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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
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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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Learn

In-Depth EV Guides

Comprehensive guides to help you make informed decisions about EV charging and ownership.

Complete EV Charging Guide

Everything you need to know about charging your electric vehicle at home — from basics to advanced topics like smart charging and solar integration.

Read the guide

Electric Car Cost Guide

The true cost of owning an electric car in 2026 — purchase price, tax credits, charging costs, insurance, maintenance, and 5-year TCO comparisons.

Read the guide

EV Charger Brands Compared

Compare all major EV charger brands — ChargePoint, Wallbox, Tesla, Grizzl-E, Lectron, Emporia, and more. Pros, cons, and which brand is right for you.

Read the guide
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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Use our free tools and expert reviews to find the best affordable charger for your home. Start saving on EV charging today.

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