Perfect USB Travel Companion
Trade out your single-port charger for a tri-port USB-A/dual USB-C Nexode charger from UGREEN. More than just a charger, pair the included US/UK/EU plugs with the device for add-on coverage. Enjoy up to 65W maximum charge from a single USB-C port, or 20W top/45W bottom USB-C charging in tandem. Using all three ports will allow 8.5W/8.5W/45W of power. When ready to go, add the plugs/charger into the included carry bag and move to your next destination.
- Ease of Use
- Design
- Cost
- Power Output
- Accessories
Portable 3-Port 65W Travel Charger.
One of the most challenging aspects of modern technology is keeping them charged. It is common for USB-powered devices to either ship with a single port USB charging block of either USB-A or USB-C type, or solely with a cable. As more devices shift to USB-C charging options, you may find a USB-A to USB-C cable, or USB-C to USB-C cable.
Unfortunately, as more devices require USB charging, I typically retire single-port chargers to my charger graveyard. Instead, I opt for multiport chargers and HUBS to optimize wall space. Thanks to the latest Gallium Nitride technology, companies like UGREEN can provide a multi-port charging block nearly the same size as a single MacBook Pro charger.
Unboxing
The UGREEN GanX 65W Fast charger arrived in a sleek 6 1/8 inches long by 3 inches tall by 2 1/4 inches thick retail package. Instead of relying upon a flat white background, UGREEN stepped up the presentation with a pleasant silver-grey backdrop. The company name was displayed along the top left of the cover, just above a metallic-shimmering GaN X logo.
The panel also provided information about the 65W output, and fast charging 3-port capabilities with the generic product name. The lower left panel provided three product-feature icons (world use, interchangeable power outlets, three ports), while the right edge displayed three slide-in power outlet types (UK/EU/US). The foremost showcase of the panel was the glossy, slightly raised, oblique image of the square GaN X 65W device. I loved the photo quality image, the lustrous sheen, and the overall display. The silver background proved to be a brilliant color scheme.
The top panel displayed an image of the three wall port plugs, while the bottom panel displayed four product feature icons: Compact and Portable (airplane/globe), Smart Power Distribution (computer chip), US/UK/EU Plugs (image on the top panel), Superior Safety (shield/lightning). Each labeled icon was given a short descriptive sentence; they were well done without feeling overly busy.
The rear panel listed the product name, product specifications (100-240V input 50/60HZ 1.8A Max, USB C1 and C2 output 5V/3A 9V/3A 12V/3A 15V/3A 20V/3.25A 3.3-21V/3A 65W max (total), USB A output 4.5V/5A 5V/4.5A 5V/3A 9V/2A 12V/1.5A 22.5W max, Total output 65W), manufacturer contact information, manufacturer product labels, and a large white SKU/UPC barcode sticker. I appreciated that UGREEN left both side panels blank, instead of repeating similar information; when considering packaging design, there is truth in the adage “sometimes less means more.”
I opened the side panel and removed the internal white cardboard drawer and the cardboard envelope containing the User Instruction pamphlet (FCC/IC statement WEEE information, EU/GB Declaration, Warranty information) plus instruction manual. The multilingual manual did a good job of showing the “Product Overview” and “How it Works.” Each panel provided a multilingual title plus a visual representation of how to use the US/EU/UK plug, the three USB ports (upper USB-A and lower USB C1+2), and options for each port.
The subsequent panels provided two bulleted instructional points detailing the above information (EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, JP, CN, NL, SE, PL, TR languages). Like the specifications on the back panel, the manual laid out the output information in a proper tabular format. However, the next panel labeled “Power Distribution” did a better job of showing how the power would be distributed amongst all of the ports. Lastly, the manual detailed several safety notes regarding the GaN X 65W, and a list of packaging contents. I think the manual was well done and represented the product well. Additionally, the inclusion of eleven languages was rather impressive.
I removed the 6.7-ounce, 2 9/16 inches square by 1 3/16 inches wide charger from the cardboard drawer and then the 3 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 15/16 inches thick US/UK/EU plug accessory box. The matte black front/top/back/bottom segments of the GaN charger contrasted nicely against the dark grey/metallic side panels. I liked the black UGREEN name on the silver-gray panel and the “6 5 W” icon on the other.
The top panel had an 11/16 inches wide by 7/16 inches tall black-colored prong release button. The back panel listed the manufacturing labels and housed the prongs/port for the three plug options. The lower panel listed the product specifications and QR code. I liked that UGREEN recorded this information along the underside as it improved the aesthetic of the design. The front panel provided the top USB-A port with a purple accent and dual USB-C ports.
Installation/Setup
I opened the accessory box and removed the three plugs (US 0.3-ounce, UK 0.7-ounce, and EU 0.6-ounce). Each plug had a posterior slide-in segment that directly matched the dual prongs on the GaN X 65W charger. To install the plug, orient the plug’s female port with the male prongs on the charger and slide downward until you hear a click. The secure locking mechanism successfully retained each prong type, without any slip or failure. When I pressed the black button atop the charger, I found that I could easily lift the plug away from the main body of the device.
The button did not eject the plug but did release the locking system. I liked the design and the inclusion of the three plug options. Additionally, I appreciated that the US type A plug had a retractable prong system. Unfortunately, the UK/EU plugs did not have a retractable system. Thus, for storage/portability, the device would pack down a bit better with the plugs removed. Lastly, the UK/EU prongs extended the setup length to 3 7/8 inches (UK) and 4 5/16 (EU) respectively, which was longer than the base 2 9/16 inches long charger. Living in the US, I did not have access to EU/UK wall outlets to test the stability/quality of the ports. The remainder of the tests were completed with the US plug.
Lastly, before disposing of the internal cardboard drawer, make sure to remove the false internal cardboard floor to access the 3 7/8 inches wide by 7 inches tall felt drawstring bag. The bag is tall enough to accommodate the charger plus each outlet type. I loved the accessory and the ability to keep all the items together. The thin nature of the charger paired nicely with the bag and the additional international plugs.
Testing
I plugged the GaNX with Type A plug into a BESTEK hub and then a Klein Tools Multimeter into each USB-C port. When I plugged my MacBook Pro 15” into either USB-C port alone, I found that the multimeter displayed similar results (20.15V/2.21A). I then repeated the test with an iPad Pro 12.9” (11.98V/1.60A), and an iPhone 14 Pro Max (5.08V/2.04A). Pleased with the output of each port, I turned to test port combinations. When I plugged the MacBook Pro into C1 and my iPad Pro into C2, the multimeters displayed 11.98V/1.60A and 20.16V/2.05A respectively.
I then switched the ports and found the lower C2 was more optimized to charge larger devices at a higher output (45W vs. 20W for C1). For the next test, I plugged a DROK USB-A multimeter plus iPhone 14 Pro Max into the USB-A port and then a Klein Tools USB-C multimeter plus MBP into USB-C1. Each multimeter flashed and reset before displaying 5.08V/2.04A for the USB-A port and 5.10V/1.40A for USB-C1. The output was suboptimal to charge my MBP, so I removed the multimeter from USB-C1 and moved it to USB-C2.
The DROK USB-A multimeter displayed 4.93V/2.04A, while the Klein Tools multimeter in USB-C2 displayed a more respectable 19.94/2.01A. These tests demonstrated the individual port output and the options for combining USB-A and USB-C power. If you want to charge multiple items simultaneously, utilize the lower USB-C2 port for devices with more significant power needs.
Next, I decided to add the USB-A port to the dual USB-C ports. I plugged the DROK USB-A multimeter into the USB-A port and a USB-A to Lightning cable between the multimeter and my iPhone 14 Pro Max. I left the USB-C to USB-C cables attached between the iPad Pro 12.9” and multimeter (USB-C1), and MBP and multimeter (USB-C2). When I plugged the lightning cable into my iPhone, the multimeters flashed and displayed 4.93V/2.05A.
The iPad Pro multimeter showed a dropped rate of 4.95V/1.40A, while the MBP multimeter showed 14.96V/2.09A. When I removed the USB-A multimeter from the setup, the Klein Tools multimeter showed an increase in output to 20.06V/1.16A for the MacBook Pro and 11.98V/1.6A for the iPad Pro. I tried the above tests several times and found similar results to those detailed in the instruction manual. When three ports were utilized, the USB-C1 port throttled down to ~8.5W, while the USB-C2 port maintained ~45W output. When either of the USB-C ports was utilized, the output reached up to the listed ~65W.
For the final test, I tested the charge rate over time using dual combo ports. I plugged my 52% power MBP into the USB-C2 port/multimeter at 7:40 PM (20.15V/2.21A) and my iPhone 14 Pro Max into the USB-A/multimeter at 8% (5.08V/2.04A). By 7:54 PM the iPhone increased to 15% power (4.98V/2.10A), while the MBP increased to 56% (20.01V/2.08A). By 8:01 PM the iPhone increased to 20% power (4.92V/2.05A), while the MBP reached 61% charge (19.95V/2.12A). I switched from DROK USB-A to another Klein Tools Multimeter via USB-C.
I plugged a USB-C to Lightning cable between the multimeter and iPhone 14 Pro max and found 9.09V/2.18A for USB-C1 and 19.95V/2.12A output for the MBP attached to USB-C2. By 8:10 PM the iPhone 14 Pro Max reached 32% power, while the MBP reached 67%. The iPhone was at 50% by 8:21 PM (9.08V/2.19A), while the MBP attained 75% charge (19.96V/2.12A). By 8:37 PM the iPhone reached 71% (9.09V/1.49A), while the MBP reached 86% power (19.95V/2.12A). By 9:02 PM my iPhone was at 86% power (5.07V/1.20A) and my MBP was at 98% Power (19.98V/1.82A). I removed both from power and noted the charger’ surface temperature reached an uncomfortable 150.8 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees C) with my Nubee infrared thermometer.
I was pleased with the power output and the ability to charge three devices simultaneously. The dual USB-C rate is perfect for phone/tablet, tablet/laptop, or some combination therein. The USB-A port provides some backward compatibility and some availability for the few devices made to use USB-A. The three port design, coupled with travel adapter feature escalates the setup from a maybe purchase to a must-have travel companion. I appreciated the packaging, the layout, the device, the output, the extra charging plugs, drawstring bag, and the cost.