USB-C has made charging simpler: one type of cable can now charge phones, tablets, earbuds and many laptops. But chargers vary a lot in power, and buying the wrong one can mean slow charging or a laptop that drains while plugged in.
Match the wattage to your device
- Phones: 20 to 30W covers fast charging for most modern phones.
- Tablets: 30 to 45W.
- Thin-and-light laptops: 45 to 65W.
- Larger or performance laptops: 90 to 140W.
The easiest rule is to check the wattage printed on the charger that came with your laptop and buy at least that much. A higher-wattage charger is safe to use with smaller devices, because the device only draws the power it needs.
What is Power Delivery (PD)?
USB Power Delivery is the standard that lets a charger and a device agree on the right power level. Look for “USB-C PD” on the listing. Many phones also support PPS, a related standard used for some fast-charging modes.
Why GaN chargers are smaller
GaN (gallium nitride) parts run cooler and more efficiently than traditional silicon, so GaN chargers can be much smaller for the same power. They are great for travel.
Multi-port chargers: read the fine print
A 65W charger with three ports usually shares that 65W between them. When several devices are plugged in, each one may charge more slowly. Check how the power is split if you plan to charge a laptop and a phone together.
Don’t forget the cable
For more than 60W, you need a USB-C cable rated for 100W or 240W (often called 5A or EPR cables). A basic cable can quietly limit your charging speed.
Safety checklist
- Buy from reputable brands with safety certifications (such as UL, CE or FCC)
- Avoid unusually cheap, unbranded chargers
- Look for over-current and over-temperature protection
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