Tethered vs untethered chargers - which is better?
Last updated: Apr 9, 2026
Cable socket or charging cable permanently attached? That’s the question when choosing between a tethered or untethered charger!
If you've just got your hands on a shiny new plug-in electric car (or are about to), you'll need to figure out which charging setup suits your lifestyle. Each has its perks and quirks, so let’s break it down and see which one earns a prime spot on your wall!
What is a Tethered Charger?
- Convenience - similar to the petrol station experience, the cable is permanently attached so you can just plug and go.
- Security - the cable is part of the unit and it's not possible to remove it. Meaning no worries about it becoming disconnected or stolen.
- Cable included - as the cable is part of the unit you don’t have to purchase a cable separately.
Disadvantages of a tethered charger:
- Charging Type restriction - you have to select Type 1 or Type 2 and have the relevant vehicle to fit this, you cannot mix and match.
- Lacks flexibility - you can only use this charger at home. You would want to purchase a charging cable or have one handy if you wanted to use an untethered public charging point or someone's untethered home charger.
A tethered EV charger is like your electric vehicle's personal petrol pump, but way cooler, as it comes with a permanently attached charging cable that neatly wraps around a hook or the unit itself when not in use.
Most tethered charger fans love their charge points for its sheer convenience. Imagine pulling up, grabbing the cable, plugging it in and leaving it to charge. No rummaging through the boot or stressing about where you left your cable.
That said, we still recommend keeping a separate charging cable handy because most public chargers are untethered, meaning you’ll need to BYOC (Bring Your Own Cable). No worries if you don’t have one, we’ve got a range of them for sale in our accessories store!
Cable lengths vary by brand and model, and some offer extended lengths at an extra cost. So, think about where you’ll place your charger to make sure it reaches your car easily without it dangling above the ground. (Need help? Check out our charger placement guide!) Just like its untethered counterparts, tethered chargers come in two power options: single-phase (7.5kW) and three-phase (22kW). The latter requires the property to have a three-phase power supply.
Tethered chargers also come with either a Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable, which are the standards for most EVs (except quirky little quadricycles like the Citroën Ami or Renault Twizy). But here’s the deal: Type 1 cables won’t fit a vehicle's Type 2 sockets, and vice versa, so double-check before committing to one.
Good news is that most modern EVs use Type 2 connectors, and so do most tethered chargers. If you’re driving an older EV, like the first-gen Nissan Leaf, you’ll want to verify compatibility before hitting the request a quote button. One last thing: a tethered charger means you’re locked into one cable type, so if your family or visitors drive a different EV, they’ll need to be compatible with your setup too!
Browse our range of tethered chargers
Sold on the idea of a tethered charger. We have a range of them starting from just £774.80 with installation!
What is an Untethered Charger?
Advantages of an untethered charger:
- Flexible - as it's just a socket you have the choice of charging both Types of electric cars so when you come to changing vehicles you don't have so much of a worry about your charging point too.
- Looks tidier aesthetically - as you remove the cable completely after charging, some people prefer the cleaner look of no cables.
- Choice of cables - you have a free reign of cables to buy for your vehicle including which length is best for you. We have a range of cables on sale.
Disadvantages of an untethered charger:
- Security worries - as the cable can be removed there is a possibility of the cable getting disconnected or stolen.
- Supplying a cable - you would have to purchase a cable and you would need to ensure the specs of the cable match both the car and charging point to reach the maximum potential of the limitations of the charging point.
- Storing the cable - you would need to put the charging cable away after each charge which could take up space but also if the weather isn't great it means you need to store a wet and dirty cable.
Also known as "socket-only" EV chargers, an untethered charger is the ultimate free spirit; it lets you plug in your own charging cable. Just like tethered chargers, untethered options come with different power outputs, but the key difference? The socket is universal, meaning it plays nice with both Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables.
This means you'll need to have or buy the correct cable for your car and find a safe spot to store it. Most people keep theirs in the boot or at home, ready for action. But before you rush out and grab any old cable, check the amps as this affects how much power the untethered charger can actually deliver.
If the cable's amperage is too low, your car won’t charge as quickly as it could. Just like its tethered cousin, the untethered charger has its pros and cons, but it all comes down to what suits your lifestyle best!
Browse our range of untethered chargers
Want an untethered charger? We have a range of them starting from just £774.80 with installation!
The best of both worlds
Can’t make up your mind between a tethered or untethered EV charger? No worries! Some clever brands, like Easee now give you the best of both worlds with hybrid charge points!
With these, you still need to grab a charging cable for your car, but here’s the cool part - you can lock the cable into the charger using a smartphone app, transforming it into a tethered charger whenever you fancy.
So, the power is in your hands, switch between tethered and untethered charging anytime, anywhere!
To summarise...
Overall, the choice between a tethered or untethered charging point is mostly down to what you prefer but once you look at the pros and cons of each and your needs, the choice should become easier. Smart Home Charge are here to help take the stress out of choosing a home EV charger. Browse our range of EV chargers or use our handy charge point comparison tool and find the right charging point for you.
