Best Travel Charger

Averell on 21/02/2025 - 11:35
Last edited 21/02/2025 - 13:13 by 1 other user

I'm looking for a travel charger, and I could think of some key requirements:
- 60W+
- 3-4 ports, with 2+ USB-C
- lightweight
- with a figure-8 cable, or with a replaceable power plug (like Apple's chargers, where we can remove Aus pins and replace them with EU/US/Asia pins)

My experience with travel chargers:

  • A Kogan branded 4-5 ports charger, bought in 2017/2018. It had 1C + 4A.

    • good: worked well until I lost it about 4 years later.
    • bad: I don't think Kogan sell it anymore. It was also heavy

  • Anker 543 (https://www.amazon.com.au/Anker-Charger-4-Port-MacBook-Lapto…).

    • good: it's so small and light (less than 150g)
    • bad: max 45W on the main port, and reduce to 30W if the other C port is also used

  • Belkin Boostcharge 108W (https://www.belkin.com/au/p/4-port-gan-charger-108w/WCH010au…).

    • good: the main C port could deliver 95W.
    • bad: too heavy (~350g) for a GaN charger. The A ports are too slow. They advertised 12W shared, but my Samsung phones could only draw maximum 5.6W from it (even when only one port is used).

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your recommendations.

============= edit ===============
I wonder whether there is any USB-C hub that supports multiple ports charging? I have a Macbook Pro GaN 140W charger, the main issue is it has only 1 port. I tried with a Satechi hub (https://satechi.net/products/slim-multi-port-adapter-with-et…), but it couldn't deliver even 5W output, on any ports.

Electrical & Electronics Travel Charger USB Charger

Comments

  • foxmulder on 21/02/2025 - 11:40
    +6

    I usually bring AU surge protector power board with AU to whichever country you go to plug adaptor. This way you can plugged in all the AU devices.

    • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 11:51
      +1

      but it's too big, isn't it? Also, that only helps tick the figure-8 checkbox.

      • foxmulder on 21/02/2025 - 12:40

        There is a small 4 port surge protector (link here) withindividual switches on Amazon for around $15. You can buy smaller again if you don't care about the switches or one with less outlets. I personally used 2 outlets in most cases but it allows other people in your company to use it the extra outlets.

    • Loopholio on 22/02/2025 - 22:31

      I've done this but I used a standard five port AU power board (with individual switches). Easy as, doesn't take up much room and cheap. It also works when travelling in AustraliaLand!

      I didn't need surge protection.

  • gaz3342 on 21/02/2025 - 11:43
    +1

    I have two of these and they are fantastic, one stopped working and they warranty replaced with minimum fuss

    https://iniushop.com/en-au/products/iniu-power-bank-b63-2500…

    • CodeXD on 21/02/2025 - 11:46
      +3

      That's a powerbank, not a travel charger lol

      • gaz3342 on 21/02/2025 - 12:29

        Heck

  • CodeXD on 21/02/2025 - 11:46
    +3

    I'm a fan of zyron travel adapters, small, light weight, and interchangeable plug.

    I have this 65W charger from 2023 and has been on numerous travels with me.

    not sure if this is too extra but looks like they have a deal on 140w travel charger. I don't have this so best to look at comments

    • Gdsamp on 21/02/2025 - 11:51

      have two of the 65w hwhich work very well.

  • AaronR on 21/02/2025 - 11:56
    +1

    I’ve used quite a few, and this is my favourite but only has 2x ports. Maybe buy 2 of them.

    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/bon-voyage-65w-gan-universal-…

  • try2bhelpful on 21/02/2025 - 12:05
    +2

    I usually go for one where the adapter unit can sit on the bedside table and a power cable extended from the power point. You aren’t trying to run all the USB cables back to the power point.

    • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 12:15
      +2

      yes, I agree. I charge with a figure-8 power cable is more convenient.

      • Daybreak3439 on 21/02/2025 - 12:21
        +1

        The Anker 543 ideal for this setup with it's fig 8 socket. I don't find the slow charging/low wattage an issue, it will easily charge a laptop and other accessories overnight and keep them topped up while using (unless doing something really intensive). Good to see they are on special again on Amazon.

        • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 12:27

          I only used mine when travelling, and it died a few days into my 2nd trip. I bought the Belkin 108w as a replacement. Now I'm also thinking that Anker 543 is better than the Belkin.

          P/S: do you know whether I can return the Belkin? I bought it yesterday from OfficeWorks.

  • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 12:13

    I wonder whether there is any USB-C hub that supports multiple ports charging? I have a Macbook Pro GaN 140W charger, the main issue is it has only 1 port. I tried with a Satechi hub (https://satechi.net/products/slim-multi-port-adapter-with-et…), but it couldn't deliver even 5W output, on any ports.

  • USER DC on 21/02/2025 - 13:15
    +1

    Ueetop 175w one that clear shared from aliexpress. I have been using that for long before he shared that.

    And i love it, its a bit bigger in size though but excellent for all in 1 use for all USB A and USB C charging needs.

    Good advantage for you is that it uses IEC standard figure 8 connector to charge, so easy to find cable for it in any country, (i.e. if you dont buy right one from aliexpress to begin with)

  • EFC94 on 21/02/2025 - 13:28

    I just take my standard charger that I use at home with an adapter? How many devices to you really need on a holiday that require daily charging?

    • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 13:42

      ah, I don't have a multiport standard charger.
      When travelling, I usually have 3 devices that need daily charging (that's not only holidays, but business travel as well).

    • try2bhelpful on 21/02/2025 - 15:05

      In my case an iPad, a phone and a watch. On top of that my noise cancelling headphones and my blue tooth earbuds need regular topping up. I use my travel adapter at home to top up the first three every night.

      • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 15:23

        which charger(s) do you have, and are you happy with them?

        • try2bhelpful on 22/02/2025 - 22:39

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/835029

          We have this one. It works fine for me but some people report a buzzing noise. I would probably go for more USB-c ports if I bought a new one. Search on Ozbargain deals there are some that are very popular.

  • bdl on 21/02/2025 - 14:56
    +1

    I'm really happy with my https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005006216640859.html that I bought after recommendations from other threads on here.

  • djkelly69 on 21/02/2025 - 15:39

    I have this one which seems to do everything you are after.

    I also just use my normal 4 port Zyron charging station from home, with a 3 pack of travel adapters which covers most places.

  • dantes on 21/02/2025 - 16:56

    The Belkin is capable of 12W on the single USB A port. Check that your cable is capable of 12W.

    • Averell on 21/02/2025 - 20:28

      I used the same cable to charge from a Huawei phone charger and I could get 8W, so there must be something wrong with the charger

  • ozkiwi75 on 21/02/2025 - 19:25
    +1

    I bought the one in the link below from Amazon about a year back, and it has been getting daily use without any issues.

    100W GaN Charger - 65W Fast Charger, 3 USB-C + 1 USB-A

    The beauty of it is that it already comes with travel adapters for various countries, which I use when travelling overseas.

    I realise it doesn't have a figure 8 cable, but could be a good alternative for the price point.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 22/02/2025 - 11:59
    +1

    I too love to bring an Oz Power Board, but just a small one.
    But my favourite is to grab a local charging head. Esp to countries that I tend to revisit.

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