X
Tech
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Finally, a tiny car charger that can power your laptop, tablet, and phone

Looking for a car charger that can output a massive 160W of power, enough to charge all your devices? Baseus has one that passed my tests.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor
Hand holding the 160W Baseus car charger

160W Baseus car charger.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

If you spend time in a car, then having a charger that can keep your devices' batteries topped up is essential.

The problem is, there are a lot of car chargers out there that promise a lot more than they can deliver.

Also: The best GaN chargers

There are three things I look for in a good car charger:

  • I want enough power -- 100W -- to charge my MacBook Pro.
  • I want three ports (two USB-C and one USB-A ports) for maximum compatibility.
  • I want a car charger that doesn't overheat when pushed to its limits.

The 160W Baseus car charger delivers on all this. It is currently 17% off on Amazon right now, so you can purchase it for $50. 

This car charger has three outputs:

  • USB-C1 Output: 5V/3A,9V/3A,12V/3A,15V/3A,20V/5A (100W Max).
  • USB-C2 Output: 5V/3A,9V/2.22A,12V/2.5A,15V/2A,20V/1.5A (30W Max).
  • USB-A Output: 5V/3A, 9V/2A,10V/2A,12V/2.5A (30W Max).
  • Along with the charger comes a quality 1-meter 100W USB-C-to-USB-C cable.
160W Baseus car charger next to 100W USB C to USB C cable on brown background.

The car charger comes with a 1-meter 100W USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

On the front of the unit is a subtle blue LED. It's bright enough to let me know it's working, but subtle enough to not be annoying in the dark.

Closeup of blue indicator LED on the front of the car charger

Blue indicator LED on the front of the car charger.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Each port can output the maximum power independent of the load on the other ports, giving the car charger a maximum output of 160W. 

Also: The best MagSafe battery packs

The 100W output is enough to charge my 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro (not at the full 140W, but 100W is ample when on the move).

Power output readings of the Baseus 160W car charger

Testing the power output of the Baseus 160W car charger.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

As for temperature management, the unit stays below 50°C, even when under full load.

The Baseus 160W car charger's temperature measured.

The Baseus 160W car charger under full load.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

I'm very happy with the 160W Baseus car charger. It's a quality car charger that delivers on everything it promises, and does so in a safe and reliable way. 

Editorial standards