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With most modern devices moving on to USB-C, finding a charger is easier than ever. However, that 15W phone charger you have lying around might not cut it. I switched to a 140W charger, and it’s the ultimate charging solution I was looking for.
It Charges Everything I Have
One of the biggest advantages of owning a high-wattage charger is that you can practically charge every USB-C device you have. My 140W charger works with everything from my laptop, phone, keyboard, mouse, headphones, and anything else I want.
Since USB-C devices and chargers communicate to decide the optimal power from the charger, you don’t really have to worry about pumping too much power into a small device. Batteries also tend to benefit from this, lasting for more cycles than if you were just using a lower-powered USB-A charger.
However, keep in mind that as the range of devices you’re charging off the same brick increases, so do the compatibility issues. This isn’t an issue with chargers up to 65W or 100W, but on devices that require more power, some manufacturers set up the voltage and amperage combinations differently.
This means that even if your charger supports the total power capacity required to charge a device, it might not work with your device if the voltage or amperage rating of the charger is different from what the manufacturer specified. It’s always a good idea to read the fine print and ensure you’re buying a compatible charger, especially if you intend to use it for your laptop.
There are someconsiderations you need to make before buying a USB-C charger for your laptop. For example, my HP Omen Transcend 14 can charge with both 100W and 140W chargers, with the latter providing the full charging speed as long as the charger’s voltage output is 20V. Other than that, I doubt you’ll encounter such problems with your phone or other smaller devices.
Can Charge Multiple Devices at the Same Time
Having just one power brick that can charge multiple devices at the same time is one of the best charging conveniences you can afford. The charger I’m using has allowed me to get rid of the power strip on my desk and use just two cables for charging—one for my laptop and one for everything else.
Depending on your charger, there might be some drawbacks here. That aside, it’s a really handy way of ensuring you don’t spend hours waiting for your devices to charge, or create a mess of power adaptors and cables charging everything at the same time.
It’s especially great if you travel a lot. Having just one charger for everything cuts down on your backpack’s weight and a quick break at a power outlet can juice up multiple devices without much hassle.
Issues From Fast Charging
As good as fast charging is, it has a few drawbacks you must be wary of.
1. Overheating
Charging devices at their highest possible speed is bound to generate heat. This generally isn’t an issue if you’re at your desk, but it can cause problems when traveling, as your devices and charger will take a while to cool down, even if you weren’t using them while charging.
Thankfully, manufacturers are actively working on this issue and if you spend a little extra and get a Galium Nitrite (GaN) charger, you’re pretty much covered from the issue. It’s not a very big problem, but it is something you need to look out for.
2. Not All Devices Charge at Max Speed
Finally, not all devices charge at their full speed. Chargers with multiple ports often reduce the power output at each port when charging multiple devices. Once again, this isn’t a problem for smaller devices and even most phones, as a 100W or 140W charger easily has enough power to charge two or even three phones at full speed.
However, if it’s any bigger than that, you’re looking at slow charging speeds. For example, theINICIO 140W GaNcharger I use can only charge my laptop at full speed when it’s the only device charging. If I use two ports on the charger, the power output on the primary port drops to 65W on each port (Still enough to charge two MacBooks at once).
Some fine reading of the charger specs will inform you of how to the charger distributes power when multiple devices are being charged, so be sure to take a look. We’ve got a list of some of thebest USB-C chargers in 2024if you need some help.
Switching to a high-wattage charger massively helps cut down on the sheer number of power adaptors you’d need while also charging most of your devices at or close to their full charging speed. It is a bit of an investment, considering most good 100W or 140W GaN chargers can cost a pretty penny, but they’re well worth the price.
