Best USB-C PD laptop chargers 2023: More portable power

Price When Reviewed:

$39.99

Dimensions (W,H,D): 1.38 x 1.49 x 1.62in (3.5 x 3.8 x 4.1cm)

Weight: 2.44oz (69g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: No

If you are used to a standard laptop charger with proprietary power brick, plug, and cable, or even an older USB charger, you’ll be stunned at the ultra-compact size and super-light weight of most GaN USB-C chargers—and this GaN 2 charger is the smallest we have tested.

At 45W it’s not appropriate for medium or large laptops, but is fine for smaller models—check the required wattage on your laptop, and read our advice below this list.

You can use the Anker 713 to charge your phone or tablet, too—at 45W it supports Samsung Super Fast Charging and Apple Fast Charge—but not at the same time as your laptop, as it has just the one port and only 45W to share.

The only problem you might have is losing it—it’s that small.

The U.S./CA model of the Anker 713 Nano II features foldable plug prongs for extra portability. The UK model is therefore a little larger, but still almost unbelievably tiny. UK buyers instead might prefer the Ugreen Foldable 45W Nexode GaN Dual USB C Charger that does have foldable plug pins and boasts two ports.

Price When Reviewed:

$49.99

Dimensions: (W,H,D): 1.65 x 1.42 x 1.74in (4.2 x 3.6 x 4.4cm)

Weight: 3.96oz (112g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: No

This 65W charger is a little larger than its 45W sibling above, but the GaN 2 Anker 715 is still pocket-sized and can power up larger laptops or fast-charge compatible phones.

Its plug prongs fold back, making it ultra-portable for a 65W charger.

If, however, you want to charge more than one device at the same time, look for a charger with more than one USB port.

Price When Reviewed:

$59.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.22 x 1.57 x 2.6in (3.1 x 4 x 6.6cm)

Weight: 4.6oz (130g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0) and 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: No

Ugreen’s Nexode 65W is larger than the Anker 715 Nano II but boasts three ports so you can charge multiple devices at the same time, using just one compact charger.

The two USB-C ports each support 65W, and the lower USB-A port can charge at up to 22.5W—powerful enough to fast-charge most phones—but note that maximum simultaneous output is 65W.

Other same-time charging options include 45W for a laptop and 20W for a second device, or 45W plus two 8.5W outputs.

We also recommend the Anker 735 Nano II (U.S. / U.K.) in the 65W three-port wall charger category. The two chargers are very similar in terms of charging functionality.

If you want one more port, the four-port UGreen 65W 3C1A is bigger at 1.3 x 2.56 x 2.56in (3.3 x 6.5 x 6.5cm) but that extra port might be just right for your needs: two of the USB-C ports support 65W, and one is curiously low at 18W, but that’s enough for most phones and mid-sized tablets. The USB-A port can Quick Charge and handle up to 22.5W.

Price When Reviewed:

$59.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.6 x 1.5 x 1.9in (4 x 3.8 x 5cm)

Weight: 4.8oz (136g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (67W PD 3.0) and 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: No

Anker’s compact Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger has three ports just like the Ugreen Nexode 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger and is roughly the same size and weight.

This excellent charger ties with the Ugreen as the best three-port 65/67W wall charger. Both are tiny for what they offer and represent value for money.

You get 2x 67W instead of 2x 65W (remember that the total charger output is 67W, so using both will share that power) but this extra 2W is not significant enough to make the Anker outright champion. You can pretty much choose on price—check our live pricing above.

Price When Reviewed:

$49.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  2.4 x 1.6 x 2.2in (6 x 4 x 5.5cm)

Weight: 3.7oz (105g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0) and 1x USB-A (20W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Purple, Green, Gray or Pink

Cable included: No

All the other laptop chargers reviewed here are either white, black or gray—not very imaginative. The Acefast Crystal Charger, however, rocks the monochrome boat with its range of pastel 65W chargers that may well bring joy to your office or home.

The two USB-C ports can both charge at 65W, although not at the same time as the rated wattage of any charger indicates the maximum total output.

If using all three ports, the top USB-C port will charge at 45W, and the other two share 18W between them.

Acefast hasn’t yet announced color-matching USB-C cables, but Anker sells some colored USB-C cables in similar hues.

Price When Reviewed:

$42.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.18 x 2.64 x 2.64in (3 x 6.7 x 6.7cm)

Weight: 8.29oz (235g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0)

PPS: No

Colors: Black

Cable included: 2m 100W USB-C cable

Larger laptops usually require more power than 65W and ship with a 100W charger. For a spare, the single-port Nekteck 100W Charger is a budget winner—especially as it ships with a 2m 100W USB-C cable.

But we think multiple ports are worth spending that extra cash on.

Price When Reviewed:

$74.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.3 x 2.72 x 2.72in (3.3 x 6.9 x 6.9cm)

Weight: 8.3oz (235g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (22.5W), and 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: No

It might be larger and twice as heavy as the single-port chargers, but you can’t argue with four ports with multiple charging options, such as simultaneous 65W for laptop charging and 30W PD for light-laptop powering, plus lower outputs for phones and other devices. Or just use all 100W on your favorite large laptop.

Using three ports you could charge at 45W, 30W, and 22.5W at the same time. Using all four, it can support laptop power delivery at 45W and 30W plus two devices each at 10.5W.

The inclusion of an old-style USB-A port will please owners of that type of cable—probably for older phones or other gadgets.

And its foldable prongs win extra portability points on a larger charger. The barrel-shaped UK model looks quite different, but offers the same ports.

Price When Reviewed:

$84.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.7 × 1.5 × 2.4in (4.4 x 3.9 x 6cm)

Weight: 6.5oz (183g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0) and 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: No

While it lacks the fourth port of the Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Wall Charger, the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger is smaller and lighter while carrying the same 100W credentials.

It features two 100W USB-C ports and one USB-A for those older charging cables still required by some devices.

Both the U.S. and U.K. versions have neat foldable prongs.

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.22 x 2.66 x 2.31in (3.1 x 6.8 x 5.9cm)

Weight: 8.3oz (235g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: Optional

For larger laptops with higher battery capacity, a USB PD 3.1 charger is essential if you want to charge or fast-charge at 140W or higher.

While it has just the one port, the Anker 717 goes further at 140W than most wall chargers. Pair it with Anker’s own 765 140W USB-C to USB-C Cable in either 3-foot or 6-foot lengths.

Again, we applaud the foldable prongs for added portability.

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.37 x 2.99 x 2.99in (3.5 x 7.6 x 7.6cm)

Weight: 10.4oz (295g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 1x USB-C (100W), 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: 1.5m 240W USB-C cable

This is the first multiport 140W charger (PD 3.1) we’ve tested, and it is barely larger than the single-port Anker 717 charger.

The bottom USB-C port is rated at 140W, and above it is another 100W USB-C port, with a 22.5W USB-A port at the top.

There are multiple charging options: Any one of the above-mentioned ports, two 65W laptops simultaneously, or 45W+65W+22.5W charging at the same time.

The Nexode 140W Charger ships with a 1.5m USB-C cable, although this is rated at 100W rather than 140W. It has foldable plug prongs in the North American version—U..K. users will have to put up with the plug always extended.

Price When Reviewed:

$269.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  6.49 x 4.9 x 4.2in (16.5 x 12.5 x 10.7cm)

Weight: 1.91lb (868g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0), 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray/Black

Cable included: 1.5m AC power cable + 2m 240W USB-C cable

With four USB-C ports and one USB-A, this desktop charger should fulfil most of your charging needs.

It’s the first maximum 300W desktop charger that we’ve tested. That’s a hell of a lot of power that can be shared around. You could power one 140W laptop and another at 100W—impossible with a 200W. charger.

With all ports in action it follows a port hierarchy of 140W/65W/45W/10W/22.5W, which beats the full-use capability of the Satechi 200W USB-C 6-port PD GaN Charger reviewed below. However, that rival desktop charger boasts two 140W PD 3.1 ports to Ugreen’s single 140W PD 3.1 port—that said, you can’t use both of them at that power output at the same time as the Satechi’s max power is 200W.

The inclusion of an USB-A port may also swing you to the Ugreen 300W charger, as the Satechi charger lacks one.

Bonus points, too, to Ugreen for including a 240W charging cable as well as the unit’s own power cable.

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  4.13 x 4.13 x 1.38in (10.5 x 10.5 x 3.5cm)

Weight: 1.37lb (622g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 4x USB-C (100W PD 3.0)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: 1.5m AC power cable; no USB-C cable

Boasting six USB-C ports, this desktop charger plugs into a power socket via cable rather than directly as a USB-C wall charger does.

Its total output is 200W across the six USB-C ports, but its special bonus are the two 140W PD 3.1 ports for fast-charging larger laptops. Do the math, however, and you realise that you can’t use both 140W ports at full power at the same time.

Each of the remaining 100W ports is USB-C so you’ll need an adapter to use a USB-A charging cable if your device demands it.

With all ports in action it follows a port hierarchy of 65W/45W/20W/20W/20W/20W.

As a desktop charger, it comes with a power cable but you’ll need to add your own USB-C cables—and remember you’ll need a 240W PD 3.1 charging cable to take advantage of the 140W port. Mac users should note that Apple requires you use its own MagSafe 3 charging cable to fast charge the 16-inch MacBook Pro as that model’s USB-C ports (actually Thunderbolt 4) are still rated at 100W PD 3.0.

Price When Reviewed:

$199.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  3.97 x 3.97 x 1.27in (10.1 x 10.1 x 3.23cm)

Weight: 1.14lb (517g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0), 2x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: 2m AC power cable and 1m 100W USB-C cable

This desktop charger lacks the PD 3.1 support that is essential for higher-than-100W charging, so if you’re looking for 140W large-laptop fast-charging you’d do better choosing the Satechi 200W USB-C 6-port PD GaN Charger, reviewed above.

That said, the GaN 2 Ugreen Nexode 200W 6-Port desktop charger includes two USB-A ports for devices that require the older USB connector.

With all six ports in action, you could charge one laptop at 65W, two at 45W, fast-charge a phone at 20W, and have the two USB-A ports share 20W of power—enough for most busy working desks.

Price When Reviewed:

$129

Dimensions (W,H,D):  3.7 x 2.13 x 2.09in (9.4 x 5.4 x 5.3cm)

Weight: 9.63oz (273g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (20W), 1x USB-A (18W)

Colors: Blacue and White

Cable included: No

This compact dual-100W USB-C PD port wall charger has a maximum power output of 130W, meaning you can charge a large laptop at 100W and still have power available to fast charge your accessories or even a small laptop at the same time.

There is one 18W USB-A port for old-school cable connections, but its special sauce is its 7A AC universal power outlet that fits plugs used in over 200 countries—the same way its extendable US/UK/AU/EU plug prongs fit foreign power sockets. This AC power outlet isn’t found on other portable wall chargers. It’s a great mix of laptop- and device-charging ports plus travel plug adapter in one compact GaN unit that should keep your airplane carry-on luggage light.

If you don’t need the 100W of total power, OneAdaptr’s white-colored OneWorld65 is a cheaper version with a 65W maximum and AC power outlet. It features one 65W USB-C PD port, one 20W USB-C PD port, another USB-C charging port and two USB-A charging ports—the non-PD USB-C port and two USB-A ports share 15W of power.

Price When Reviewed:

$129.99

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1.2 x 3 x 3.8in (3.1 x 7.6 x 9.6cm)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (20W), 1x USB-A (18W)

PPS: No

Colors: White

Cable included: No

This is a great international travel companion, with its three interchangeable plug heads for the U.S./CA, U.K. and E.U. sockets. It is just as useful if you live and stay in just one of those regions—just keep the spare international plugs in a drawer for next time your travel with your laptop.

It supports PD 3.1 and so can charge at up to 140W from its top USB-C port. The other two USB-C ports are each rated at 65W, and there’s a 12W USB-A port for devices that require older charging cables, Fitbits for example.

The U.S. prongs fold back unlike the U.K. or E.U. plugs.

If you need an AU/NZ plug head, look at the Alogic Rapid Power 67W Multi-Country Travel GaN Charger, which has three ports as well as US/UK/EU/AU compatibility. It also ships with a handy travel case and a USB-C cable.

Price When Reviewed:

$64.90

Dimensions (W,H,D):  1 x 2.36 x 2.36in (2.5 x 6 x 6cm)

Weight: 7.1oz (200g)

Ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (20W), 1x USB-A (18W)

PPS: No

Colors: Black

Cable included: No

This is a marvellous companion when you’re traveling internationally where other countries have the temerity to use different format plug sockets.

Its foldable U.S. prongs can clip onto each of the two included interchangeable plugs for the UK and Europe. The OneAdaptr OneWorld65 or OneWorld100 are neater, compact travel solutions with an extra AC power outlet, but this charger looks more like a standard charger when you’re not travelling.

There are two 100W USB-C PD ports, one 20W USB-C, and an 18W QuickCharge 3.0 USB-A port, plenty for most device collections.

Price When Reviewed:

$39.99

Dimensions (W,H,D): 3.06 x 0.94 x 1.4in (7.78 x 2.4 x 3.56cm)

Weight: 1.59oz (45g)

Ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 1x USB-C (30W PD), 1x USB-A (22.5W)

PPS: Yes

Colors: Black

Cable included: 1.3m 100W USB-C cable

You can charge your laptop on the move while in your car, using a dedicated charger that comes with a jack compatible with the car cigarette socket. In time, this seemingly antiquated in-car tool might be better known as the charger socket.

We like this car laptop charger from Ugreen as it has 100W and 30W USB-C ports that mean you can charge a laptop and fast-charge a phone at the same time. Plus, there’s a USB-A port with decent power potential (22.5W).

Remember that when the car’s engine isn’t running, all electrical systems receive power from the battery, which will drain if you charge a laptop overnight—just as it will if you leave the headlights on. Charging your laptop when the car is in motion doesn’t drain the vehicle battery.

Price When Reviewed:

$89.99

Dimensions (W,H,D): 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.6in (11.3 x 6.6 x 6.6cm)

Ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0), 1x USB-A (60W), 3x power socket

PPS: Yes

Colors: White, Black

Cables included: 1.5m AC power cable, plus 0.8m retractable USB-C cable

This compact power extender boasts three 13A AC power sockets and two USB ports (1x 65W USB-C PD and 1x 18W USB-A), but its special feature is a retractable 1.5-meter USB-C cable that also can charge a laptop at 65W. When you’re done with it is suction-pulls back into the charger block, with the connector magnetically clamped to the front.

With its 0.8m retractable cable and tiny size this is a real solution to desk-clutter. Available in black and white, it gives you the options for desk aesthetics, too.

It can charge six devices at the same time, or you can use those sockets (two three-pronged, one two-pronged) to run your display, dock or lamp. Maximum output on the USB ports is 65W, and for the three power sockets (1,650W).

if your laptop has USB-A rather than USB-C, the middle USB port is rated at 60W.

Extra points are awarded for the power button on the top and its interaction with a mobile app that lets you set a shut-down timer. For safety, there’s short-circuit protection and auto power cut-off.

It’s available only with U.S. or E.U. power sockets and plug. The E.U.version features two rather than three power sockets but is otherwise the same.

Price When Reviewed:

$69.99

Dimensions (W,H,D): 3 x 3 x 3in (7.6 x 7.6 x 7.6cm)

Ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0), 2x USB-A (18W), 3x power socket

PPS: Yes

Colors: Black

Cable included: 1.8m AC power cable

This cute cube-shaped power extender has three 13A AC power sockets plus four USB ports (2x 65W USB-C PD and 2x 18W USB-A), so can charge seven devices at the same time. Maximum output on the USB ports is 65W, and for the three power sockets (2,990W).

It’s available with either U.S., UK, or EU power sockets and plugs.

Ugreen also offers a Ugreen 100W USB C DigiNest Pro Charging Station in a less cube-like shape that you’ll prefer if you have a larger laptop. This power strip, with 6ft (1.8m) cable, also includes four USB ports (3x USB-C, 1x USB-A), two of which are PD compatible at 100W, and three 15A AC sockets. Maximum output on the USB ports is 100W, and for the three power plugs (one on the top, and two behind) 1,870W.

1.

Can I charge my laptop with USB-C?

2.

Can I charge my laptop with any USB-C charger?

Probably. A few years back, some laptop manufacturers, such as HP, were fussy about which USB PD chargers would work with its products. But today, compatibility is mainly universal.

3.

Can I use a charger with a higher wattage than my laptop?

Yes. Power regulation means that it is safe to charge a 45W laptop with a 100W charger, for example. Laptops are designed to draw up to only a certain level of power when running at full speed.

4.

Can a higher-wattage charger power-up a laptop faster?

Possibly. A more powerful charger—with a higher wattage than the charger that shipped with your laptop—might charge your laptop a little faster, but this is certainly not guaranteed.

5.

Can I use a charger with a lower wattage than my laptop?

6.

Will my laptop charge faster if not in use?

Yes. When your laptop is idle or you are using only light apps such as email, it will be draining only a small amount of power from its battery, so it will charge faster. If you are using performance-hungry apps at the same time as charging, the charger will take longer to catch up as the laptop’s battery is constantly draining while in use.  

7.

Can I charge my phone using a laptop charger?

Yes, you can use a laptop charger to charge your phone. Some chargers feature more than one port, and the lower wattage ports are perfect for phone charging—but you can also charge a phone with a 140W charging port if you want to, although it’s safer for the phone if you use a lower-wattage port.

8.

Can I use any cable to charge a laptop?

No. You must use a USB-C cable that supports power delivery. Some USB-C cables can’t carry as much power as others. A USB PD 3.0 cable can carry 100W of power. A USB PD 3.1 cable can carry 240W of power.

9.

Can I use a UBC-C cable to charge a Thunderbolt or USB4 laptop?

10.

Can I use a Thunderbolt cable with a USB-C charger?

11.

Should I charge my laptop to 100%?

12.

Should I fully drain my laptop battery to 0%?

No. As with our advice not to fully charge a lithium-ion laptop battery too often, it’s better for long-term battery life if you keep it charged between 40 and 80 percent.