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What are the best USB-C laptop chargers? Plus, USB-C explained
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As laptops have shifted from proprietary chargers to USB-C chargers, it's become easier than ever to pick up an extra charger for your laptop so that you're never without power. Portable chargers are a must for traveling, but they can only take you so far.
Most laptops come with a charger, and that charger is usually good enough for the job, but it can be convenient to keep a second charger at home, at the office, and at school.
Thankfully, some of the best USB-C laptop chargers feature compact designs, making them the perfect traveling companion.
Also: Best laptop docking station
Satechi 100W
Best USB-C laptop charger overall
Tech Specs: Max output: 100W | Ports: 1x USB-C
This is the perfect replacement for your existing USB-C laptop charger, even if you have something like the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The next-gen Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology not only means that this charger is smaller than chargers based on older silicon technology (it's smaller than the Apple charger), but it also runs cooler.
This is my go-to charger for pretty much everything I have that uses USB-C.
Zendure SuperPort 4 100W
Best USB-C laptop charger for multiple devices
Tech Specs: Max output: 136W | Ports: 2x USB-C, 2xUSB-A
The SuperPort 4 features two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports with Zen+2.0, allowing you to charge up to four devices simultaneously with a maximum combined output of 136W.
The device is small, lightweight, and slimline -- plus, it works across all voltages. It's an excellent travel charger for those who lug around a lot of gear.
Also: The 5 best portable power banks
This flexibility makes this the perfect desktop charger for those with multiple devices that need to be kept topped up.
Anker PowerPort
Best USB-C laptop charger for Apple users
Tech Specs: Max output: 60W | Ports: 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A
Here you get a 2-port Anker charger featuring 2 compact Gallium Nitride (GaN) 45W USB-C ports. It's compatible with most Apple devices, so you can charge your laptop as well as your iPhone or iPad without worrying about connectivity issues. It also has a quick-charge feature that brings your iPhone up to 50 percent power in just 30 minutes.
Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4
Best USB-C laptop charger for quick charge
Tech Specs: Max output: 100W | Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A
This charger offers an enormous 100W of charging power, which is enough to charge two USB-C laptops and two smartphones simultaneously.
Thanks to sophisticated power allocation technology, the full 100W of power are available if you connect a single device to a USB-C port.
LinkOn
Best USB-C laptop charger for travel
Tech Specs: Max output: 112W | Ports: 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A
The LinkOn offers high-power USB-C charging for when you're on the move. This compact charger features an 18W USB-A port and a 90W USB-C port that's good even for demanding laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro. This has become my favorite car charger because of its power, flexibility, and reliability.
What is the best USB-C laptop charger?
The Satechi 100W wall charger is our pick for the best USB-C laptop charger. It has a compact design and runs cooler than most other wall chargers, so you never have to worry about damaging your device from overheating. It's also compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops.
USB-C laptop charger | Price | Number of ports | Quick charge? |
Satechi 100W | $56 | 1 | No |
Zendure Superport | $110 | 4 | No |
Anker PowerPort 60W | $40 | 2 | Yes |
Anker PowerPort Atom | $75 | 4 | Yes |
LinkOn 12V travel charger | $40 | 2 | No |
Which USB-C laptop charger is right for you?
The best USB-C laptop charger for you will have enough ports to handle all of your most-used devices at once. It will also provide enough power for faster charging compared to traditional USB models, so you don't have to wait around all day to top up your laptop battery.
Choose this USB-C laptop charger... | If you need... |
Satechi 100W | A powerful and well-rounded USB-C laptop charger |
Zendure Superport | A charger for multiple devices at once |
Anker PowerPort 60W | A reliable charger for Apple devices |
Anker PowerPort Atom | A port with a quick charge feature |
LinkOn car charger | A USB-C laptop charger for travel |
How did we choose these USB-C laptop chargers?
Everything on this list hasn't just been tested by me -- every device is part of my daily kit. I personally know that this equipment delivers on what it promises, and it offers a high degree of reliability and robustness. You're getting exceptional value for the money.
I pick manufacturers that offer a decent, no-quibble warranty. Things can (and often do) go wrong, so dealing with a company that has you covered can offer peace of mind.
Are all USB-C laptop chargers the same?
No. You need to check what power your laptop will draw. Some laptops are happy with a 45W charger, while others need a 95W charger. In an emergency, you can still normally trickle charge a laptop using a low-power charger, but that's far from ideal.
Then there's a quality issue. You've likely spent big bucks on a laptop, so it doesn't make sense to connect that up to a cheap charger that you picked up from a dollar store!
Should I only use the charger that came with my laptop?
The charger that came with your laptop will be designed to work well with your device, but as long as you pick the right charger for your hardware, there's no reason you can't use a third-party charger.
Most manufacturers take the guesswork out of this for you. They'll include device compatibility on the packaging and the website.
Should I go for a single-port or multi-port charger?
I prefer the convenience of a multi-port charger, but be aware that most will charge at lower power when more than one port is in use.
Can I use a USB-C phone charger with my laptop?
You can use a USB-C phone charger with your laptop, but since both types of devices have different power requirements, it may take longer to get your computer up to a full charge.
What is the difference between USB and USB-C?
A USB-C charger can support up to 100 watts and 20 volts of power, while a traditional USB charger can only support 2.5W and 5V. This means that not only will a USB-C charger top up your devices faster, but it can also be used with multiple devices at once, as well as for larger devices like laptops.
Are there alternative USB-C laptop chargers worth considering?
Our best USB-C chargers include a mix of products where you can maximize your productivity by charging multiple devices at once, save money, and have charging capabilities in your vehicle. If you need further options, here are a few to consider: