Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Compact dimensions
- High charging speed
- Great price-performance ratio
Cons
- Fixed power allocation to the connections
- Significant heating at full power with two devices
- Sensitive housing
Our Verdict
The Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger has an attractive shape, compact dimensions, sufficient power, and a good price.
Thanks to its use of GaN technology, the Ugreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is 45 percent smaller than the Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter–the U.S. model of the Nexode Pro measures 2.8 by 1.7 by 1.3 inches (7.1 by 4.3 by 3.3cm). The U.K. and E.U. models are slightly longer due to the dimensions of the three-prong plug. The size isn’t all that’s different; the Nexode Pro has an angular look with dark gray housing, though it’s a bit scratch-sensitive. It might be a better match for a MacBook than Apple’s white power adapter.
The Nexode Pro has USB ports available for charging, labeled USB-C 1, USB-C 2, and USB-A. The more powerful USB-C 1 is specially labeled with a symbol for a laptop. A maximum of 100W is only available at this connection if no other device is connected. Fast charging of the 14-inch MacBook Pro is possible via this connection, although the 16-inch model requires 140W for fast charging.
Ugreen claims a charging speed of 50 percent after 27 minutes for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. I didn’t have that laptop for testing; instead, I used a 15-inch M3 Macbook Air M3 with the charger and measured a 63 percent battery increase after 30 minutes.
The Nexode Pro also changed the iPhone and iPad Pro very quickly. I was able to charge an iPhone 15 by 52 percent, and the 11-inch iPad Pro by 35 percent points in half an hour each.
If more than one device is connected, the charging power of 100W is distributed across the ports. USB-C 1 can output 65W and USB-C 2 up to 30W, or USB-C 2 up to 30W and USB-A 22.5W. A variety of charging protocols such as Power Delivery 3.0, PPS 5A and QC 4.0 are supported.
When three devices are connected to the charger at the same time, it is incomprehensible that USB-C 2 and USB-A have to share 15 watts. One reason could be that when full power is required the increased temperature combined with the compact dimensions takes its toll. The temperature remains pleasingly low with only one connected device, such as a MacBook Air.
The Nexode Pro also protects against over-voltage, overcurrent, overheating, and short circuits.
Should you buy the Ugreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger?
The Ugreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger looks good and offers impressive charging speeds at a reasonable price. It would be the perfect charger if the housing were more durable and if you didn’t have to look carefully at the connections before plugging in a device due to the fixed allocation of output power.
Take a look at alternative USB-C chargers for Mac and USB-C chargers for iPhone in our review round-ups.
This article originally appeared on Macwelt and was translated by Roman Loyola.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication Macwelt and was translated and localized from German.