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Electric vehicle charging at home with a Level 2 charger
Updated for 2026 — Trusted by 10,000+ EV Owners

Find the Best Cheap EV Charger for Your Home

Compare the most affordable Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers, calculate your charging costs, and stop overpaying. Expert reviews, interactive tools, and real savings.

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50+
Chargers Reviewed
$150–$800
Price Range Covered
3
Free Calculators
2026
Up-to-Date Reviews
Free Tools

EV Charging Calculators

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Charging Cost Calculator

Find out exactly how much it costs to charge your EV at home based on your electricity rate and vehicle.

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Charging Time Calculator

Estimate how long it takes to charge your EV with Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging.

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EV vs Gas Savings

See how much you can save per year by switching from gas to electric. Compare fuel costs side by side.

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Editor's Picks

Best Cheap EV Chargers in 2026

Our top picks based on value, performance, and real user reviews. All chargers are researched and verified by our team.

Best Value

Lectron V-Box 48A

Lectron

$379
4.7/5 (2,847 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.5kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772
WiFi: Yes
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Built-in WiFi for scheduling
NEMA 14-50 plug included
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Most Durable

Grizzl-E Classic

Grizzl-E

$399
4.8/5 (4,210 reviews)
Power: 40A / 9.6kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772
WiFi: No
Extreme weather rated (NEMA 4)
Premium build quality
Avalanche-tested durability
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Budget Pick

Emporia Energy Smart

Emporia

$159
$199
4.5/5 (1,523 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.5kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772
WiFi: Yes
Unbeatable price for Level 2
Energy monitoring built-in
Compact sleek design
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View All 7 Top Chargers
EV charger installed in a home garage with an electric car plugged in
A typical home EV charging setup with a Level 2 wall charger
Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Know

1

Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging

Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet (3-5 miles/hour). Level 2 uses 240V and charges 5-10x faster (25-30 miles/hour). For most EV owners, Level 2 is the smart choice.

Read the full comparison
2

How Much Does Home Charging Cost?

The average American pays about $0.16/kWh. Charging a typical EV costs $8-15 for a full charge — roughly $30-50/month. That's 50-70% cheaper than gas.

Calculate your exact cost
3

What Amp Rating Do You Need?

Most EVs max out at 32A or 48A. A 40A charger on a 50A breaker is the sweet spot for most homes. Don't overpay for 80A unless you have a specific need.

4

Hardwired vs Plug-In

Plug-in chargers (NEMA 14-50) are portable and DIY-friendly. Hardwired chargers are permanent but may be required for higher amperage. Plug-in is easier for most people.

5

Smart vs Basic Chargers

Smart chargers with WiFi let you schedule charging during off-peak hours, saving 30-50% on electricity. Worth the extra $50-100 if your utility has time-of-use rates.

6

Installation Costs

Professional installation typically costs $200-800 depending on your electrical panel's distance and capacity. Some utilities offer rebates that cover part of the cost.

Read our installation guide
Reviews

Browse by Category

Level 2 EV charger mounted on wall

Best Level 2 EV Chargers

Top-rated Level 2 chargers ranked by value, speed, and reliability. 7 picks compared.

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Saving money on EV charger purchase

Best EV Chargers Under $300

Affordable options that don't sacrifice quality. Great for first-time EV owners.

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Electric car with portable charger

Best Portable EV Chargers

Take your charger anywhere. Perfect for apartments, renters, and road trips.

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Blog

Latest Guides & Tips

Electric vehicle plugged in and charging overnight in a home garage
Charging Tips

Best Time to Charge Your Electric Car

Discover the best time to charge your EV to save up to 50% on electricity costs. Covers TOU rates, off-peak hours by utility, and smart charging tips.
Electric vehicle charging at home with money savings concept illustration
Cost & Savings

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?

Find out exactly how much it costs to charge an EV at home in 2026. Includes cost-per-mile data, state rates, model comparisons, and money-saving tips.
Electrician working on a residential electrical panel for EV charger installation
Installation

How to Install an EV Charger at Home

Learn how to install an EV charger at home with our step-by-step guide. Covers costs, permits, DIY vs pro installation, and common mistakes to avoid.
View all posts →

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common EV charging questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest Level 2 EV charger?

The Emporia Energy Smart Charger is currently the cheapest reliable Level 2 EV charger at around $159. It delivers 48 amps, includes WiFi connectivity, and has a 24-foot cable. For a bit more, the Lectron V-Box 48A at $379 offers better build quality and is our top value pick.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?

On average, it costs $8-15 to fully charge an EV at home, or about $30-50 per month. This depends on your electricity rate (national average is $0.16/kWh) and your car's battery size. Use our Charging Cost Calculator for an exact estimate based on your specific situation.

Is Level 1 or Level 2 charging better for home use?

Level 2 is better for most EV owners. Level 1 (120V) adds only 3-5 miles of range per hour — barely 40 miles overnight. Level 2 (240V) adds 25-30 miles per hour, fully charging most EVs overnight. The upfront cost of a Level 2 charger ($150-400) pays for itself in convenience. Read our full comparison.

Do I need an electrician to install a home EV charger?

For plug-in Level 2 chargers (NEMA 14-50), you only need an electrician if you don't already have a 240V outlet — installation typically costs $200-500. Hardwired chargers always require professional installation ($300-800). Check if your utility or state offers installation rebates.

What is the best EV charger for apartments?

For apartments, we recommend portable Level 2 chargers that plug into standard outlets or shared 240V outlets. The best options include the Lectron Portable Level 2 and the TurboEV charger. See our full Best Portable EV Chargers guide for detailed reviews.

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