Tethered vs Untethered EV Charger

When you're choosing a home charger, one decision comes up again and again: tethered or untethered? It's simply whether the charging cable is permanently attached to the unit or not — and the right answer comes down to how you like to use it.

Tethered — cable attached

A tethered charger has the cable built in, so you pull up, plug in and walk away — no cable to fetch or store. It's the most convenient day to day, especially for a single car, and it's why popular units like the Tesla Wall Connector are tethered. The trade-offs: the cable is always out, and you're fixed to that connector type.

Untethered — socket only

An untethered charger is just a socket; you bring your own cable and plug it in each time. It's tidier when not in use, more flexible if different cars or connector types use it, and a little more future-proof. The trade-off is the small ritual of plugging the cable in at both ends.

Rule of thumb: tethered for everyday convenience with one car; untethered for a tidy look, shared use, or maximum flexibility. Both use a Type 2 connector and we install either — we'll help you pick based on how you actually park and charge.

Weighing up chargers too? Popular home chargers compared or get a free assessment.

Common questions

What's the difference between a tethered and untethered EV charger?

A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached, so you just plug in and go. An untethered charger is a socket you plug your own cable into — tidier when not in use and more flexible for different cars or connectors.

Is a tethered or untethered charger better?

Tethered is more convenient day to day for a single car; untethered is tidier, more flexible and a little more future-proof. Both use a Type 2 connector — we help you pick based on how you park and charge.

Can I use my own cable with an untethered charger?

Yes — that's the point of an untethered unit. You bring a Type 2 cable and plug it in at both ends. A tethered charger has the cable built in instead.