. If it's not actually 69W, it's useless for powering my laptop and other high-draw gear."

What They Love
  • Potential for high-wattage output
Considerations
  • Advertised wattage is unreliable
  • Risk of receiving wrong cable types
  • Not dependable for power-hungry tech

How Does It Compare to Alternatives?

TL;DR

Compared to standard cigarette lighter USB plugs that require separate cables, this charger's all-in-one design is far superior for tidiness. However, it trades the reliability of a simple plug for a complex, and sometimes faulty, retractable mechanism. While more convenient, its quality control issues make it a riskier choice.

This charger's main competition is the classic combination of a simple 12V USB adapter and separate charging cables. While that setup is arguably more reliable (a broken cable is easier to replace than a broken charger), this LISEN unit wins hands-down on convenience and tidiness. It consolidates four charging solutions into one compact device. However, its significant quality control issues, with some users receiving units that are 'awful' or 'not as described' , mean that a simple, trusted adapter from a brand like Anker might be a safer, if less tidy, investment for life on the road.

People Also Ask

Ready to Buy?

6.5/10
This charger is a fantastic idea plagued by inconsistent execution. While 70% of buyers are thrilled, the 20% who received faulty or mis-described products highlight a significant quality control lottery you should be aware of before buying.
Check Price on Amazon

What Amazon Customers Say

See all reviews
4.5

Based on 1,829 reviews

5 star
70%
4 star
10%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
20%
Verified
6 found helpful

Brilliant 🚙

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Perfect Retractable Car Charger – Fast, Convenient & Tangle-Free! The LISEN Retractable Car Charger is hands down one of the best car chargers I’ve ever used! It’s a powerful, well-designed, and super convenient accessory that keeps my car interior tidy and clutter-free while providing fast charging for all my devices. Fast Charging – 69W Power for All Devices With 69W of power, this ch...

Jiggy20 February 2025
Verified
6 found helpful

Game changer for a car/hgv charger!

Compact, Powerful, and Perfect for work as an HGV driver! Honestly one of the best car chargers I’ve ever used. The retractable cables are an absolute game-changer—no more tangled wires all over the place, and it keeps the car & Truck looking tidy. I can charge four devices at once, including my phone, sat nav, and even a power bank without any drop in speed. The 69W output is strong enough to fas...

Darryl Blakemore-Wardle MR21 July 2025
Verified
2 found helpful

Fast, neat, and thoughtfully designed.

Fantastic little gadget. The retractable cable design keeps everything tidy—no more messy wires hanging around the gearstick. It charges my iPhone 16 Pro Max quickly and simultaneously tops up a passenger’s phone via the extra USB port. Fits snugly in my Ford Fiesta’s lighter socket, and the build quality feels premium with a nice metallic finish. Ideal as a small gift or for daily commuting.

Wade22 October 2025
Verified
2 found helpful

Excellent Car Charger – Fast, Tidy, and Versatile

This is a fantastic car charger, especially for keeping things tidy and charging quickly on the go. It features both USB-C and Lightning connectors on retractable cables, which means no more messy wires trailing across the car — a big plus for keeping the interior neat. It charges my iPhone 16 really fast using the 20W USB-C cable, and there’s the added convenience of a USB-A and a second USB-C po...

N P Watson12 May 2025
Verified
1 found helpful

Slightly chunky but great!

Genuinely great bit of kit. Slightly tight fit into the cars port, but once in the retractable leads work well and if charging one phone at a time charges quickly. I’ve even charged a laptop with this! The build quality is great and the matte metal finish seems premium. It is slightly on the chunky side so needs a safe place to be stored to keep out of the would be robbers eyes seeing somethin...

Byron7 January 2026
Verified

Charger

Super fast charger

Veerendra J.30 July 2025
Verified

Superfast charge works Great, No messy cables.

Great. Used it for a week now. Super fast charging works perfectly. Only thing I'm worried about is the retractable cable getting cut because it's very thin and seems way too delicate. The way the cable snaps back I fear it may break soon will update if anything happens. But so far it's great and convenient and good for the price. 1 month Update: The charger works great the only problem I ...

Newt26 April 2025
Verified

Excelente cargador

El cargador tengo usándolo 2 meses y es un producto muy bien hecho, su carga es rápida lo uso para un Samsung y una iPad y funciona muy bien, conectando los 2 simultáneamente, lo recomiendo ampliamente

Reymundo De La T21 May 2025
Verified

BRILLIANT

I've had the "LISEN" MAGNETIC HOLDER WHICH IS BRILLIANT AND WHY I PURCHASED THE LISEN CHARGER AND WAS NOT DISSAPOINTED ,BRILLIANT AGAIN

Andrew2 May 2025
Verified

Lisen car charger

Excellent charger ideal for new iPhone also has also charges older iPhones excellent device & good quality cheers guys

Andy Wicks8 September 2024
Verified

Very useable piece of kit, very well made.

This is a great bit of kit. It’s solidly made, with adaptable angles when plugged in. The retractable cables are of the flat type, with good length and an easy gentle retraction mechanism. It’s my every day use to power mobile equipment in the car.

K Barnes18 December 2025
Verified

Just great

Love this car charger. Charges my phone very quickly.. quicker than any I use at home. And any passenger that uses it are always impressed with how quick it charges

Jayde S.10 January 2026
Verified

Very convenient and practical

Great, handy charger - love the retractable cord - super handy

Amazon Customer13 December 2025
Verified

best car charger on the market

amazing car charging device

Jake Apsey30 July 2025
Verified

Fast charger, just a bit bulky

It’s a good, fast charger and I can’t fault it in terms of performance- it does exactly what it’s meant to do and charges quickly. The only downside is the design. It’s a bit bulky, and I think how practical it is really depends on the car. In my Jaguar it sits in the middle compartment, right next to where I keep other bits, and it can be slightly annoying when I’m trying to get something out. ...

Karolina16 December 2025
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,829 reviews) View on Amazon