Power Delivery, or PD, is now rapidly developing to be one of the mainstream fast-charging technologies. It can supply higher power to your devices via USB-C charging cables and charging gears.
Since Apple made the switch to USB-C for the iPad in 2018, more and more users are becoming familiar with the benefits of the high-speed USB-C protocol.
But with so many USB-C PD chargers on the market, how do you choose the right one for your device?
In this post, I’m going to simply introduce and explain the choices you have regarding USB-C Power Delivery. There’s a surprise at the end, so you stand to gain something more than a better knowledge of Power Delivery!
PD Output Power
Different types of devices require different PD input power. So, before choosing PD chargers, you should know the input power your device supports.
Based on your devices and charging needs, we classify PD chargers into the following categories: 18W, 30W, 45W, and 60W or above.
18W
An 18W Power Delivery charger meets the fast charging need of smartphones and some tablets, such as iPhone 8 and later, Samsung Galaxy 8+ and above, the latest generation of Pixel phones, and Nintendo Switch.
Power Delivery chargers in this category or above have a distinct edge over Apple’s stock chargers. An 18W PD charger can charge iPhone X up to 50% in 30 minutes, while a stock charger only reaches 20% in the same amount of time.
With that said, Power Delivery chargers are 2.5 times faster than an iPhone X stock charger.
30W
30W PD chargers come with all the above benefits of 18W chargers, but with the extra ability to deliver full-speed charging for laptops and most tablets, including the 12-inch MacBook and iPad Pro.
However, Apple’s stock charger is adequate to charge the 12-inch MacBook at full speed. But regarding the portability, many users may still look for other options; SHARGE GaN USB-C PD chargers are a good example.
45W
Currently, not many devices have reached 45W. The most typical one is Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch in handheld mode supports up to 18W. When it’s under TV mode, it requires at least 39W. In this case, you can only use its original charger or a PD charger with 45W.
60W or above
Devices that demand 60W or more power are only laptops. The chargers with 60W PD can juice up 13” MacBook, Dell XPS 13 and Xiaomi Air at full speed.
Regarding over 60W, there are very few devices that require such a high output for charging, except for 15” MacBook Pro.
The 15” MacBook Pro is able to draw up to 87W. Its dedicated charger is too large and bulky, so many people will seek for a smaller alternative.
Kindly note, higher wattages are compatible with lower ones. That said, a 30W PD charger has all the features of an 18W charger.
Charging port numbers
In this digital age, most people have more than one device. Therefore, there is an increasing need for multiport PD chargers.
Some may say more ports the better. But you can end up with more than you’ll actually use. More ports also means a higher price tag and more weight. You don’t want to pay for and carry around a multiport charger when a cheaper, more compact model would work as well.
So, here’s something you need to consider:
- Will this charger be in the living room? Or your home office?
- How many devices do you travel with?
- Can some devices be charged during the day, while others charge at night?
- Do you travel with someone else? What devices do they bring and need daily?
One more thing you need to factor is the total power output. It is because the higher total output can push the maximum power on each port to charge multiple devices simultaneously at a faster speed.
Size
Though size is not the top priority, we still prefer smaller PD chargers. You definitely don’t want a bulky brick plugged in the outlet, taking up much space. And a compact charger is portable enough to take on the go without adding any burden.
The new GaN technology
In recent years, Gallium nitride (GaN) technology has been used in the charging field. GaN is more efficient and loses less power than the traditional silicone one. So, the amount of components required for a charger can be shrunk to make the charger smaller.
So, if your budget permits, we suggest that you can choose a PD charger with GaN tech.
We have the best USB-C PD chargers for you
SHARGE creates a myriad of USB-C PD chargers with different specs, powerful output, and multiple ports to cover all your charging needs. We also build the latest GaN chargers that are faster, more efficient, and smaller than ever.
18W USB-C Tiny Charger
- 4 ports
- 90W Max
- 60W & 18W PD
- 12W USB-A
- 4.05 × 2.83 × 1.1 inch
Sold out
30W USB-C 2-Port Charger
- 4 ports
- 90W Max
- 60W & 18W PD
- 12W USB-A
- 4.05 × 2.83 × 1.1 inch
Sold out
See What Our Customers are Saying
Always in my tranel bag
This is a great travel charger for keeping things like your phone, headphones, Nintendo Switch, etc charged. It is very compact, which is fantastic. I always keep this in my backpack to keep my growing number of accessories charged up.
Linda R.
Perfect travel charger
Bought as a travel charger for my MacBook Air and my iPhone, nice not having to carry two chargers. This charger works great! Have had both devices on it and charges my iPhone from about 20% to full in about 45 minutes and the MacBook from about 10% to full in about an hour. Highly recommend!
Jordan J.
It is a game changer
I travel for work and used to carry four charging bricks. This has replaced the bricks and has made me lazy about charging my devices. I can charge devices lightning fast, no longer strategically charging my devices all night. If you have multiple devices that need power this is a game changer.
Wesley D.
Always in my tranel bag
This is a great travel charger for keeping things like your phone, headphones, Nintendo Switch, etc charged. It is very compact, which is fantastic. I always keep this in my backpack to keep my growing number of accessories charged up.
Linda R.
Perfect travel charger
Bought as a travel charger for my MacBook Air and my iPhone, nice not having to carry two chargers. This charger works great! Have had both devices on it and charges my iPhone from about 20% to full in about 45 minutes and the MacBook from about 10% to full in about an hour. Highly recommend!
Jordan J.
It is a game changer
I travel for work and used to carry four charging bricks. This has replaced the bricks and has made me lazy about charging my devices. I can charge devices lightning fast, no longer strategically charging my devices all night. If you have multiple devices that need power this is a game changer.
Wesley D.
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