Anker’s 6-Port Charger: The Ultimate Desk Detox or Just Another Power Brick?

Today, we’re diving into the latest offering from Anker, a company that seems to believe the answer to every modern problem is “just add another port.” Their new 6-port USB charger promises to declutter your desk, supercharge your devices, and maybe, just maybe, restore a sliver of sanity to your daily tech routine. But does it deliver, or is it just another overhyped power brick destined to gather dust behind your monitor? Let’s dissect this patient on the operating table of consumer electronics and find out.

The Promise: One Charger to Rule Them All

First, let’s talk about the headline feature: six charging ports. That’s right, folks—three USB-C and three USB-A, all crammed into a device roughly the size of a deck of cards (81.6 x 70 x 32mm, for those who like their measurements precise). Anker claims this little box can simultaneously charge your smartphone, tablet, laptop, wireless earbuds, smartwatch, and probably your neighbor’s pacemaker, all without breaking a sweat.

On paper, it’s a compelling proposition. If you’re anything like me, your desk currently resembles a battlefield, with charging cables snaking across every available surface, each one vying for a precious spot in the wall socket. The idea of consolidating all that chaos into a single, sleek hub is undeniably appealing. It’s like performing a successful heart bypass on your workspace—suddenly, everything flows smoothly, and you can breathe easy again.

Power Output: More Watts Than a Light Show

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The real question is, can this charger actually deliver the juice it promises? Anker boasts a total output of 112W, with the central USB-C port offering a beefy 30W, the other two USB-C ports providing 20W each, and the USB-A ports dishing out 18W and 12W respectively. That’s enough to fast-charge an iPhone 16 to 50% in about 30 minutes, or keep a MacBook Air humming along without breaking a sweat.

Of course, there’s a catch. If you’re the type who likes to plug in every device you own simultaneously, you’ll need to do a bit of power budgeting. The total output is shared across all ports, so if you’re charging a laptop, tablet, and phone at the same time, don’t expect each device to get the full advertised wattage. It’s a bit like triaging patients in the ER—some will get the VIP treatment, while others will have to wait their turn.

Safety Features: Because Nobody Likes a Meltdown

Now, let’s talk about safety. Anker has equipped this charger with a suite of six protection systems, including temperature control, overcurrent, and overvoltage safeguards. They’ve even gone so far as to use GaN (gallium nitride) technology, which not only improves efficiency but also keeps the device cool under pressure. It’s like having a team of highly trained nurses monitoring your charger’s vital signs 24/7, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.

In practice, this means you can leave your devices plugged in overnight without worrying about waking up to the smell of burning plastic. It’s a level of peace of mind that’s sorely lacking in many cheap, no-name chargers flooding the market these days. Anker’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, and this device does nothing to tarnish it.

Design and Usability: Form Meets Function (Mostly)

From a design perspective, the charger is refreshingly minimalist. The matte black finish is understated, and the included silicone cable holder is a thoughtful touch, helping to keep your cords organized and your desk looking less like a spaghetti factory. The 1.5-meter power cord is long enough to reach most outlets without forcing you to rearrange your entire workspace—a small but significant detail.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The charger’s compact size means the ports are packed in fairly tightly, which can make plugging and unplugging cables a bit fiddly, especially if you have larger connectors. It’s a minor annoyance, but one that could become grating over time—like a persistent cough that just won’t go away.

Port Selection: A Relic of the Past?

One area where Anker’s offering feels a bit dated is the inclusion of three USB-A ports. While it’s true that many devices still use this older standard, the industry is rapidly moving towards USB-C as the universal connector. In a year or two, those USB-A ports may feel as obsolete as a stethoscope in a world of MRI machines. It would have been nice to see at least one more USB-C port, if only to future-proof the device a bit more.

Price: Premium or Painless?

At 4,990 yen (roughly $45 USD at the time of writing), this charger isn’t exactly cheap. But considering the build quality, safety features, and sheer convenience it offers, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t worth the investment. Think of it as preventative medicine for your tech setup—spend a little now to avoid bigger headaches down the line.

The Verdict: A Healthy Addition to Your Desk, With a Few Caveats

So, is Anker’s 6-port charger the miracle cure for your charging woes? In many ways, yes. It’s powerful, versatile, and thoughtfully designed, with enough safety features to put your mind at ease. It won’t solve every problem—those USB-A ports may feel outdated sooner than you’d like, and the tight port spacing can be a minor annoyance—but overall, it’s a solid addition to any tech enthusiast’s arsenal.

If you’re tired of juggling multiple chargers and want to streamline your setup, this device is well worth considering. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege—and maybe keep a few spare USB-C cables on hand for when the inevitable transition away from USB-A finally arrives.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is entirely my opinion.

Source: Ankerに働き者なチャージャーあり。6台同時充電でデスク周りスッキリだ, https://www.lifehacker.jp/article/2501-amazon-ankercharge112w6portsgan