Best PD PPS travel chargers: compact GaN picks for every trip
TL;DR:
- Pick PD 3.0 or 3.1 with PPS for Samsung and modern Android.
- 65W three-port GaN bricks cover a laptop and a phone.
- Apple 140W needs PD 3.1 for peak MacBook charging.
- Under 100 Wh for power banks on flights is the rule.
- Carry two small chargers for redundancy on the road.
You want one plug that handles a laptop, a phone, and maybe a camera. The right choice is a compact GaN charger with USB-C Power Delivery and PPS. Here are clear picks that balance size, speed, and safety.
Quick picks
- Best small 3-port, 65–67W: Anker Prime 67W GaN. It supports PD and PPS, runs cool, and travels light. Android Authority’s tests name it a top all-rounder.
- Best value 65W multiport: Ugreen Nexode 65W or 100W GaN. PD 3.0 or 3.1, PPS support, compact, good for two devices. TechAdvisor highlights Ugreen’s higher-power desk variants too.
- Best for Samsung 45W “Super Fast Charging 2.0”: Samsung 45W USB-C charger remains a safe match for PPS profiles that trigger Samsung’s 45W mode.
- Best high-power multi-device hub at home base: Ugreen Nexode 500W desktop charger supports PD 3.1 with huge headroom. Not pocketable, but great for group travel in rentals.
- Power bank pairing for flights: Anker’s 26,250 mAh Prime power bank is airline-friendly at 99.75 Wh and fast both ways.
What PD and PPS mean
USB Power Delivery is the standard for safe fast charging. PPS, or Programmable Power Supply, rides on PD and lets a charger fine-tune voltage and current during a session. Many modern Android phones, like Samsung flagships, need PPS for peak speeds. PD can exist without PPS, so check specs.
How many watts do you need
- Phones and tablets: 20–45W is fine with PPS.
- Ultrabooks and Air-class laptops: 60–67W covers most.
- MacBook Pro 14 or 16 at peak: look for PD 3.1 96–140W on at least one port.
Android Authority’s 2025 roundups found 65–67W multiport GaN chargers to be the best travel compromise. They are small, efficient, and support PPS.
Airline and hotel tips
Most airlines allow power banks under 100 Wh in carry-on, not checked bags. A 26,000 mAh bank at 3.7 V is about 96 Wh, which fits. Bring a short high-quality 100W USB-C cable. In hotel rooms, a 3-port brick saves outlets.
In-seat USB-C power is rising. Many cabins target 60 W per USB-C port, enough for light laptops and tablets. Do not count on every seat to deliver that yet, so your own charger still matters.
Recommended chargers for different travelers
One-bag business traveler
- Anker Prime 67W GaN, 3-port: charges a 13-inch laptop at 65W, plus phone and earbuds, with PPS.
- Samsung user who wants guaranteed 45W
- Samsung 45W USB-C: the official brick matches Samsung’s PPS profiles for “Super Fast Charging 2.0.” Pair it with a 5 A e-marked cable for best results.
- Remote-work group in an Airbnb
- Ugreen Nexode 200–500W desktop chargers: several PD 3.1 ports, enough to run multiple laptops. Not for a sling bag, ideal as a shared power station.
Power bank to stay mobile between meetings
- Anker Prime 26k power bank: under 100 Wh, fast refill with dual-C input, handy display.
Buying checklist
- Look for USB-C PD plus PPS in the spec sheet.
- Prefer GaN for small size and cooler operation.
- Ensure one port can hit your laptop’s rated wattage.
- Carry two compact bricks rather than one big one, for redundancy.
Why it matters
The right charger removes weight and stress while keeping every device topped up. PD with PPS gives you speed and safety across platforms, from Samsung to MacBook. Airlines keep adding seat power, but your own charger remains the surest plan.
Sources:
- Android Authority, “The best USB-C chargers 2025,” https://www.androidauthority.com/best-usb-c-wall-chargers-3496950/, 2025-03-15
- TechAdvisor, “The best USB-C laptop PD chargers for 2025,” https://www.techadvisor.com/article/724286/best-usbc-power-delivery-chargers.html, 2025-02-13
- Samsung, “45W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger,” https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/mobile-accessories/phones/45w-usb-c-fast-charging-wall-charger-black-ep-ta845xbegus/, accessed 2025-10-06
- The Verge, “Ugreen’s new desk charger can power five laptops at once,” https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/5/24328396/ugreen-nexode-500w-desktop-charger-usb-c-240w-power-delivery, 2025-01-05
- The Verge, “Anker’s fastest airline-friendly power bank is now available,” https://www.theverge.com/news/787213/anker-prime-power-bank-300w-battery-portable-charger-airline-friendly, 2025-09-30
- Mid Continent Controls, “USB-C PD in the Sky: why 60 W per port is becoming baseline,” https://www.midcontinentcontrols.com/news-media/usb-c-power-delivery-in-the-sky-why-60-w-per-port-is-becoming-the-new-baseline, 2025-08-19

