Best Level 2 EV chargers in 2026

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home is one of the biggest perks of EV ownership. While a standard wall outlet can technically get the job done, it’s painfully slow—adding just 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. For most drivers, a Level 2 EV charger is the clear upgrade, delivering up to 60 miles of range per hour and fully charging most EVs overnight.

That said, not all Level 2 chargers are created equal. Differences in charging speed, smart features, cable length, and installation requirements can have a big impact on your day-to-day experience. To find the best options for 2026, we analyzed the most popular Level 2 EV chargers on the market. Whether you drive a Tesla, Ford, Rivian, or another EV, these five chargers stand out for their performance, features, and overall value.

Five models stood out to us: ChargePoint, Emporia, Tesla, Grizzl-E, and EVIQO. All five deliver reliable power to your car, but the right EV charger for you ultimately comes down to how you drive, what you’re willing to spend, and which features—such as smart charging, durability, or simplicity—matter most to you.

1. ChargePoint Home Flex

• Cost: $549

• Power output: 50 amps (up to 12 kW)

• Connector: J1772 or NACS

• Installation: Hardwired or plug-in

The ChargePoint Home Flex is our top pick thanks to its strong mix of power, flexibility, and reliability.

The Home Flex is available with either J1772 or NACS connectors and can be installed as a hardwired unit or with a plug-in connection, making it easy to fit a wide range of garage setups—or even take it with you if you move. The ChargePoint app adds practical value, allowing you to schedule charging during off-peak hours and track your energy usage.

At $549, it’s the second-most affordable option on our list. While it isn’t the cheapest Level 2 charger available, its combination of strong performance, smart features, and ChargePoint’s proven track record—supported by the largest EV charging network in North America—makes it a solid investment for most EV owners.

2. Emporia Pro

• Cost: $599

• Power output: 48 amps (up to 11.5 kW)

• Connector: J1772 or NACS

• Installation: Hardwired or plug-in

The Emporia Pro earns second place for its PowerSmart load management technology, which monitors your home’s electrical usage in real time and automatically adjusts charging power to prevent panel overloads.

While some chargers offer similar load management features, they’re often sold as add-ons. The Emporia Pro includes the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor, giving you detailed visibility into whole-home energy use—not just EV charging. Like the ChargePoint Home Flex, it supports both hardwired and plug-in installations and is available with either J1772 or NACS connectors.

At $599, it’s one of the pricier options on our list (for what it’s worth, the Emporia Classic model is a bit more affordable—it doesn’t have all the same bells and whistles as the Pro, but remains highly regarded in the industry).  Still, for older homes with limited electrical capacity, PowerSmart alone could eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, potentially saving thousands of dollars. The added benefit of whole-home energy monitoring also makes it a strong choice for homeowners seeking to optimize their electricity use or integrate it with solar energy.

3. Tesla Universal Wall Connector

• Cost: $600

• Power output: 48 amps (up to 11.5 kW)

• Connector: Both J1772 and NACS (integrated)

• Installation: Hardwired only

The Tesla Universal Wall Connector earns third place for its industry-leading 4-year warranty—a full year longer than any other charger on our list. That extended coverage provides extra peace of mind for a device you’ll rely on daily for years.

Its other standout feature is a built-in universal connector that works with both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs without the need for adapters. Instead of choosing between J1772 or NACS at purchase, the Tesla charger integrates both into a single unit. Tesla owners also benefit from seamless integration with the Tesla app for scheduling and monitoring, while non-Tesla drivers can still use the charger, albeit without the same level of app functionality.

At $600, it’s the most expensive option we reviewed. Still, the extended warranty and universal compatibility help justify the higher price, making it a strong choice for Tesla owners who value long-term coverage or households with multiple EVs from different manufacturers.

4. Grizzl-E Ultimate 48A

• Cost: $479.99

• Power output: 48 amps (up to 11.5 kW)

• Connector: J1772 or NACS

• Installation: Hardwired only

The Grizzl-E Ultimate 48A takes fourth place as the best bang-for-your-buck charger on our list. At around $480, it’s the most affordable option among high-output 48‑amp chargers.

This Canadian-made charger is available with a J1772 or NACS connector, making it compatible with most EVs right out of the box. The rugged, weatherproof design handles extreme temperatures from -22°F to 122°F, and the included 25-foot cable is one of the longest on our list.

The main limitations? The Ultimate 48A is hardwired only—there’s no plug-in option—and the app, while functional, is on the more basic side. Still, for a dedicated circuit installation, it delivers reliable, high-power charging with smart features at the lowest price, making it an excellent value for cost-conscious EV owners.

5. EVIQO Evipower Gen2

• Cost: $599

• Power output: 40 amps (up to 9.6 kW)

• Connector: J1772 only (as of December 17, 2025)

• Installation: Plug-in only (as of December 17, 2025)

The EVIQO Evipower Gen2 rounds out our top five. Currently, the Gen2 model is only available as a 40-amp plug-in charger with a J1772 connector. 

It's worth noting that EVIQO's first-generation model offers greater versatility, with both hardwired and plug-in options, as well as support for J1772 and NACS connectors. Following this pattern, the Gen2 is likely to expand in the future to include hardwired and NACS versions, though these options are not yet available.

At $599, the Gen2 is competitively priced, though on the higher end of our list—but it’s currently on sale for $459, making it even less expensive than the Grizzl-E. It’s a solid choice if you specifically want a plug-in J1772 charger with reliable build quality. However, it isn’t a standout in any one category, so consider waiting for additional configurations or exploring the versatile Gen1 model if you need hardwired installation or NACS compatibility.

Our team evaluated the most popular Level 2 EV chargers to identify the best options for home charging. Here's how we compared them:

Performance

Level 2 chargers are rated by their power output, measured in amps. Here's what you need to know:

Features

Warranty

A solid warranty protects your investment. Most Level 2 chargers come with 3-year warranties covering parts and defects. 

Price

Level 2 charger prices range from around $300 to $600. This price typically doesn't include installation, which can add $800 to $3,000 depending on your home's electrical setup. 

*Gen2 is currently only available as a plug-in with a J1772 connector; however, the first-generation model offers hardwired and NACS options.

The best Level 2 charger is the one that fits your car, your home, and your lifestyle. Match the charger to your EV’s capabilities, make sure your electrical panel can handle it, and think about which smart features you actually need. Getting quotes from qualified electricians can help you plan for installation costs.

With the right charger in place, you can wake up every day to a fully charged EV—making home charging convenient, efficient, and stress-free.