Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W review: Portable power
A charger to master them all. This is increasingly the goal of modern charging brands, and the Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W adapter is designed to do just that. We are designed to charge both laptops and smartphones, and we have high expectations for the Anker charger. Especially since it’s one of the bigger names in the charging accessory game. We ran the adapter through our series of charging tests to see how well it worked with a selection of modern devices. Check out Android Authority Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W Review to find out what this multi-port charger has in store.
Other proposals: The best accessories for phone charging
What you need to know about the Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W
Recognition: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
- Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W: $ 40.99 / £ 39.99 / € 45.99
With one 45 W USB-C and two 2.4 A USB-A ports, the 3-port charger Anker PowerPort III is designed as a one-stop shop for all your charging needs. The connector can distribute up to 65 W to the ports and offers sufficient power and connections for charging a laptop, tablet and smartphone at the same time. This setup goes without saying at around $ 40, although competing products quickly include multiple USB-C ports for modern devices.
Anker also sets up this charger as an ideal travel companion. Unlike many other wall plugs on the market, the charger comes with interchangeable US, UK and EU adapters that allow you to cover most of the world.
The PowerPort III 3-Port is only available in white in the well-known anchor manner. The glossy plastic case is well built and sturdy enough to withstand a drop or two. No USB cables are included in the scope of delivery.
What is good?
Recognition: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
With up to 45 W via the USB-C connection, the Anker PowerPort III 3-Port has enough power to charge smartphones, tablets and smaller laptops. The USB-C port still puts out a full 45W when you plug one or more USB-A devices into the other ports to ensure your power hungry devices are always charged quickly. Customers with more powerful laptops may need a charger that can deliver 60W or more on a single port.
The adapter is also very efficient when charging. I got an average wall-to-gadget conversion of 82.2% even with multiple devices charging, although slow charging via the USB-A ports can drop to around 78% efficiency.
What I really like about this particular Anker charger are the interchangeable plugs. Anker uses a simple but highly effective two-terminal system that is ideal for quickly exchanging US, UK and EU connectors, all of which are included. It’s a solid charging companion for those who travel regularly.
What’s not so good?
Recognition: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Unfortunately, the Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W only supports two fast charging standards. The USB-C port supports USB Power Delivery, but not the more modern PPS variant. That means there’s no optimal fast-charging for newer Samsung Galaxy phones here. The two USB-A ports offer Apple 2.4A functions. While this is slightly faster than a standard USB-A port, it is not optimal for devices that use Quick Charge or other popular standards.
Continue reading: What is USB Power Delivery and how does it work?
Even with compatible devices, we didn’t get the fastest possible loading speed we’ve ever seen. The Microsoft Surface Book X was powered by just 30W of power from the charger, although this tablet can be a bit fussy. An Honor MagicBook Pro also consumed 40.5 W instead of the full 45 W promised by the USB-C port.
Anker PowerPort III 65 W charging test with 3 connections | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Apple iPhone 12 Pro max | Microsoft Surface Book X. | Honor MagicBook Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|
USB-C performance test | 14.0 W / 25 W. 8.62 V, 1.62 A. | 20 W / 20 W. 8.71 V, 2.57 A. | 30.1 W / 60 W. 19.3 V, 1.6 A. | 40.5 W / 65 W. 19.2 V, 2.11 A. |
USB-C energy efficiency | 82.1%, good. | 84.8%, very good. | 83.5%, good. | 83.0%, good. |
USB-A performance test | 8.8 W / 25 W. 5.1 V, 1.72 A. | 12.1 W / 20 W. 5.12 V, 2.36 A. | 9.0 W / 65 W. 4.67 V, 1.93 A. | |
USB-A energy efficiency | 82.0%, good. | 82.2%, good. | 78.4%, OK. |
While this plug works pretty well for Apple fans who want to charge multiple devices at the same time. However, it is not the best fast charging solution if you have a wide range of devices with a variety of fast charging standards. Finally, it’s slightly larger than competing 65W plugs, too, though it certainly isn’t overly bulky.
Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W review: should I buy it?
Recognition: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W is a great choice for those looking for a well-built charger to power multiple devices while traveling. Unfortunately, due to the limited range of USB-A charging standards, this is a better option for Apple customers than Android customers. Especially those who hold on to older handsets.
Anker’s PowerPort III 3-Port 65W is a good charger for Apple users.
The charger is also not up to date. Anyone looking for a more up-to-date alternative with USB Power Delivery PPS support should take a look at the Elecjet X21 GaN Pro. Anker also has its own PPS-compatible connector with the PowerPort III Pod and 65 W power for laptops, but only offers a single USB-C port. If you are looking for a more compact USB-C charger, you might also like the Aukey Omnia 65W PD GaN.
Nevertheless, Ankers PowerPort III 3-Port 65W is otherwise a good charger. Especially for traveling Apple users. Just make sure it suits the fast charging needs of your specific devices before picking one up.
Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65W Built for travel
With an output of 45 W for phones and laptops, two USB-A ports for older Apple devices and three interchangeable international plugs, the Anker PowerPort III 3-Port 65 W has everything you need for charging.