6 of the Best USB-C Chargers, According to Experts

These powerful USB-C chargers eliminate cable clutter while efficiently powering all your devices.

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Your drawer overflows with tangled chargers that barely work. Each device needs its own brick, creating a mess of cables and wasting outlet space. Modern USB-C chargers solve this problem with multi-port designs. One small charger now powers your entire tech collection and smart power distribution means your laptop gets exactly what it needs.

Let us simplify your charging setup. We’ve identified the six best USB-C chargers available today, backed by thorough research and insights from trusted reviewers at TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and The Verge.

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9. Anker Nano 30W: The Best Basic Charger

Image: Too Many Adapters

For a simple charger that works without drama, grab the Anker Nano 30W. This tiny brick packs USB-C Power Delivery into something smaller than a matchbox – just 2 × 2 × 1.3 inches. At $18-$24, it hits the sweet spot – cheaper options exist but ditch either size or Power Delivery. It charges phones fast (iPhones to 50% in 30 minutes), tablets, and some smaller laptops at nearly maximum speed. The foldable prongs make it travel-friendly — perfect for those seeking compact mini travel gadgets. It also comes in multiple colors, including Shell White, Black Stone, and Ice Lake Blue. One drawback? No charging cable is included. If you need a pocket-sized charger that just works, this is it.

8. Anker Prime 67W: Jack of All Trades Charger

Image: Macworld

Looking for a charger that handles everything? The Anker Prime 67W steps up to the challenge. Measuring a compact 2.0 × 1.5 × 1.6 inches, it features fold-up prongs and support for both USB PPS and USB Power Delivery standards. Two USB-C ports plus a USB-A port cover all your charging needs. When used with a single device, it pushes up to 65W – sufficient for phones and most laptops. PowerIQ 3.0 technology optimizes charging across different devices. Priced around $60 (often discounted), it works well for multi-device users. The main limitation, though, is that PPS support maxes out at 11V, which isn’t ideal for certain high-end devices.

7. Satechi 165W: The Beast Charger

Image: XDA Developers

Raw charging power comes packaged in the Satechi 165W USB-C charger. Priced at $120, you get unmatched flexibility and 94.1% efficiency. Its dimensions of 3.9 × 3.9 × 1.2 inches house four USB-C ports capable of charging four devices simultaneously. A single port delivers up to 100W for power-hungry laptops. The intelligent power distribution dynamically allocates power based on connected devices. Thanks to its removable power cable, it travels surprisingly well for such a powerful unit. Users with multiple high-powered devices will find this charger particularly useful.

6. Anker Prime 100W: Compact High-Power Alternative

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If the Satechi feels too much, consider the Anker Prime 100W USB-C charger instead. Priced at $85, it strikes a balance between power and size (2.7 × 2.6 × 1.1 inches) while delivering 100W from a single port – sufficient for most laptops. With 92.8% efficiency, minimal power gets wasted. PowerIQ 4.0 intelligently manages charging across a wide range of devices. The two USB-C ports split power smartly when used together. A word of caution: there are 2023 and 2024 versions available, and tests show the newer model performs worse with lower efficiency. Check which version you’re buying to avoid disappointment.

5. Anker Desktop 240W Charger: Efficiency King

Image: The Verge

Efficiency reaches new heights with the Anker Desktop 240W charger, boasting an impressive 94.7% rating. This desktop solution measures 3.54 × 3.54 × 1.81 inches and includes four ports: one 140W USB-C, two 100W USB-C, and one 22.5W USB-A. GaN technology keeps it relatively compact despite its power, while ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature for safety. It supports Power Delivery 3.1 and PPS standards. The price tag of $199.99 (though often discounted) puts it in premium territory, but it can charge two laptops simultaneously at high speeds. Devices like this leverage cutting-edge technologies to make everyday convenience even better. However, key limitations include its price and lack of support for voltages above 21V, which affects compatibility with some devices.

4. Anker 200W 6-Port: Honorable Mention

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Households juggling multiple devices should check out the Anker 200W 6-Port desktop charging station. Measuring 4.1 × 4.1 × 1.3 inches, it features six ports: two 100W USB-C, two 60W USB-C, and two 12W USB-A. PowerIQ 4.0 technology distributes power intelligently based on what’s connected. With a price of $80-$85, it offers excellent value for multi-device users. The versatility makes it a smart long-term investment, easily replacing several separate chargers. GaN technology helps maintain a relatively compact footprint despite its impressive capabilities.

3. Pixel 9 Pro XL Charging Caveat

Image: Tom’s Guide

If you’re planning on picking up the Pixel 9 Pro XL, be aware that it has unique charging requirements that set it apart from most other phones. To achieve its maximum charging speed of 37 watts, it utilizes a 20-volt charging profile, a less common standard. Our testing revealed that only a handful of chargers – specifically the Satechi 165W, Baseus 100W, and Ugreen 160W – were able to deliver the full 37 watts to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It’s worth noting that Anker chargers, while excellent in many respects, typically only support PPS (Programmable Power Supply) up to 11 volts, meaning they won’t be able to unlock the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s maximum charging potential.

2. Charger Communication Issues

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Achieving optimal charging speeds isn’t just about raw wattage; it also hinges on seamless communication between the charger, the cable, and the device being charged. These components need to properly “talk” to each other to negotiate the appropriate power delivery. A common issue arises with multi-port chargers, where the order in which you plug in devices can significantly impact charging speeds. For example, with some adapters, plugging in a laptop first might reserve a large chunk of the power, leaving insufficient wattage for a subsequently connected phone due to a lack of proper “handshake” or power redistribution. Chargers with substantial power headroom, like the Satechi 165W, are generally less susceptible to this problem, as they have ample power to allocate even with multiple devices connected.

1. Preference for Extending Lead Cables

Image: ML Accessories

When it comes to charger design, we generally prefer models with extending lead cables over traditional wall-mounted chargers paired with long USB-C cables. This preference stems from the enhanced versatility offered by an extending lead cable. Not only does it provide greater flexibility in terms of placement, allowing you to position the charger conveniently even when the outlet is awkwardly located, but it also offers space-saving benefits when traveling. A compact charger body with a detachable lead is often easier to pack than a bulky wall wart. Additionally, using a shorter USB-C cable directly from the charger to your device can slightly improve charging efficiency by minimizing power loss along the cable length.

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