Portable EV charging convenience or smart home energy control?

These two products solve completely different problems, so the right choice depends on what you actually need from your EV setup. Product A is a portable Type 2 granny charger for plugging into a standard UK 3-pin socket, while Product B is a Wallbox power meter designed to work with a Pulsar Max charger and manage smart charging. If you want simple off-grid-style charging flexibility, one is clearly the better fit; if you want to unlock solar-aware or load-managed charging at home, the other wins. This comparison cuts through the confusion and gives you a definitive buy recommendation.

Our PickChargeHere Portable EV Charger Type 2 to UK 3-Pin Plug, 3kW 13A Electric Vehicle Charging, Adjustable Current with Smart LCD Display & Delay Start, IP67 Waterproof, Compatible with Most car (8M)

ChargeHere Portable EV Charger Type 2 to UK 3-Pin Plug, 3kW 13A Electric Vehicle Charging, Adjustable Current with Smart LCD Display & Delay Start, IP67 Waterproof, Compatible with Most car (8M)

£134.994.8 (32)
Wallbox Power Meter 1 Phase, up to 100A, ECO Smart. Compatible with Pulsar Max

Wallbox Power Meter 1 Phase, up to 100A, ECO Smart. Compatible with Pulsar Max

£84.424.1 (141)

Our Recommendation

Product A is the definitive recommendation because it is a complete 3kW portable EV charger, not just an accessory. It gives you charging capability, a smart LCD, adjustable current, delay start, and IP67 waterproofing for £134.99. Product B is cheaper, but it only works as a meter for a compatible Wallbox Pulsar Max, so it is not a standalone solution for most buyers.

Detailed Comparison

Display

Product A wins on display because it includes a smart LCD display built into the charger itself, giving you immediate on-device feedback on current, charging status, and likely delay settings. That matters for a portable charger used in driveways, rentals, or when travelling, because you can see what is happening without relying on an app or wall unit. Product B is a power meter, not a user-facing display device, so it does not compete here in the same way. If visible, on-the-spot information matters, Product A is the clear winner.

Performance

Product A wins for direct charging performance because it is the actual charging device: a Type 2 to UK 3-pin plug EV charger rated at 3kW and 13A. That is the essential function most buyers are trying to solve, and it delivers straightforward home charging from a standard socket. Product B does not charge the car at all; it is an accessory meter rated up to 100A for monitoring and smart energy control with a compatible Wallbox Pulsar Max. In plain terms, Product A puts energy into the car, while Product B helps a separate charger operate more intelligently. For standalone usefulness, Product A wins decisively.

Build quality and design

Product A looks better suited to real-world portable use. It has an IP67 waterproof rating, an 8m cable, adjustable current, and delay start, which suggests a rugged design aimed at outdoor charging and flexible positioning. That combination is especially useful in the UK, where weather and parking setup vary a lot. Product B is also a serious piece of kit, with Wallbox’s reputation and a 1-phase, up to 100A design, but it is more of a fixed installation component than a grab-and-go product. For durability in everyday use, Product A has the edge because it is built for exposure and mobility.

Battery life

This category does not really apply in the usual sense, because neither product has its own battery. However, if we interpret it as impact on EV charging autonomy, Product A is the better choice because it lets you charge the car wherever you have access to a 3-pin socket, without needing a dedicated wall charger ecosystem. Product B can improve charging intelligence, but only when paired with a compatible Pulsar Max. So in terms of extending practical charging independence, Product A wins.

Price and value for money

Product B wins on upfront price at £84.42, which is £50.57 cheaper than Product A’s £134.99. But value depends on what you’re buying. Product A is a complete charging solution, so its higher price is easier to justify if you need portable EV charging immediately. Product B is cheaper, but it only adds smart metering to an existing Wallbox setup, so it is only good value if you already own or plan to buy a compatible Pulsar Max. For most shoppers comparing these two on pure utility, Product A offers better value because it solves the bigger problem on its own.

Game library/features

Neither product has a game library, but Product A clearly wins on features relevant to EV owners. It offers adjustable current, a smart LCD display, delay start, IP67 waterproofing, and compatibility with most cars using Type 2 charging. Those features make it far more versatile for different household situations, including overnight charging on cheaper UK electricity tariffs. Product B’s feature set is narrower and more specialised: ECO Smart compatibility and support for Pulsar Max. That is useful, but only in a specific Wallbox ecosystem. Product A wins for feature breadth and day-to-day flexibility.

Overall user experience

Product A delivers the simpler and more immediately satisfying experience for most buyers because it is plug in, charge, and go. For UK drivers who want a backup charger, occasional home charging, or a portable solution for visits and holidays, it removes friction. Product B is a smarter long-term component for people building a managed home charging system, especially if they want energy monitoring and potentially better alignment with solar generation or household load balancing. But it is not a standalone charging solution, so many buyers will find it incomplete on its own. Overall, Product A provides the better user experience for the average searcher because it is the actual charger, not an add-on.

Bottom line

If you are choosing between these two exact products with no other context, Product A is the better buy for most people because it is a complete, portable EV charging solution with useful features and broad compatibility. Product B is cheaper and well-reviewed, but it only makes sense if you already own a compatible Wallbox Pulsar Max and specifically want smart metering or ECO control. For the average UK EV owner looking for the most practical and self-contained purchase, Product A is the clearer winner.

Buy the ChargeHere Portable EV if...

Buy Product A if you need a portable, all-in-one charger you can use from a standard UK 3-pin socket. It is the better choice if you want flexibility for home, travel, or backup charging without committing to a wallbox installation. It also makes more sense if you value the LCD, delay start, and weather-resistant design.

Buy the Wallbox Power Meter if...

Buy Product B if you already own a Wallbox Pulsar Max and want smart energy monitoring or ECO control. It is also the better pick if your goal is to support a managed home charging setup rather than buy a charger itself. Choose it only if you specifically need Wallbox ecosystem compatibility and want to spend less upfront.

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