As a frequent traveler, I often felt like the gear I used on the go was a compromise, lacking in versatility, power, or quality compared to the gear I left behind at home or in the office. The need to balance weight and overall compatibility invariably imposed constraints and limitations.
The main takeaways from the Satechi 145W USB-C charger
- The new Satechi 145W USB-C is one of the most powerful travel chargers you can buy.
- The adapter comes with several international plugs.
- It’s perfect if you don’t have devices with USB-A to charge.
However, the new Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN charger was a game changer for me (we already announced its arrival on the market last January). This is the best charger I own, even surpassing Apple’s best proposal in this area.
In recent years, the Apple charger has been my ultimate travel companion. It allowed me to charge my MacBook Pro at the highest speed, as well as charge a power bank (a large self-contained battery) which in turn powered all my other devices.
This setup worked well, but it had its drawbacks, including the need to pair the charger with a universal adapter to fit different international power outlets. But that’s not the case anymore.
Technical characteristics of the Satechi 145W USB-C charger
Power output
- 1 USB-C port used: up to 140 W
- 2 USB-C ports used: up to 100 W but not simultaneously
- 3 USB-C ports used: 65W/30W/45W maximum or 100W/25W/20W maximum
- 4 USB-C ports used: 65W/30W/25W/20W
Adapters included
A choice without compromise
The Satechi 145W USB-C charger, compact and comparable to Apple’s standard 140W that comes with the MacBook Pro, has four USB-C ports. It is also equipped with an intelligent power distribution function allowing a maximum output of 145W.
The Satechi 145W USB-C charger vs. the Apple 140W MacBook Pro charger. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Two of its ports use Power Delivery 3.1 technology, each of which can deliver up to 140W of power individually. The device “intelligently” adjusts the output power based on the ports used and the needs of the connected devices. The remaining two ports, which support Power Delivery 3.0 technology, can each deliver up to 45W when used separately.
In my testing, all outlets reached their rated power without any issues, whether used alone or in combination.
No matter what device you need to charge, the Satechi 145W USB-C meets your needs.
GaN technology combined with graphene, here is a winning formula
One of the advantages of chargers that adopt GaN technology is that their new transistors allow them to operate more efficiently, with reduced heat production.
The Satechi 145W USB-C has an additional feature to maintain its coolness: the use of graphene as a thermal insulator. This innovative material actively regulates heat dissipation, preventing the charger from becoming more than slightly hot. Indeed, during my tests, the charger remained moderately warm, without ever becoming hot, even when delivering its maximum rated power over long periods of time.
A travel charger wouldn’t be complete if it wasn’t able to adapt to different power outlets. Also, it comes with four interchangeable international adapters (EU/AU/UK/US), supplemented by a mesh bag to transport it more conveniently when traveling.
Purchasing advice for the Satechi 145W USB-C charger
I was going to write that this is one of the best travel chargers I’ve ever tested, but that would be a lie. Because it’s the best travel adapter (which is even better) that I’ve tested.
There is a downside though: while everything I take with me on a trip can now only be charged via USB-C, it may be different for you if you still need a USB-A port. So keep that in mind.
Otherwise, if what matters most to you in a travel charger is power output, temperature, or compatibility in various countries, this Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger takes the cake.