The Best Cigarette Lighter Sockets (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

We are starting our list with an entry from Dorman. If you are not familiar with the name, you should know that they focus on producing replacement parts that either match, if not succeed, the quality of the original equipment. That does mean this option is intended for specific makes and models. To be specific, this socket fits GM models years ranging from 1997 to 2019. And while it may very well work for your vehicle, this can still be viewed as a representation of what is available to you if it is not a direct fit. This set includes a singular socket that will pop right in place of a faulty unit. It also comes with a removal tool that works to help you get the job done as quickly as possible. It truly is the best available option for a faulty unit's direct replacement.

What can be the problem with a replacement part that closely matches the original equipment's quality? The tool comes with. While it certainly shines in many circumstances, it's not always necessary and can even get itself lodged onto the socket. 

If an accessory relies on corded power, you are at the mercy of the cable’s length. No matter how great a device is, it’s not worth it is salt if it can’t reach the area you need it to. This option is a fantastic solution to that exact issue. It’s a cigarette lighter socket with extended cords that offer you that extra reach. If you’re running a dashcam or a GPS on a motorcycle, you’ll want to consider this option to limit the need to make unsightly splices just to get up and running. Of course, we have to mention the fact that, despite being such a functional design, it’s competitively priced.

The major drawback to this option is that it doesn’t mount to the dash or any other surface. That means when it’s not in use, it can be unsightly. It’s also worth mentioning that many users claim the socket has a relatively loose fit, which is a major headache to deal with due to the design.

Who says 12-volt sockets need to be boring? Nobody. Especially not folks who understand all they have to offer a vehicle owner. The problem with a singular socket is that it can only do a single thing at once. Considering your 12v port is useful for so many things for the driver and passengers, it’s worth considering a model with a little more capability. This particular option does exactly that. It does offer a single port, but it pairs that with access to an additional USB charging port with two ports to plug phones into. That’s perfect for keeping the driver and passenger from having to cut down on tweets or road trip tunes. Another feature is the power button that allows you to cut power to this source whenever necessary.

And while it’s undoubtedly one of the better looking and most useful option, that price tag is much higher than most other options. However, it’s still a very affordable upgrade any car owner could appreciate.

We’ll come right out and say that the low price is a significant part of why our pick for the best splitter goes to this particular entry. After all, it’s about the same price as a single outlet but much more capable. Rather than having one port to work with, you have a separate port specifically for charging up your phone and other USB-dependent devices. Beyond that, it’s an excellent option for quick custom jobs and offers a nice fit and finish. We would also like to highlight the fact that the wiring comes with built-in fuse housings. Of course, you should always have some sort of fail-safe in place when dealing with electrical components, so it’s nice that it’s already there for you. Bonus tip: if you want a splitter without having to replace your factory ports, you should check out our guide to cigarette lighter splitters.

That said, this entry is not perfect. Despite what it offers at a low price, there are some things to be aware of. Most concerning is the fact that the USB ports tend to burn up quickly, meaning replacement of the entire unit is necessary.

12-volt sockets are limited to use in sealed-off environments where elements aren’t a threat. Off-road vehicles and marine vehicles are subjected to water, which will wreak havoc on any electrical components it can. In particular, this socket is resistant to moisture and is an ideal solution to the above applications and more. The body contrasts with durable plastic and is combined with an integrated cover to keep water and other contaminants out. An excellent detail about this option is that the system also features fuses within the wiring. If anything does happen and a short is created, the fuse will blow rather than starting an electrical fire.

The problem with this unit is that the socket doesn’t offer an exceptionally tight fit. For stationary items within, that’s not much of an issue. However, vibrations and slight movements may interrupt the power supply.

Owners of modern vehicles can attest to the fact that 12-volt power sources are present in multiple places throughout their truck. Of course, it’s easy to focus only on what’s immediately available to the driver, but the passenger seating and rear hatch should all have power sources available to them. If you’re looking to add a few auxiliary power ports, this is the option for you. It includes not one but three individual 12-volt sockets. Even if passengers aren’t a concern, this option still gives you additional reach for essential tools, such as tire inflators, when performing repairs at all corners of the vehicle. We should mention that each port also comes with fuses to help prevent the risks electrical shorts can create.

It is hard to find flaws with simple offerings such as this. However, the problem with these is that the sockets provide a loose fit. It’s not enough to impede their purpose but can be a headache to deal with.

It’s time we shake things up a little. This entry probably doesn’t fit the mold of what you think of when we bring up 12-volt sockets. It does, however, serve a distinct purpose the others may not. If you don’t have enough cable to access ports within the vehicle or only have a battery at your disposal, this system allows you to tap directly into that 12-volt power source. Instead of mounting inside the car, this port fastens directly to the battery. While that might sound redundant, it can provide you with the reach you need to service a remote part of the vehicle or other car if necessary. And for safety purposes, it does include a built-in fuse, which is a big plus when linking directly to a battery.

This is a tool and nothing more. That said, it only serves a specific purpose and isn’t very useful otherwise. That isn’t a problem, but considering the limited use of such an item, it is worth considering.

Yes, this is yet another single-outlet option. But it separates itself from the others by featuring an integrated faceplate that allows you to mount it anywhere in the vehicle and create an almost OE feel. That’s right; you don’t need to rely on placing this in existing holes or drilling a hole somewhere to create an awkward feel. We should state you do have the option to ditch the square bracketry if necessary. The fact that the price is for two also works in your favor by increasing the value and how useful of an option it is. Other than that, it’s a run of the mill offering that closely represents everything else we’ve highlighted so far. And yes, the wiring included does feature a built-in fuse to improve safety in the case of a failure.

The problem with this option is that it suffers from the same issue many others do. That being a loose-fitting socket. The risk of an interruption of a power supply is always worth being aware of.

This entry is probably the most useful by design. For one, it serves three purposes. The first two are pretty standard. This unit features a typical 12-volt socket and a dual USB port for charging phones and other devices. While that’s enough for most, it’s not all this unit does. The other feature is the built-in voltage monitor that gives you a live reading of the current detected while charging. That can go a long way when protecting whatever you plug into your vehicle is of concern. Furthermore, the built-in power switch allows you to disconnect the system entirely in case of an issue or if it’s simply not needed for the time being. We should also note that it looks excellent, ensuring it won’t stand out too bad in any vehicle.

Speaking of looks, there’s no getting around this panel's size. A significant amount of space needs to be sacrificed to put it in place in any case. That factor will break the deal for many consumers.

Our final entry is from NOCO. If you know anything about the brand, you know innovative products backed by exceptional quality is its specialty. That said, this is no exception. Every part of this device is pretty much over-engineered. That means it’s going to last a very long time and deliver the performance you need it to every step of the way. But this isn’t a typical 12-volt socket. Instead of mounting inside the vehicle, it links directly to the battery. The purpose that serves is specific to scenarios where the device you need won’t reach the vehicle's power supplies. Allowing you to tap directly into the battery effectively extends your reach.

Of course, the drawback to this setup is the limited use. Again, these devices are tools with a particular purpose in mind. They are nothing more than a couple of wires and a socket outside of specific circumstances.