Anker PowerPort C 1 Review

Anker PowerPort C 1
Anker PowerPort C 1

Anker PowerPort C 1

Anker PowerPort C 1 - Small, low cost USB-C charger

Summary

The Anker PowerPort C 1 is among the lowest cost USB-C chargers from a popular brand. And one of the smallest with folding prongs. For both of these benefits it only support standard USB-C charging. No fast charging, except for iPhones.

Overall
4.9
  • Performance
    (5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
  • Portability
    (5)
Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhones
  • Charges most model phones at their normal rate
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Small, light, and inexpensive
  • Travel friendly design
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

  • Won’t fast charge Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Androids; but does normal charging
  • Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

Model: A2018
Tech Specs:
Anker PowerPort C 1 specs

Anker PowerPort C 1 specs

  • Ports: USB-C
  • USB-C Output:
    • 15W USB-C (5V/3A)
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input: 100V–240V, 1.1A, 50/60Hz
  • Size: 2.0 x 1.7 x 1.1 inches | 51 x 44 x 29 mm
  • Weight: 2.2 oz | 62 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:
  • Anker PowerPort C 1
Anker PowerPort C 1 box and contents

Anker PowerPort C 1 box and contents

Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • Commute
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Power banks
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • iPad

First Impression

The Anker PowerPort C 1 is larger than an iPhone’s charger. Closer in size to an iPad’s charger. But then it offers three times the output of the iPhone charger. A blue LED circle above the USB port to show power is available. It won’t shine light on you in a dark room, but it is noticeable. Its light weight and folding prong design make it great for regular travelers. Especially any who measures their carry.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerAnker PowerPort C 1Anker PowerPort PD 1

Review
Anker PowerPort III Nano

Review
No products found.

Review
Output15W USB-C18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD

PowerIQ 3.0
18W USB-C PD
FeaturesFolding prongsUSB-IF Certified

Folding prongs
Quick Charge 3.0 compatibleFolding prongs
CableNo cableUSB-C to Lightning cableNo cableNo cable
Dimensions2 × 1.7 × 1.1 in
2.2 oz
2 × 1.7 × 1.1 in
2.1 oz
1.8 x 1.1 x 1.1 in
1.1 oz
1.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 in
1.5 oz
PricePrice not available$19.99Price not availableNo products found.

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-18.

 

You can see more USB-C chargers here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

  • Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11/SE
  • Apple iPad Pro
  • Essential Phone
  • Google Pixel
  • LG ThinQ/V30
  • Razer
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
  • Xiaomi Mi 8/9
  • ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

For iPhones the charger supports Apple 2.4A over USB-C. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. All model iPhones can benefit with a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. Apple 2.4A charges newer iPhones ~15 minutes slower than USB-C PD.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

  • HTC
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Sony
  • Xiaomi Mi 5/6
  • ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported. Still, 11W is a decent charge rate. Fast charging is closer to 16W.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode. Though not quite as fast as USB-C PD.

  • Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges ~9.5W. Compared to closer to 18W with a fast charger.
  • Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges ~9.5W. Compared to closer to 18W with a fast charger.
  • Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges ~9.5W. Compared to closer to 13W with a fast charger.

The lack of fast charging matters less if topping off your Switch before it goes below 50%. And not at all if you want to play and maintain 100% charge.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

Summary

The Anker PowerPort C 1 is your basic USB-C charger. Made with size, weight, and cost in mind rather than charging speed.

It will fast charge iPhones using an older standard. But it ~15 minutes slower than a USB-C PD charger. Android phones will only see normal charging speeds, 5-8W slower in most cases.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode while you play. Under extreme conditions it is a little less than half the charge speed a USB-C PD could provide. But if you aren’t concerned with charge time it gets the job done.

In all cases you’ll miss the fast charging less if you’re topping off devices while they are above 50% charge. But you will not see the 0-50% fast charging a USB-C PD or Quick Charge option could offer.

If every dollar counts more than charge time it is a solid option for your handheld devices. It gets the job done for as little as possible. While keeping you within the excellent customer support umbrella Anker offers.

But there are 18W USB-C PD chargers available for only a few dollars more. Some in an even smaller design. Newer iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Nintendo Switche will all charges faster. It won’t be too long before 15W USB-C stops being available, as tech improves and costs drop.

About Anker

Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 18 month warranty. And their own online community with forums. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.

Bottom Line

Anker PowerPort C 1 works fine with handheld devices. Offering a slightly lower price without the risk of a bad product from an unknown brand. But for not much more you can get USB-C Power Delivery. Taking many devices from topping off speed to fast charging.

Buy if you:
  • Need to save every dollar you can
  • Mostly top off your handheld devices (above 50% charge)
  • Value size/weight/cost over charge time/features
Don’t buy if you:
  • Want to charge your devices as fast as possible
  • Are willing to spend a few dollars more for similar size/weight but better performance

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.


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