Upgrading Outlets: Replace a Standard Outlet with a USB  

April 13, 2026 

Upgrading a standard outlet with a USB outlet is a simple swap that takes as little as 10 minutes. With the right tools and know-how, the upgrade can quickly add convenience and charging capacity throughout the home. Whether in new home builds or remodels, upgrading a standard outlet with a USB is a win-win for everyone.

Where are the Best Places to Install a USB Outlet?

While choosing the best location for a USB outlet is a choice based on lifestyle and needs, there are few common places throughout the home that are better suited for access to extra charging ports. 

Bedside Table

Chances are your phone is plugged in and within reach while you slumber. But this is likely just one of the items in need of power. Lamps, clocks, speakers, diffusers, white noise machines, fans — all might be plugged in overnight. Replacing the single-gang plug the nightstand with a USB outlet gives direct, adapter-free charging for your phone, while keeping standard plugs available for the other devices.

•    Best USB Outlet for the Bedside Table: 15W USB Outlets 
•    Why? If a device is charging overnight, it doesn’t need the fastest charging capacity. Depending on charging needs, it might also be necessary to have a Type A/C USB outlet for full flexibility.
 

Kitchen Counter

Kitchens are the most communally used room in many homes and USB wall outlets truly add an extra level of function and convenience in this high-traffic space. 
•    Best USB Outlet for the Kitchen: GFCI USB Combo Outlets 
•    Why? Kitchens require GFCI protection, and while it’s possible to get ground-fault protection to your outlets in other ways, point-of-use protection is the easiest and most convenient option. A GFCI USB Combo device is the perfect solution.
 

Living Room

While phones are naturally the first USB-chargeable device that pops into most minds, they certainly are not the only one found in most homes. Tablets, e-readers, wireless headphones and handheld gaming consoles are all charged via USB ports. A well-placed USB charging outlet in the living room, family room or den can help ensure the tech you use can keep going without interruption.
•    Best USB Outlet for the Living Room: 30W USB Outlets 
•    Why? The living room is a place to relax and unwind and relax – and a 30W USB delivers fast charging speeds for common devices like phones, tablets, gaming consoles and more.
 

Home Office

If you have a home office, this is an ideal place to include more – and fast – USB connections.  Eliminating the need for adapters helps streamline things in the tangle of cords and cables, and they can power all types of devices needed to get work done.
•    Best USB Outlet for the Home Office: 65W USB Outlets 
•    Why? A 65W USB outlet provides fast charging speeds for laptops, tablets and smartphones – basically all the devices needed to get through the work day. As Type-C USB ports are the standard for these devices, it’s helpful to have dual USB C ports nearby.

Ultimately, with so many USB-chargeable devices coming into the home these days, in-wall outlets to keep them charged have advantages no matter where you place them. But with a little strategy and planning, you can install them in the ideal place to maximize the upgrade while saving you from unnecessary messes, hassles and wasted time.