Happily, powerful USB chargers keep getting smaller. The new Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger is the most portable one I’ve ever used, but it still puts out enough juice to keep a MacBook, iPad and/or iPhone going.
I went hands-on to test the capabilities of this affordable accessory.
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Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger review
The wall chargers Apple used to bundle with its computers demonstrate the challenges we once had to put up with. The iPhone charger was tiny but put out a mere 5W, while MacBook chargers could pump out 85W but were much, much bulkier.
Fortunately, there’s now a middle ground. That includes the Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger, which is easily portable but can quickly power up two of your devices.
Table of contents: Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger review
- A very portable USB-C charger
- Power for your iPhone, iPad and/or MacBook
- Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger final thoughts
- Pricing
A very portable USB-C charger
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
At 1.75 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.8 inches, with a weight of 2.5 ounces, the accessory is just about pocket-size. It certainly fits easily into any backpack, laptop bag or purse. And it helps that the power prongs fold flat when not in use.
The two USB-C ports sit on one edge, so the Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger is designed to go into tight spaces. That said, it’s wide enough to hog space in a power strip.
A convenient LED lights up to show when power is available and flowing. The charger’s exterior is white or black plastic, depending on the version you buy. While Plugable makes no specific claims about ruggedness, the company does talk about how tough the accessory is. My test device traveled with me to see the 2024 eclipse and came back still looking brand-new.
Power for your iPhone, iPad and/or MacBook
Photo: Plugable
Given the name Plugable assigned the USB-C charger, it’s no surprise it can put out up to 40W. One of its dual USB-C ports can provide that whole amount, or it’s split between the two ports. In my testing, it sent a maximum of about 25W of power to my iPhone 15 Plus when charging it alone. My iPad Pro topped out at roughly 35W in solo charging, but that’s the most the tablet can take. A Zagg power bank took the whole 40W.
This USB-C charger has a nifty trick when two computers are connected: the first one plugged in receives priority. If I connect my iPad first, it gets 25W and the iPhone gets 12W. But if I plug in the iPhone first, each device gets about 19W. Or the power bank takes in 27W while the iPad gets 12W.
All this confirms Plugable’s claim about how much power the accessory offers. 40W is more than enough for an iPhone or iPad, even when it’s split between them. It’s a bit low for a MacBook but will get the job done. Plugable promises built-in overvoltage, short circuit and overcurrent protection
A nice bonus feature: The LED shines green when 5W or less of power is being transferred, but turns blue when more juice is flowing.
Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger final thoughts
Photo: Plugable
The best wall charger is the one you have with you. The 70W one from Apple is bulky enough that it’s always tempting to leave it behind. This Plugable charger isn’t as powerful but it’s a lot more portable. And it’s a better deal than Apple’s 35W dual-port charger. Plugable’s costs less and offers a bit more power.
★★★★☆
Pricing
The Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger (PS-40C2B) retails for $34.95. That’s $25 less than Apple’s version.
Buy it from: Amazon
Plugable provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
