Universal Cable vs 2.1A USB Charge Cord Car And Wall Charger Set. Cord 6.5 Ft Long - New Electronics: which is safer?
Nomad Universal Cable is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Our pick
Nomad
Universal Cable
PFAS grade
A 100/100
Overall grade
A 92/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Braided nylon and metal connectors
Confidence
75%
PossibleNylon jacket degradation and microplastics
PossibleHeat-related polymer breakdown
Tech21
2.1A USB Charge Cord Car And Wall Charger Set. Cord 6.5 Ft Long - New Electronics
PFAS grade
B 85/100
Overall grade
C 77/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Plastic (USB connector and housing), copper wire (internal conductors)
Confidence
72%
PossiblePlastic insulation degradation under heat
PossibleConnector corrosion and oxidation
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More waterproof phone chargers & cable cases: see the full ranking