Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review: interactive, customizable charging doesn't come cheap
· TechRadarTechRadar Verdict
The Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W is an impressively customizable, high-speed, sleek offering that's sure to fulfil all of your charging needs. With six ports, multiple power modes and port-priority options, you'll be able to easily manage battery life across your devices, but this won't come cheap. If you're willing to pay a premium price for a premium product, you'd struggle to find many better multi-port charging stations.
Pros
- +Six speedy charging ports
- +Smart power controls
- +Great customizability
Cons
- -Steep price point
- -Excessive if you only regularly charge a couple of devices
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Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review
When I say charging station how do you feel? Are you filled with great excitement and enthusiasm? If not, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W, will almost certainly change that.
This charging station has six charging ports – four USB-C and two USB-A. You can monitor the electricity output levels for each port via the station’s onboard screen to ensure each device is getting the appropriate levels of power.
However, let’s say you’re charging six devices, but you want to ensure your phone gets back to 100% quickly. Fear not – with the Port Priority option, you can ensure your phone charges without delay. That’s not to say this station can’t handle six devices at once, of course. With a maximum output of 250W, you’ll likely have more than enough power to go around your phones, laptops, tablets and more.
I used the default charging configuration during testing, AI Power Mode. This uses artificial intelligence to optimize power allocation across the station. However, there are also three other modes – Port Priority, Dual-Laptop and Low Current mode. Most will find that the default is perfectly capable of performing their charging chores.
What I really like about this station is how many neat features it offers, making it easily one of the best Android chargers and best iPhone chargers. If you download the Anker app, you can connect to the charging station via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can add a clock screensaver to the station, with a number of different designs to choose from. The Anker app also lets you view real-time data on power output, schedule power on/off, and adjust the station's screen brightness.
One odd but welcome nugget is Secret Features, which includes a collection of fun animations for the station’s screen if you complete hidden tasks (such as switching Port Priority on and off 10 times).
So what’s the catch? Well, this station has a list price of $169.99 / £169.99, a lot to invest in what is, at the end of the day, just a multi-port charger. However, if you want a feature-rich, speedy station that’s perfect for your work desk, it’s not going to get much better than this. Ultimately, Anker has delivered a top-quality product here, but it's going to be a lot more than most people need.
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review: Price & specs
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| Price | $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250) |
| Total power output | 250W |
| Number of ports | 6 |
| Port type(s) | 4x USB-C, 2x USB-A |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 1.6 x 3.6 inches / 106.2 x 40.1 x 92.5mm |
Should I buy the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W?
Buy it if…
There are a lot of devices at your desk
With six available charging ports, you’re unlikely to be left wanting more. Four ports are USB-C, two are USB-A – so you’ll be ready to charge all of your devices.
You want a feature-rich charging solution
This station has an impressively long list of features, including port prioritization, power modes, screensavers and more. There's even a companion app.
Don't buy it if…
You’re on a tight budget
You’re gonna have to pay a pretty penny for this one. At $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250), if you want a six-port charger, Anker also offers a screenless 200W alternative at half this price.
You only need to charge one or two devices simultaneously
If you only need to charge one or two other devices, this isn’t for you. An Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger can also charge your devices for much less.
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W: Also consider
Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN)
Anker's Prime Charger delivers excellent quality and rapid charging. It has similar capabilities, with four USB-C and two USB-A ports, but a lower maximum power output of 200W. It costs $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120).
Harry PadoanStaff Writer
Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to portable battery packs, but has a particular interest in the worlds of gaming and smartphones. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.
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