Anker’s new dual-headed USB-C cable charges two devices at once


Anker’s trying something new that could potentially cut the number of cables you need to wrangle in half. Its 2-in-1 USB-C cable allows two devices to simultaneously charge from a single USB-C port with built-in “Smart Power Management” that automatically adjusts power distribution based on “each device’s power needs.”
The four-foot-long cable features a single USB-C port on one end that splits into a pair of USB-C ports on the other, each with a foot of cable that can be shortened as needed to keep things neat and tidy. It’s all wrapped in a durable sheath that Anker promises will survive “over 10,000 bends.”
Supporting the PD, PPS, and PIQ 2.0 USB power delivery protocols, Anker’s 2-in-1 charging cable can deliver up to 140W of power when connecting a single device to a power adapter. With two devices connected, such as a laptop and a smartphone, the maximum power delivery drops to 130W if one of the devices is drawing more than 100W. If neither device needs that much juice, the cable’s total power delivery is reduced and will not exceed 100W.
Anker has provided some additional details on how the 2-in-1’s automatic power management works. If two laptops are plugged in at the same time to a single USB-C power source, the first one plugged in will receive more power. When charging two devices from a slower 60W power adapter, such as a laptop and smartphone, the computer will only receive 30W of power, while the phone will be limited to just 13.5W. Not surprisingly, you’ll want to stick with a beefier USB-C power adapter to take full advantage of this 2-in-1 cable’s capabilities.
Data transfer is also supported, but unfortunately, Anker’s new 2-in-1 cable doesn’t function as a USB-C hub. Only the first device connected will be able to share data, and transfers are limited to 480Mbps USB 2.0 speeds.
Although we haven’t had the opportunity to test the new cable ourselves, it seems like it may require you to upgrade your USB-C power adapter to something with a little more kick. But at $25, the Anker 2-in-1 USB-C charging cable is a tempting upgrade if the inside of your everyday carry is looking like a rat’s nest of wires.
Anker’s trying something new that could potentially cut the number of cables you need to wrangle in half. Its 2-in-1 USB-C cable allows two devices to simultaneously charge from a single USB-C port with built-in “Smart Power Management” that automatically adjusts power distribution based on “each device’s power needs.” The…
Recent Posts
- Alexa Plus explained: 9 things you need to know about Amazon’s new AI-powered assistant
- All of the announcements from Amazon’s Alexa Plus event
- Max’s ad-supported tier is losing CNN and the Bleacher Report
- Victrola’s cheapest Sonos-compatible turntable is over half off today
- Amazon’s AI-heavy Alexa+ will be accessible on the web
Archives
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- September 2018
- October 2017
- December 2011
- August 2010