How to choose a charger for several devices
A practical checklist for picking one charger for a laptop, phone and accessories, without overpaying or ending up with slow ports.
One charger for everything is convenient, but only if it actually keeps up. Work through these steps.
1. List what you’ll charge at the same time
Not everything you own, just what’s plugged in together. A laptop and phone overnight is a different requirement from a laptop, phone, tablet and earbuds at a desk.
2. Note each device’s power need
Use the wattage of the charger that came with each device, or its spec sheet. Round up. Watches and earbuds need only a few watts.
3. Check the right row of the allocation table
Find the scenario that matches step 1, then check each port meets each device’s need. The total wattage on the box is not enough. See why multi-port chargers split power.
4. Count port types
Most laptops and recent phones need USB-C. USB-A ports are useful for older cables and small accessories.
5. Decide what you’ll trade
- Smaller and lighter usually means less power while sharing.
- More ports often means weaker secondary ports.
- More headroom costs size and weight.
6. Don’t forget the cable
Above 60W you need a cable rated for 5A. See does your USB-C cable matter?
The WattAPick finder does steps 3 and 4 for you, and tells you when the manufacturer hasn’t published enough data to be sure.