We’ve had the pleasure of reviewing multiple Anker charging products in the past, like the 10,000 mAh 30W Power Bank, which I still use today. However, The Anker Prime Charger differs from what we’ve seen before. In its newer 250W, 6 port form, this GaNPrime desktop charger essentially acts as your go-to charging station for any smart device you can think of. Phones, laptops, tablets, you name it.
Along with the included 2.26-inch LCD and side knob for easy control, it’s one of the most efficient ways to charge multiple devices, not only individually, but all at once.
Design
For a unit that can provide so much power, the Anker Prime is relatively small. It measures only 10.6 x 4 x 9.3cm and weighs only 640g. That sounds unimportant given it’s not a portable charger of sorts, but it’s entirely willing to go on a trip with you if there’s a power point waiting on the other end.
The 2.26 LCD screen allows you to navigate a bunch of options with an included twisting knob on the side. The knob can be pushed in to select something, be it a particular port or charging setting. There are four USB-C charging ports and two older USB-A ports around the side, which is a nice touch for the sake of versatility.
Other than that, there’s not much to report on the Anker Prime, but I do appreciate how small it is and how well it into any desk space or even a kitchen bench or central location where multiple users and devices can be dropped off to charge.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of performance, the Anker Prime packs in all the goods. The four USB-C ports as mentioned earlier and two USB-A ports provide a whopping 250 watts of power to charge all your devices. But surprisingly enough, it’s not just about charging. There are a few interesting ways to utilise the ports on offer.
For example, the first USB-C port, labelled C1, can output 140W and is the toughest of the bunch. I recommend charging for beefier and more powerful devices like laptops here, such as the 16-inch MacBook Pro. This port even allows for fast charging, which makes a huge difference.
The remaining three USB-C ports, labelled C2, C3, and C4 can charge up to 100W, making it more than enough for phones, tablets and anything in between. Those remaining 2 USB-A ports can punch out up to 22.5W and I would recommend them mainly for older devices that don’t require as much juice.
Within the settings, however, you’ll also be able to customize the power each port provides and select from a bunch of pre-set modes which can make the job a little easier. Firstly, Port Priority Mode will allow you to choose which two ports will output the most power at any given time. For example, you can run 100W, 45W, 45W, and 45W through each of the 4 USB-C ports and the remaining 15W, is split between the dual USB-A ports.
There is also a Dual-Laptop Mode which puts the majority of the power in the first two USB-C ports. There’s also a Low Current Mode to help with lighter and smaller devices, and finally, an AI Power Mode, which I think might be the most useful of the bunch. If you don’t know what’s capable of charging at what speeds, this latter mode will probably feel the most impactful.
Thankfully, the Anker Prime is a GaN charger, meaning it’s made with Gallium Nitride, a material that’s used for semiconductors in chargers. This means it can charge faster, can be made with a smaller design in mind, and is generally better for your battery in the long run, as it can learn device charging patterns and capacities on the fly.
Finally, the Anker Prime can even connect to Wi-Fi and be used as a clock. I guess it looks like an alarm clock in terms of its design, but I feel like this feature will probably go underutilised and at worst unnoticed simply because it doesn’t add much. There are a couple of styles to choose from, but as it doesn’t provide an alarm, nor is something you would put on your bedside table, there’s not really much to it.
Overall, the Anker Prime is incredibly versatile and mighty for its size. It’s not only a great way to charge multiple devices without the hassle of multiple power bricks and remembering what charges what device, but also a great way to spread the power amongst any smart device you can think of. While the various modes might only apply to some, I think all will benefit from the amount of power and versatility this provides, somewhere down the line.
Software
The Anker Prime can be connected to Wi-Fi with the Anker companion app, which is essential if you want to utilise certain features like the clock. While it’s clean enough and easy to navigate, there’s not much to do here that can’t be done on the actual device itself. You can still adjust modes and monitor the power each input is providing on the fly, but it’s only a decent option if you’re not actually in the room with it.
But, if you don’t want to get up and adjust this in person, you do have the ability to schedule times for the device to turn on and off so that things aren’t charging all day long, in case you forget.
Verdict & Value
The Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 ports, GaNPrime) is one of the best home solutions for charging all of your devices. Its small and sleek form factor makes it an easy fit for any space, and its easy controls and multiple modes make it a breeze to use, even for those who don’t know about what they’re charging but want to get the most out of it.
The side knob is minimal yet functional, while the display generally gives you a good indicator of what you need to know. While the clock function feels a little pointless at times, I don’t think it detracts in any way from the overall experience. If the premium price tag suits, it’s hard not to recommend.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Small form factor; Incredibly versatile; Easy to use
Lowlights: The clock function feels a little pointless
Manufacturer: Anker
Price: A$299.95
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Anker and is currently available via the Anker official website.
All images are supplied by Anker.
