The Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger offers compact design with three ports supporting fast charging for multiple devices. Macworld reviewer Thomas Bergbold praised its performance and temperature control, noting it's smaller than Apple's 67W charger while providing three charging ports. The charger uses GaN technology and ActiveShield 2.0 for safety, though it has a restrictive operating temperature range and doesn't support MagSafe for M2 MacBooks. This makes it a solid choice for users needing versatile charging but not ideal for MacBook Pro users requiring MagSafe compatibility.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger presents a notably compact form factor that measures 1.57 × 1.52 × 1.98 inches, making it 51% smaller than Apple's original 67W MacBook charger. This ultra-compact design is achieved through Anker's GaNPrime technology, which allows for more efficient power delivery in a smaller package. The charger's build quality is robust, with a stacked design that provides stability and partially covered pins that help secure the device in place. The U.S. and European models feature a practical folding plug design, which the Macworld reviewer noted works well in practice and doesn't appear wobbly. However, the packaging, while mostly plastic-free with recycled paper and soy ink printing, still includes a recycled plastic bag for protection. The charger's dimensions and construction make it highly portable and suitable for travel, though the folding plug mechanism may vary by region, with the UK version lacking the foldable feature.
Real-World Performance
In real-world testing, the Anker Prime 67W charger delivers impressive charging speeds. Macworld's Thomas Bergbold reported that with a single USB-C port, an iPhone 13 charged 51% within 30 minutes, an 11-inch iPad Pro charged 35%, and an M1 MacBook Air charged 37% in the same timeframe. The charger's two USB-C ports support Power Delivery 3.0, each capable of handling up to 65 watts, while the USB-A port can deliver up to 22.5 watts. When multiple devices are connected simultaneously, the charger dynamically distributes power, though it splits the total 67W output between ports. The ActiveShield 2.0 safety system effectively manages heat, preventing the device from becoming uncomfortably warm, even under full load. However, when using both USB-C ports simultaneously, Anker recommends using the upper port for laptops to optimize charging performance.
Charging Speed and Efficiency
The Anker Prime 67W charger's charging efficiency is notable, particularly when compared to Apple's own chargers. According to Macworld's review, the charger's GaN technology allows for more efficient power transfer than traditional chargers, contributing to its compact size and performance. The charger supports multiple charging protocols, including Power Delivery 3.0, and can deliver up to 67W total output when charging a single device. When charging multiple devices, the power is distributed dynamically, with each port receiving a portion of the total output. The charger's ability to maintain a safe operating temperature under load, as noted by the Macworld reviewer, demonstrates its effective thermal management. However, Reddit users have noted that when all three ports are in use simultaneously, particularly with high-power devices like MacBook Pros, the charging speed may be reduced, and some users reported seeing a 'plug symbol' in the battery icon when charging MacBooks with third-party chargers, which is considered normal behavior.
Safety and Protection Features
Safety is a key component of the Anker Prime 67W charger, with ActiveShield 2.0 technology providing intelligent temperature monitoring to ensure a safer charging experience. This system prevents overheating and protects connected devices from damage. The charger also features a 24-month warranty, which is standard for Anker products. However, the device's recommended operating temperature range of 0 to 25 degrees Celsius, as noted by Macworld, seems restrictive compared to typical ambient conditions. The charger's design includes a protective circuit that prevents excessive heat buildup, and the folding plug mechanism is designed to be secure and stable. Despite these safety measures, some users in Apple Community forums have expressed uncertainty about the safety of using the charger with multiple devices simultaneously, particularly when charging a MacBook Pro alongside other high-drain devices. The charger's ability to regulate power dynamically helps mitigate risks, but the specific behavior with different device combinations remains a point of discussion among users.
Compatibility and Device Support
The Anker Prime 67W charger offers extensive compatibility with a wide range of devices. It supports over 1,000 devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories. The charger is compatible with MacBook Pro 14" / 16" (M2, 2023), MacBook Air 15" (2023), and various other MacBook models. It also works with iPad 9 (2021), iPad Air 5 (2022), iPad 10 (2022), and iPad Pro 11" (M2, 2022). For smartphones, it supports iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max / 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra / S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra / Note20 / Note20 Ultra, and other devices. However, the charger does not support MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks and requires a standard USB-C to USB-C cable. The charger's ability to distribute power dynamically means that while it can charge multiple devices simultaneously, the charging speed may be reduced when multiple high-power devices are connected, as noted by users in the Apple Community forums.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Anker Prime 67W charger for its compact design and fast charging capabilities. Macworld's Thomas Bergbold highlighted the charger's ability to maintain a proper operating temperature despite its small size, noting that it doesn't get hot to the touch even under full load. The folding plug design for U.S. and European models was also appreciated for its practicality and stability. The charger's three-port configuration allows for simultaneous charging of multiple devices, with the two USB-C ports supporting up to 65W each and the USB-A port supporting up to 22.5W. The GaN technology was also noted as a significant advantage, enabling more efficient power delivery in a smaller package. Additionally, the charger's extensive compatibility with over 1,000 devices was seen as a major selling point, making it a versatile option for users with multiple devices. Reddit users also expressed satisfaction with the charger's performance, particularly its ability to charge devices faster than Apple's original chargers, and its efficient power distribution.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Anker Prime 67W charger has some notable drawbacks. The recommended operating temperature range of 0 to 25 degrees Celsius, as noted by Macworld, is restrictive and may limit usability in certain environments. The charger's power distribution system, while dynamic, can result in reduced charging speeds when multiple high-power devices are connected simultaneously. Some users have reported that when all three ports are in use, particularly with MacBook Pros, the charging speed may be significantly reduced. Additionally, the charger does not support MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks, requiring users to use a standard USB-C to USB-C cable. The Apple Community forum discussions also revealed concerns about the safety of using the charger with multiple devices simultaneously, with some users noting that the charger's performance may not be optimal for gaming or high-intensity usage scenarios. The dynamic power distribution system, while helpful, can sometimes result in one device receiving less power than expected, particularly when multiple devices are low on battery and all demand maximum power.
Who It's Best For
The Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger is ideal for users who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously and value portability. It's particularly suited for individuals who travel frequently or have limited desk space, as its compact design makes it easy to pack and use anywhere. The charger is best for users with a mix of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, particularly those with MacBook models that support USB-C charging. It's also suitable for users who want a fast-charging solution that doesn't compromise on safety, thanks to the ActiveShield 2.0 technology. However, users who primarily use only one device or require maximum charging speeds for high-power devices like gaming laptops may find the dynamic power distribution limiting. The charger is not recommended for users who require MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks, as it only supports standard USB-C connections. Those who prioritize maximum charging speed over portability and compactness should consider alternatives with higher wattage outputs or dedicated chargers for specific devices.
Strengths
- +Supports fast charging for 3 devices simultaneously with total output of 67W
- +Compact design with folding plug for U.S. and E.U. models
- +Uses GaN technology for efficient power transfer and compact size
- +Includes ActiveShield 2.0 for intelligent temperature monitoring to ensure safer charging
Watch-outs
- −Recommended operating temperature range seems restrictive (0 to 25°C)
- −Does not support MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks
How it compares
Anker's 67W model outperforms the UGREEN in terms of overall power delivery and safety features like ActiveShield 2.0, but it lacks MagSafe support for M2 MacBooks, unlike the Anker Prime 100W charger which is optimized for MacBook Air models. While both are compact, the Anker 67W doesn't match the 100W output of the Prime model, making it less suitable for high-power laptops.
Who this is for
At a glance: users needing versatile charging for multiple devices.
Why you’d buy the Anker USB Charger Block,67W GaN Wall Charger,3-Port Compact Fast Charging Phone
- Supports fast charging for 3 devices simultaneously with total output of 67W.
- Compact design with folding plug for U.S. and E.U. models.
- Uses GaN technology for efficient power transfer and compact size.
Why you’d skip it
- Recommended operating temperature range seems restrictive (0 to 25°C).
- Does not support MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks.
Rating sources
Our 4.8 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
