Keeping my phone charged can be difficult. I say this because I push its battery to the limit more often than not—especially while traveling. So, having it ready—quickly—for the next day is crucial. Keeping this in mind, here’s what I look for when buying a power adapter.
I Check for Its Power Output
Most smartphones charge in two spurts. The first is the initial burst, where they quickly power up to 50% or so, and then there’s the second, where they’ll trickle charge through the remaining amount, hitting that magical 100%. For the first spurt—also the most effective in day-to-day use—having a power adapter with the right power output is one of the best things to do.
I’ve been using a UGREEN Nexode 45W adapter as part of my daily carry for as long as I can remember. It easily provides the power that my iPhone requires to charge up to 50% in 30 minutes, even doubling as a charger for my 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro when I’m working at a local coffee shop.
Since it’s only a 45W adapter, I can’t charge my MacBook Pro while simultaneously charging my iPhone, but you can easily solve this with more powerful USB-C adapters. For most smartphones, tablets, and laptops, an adapter with a power output rating between 30W and 65W would be the sweet spot. So, when choosing a power adapter, keep an eye on this number and see how it splits its power when you connect multiple devices.
I Make Sure It’s Convenient for Travel
An ideal power adapter should not only be powerful but also convenient for travel. This means four things: compact size, multiple ports, dual voltage support, and foldable prongs. The compact size and foldable prongs make it easy to pack and help eliminate any worry about damaging it in transit.
My MacBook Pro’s giant 67W brick hasn’t left my house since I got it. However, an adapter with multiple ports, like the UGREEN Nexode, allows me to leave behind additional chargers and only carry the necessary cables. Now, I only carry one adapter to charge my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
Lastly, dual voltage is essential because it ensures compatibility worldwide. You’ll often encounter different standards as you travel around the world, but this will help avoid a situation where you need to hunt for a voltage adapter.
Any power adapter you buy with these features in mind should be easy to pack into travel kits and get going—without worrying about damaging it. These criteria have helped me travel light and keep my devices ready for a busy day.
