Anker Universal Charger Offers 100W Power and Smart Display

The Anker Universal Charger functions as both an international plug adapter and a multiport charger, featuring slide-out Type A, Type C, and Type G prongs that lock each other when one is active. These prongs cover numerous regions globally, including the US, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, and the UK, though the device notably lacks a Type I prong for Australia and New Zealand. Priced at $80, the accessory provides a practical solution for travelers seeking multi-device charging capabilities.

The charger can output up to 100W individually through one of two USB-C ports, labeled USB-C1 and USB-C2. Power can also be shared across a third USB-C port capped at 15W and a single USB-A port capped at 10W. During testing, a 14-inch MacBook Pro charged from 0% to 50% in 33 minutes, requiring roughly 50 additional minutes to reach 100% as trickle charging activated. However, the accessory cannot reach the 140-watt rating required by a 16-inch MacBook Pro or similarly specced laptops, and it throttles output after prolonged use at 100 watts. Anker does not include a charging cable in the box.

Smart Display and Safety Features

A notable feature on the front of the Universal Charger is a 1.3-inch smart display. The screen presents live line voltage, internal thermal readings, and real-time wattage draw per port. Users navigate the display using short and long taps on a capacitive button located underneath the screen. The display also indicates when an outlet is safe for charging by detecting outputs between 100V and 275V, signaling excess electrical pressure in circuits to help prevent sparking and thermal reactions.

Weighing 262 grams, the charger is approximately the size of a small computer mouse and fits into a backpack pocket. While more expensive than generic international adapters that typically sell between $20 and $50, the device delivers added functionality and built-in safety features.