As laptops have shifted from proprietary chargers to USB-C chargers, it’s become easier than ever to pick up another charger for your laptop so that you’re never without power.
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Most laptops come with a charger, and that charger is usually good enough for the job, but it can be very convenient to have a second charger, so you can have one at home and one at the office.
Also, portable chargers are a must for traveling. Thankfully, some of the best USB-C laptop chargers feature compact designs, making them the perfect traveling companion.
Also: Best laptop docking station
- Good for Windows and Mac users
- Compact design
- Runs cooler than other chargers
- Heavy
- On the pricey side
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.
- 4 ports
- Great power output
- Great for travel
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 a lot of gear around.
This flexibility makes this the perfect desktop charger for those with multiple devices that need to be kept topped up.
- Compatible with almost all Apple devices
- Quick charge feature
- Dual USB-C ports
- Cord not included
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.
- Great for charging new and old devices
- Can charge two laptops at once
- Quick charge
- Pricey
- Cables not included
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.
- Dual ports
- 12V outlet compatible
- Affordable
- Only one USB-C port
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 a 90W USB-C port that’s good for even demanding laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, as well as an 18W USB-A port. This has become my favorite car charger because of its power, flexibility, and reliability.
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 damage from overheating. It’s also compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops.
|
USB-C laptop charger |
Price |
Number of ports |
Quick charge? |
|
Satechi 100W |
$70 |
1 |
No |
|
Zendure Superport |
$110 |
4 |
No |
|
Anker PowerPort 60W |
$36 |
2 |
Yes |
|
Anker PowerPort Atom |
$100 |
4 |
Yes |
|
LinkOn 12V travel charger |
$42 |
2 |
No |
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 than 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 |
Everything on this list hasn’t just been tested by me — every device is part of my daily kit. I personally know that the equipment delivers on what it promises, but it also offers a high degree of reliability and robustness. You’re getting exceptional value for the money.
I also 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 offers added peace of mind.
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!
The charger that came with your laptop will be chosen to work great 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 their package and/or website.
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.
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.
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.
Here are worthy alternatives to consider: