A recent work trip to Berlin highlighted the necessity of a reliable universal charger after a lack of a proper plug adapter caused travel and technical obstacles. Testing the $80 Anker Universal Charger revealed it to be a practical and powerful solution for both domestic and international travel.
Features and charging performance
The Anker Universal Charger combines an international plug adapter and a multiport charger, featuring slide-out Type A, Type C, and Type G prongs with a locking mechanism for safety. These prongs cover the US, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, and the UK, though it lacks a Type I prong for Australia and New Zealand. As reported by CNET, the device can output up to 100W individually through two USB-C ports, while a third USB-C port caps at 15W and a single USB-A port caps at 10W.
The charger successfully powers modern smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops, such as a 14-inch MacBook Pro, which charges from 0% to 50% in 33 minutes. However, it cannot reach the 140-watt rating required for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Prolonged use at 100 watts causes the charger to throttle its output, leading to slower charging speeds for subsequent devices. Users must provide their own high-quality charging cable, as none is included in the box.
Smart display and travel design
A 1.3-inch smart display on the front shows live line voltage, internal thermal readings, and real-time wattage draw per port. A capacitive button below the screen handles navigation through short and long taps, which helps minimize fingerprint smudges. This display removes guesswork regarding charging efficiency and indicates when an outlet is safe by detecting outputs within 100-275V to prevent electrical hazards abroad.
Weighing 262 grams and measuring roughly the size of a small computer mouse, the device fits easily into a backpack pocket while remaining stable in wall outlets. Priced at $80, it costs more than standard $20 to $50 generic adapters, but justifies the price with its advanced functionality and safety protections.
The Anker Universal Charger remains a permanent addition to travel bags for upcoming holiday trips.
