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

“The best charger is the one that shipped with your laptop” is old advice that needs updating because there are often superior options available either as your principal laptop charger, as a spare, or as a flexible travel charger.

You know that the charger that came with your laptop will work, but it won’t do much else and there are third-party USB-C chargers available that do much more.

Some laptops still ship with their own cumbersome AC power brick and barrel-shaped DC connector, but most premium laptops today also or solely charge via USB-C—including all the models in our roundup of the best laptops.








Foundry

Foundry


Foundry

USB-C chargers are much smaller and more convenient than proprietary chargers, and will work with multiple and varied devices, making them a more flexible, more portable solution.

Thunderbolt ports on laptops are compatible with—and look identical to—USB-C, the reversible connector that is fast replacing the rectangular USB-A standard.

Of course, not every laptop with a USB-C port can be charged with a USB-C charger. The determining factor is support for USB Power Delivery (PD); more details below.

Assuming that your laptop supports charging via USB-C, the following products reviewed are, in our estimation, the best USB-C PD chargers you can pair with your device.

For USB-C chargers you don’t need to buy an HP laptop charger to charge an HP laptop. Each of the third-party USB-C chargers tested and reviewed below will work with any laptop that supports USB PD charging. Note that cheaper low-quality chargers can pose a significant risk due to their lack of safety measures, and can lead to electric shocks or short circuits that could damage your laptop’s battery or cause a fire. Here, we have reviewed and highlighted only superior laptop chargers, ensuring top-end performance, safety, and compatibility.

Which wattage charger do you need?

Smaller laptops often require just a 35W or 45W charger, mid-sized need 65W, and larger laptops demand 100W or higher.

PD chargers will be rated at either PD 3.0 or PD 3.1. PD 3.0 can charge at up to 100W depending on the maximum output of the charging port; PD 3.1 at up to 240W, although few current laptops require anything over 140W.

Consider the total output of the charger when it has multiple ports. Most multi-port chargers are quite flexible in spreading that total output between ports. We have listed the default port maximums and the total all-port output for each charger reviewed.

Also look for chargers offering Programmable Power Supply (PPS), which makes charging supported devices more efficient; note that not all devices support PPS. See below our list of the best chargers for more information on PD, PPS and other technologies.

Different types of laptop charger

Below we have tested and reviewed wall chargers that plug directly into a wall power socket, desktop chargers that connect to the socket via a longer cable and usually offer a lot more USB ports, and power extender strips that boast AC outlets as well as USB ports. We have also chosen our best laptop charger for car, and even some fun laptop chargers that might even make you smile.

You can learn more about wattages and what else to look for in a USB-C charger and how we test them below our recommendations.






Anker 713 Nano II 45W Charger – Best single-port 45W wall charger





















Pros


Super compact

45W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S.)



Cons


Single port

For smaller laptops only


















Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.49 x 1.62in (3.5 x 3.8 x 4.1cm)

Weight: 2.44oz (69g)

Total output: 45W

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 U.K. model is therefore a little larger, but still almost unbelievably tiny. U.K. buyers instead might prefer the Ugreen Foldable 45W Nexode GaN Dual USB C Charger that does have foldable plug pins and boasts two ports.







Anker 715 Nano II 65W Charger – Best single-port 65W wall charger





















Pros


Super compact

65W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S.)



Cons


Single port


















Dimensions: 1.65 x 1.42 x 1.74in (4.2 x 3.6 x 4.4cm)

Weight: 3.96oz (112g)

Total output: 65W

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.







Ugreen Nexode Pro 65W USB-C Charger – Best= three-port USB-C wall charger





















Pros


Compact

Three ports

65W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S.)


















Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.6 x 1.3 inches (5.5 x 4 x 3.2cm)

Weight: 4.1oz (117g)

Total output: 65W

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

PPS: Yes

Colors: Gray

Cable included: No

Ugreen’s Nexode Pro 65W is larger than the Anker 715 Nano II, reviewed above, but boasts three ports so you can charge multiple devices at the same time, using just one compact charger. When I say larger, don’t get me wrong, it’s tiny.

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 15W shared between the other two 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.

You can save a little money for the (barely) larger non-Pro Ugreen Nexode 65W USB C GaN Charger-3 Ports Wall Charger ($44.99), which is has a lower energy density but is a few bucks cheaper.

U.K. recommendation: The prongs on the U.K. version of the non-Pro 65W Nexode do fold back, unlike on the fixed Nexode Pro version, so we recommend that version to readers from that country.







Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger – Best= three-port USB-C wall charger





















Pros


Compact

Three ports

67W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S. and U.K.)


















Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.5 x 1.9in (4 x 3.8 x 5cm)

Weight: 4.8oz (136g)

Total output: 67W

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 Pro 65W USB-C Charger and is roughly the same size and weight.

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







Acefast Crystal Charger A47 – Colorful three-port 65W USB-C wall charger





















Pros


Colorful

Three ports

65W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S.)



Cons


North America only

















Best Prices Today:



€46.95 at Acefast





Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.6 x 2.2in (6 x 4 x 5.5cm)

Weight: 3.7oz (105g)

Total output: 65W

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.







Nekteck 100W USB-C Charger – Best budget 100W USB-C wall charger





















Pros


100W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S.)

Includes cable



Cons


Single port

North America only


















Dimensions: 1.18 x 2.64 x 2.64in (3 x 6.7 x 6.7cm)

Weight: 8.29oz (235g)

Total output: 100W

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.







Ugreen Nexode 100W USB-C Wall Charger – Best four-port 100W USB-C wall charger





















Pros


100W PD

Four ports

Foldable prongs (U.S.)



Cons


Larger size










Price When Reviewed:

€79,99




Best Prices Today:



€67.49 at ManoMano FR€74.99 at Ugreen€93.74 at Darty FR





Dimensions: 1.3 x 2.72 x 2.72in (3.3 x 6.9 x 6.9cm)

Weight: 8.3oz (235g)

Total output: 100W

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 and doesn’t have foldable prongs, but offers the same ports.

Ugreen offers a slightly smaller 100W Nexode Pro ($74.99) that has a higher energy density but only three ports, so we still prefer the 100W non-Pro Nexode ($69.95) for its extra port.







Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) – Best three-port 100W USB-C wall charger





















Pros


Compact

Three ports

100W PD

Foldable prongs (U.S. and U.K.)


















Dimensions: 1.7 × 1.5 × 2.4in (4.4 x 3.9 x 6cm)

Weight: 6.5oz (183g)

Total output: 100W

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.







Anker 717 USB-C 140W Charger – Best one-port 140W wall charger





















Pros


140W (USB PD 3.1)

Foldable prongs (U.S.)



Cons


Single port


















Dimensions: 1.22 x 2.66 x 2.31in (3.1 x 6.8 x 5.9cm)

Weight: 8.3oz (235g)

Total output: 140W

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