Anker’s first gallium nitride (GaN) charger — the 30W PowerPort Atom PD 1 — was interesting, largely due to its size, but it was less practical due to its low power and single USB-C port. The company’s new GaN charger, the aptly named PowerPort Atom PD 2, looks to solve most of those issues with 60W of power, a second USB-C port, and an improved design.
Anker’s new 60W USB-C GaN charger looks like the one we’ve been waiting for
The prince that was promised?
The prince that was promised?
Image: Anker
The changes are obvious just by looking at the Atom PD 2. Where the Atom PD 1 looks like a beefier iPhone brick, the PD 2 is more in line with one of Apple’s MacBook Pro chargers. At 60W, it’s much more suited to charging a MacBook Pro (or another USB-C laptop), too.
Image: Anker
Unlike Apple’s bundled charger, the Atom PD 2 offers two USB-C ports, instead of just one. That might not seem like much, but given the universal nature of USB-C, it’s the difference between traveling with a second charger for your phone / headphones or not. Plus, Anker says that the GaN design means that, despite the extra port, it’s still the “smallest 60W USB-C Power Delivery charger on the market.” (Although this Innergie 60C charger on Amazon would seem to contradict that claim.)
Like the original Atom PD 1, the new PD 2 charger supports the USB-C PD (Power Delivery) standard (aka the good one), meaning it should charge nearly any USB-C device at full speed, assuming it’s rated for 60W or less. Owners of the biggest and most powerful USB-C laptops that need 80W or 100W of power will still need to look elsewhere for now, but for most people, it should get the job done. The Atom PD 2 can only supply the full 60W to one device. When multiple devices are plugged in, the charger will intelligently manage power based on demand.
The Anker PowerPort PD 2 is set to go on sale on April 29th for $54.99.
Update April 24th, 5:45pm: Added note that Anker’s charger may not be the smallest 60W USB-C PD charger.
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
