It's time to ditch your Apple USB-C charger.


I've tried quite a few USB-C PD chargers over the years. (A few of them pictured above) At this point I've basically left all my Apple Macbook Pro USB-C chargers in the box or at my desk. There's just many better options on the market. The choices for alternatives to the standard Apple USB-C chargers are practically limitless. They come in many shapes and sizes and offer more ports to help simplify things while on set or traveling. Despite the fact Apple is FINALLY using GaN in their newest chargers you can get smaller, lighter and higher wattage options from various makers.

Today you can charge almost anything via USB-C. So why stick with one charger with one output? It just doesn't make sense. I have several multi port chargers but newer and better ones are now available. Below, I show you just a few of the options out there that offer more than your standard Apple USB-C charger. Additionally, now that USB-C PD 3.1 is out there's a new wave of chargers offering >100W from one port.

Anker 747 Charger GaNPrime 150W

  • 3x USB C + 1x USB A
  • 150W total output
  • Dimensions: 2.66"×1.22"×2.41" / 67.5 × 31 × 61.1mm
  • Weight: 8.17oz/231.5g
  • $110

UGREEN Nexode 100W

  • 3x USB C + 1x USB A
  • 100W total output
  • Dimensions: 2.72"x2.72"x1.3"
  • Weight: 8.29oz/235g
  • $80

UGREEN Nexode 200W

  • 4x USB C + 2x USB A
  • 200W total output
  • Dimensions: 3.97"x3.97"x1.27"
  • Weight: 1.14lbs/517g
  • $200

HYPERJUICE 245W GaN Desktop Charger


  • 4x USB C
  • 245W total output
  • Dimensions: 4.13”x3.93”x1.25” / 105 x 100 x 32 mm
  • Weight: 1.28lb/582g
  • $150

SlimQ 150W

  • 2x USB C + 1x DC
  • 150W total output
  • Dimensions: 3.07"x3.01"x1.18" / 78x76.5x30mm
  • Weight: 10.8oz/305g
  • $90
This one is a bit unique as it also had a DC barrel jack that could be leveraged with a PD trigger cable that I've written about before.

There's many out there that look similar because they are from the same OEM and just have a label slapped on them. Others are unique designs. Do some poking around and see what's best for your needs. I suggest steering clear off anything that's on Kickstarter or Indiegogo as those are often just drop shipped products. I've had my own experience with them and not worth

One thing to consider is that some are considered "desktop chargers" and use a C7 cable and others are considered wall chargers and can plug directly into an outlet. Both have their pros/cons. It's one feature that Apple's chargers offer, the ability to use them either way.
Chargers are affordable enough to just have multiple around.  It's easy enough to keep a few at home or your office/shop as a charging station, one at your desk and a few in your kit for use on set. Constantly packing and unpacking chargers means you're bound to leave one behind somewhere.

Another great source for learning about USB-C chargers and cables is the USBC hardware subreddit. It's worth mentioning that when you're buying cables make sure they support the full spec of 100W or 20V/5A. If you want to future proof things, newer spec PD 3.1 cables that support 240W are starting to appear (like this one from UGREEN and this one from Anker). It's typical that cables designed for charging only offer USB 2.0 (480mbps) speed which isn't really an issue for dedicated charging cables. So pay attention to the specs when you're shopping and your needs. Both Anker , CableMatters are known for quality cables.

Whatever you end up with you might want to consider a USB multimeter or cable with built in watt meter like I've mentioned before.


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