Back to Home

65W USB-C: Worth It or Overkill?

By Marcus Chen Updated: February 2025 7 min read

When I travel, I used to pack three chargers: one for my MacBook, one for my iPad, and one for my phone. My bag looked like a cable store exploded inside it. The promise of a single charger that handles everything seemed too good to be true.

Three months ago, I switched to a 65W GaN (Gallium Nitride) USB-C charger with three ports. Here's what actually happened.

USB-C wall charger plugged into outlet Photo: Pixabay

The Size Difference Is Real

I put my old 61W Apple charger next to this 65W GaN charger. The difference is embarrassing - the new one is literally half the size. GaN technology isn't just marketing speak; it actually allows for smaller, cooler chargers.

In my bag, this freed up enough space for an extra pair of socks. Sounds silly, but when you're packing light for a week-long trip, every bit of space counts.

Power Distribution Reality

Here's where marketing meets reality. The charger is rated at 65W, but that's the maximum for a single device. When I plug in multiple devices, the power gets split. After extensive testing, here's what actually happens:

  • MacBook alone: Full 65W, charges from 0-100% in about 1.5 hours
  • MacBook + iPhone: MacBook gets ~45W, iPhone gets ~18W
  • All three devices: MacBook ~40W, iPad ~15W, iPhone ~10W

Power Split Test Results

With all three devices connected, total charging time increased by about 40% compared to charging separately. Still faster than using three separate slower chargers.

Heat Management

GaN chargers run cooler than traditional silicon chargers, but "cooler" is relative. After charging my MacBook for an hour, the charger surface measured 45°C (113°F). That's warm to the touch but completely safe.

The one time I was concerned: during a hot summer day when ambient temperature hit 32°C (90°F), the charger got uncomfortably warm. The charging speed seemed to throttle slightly. Not dangerous, but something to be aware of.

Smartphone connected to charger Photo: Pixabay

Build Quality After 3 Months

I'm not gentle with my gear. This charger has been thrown in bags, dropped on hotel floors, and generally treated like the workhorse it is. So far, no issues. The ports are still tight, the prongs haven't loosened, and there's no visible wear.

One thing I appreciate: the prongs fold. Such a simple feature, but it prevents them from stabbing everything in your bag.

Compatibility Notes

Tested with the following devices:

  • MacBook Air M2 - Full speed, no issues
  • MacBook Pro 14" - Works, but 65W is slightly below its 67W maximum
  • iPad Pro 12.9" - Fast charging works
  • iPhone 14 Pro - Fast charging at expected speeds
  • Nintendo Switch - Charges in dock mode and handheld
  • Steam Deck - Charges while playing

The Bottom Line

Is 65W overkill? For most people, no. If you have a laptop that supports USB-C charging, this is the perfect single-charger solution. You'll charge faster than with lower-wattage chargers, and you'll free up space in your bag.

If you only charge phones and tablets, a 30W charger would be plenty. But if you've ever wished you didn't need to bring your laptop's bulky charger on trips, this category of product is the answer.

My Verdict: 9/10

Pros: Compact size, charges everything, good build quality, cool operation
Cons: Power splits when using multiple ports, slightly warm under heavy load

I purchased this charger with my own money. This review reflects my honest experience after 3 months of heavy travel use.