Looking for MFi certification is the simplest way to confirm a cable or charger has been tested for compatibility and basic safety with Apple devices.
Wattage matters for fast charging — a charger under 20 watts will charge an iPhone noticeably slower than one properly rated for the device’s fast-charge capability.
Extremely cheap, uncertified chargers occasionally pose real safety risks, including overheating, making this one category where saving a few dollars carries genuine downside.