Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Review scaled

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For the past couple of years, Ugreen and Anker have been pushing the boundaries of charging solutions with each brand trading blows with the new products they launch.

I have previously reviewed the superb Anker Prime 12000mAh Power Bank and Anker 737 power bank, and recently, Ugreen launched its equivalent products, the PB721 130W 20000mAh &  PB724 100W 12000mAh power banks. While they were not as good as the Anker models, they were priced lower and  both excellent.

I have also reviewed the Ugreen Nexode 300W 5-Port PD GaN Desk Charger and Ugreen Nexode 200W USB-C GaN Charger, and now Anker has launched the 250W GaNPrime Charging Station and  200W GaN Charging Station.

Anker has kindly sent me the Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Review with one of the new 240W USB-C cables, so let’s see how it compares to the Ugreen models.

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Specification

Model numberA2683
Anker Charger (200W, 6 Ports)The Supercharged 6-in-1 Desktop Charging Station
InputThe Supercharged 6-in-1 Desktop Charging Station
USB-C Output100-240V~, 3.2-2.5A, 50-60Hz
USB-C OutputUSB-C1 / C2 / C3 / C4: 5.0V⎓3.0A, 15.0W / 9.0V⎓3.0A, 27.0W / 10.0V⎓2.25A, 22.5W / 15.0V⎓3.0A, 45.0W / 20.0V⎓5.0A, 100.0W (100.0W Max)
Dimensions
4.4 × 3.0 × 1.4 in / 112 × 76 × 35 mm
Weight1.24 lb / 563 g
Note 1When using two USB-C ports simultaneously, each can deliver up to 100W max output. For 100W output, use E-Marker chip cables; output depends on the device’s max input power and may vary during different charging phases.
Note 2Ensure the AC cord is fully inserted into the charger and the outlet before use. If charging is not possible, please reinsert the AC cord.
Note 3We recommend using the provided AC cord or a standard C7 2-pin AC cord with a current rating greater than 3.2A.
Note4Desktop charger products do not require grounding. The AC cord has double insulation protection, and the product is UL and CB certified for safe use.
Note5The exterior casing is plastic with a metallic coating. It is safe and reliable for use.

Features

  • Ultra-Powerful USB-C Desktop Charger: Experience the convenience of powering six devices at once with Anker Prime charging station’s ultra-powerful 200W output.
  • Each USB-C Supports 100W Max: When using two USB-C ports simultaneously, each can provide up to 100W of power, transforming charging times for high-demand devices. Charge two 14″ MacBook Pros to 50% in just 28 minutes.
  • 6 Devices, 1 Charger: Power six devices simultaneously in one convenient location, keeping all your tech ready and fully charged. It’s the ideal USB-C desktop charger for managing multiple devices.
  • The USB-C Charger That Protects: Anker’s exclusive MultiProtect and ActiveShield 3.0 system deliver comprehensive safety, continuously monitoring charging temperatures to ensure your devices charge safely.
  • What You Get: Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 Ports, GaN), 5 ft AC power cord, welcome guide, 24-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Unboxing / Design

Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Design

The Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station comes in a sleek, compact package. Inside, you will find the charging station itself, a 5 ft AC power cord, and a welcome guide. The station’s design is minimalistic yet functional, with a glossy black front and a silver body. It is heavier than typical chargers, weighing in at 563 grams, which may be a consideration for those who travel frequently. The weight is a result of its robust build and the inclusion of high-capacity components necessary for delivering up to 200W of power.

Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Ports

The port configuration is straightforward: four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. Each USB-C port can deliver up to 100W, making it possible to charge two high-demand devices, such as laptops, simultaneously at maximum speed. The USB-A ports can deliver up to 22.5W each, which is sufficient for charging smaller devices like smartphones and earbuds.

The Anker Prime 240W USB-C Charging Cable is also included in the package. This cable is designed to handle extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from -40°F to 176°F, and has a bend durability rated for over 300,000 bends. While it is primarily a charging cable, it can also handle data transfers at USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps), though it would be beneficial if Anker offered higher-speed data transfer options.

Port Configuration

The port layout of the Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station is straightforward and user-friendly:

  • 4 x USB-C ports: Each capable of delivering up to 100W output
  • 2 x USB-A ports: Suitable for charging devices that still rely on this older standard

This configuration offers flexibility for users with a mix of devices, from high-power laptops to smartphones and accessories. The ability to deliver 100W from each USB-C port (but a maximum of 200W total output) when two are in use is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for simultaneous fast charging of two power-hungry devices like laptops.

Anker Prime 240W USB-C Charging Cable

  • Ultra-Powerful 240W Charging: Lead a more efficient life with the capability to boost a 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) to 50% in just 26 minutes, thanks to the 240W power. (Note: This cable does not support screen mirroring.)
  • 100-Year Bend Durability: Engineered to withstand over 300,000 bends, this cable offers peace of mind for decades to come.
  • Extreme Temperature Resilience: Keep your devices powered in any climate, performing flawlessly even after 72 hours in extreme temperatures from -40°F to 176°F. (Note: Please check that your devices can operate in extreme environments before use.)
  • Sustainably Made Cable: Support a greener future with each use, featuring an outer layer crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
  • What You Get: Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W, Upcycled-Braided), cord organiser, welcome guide, 24-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Anker also sent me their latest Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C cable, which is available in 6ft or 3ft priced at £20 and £23, respectively.

It didn’t really deserve a review by itself, but it is a good quality cable which Anker claims to be able to withstand 300,000+ bends and can support up to 99kg.

While this is an excellent cable for charging, I find it odd that Anker doesn’t manufacture any cables designed for data. This can do 480Mbps data transfers, making it conform to USB 2.0 standards. I would love them to product a USB4 cable or even just USB 3.

That being said, the cable is good and works as advertised. No products have gone up to 240W yet, but this cable easily handles 120W.

Performance

Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Testing the output

The Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station delivers impressive performance in real-world use. When testing with multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, the charger consistently provided fast and efficient charging across all ports.

The ability to deliver 100W to two devices simultaneously is particularly useful for users with multiple high-power devices. In practice, this means you can charge two laptops at full speed or a combination of a laptop and a tablet or smartphone at their maximum charging rates.

During my testing, I used the Anker 737 power bank, various Ugreen power banks, an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Portable Power Station, and the Zhiyun Molus X100, which takes up to 100W PD at full power.

Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Charging an Anker power bank

With the Anker power bank connected and the Zhiyun, the devices showed 100W on the lights and 88W on the power bank. The lower reading on the power bank will be due to inefficiencies of charging the battery.

The GaN technology employed in the charger helps to manage heat efficiently, even under high loads. During extended use, the charger does warm up, but not to concerning levels. The ActiveShield 3.0 system appears to do its job in monitoring and managing temperatures effectively.

One minor drawback is the lack of a display or indicator lights to show the current power output or status of each port. While not essential, such a feature could provide useful information to users managing multiple devices. If a display would be useful to you then there is the 250W Anker Prime Charger but this is £170 RRP.

The Anker Prime 240W USB-C cable performs as advertised, handling high-power charging without issues. Its durability claims are difficult to verify in a short-term review, but the build quality feels robust, and the cable shows no signs of wear after repeated use and bending.

Price and Alternative Options

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The Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station has an RRP of £79.99 and is available on Amazon now.

The Ugreen Nexode 200W launched at £200 but is currently available for £100.

The more powerful 300W Ugreen Nexode launched at £170 and is currently available for £130.

Verdict

Overall, the Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station is a superb charging device to have on your desk. It can power most laptops easily, other than demanding gaming laptops, and it can easily charge multiple other devices at the same time.

I like the form factor, too, I think the flatter, wider design is more desk-friendly than the Ugreen options and, more importantly, it is at a lower price point than the 200W Ugreen charger.

Due to the attractive pricing, high power output and plenty of USB ports, this desk charger gets a strong recommendation from me.

Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station Review

Summary

Overall, the Anker Prime 200W GaN Charging Station is a superb charging device to have on your desk. It can power most laptops easily, other than demanding gaming laptops, and it can easily charge multiple other devices at the same time.

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Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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