About Fast Charging | Best Steam Deck Fast Chargers | USB-C Cables

Amazon Basics 65W GaN, ZMI zPower Turbo 65W, Anker 313 Ace 45W, Nekteck 65W GaN II

Fast Charging the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as its fast-charging standard. It favors 45W USB-C chargers, with a maximum power draw close to 40W.

Using a 45W USB-C charger, the battery level will charge about the same regardless of activity. The Deck will not charge faster with a higher output charger, but there’s also no harm in using one either. I usually recommend 65W chargers because that’s what is more popular (and often offers better value) on the market. The Deck’s power draw can be less when used as a console connected to a TV or external display, provided the Deck’s internet display has been turned off.

Steam Deck Slow Charger Warning

The Steam Deck will attempt to accept a charger from almost any USB-C charger, but it may prompt a slow charger warning.

Steam Deck slow charger warning when connecting a sub-optimal USB-C charger

This warning will always come up under these conditions:

1. The USB-C charger offers less than 30W.
2. The USB-C charger doesn’t offer a 15V power profile

It can also pop up with a USB-C charger between 30-40W if the Steam Deck’s battery is low (lower battery = higher power draw).

The warning is just that, a warning. Valve wants you aware that there may not be enough power to run the Steam Deck and charge its battery. Worst case, the battery will continue to drain, albeit slower than without the charger.

To avoid the warning use a 45W or higher USB-C charger from a trusted brand.

USB-C Hub Power Pass Through

If you want to use a USB-C hub with the Steam Deck, get one that lists supporting 45W or higher power pass-through or input.

A No products found. connects the Deck to a TV, external display, and other accessories. I use one to run the Deck like a mini-PC, with a keyboard, mouse, display, and power running into its single USB-C port. As the hub takes up the Deck’s USB-C port, it should have its own USB-C port to connect the charger. And the hub will have its own power throughput or input limit. We want that limit to be no less than 45W, otherwise, the Deck won’t receive as much power as it should.

In today’s market, you would be hard-pressed to find a USB-C hub with all the features most Steam Deck owners want and now have proper power input capabilities. But keep it as one more thing to check off your specification wishlist when shopping around.

Multi-port Chargers

A multi-port charger is fine for charging the Deck while inactive or playing it as a handheld device. But you should avoid using a multi-port charger with the Steam Deck if you are using a USB-C hub and external display. They tend to disrupt gameplay anytime another device is connected or disconnected.

Most multi-port chargers with USB-C are “smart” and offer a range of power outputs on a port, depending on what else is charging. That’s great for balancing the fast charging needs of several devices. But to do this, the power profile on each port gets reset whenever a device is added or taken away. The reset stops the flow of power for a few seconds. In handheld mode, the Steam Deck doesn’t react much. It stops charging for a few seconds, but your gameplay continues with a seamless swap to the battery. But when connected to a USB-C hub or the Steam Deck’s official dock, you lose video output to the external display for several seconds. It can also interrupt the connection of other accessories connected to the hub, including wired controllers and Internet via an Ethernet cable. The external display will switch back automatically once the swap to battery power is complete. But it is still disruptive to your gaming experience.

If you are only connecting an iPhone and the same charger your Deck’s hub is connected to then you can avoid the reset issue above. Plug in and leave the Lightning cable (USB-A or USB-C) in the charger. Lightning cables make any charger think a device is already connected. So unplugging the iPhone itself doesn’t trigger a reset, provided the Lightning cable stays connected to the charger. But even then, I usually recommend having a dedicated charger for your Deck’s hub and a second, maybe multi-port charger, for all your other devices when traveling. That’s the setup I go with.

Best Steam Deck Fast Chargers In 2023

The best Steam Deck fast chargers tend to have these qualities:

• USB-C 45W or more, which is ideal for the Deck’s power needs under all conditions
• Compact design, you want one smaller and easier to travel with than the original AC adapter
• Low cost; chargers at this level are competitive in price

The size difference in most cases is insignificant. So go for the price or brand/features you want. And even then, you won’t see more than a $10 price difference in most cases. Note that all of the chargers here will also support fast charging for your phone, tablet, Nintendo Switch, and most small and mid-sized laptops.

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ZMI zPower Turbo 65W Review

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Nekteck 65W GaN II Review

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I keep this charger in my No products found. as it fits neatly in a spare corner.

Anker 313 Ace 45W Review

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Amazon Basics 65W GaN Review

Steam Deck AC Adapter

A good behind-the-TV fast charger for your Steam Deck.

The official Steam Deck AC adapter works great for a Deck and other USB-C devices. But its fixed prongs and built-in USB-C cable keep it from being a good travel charge.  It works well behind your TV, connected to the Deck’s dock. Or in another space at home where you regularly charge the Deck. But unless you insist on only having Valve-designed accessories, you want a better option for travel.

Port 1: 45W USB-C

Includes a built-in, 5-foot USB-C cable

Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1.1 in | 5.2 oz

Steam Deck AC Adapter Review

Which Charger Should You Choose?

All of the above chargers work great with the Steam Deck. And all except for the original AC adapter are solid travel chargers. So I would look at which charger will also best support your other devices.

Samsung phone owners: The No products found. will support Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) for the latest and highest-end model Samsung phones. Even if you don’t need Super Fast Charging now, it’ll future-proof you for your eventual phone upgrade. If you only need Super Fast Charging (25W) support, the No products found. will also get the job done. And includes a free USB-C cable!

Everyone else: The No products found. is my most recommended charger for any device needing 45-65W power support. It is slimmer than the Nekteck and Amazon 65W chargers and doesn’t need a sale or coupon to offer a great price. That said, the No products found. has quickly become my “or” charger recommendation. I’ve seen sales and coupon offers that beat the ZMI in price. And it has that little bit more with USB-IF certification, a 1-foot longer cable, and PPS support.

If price is your only concern and a USB-C cable is not, then it makes sense to go for the No products found. instead when nothing else is on sale.

Remember, all these chargers will also support all phones, tablets, the Nintendo Switch (handheld and docked), and small and mid-sized laptops.

Comparison of All Recommended Fast Chargers for Steam Deck

USB-C Cables for Steam Deck Fast Charging In 2023

If buying a new charger, you likely need a USB-C cable to go with it. I like to use dedicated travel chargers and cables to make packing easier. Here’s what to look for to get the best USB-C cable for your Steam Deck. These also work great for Android phones, the Nintendo Switch, and other devices using USB-C fast charging.

What To Look For In a USB-C Cable

There are a lot of cheaply made and unregulated cables on the market. You want to look for known good brands to be sure you’re getting a safe and durable product. Finding one that is USB-IF certified by the developers of USB is a nice bonus.

For charging, there’s no difference between one well-designed USB-C cable and another. The Steam Deck only draws up to 39W, and all USB-C cables allow at least 60W. That said, 100W cables usually have little cost difference and will support Samsung Super Fast Charging and larger devices. So for future-proofing, I suggest focusing on 100W cables.

There can be a difference in the exterior of various cables. Many are standard nylon, which is thinner and more flexible. Recently braided nylon has become more popular, which offers more durability.

Best USB-C Cables In 2023

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Steam Deck AC Adapter

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

Steam Deck AC Adapter printed specs

My Impressions of the Steam Deck AC Adapter

The Steam Deck AC Adapter works well as a 45W charger and is open to other USB-C devices. Unfortunately, its design prevents it from being a good travel charger. It meets the needs of the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, any USB-C tablet, and most 13-inch or smaller laptops. By following USB PD standards (please take note, Nintendo) the device works with USB-C phones and accessories.

The brick part itself is a decent size. Big for 45W, but similar to a 65W. The problems are at the ends, with the fixed prongs and attached USB-C cable. Those keep it from being travel-friendly and offer up issues with cable length and iPhone/iPad compatibility. That said, Valve tried to make up for these issues with the Steam Deck case included with all models. On the underside of the case is an elastic band covering a pocket. This space is meant for the Steam Deck AC Adapter. It fits neatly and is surprisingly secure. Trying the same thing with a similarly sized 65W USB-C charger and a separate USB-C cable does fit, but they shuffled around. It didn’t get a perfect safety rating above because it is not USB-IF certified, which is common among still good USB-C chargers.

I have the Steam Deck AC Adapter plugged in by the TV for when I hook up with Steam Deck with No products found.. For travel, I use a third-party case and keep an Anker 45W USB-C charger and cable in there for connecting the Steam Deck to a TV away from home. Testing has shown no problems using third-party chargers (45W or more) with the Steam Deck. But if you feel more comfortable with the original charger, and are happy using the original case and its charger pocket, then, by all means, go OG.

Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your Steam Deck.

Buy Steam Deck AC Adapter if you:

• Need to replace your Steam Deck charger and prefer official Valve accessories to third-party options
• Want a charger that will fit more securely in the underside of your official Steam Deck case

Don’t buy if you:

• Need more than 5 feet of cable length
• Want a travel-friendly charger for your Steam Deck

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Amazon Basics 65W GaN

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

Amazon Basics 65W GaN printed specs

My Impressions of the Amazon Basics 65W GaN

The No products found. charger looks exactly like the Nekteck 65W GaN II except for the brand markings. But they have made compromises to their clone to save on cost. The Amazon charger does feature GaN technology for size/weight reduction and has the same 65W output. Both chargers have identical dimensions and are travel-friendly, though the Amazon model is 0.1 ounces heavier for some reason.

Amazon gave up including a USB-C cable and support for PPS charging (a downside for newer Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners) for a lower price. During my evaluation time, the Amazon charger was usually $5 less than the Nekteck or ZMI. But I did see sales and coupons for the Nekteck that put it at a similar or even better price. So Amazon’s one advantage of having a lower price isn’t always the case. If you also need a USB-C cable then the total cost never works out in your favor with the Amazon Basics option. It didn’t get a perfect safety rating above because it is not USB-IF certified, which is common among still good USB-C chargers.

The Amazon Basics 65W GaN could work out as the best value charger for the right person. If you use iPhone or a non-PPS Android, already have a spare USB-C cable, and don’t see other chargers on sale, then it can be the better deal. It performed as well as the rest in testing and has no drawbacks for fast charging. It just doesn’t offer much to stand out against strong competitors.

Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your iPhone, Android, or Nintendo Switch.

Buy Amazon Basics 65W GaN if you:

• Need to charge a docked Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or 13 to 14-inch laptop
• Already have a USB-C cable to use

Don’t buy if you:

• Also need to get a USB-C cable, which makes the total cost more than its peers
• Want Samsung Super Fast Charging or PPS support for your Samsung/Android phone

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Nekteck 65W GaN II

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

Nekteck 65W GaN II printed specs

My Impressions of the Nekteck 65W GaN II

The No products found. charger has an impressive list of credentials. The GaN technology allows for PPS support for Samsung and other newer Android phones without compromising size, weight, or heat output. Like other Nekteck chargers, it keeps device safety front of mind with its USB-IF certification, the best safety rating for any USB-C device. And it includes a 6-foot USB-C cable rated for 100W. It will support most mobile devices, from an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy to a 14-inch MacBook Pro or Dell laptop. It also handles a Nintendo Switch in handheld or docked mode and the Steam Deck.

This charger will activate Samsung Super Fast Charging, but not Super Fast Charging 2.0 in Ultra or Plus models. If that’s a deal breaker, you’ll want to look at chargers designed to support that level of PPS. The MSRP for Nekteck’s charger is higher than its peers, but it spends a lot of time offering a sale price or coupon (or both). During my review, I saw it priced between $5 more to $9 less than its nearest competitor. If you’re patient, you can get a better deal with Nektech than with other brands.

The Nekteck 65W GaN II is fast becoming my “or” recommended charger for Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mid-sized laptops. It offers all the support as the 65W charger I’ve used for years, adds in PPS support for some Android users, and can offer similar or better value with its own included USB-C cable if you can buy it at the right time. The design is travel-friendly and fits well in a typical Nintendo Switch case. Or buy it as a one-and-done shopping for a new home or office charger and cable set.

More on Samsung Super Fast Charging and PPS

Programmable power supply (PPS) is part of the USB Power Delivery standard. Not all USB-C devices support it, with the iPhone being the best example. Samsung supports PPS at the 25W and 45W levels but calls them Super Fast Charging and Super Fast Charging 2.0. The names are just marketing terms, with the technology still the PPS open standard. Google Pixel, LG, Motorola, Razer, and Xiaomi also have phones which support PPS. The newer the phone, the more likely it supports PPS.

A typical USB PD charging uses a consistent voltage starting with a higher current (amps) and, over time, lowers the current as the battery charges. PPS starts charging with a consistent current and a fluctuating voltage for the first phase. Then it swaps to USB PD charging during the second phase. The charging speed is a bit faster during the first phase and it puts less strain on the device’s battery, increasing its lifespan. If your device supports PPS, then a matching PPS charger (especially at this low price point) is a no-brainer. But PPS isn’t so much better that you should stress over not having a PPS-supporting device or charger.

Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your iPhone, Android, or Nintendo Switch.

Buy Nekteck 65W GaN II if you:

• Need to charge a docked Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or 13 to 14-inch laptop
• Want the comfort that USB-IF certification offers
• Have a Samsung Galaxy phone and want one charger for all devices

Don’t buy if you:

• Want Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 supports on your Ultra or Plus model phone
• Need a 65W charger right now and it is currently priced at $30 or more

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Anker 313 Ace 45W

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

Anker 313 Ace 45W printed specs

My Impressions of the Anker 313 Ace 45W

The No products found. charger is targeted toward Samsung S23 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra owners, as it supports their fastest possible charging rate of 45W PPS (called Super Fast Charging 2.0 by Samsung). But it also supports the more standard 45W USB PD, allowing it to fast charge a number of USB-C devices. If you’re looking for a single charger (and are okay with charging only one device at a time) this may be it. And those desiring that with a Samsung or other Android which supports PPS should definitely go with this charger over a “regular” 45W option.

Among other phone chargers (typically 18-20W) it isn’t the smallest or lightest option. With both PPS functionality and higher power output comes an increase in size and weight. But Anker did include GaN technology here, which minimizes those increases. And while it feels hefty for a phone charger, it is a good size and weight among other 45W chargers. It works well as a home/office charger or leveraging its folding prongs for travel. It didn’t get a perfect safety rating above because it is not USB-IF certified, which is common among still good USB-C chargers.

I don’t own a Samsung phone, but I initially got this charger to fit in my Steam Deck’s travel case. It met the 45W requirement, Anker is a brand I and many others have used and trusted for years and is travel-friendly. For me, the PPS is incidental, but for Samsung owners, it should be the deciding factor for going with this 45W charger over its peers.

Samsung Ultra Owners Will Need a 100W/5A USB-C Cable

To get the maximum charge rate out of the Anker 313 Ace 45W with a Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 phone, you’ll need to use a USB-C cable that supports 100W (or 5A) of power throughput. This is not standard, though it is becoming more common. The 45W PPS spec goes up to 5A of current, while the 45W USB PD standard spec only goes up to 3A. All USB-C cables support up to 3A, but to support 5A, they need a slightly different build which costs a bit more. Without the proper cable, your Samsung Ultra will only register Super Fast Charging, not the faster 2.0 version it can support.

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More on Samsung Super Fast Charging and PPS

Programmable power supply (PPS) is part of the USB Power Delivery standard. Not all USB-C devices support it, with the iPhone being the best example. Samsung supports PPS at the 25W and 45W levels but calls them Super Fast Charging and Super Fast Charging 2.0. The names are just marketing terms, with the technology still the PPS open standard. Google Pixel, LG, Motorola, Razer, and Xiaomi also have phones which support PPS. The newer the phone, the more likely it supports PPS.

A typical USB PD charging uses a consistent voltage starting with a higher current (amps) and, over time, lowers the current as the battery charges. PPS starts charging with a consistent current and a fluctuating voltage for the first phase. Then it swaps to USB PD charging during the second phase. The charging speed is a bit faster during the first phase and it puts less strain on the device’s battery, increasing its lifespan. If your device supports PPS, then a matching PPS charger (especially at this low price point) is a no-brainer. But PPS isn’t so much better that you should stress over not having a PPS-supporting device or charger.

The charging rate between Samsung Super Fast Charging (25W) and Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) is not as significant as it sounds. The speed difference is only during the first 30 minutes. After that, they charge at the same rate. The 25W rate will get you 0-50% in 30 minutes. The 45W rate will be closer to 0-70% in 30 minutes. If you only plan to use this charger for your Samsung Ultra, and then to charge overnight, you could see the same results for half the cost with the Anker 312 Ace 25W.

Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your iPhone or Android.

Buy Anker 313 Ace 45W if you:

• Need to charge a docked Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or laptop which came with a 45-60W power adapter
• Want Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 support for your latest and greatest Samsung phone model

Don’t buy if you:

• Will only charge your Samsung phone and only at night or when 30-minute fast charging doesn’t matter to you, there are cheaper options

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ZMI zPower Turbo 65W

Updated: April 28, 2023

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

ZMI zPower Turbo 65W printed specs

My Impressions of the ZMI zPower Turbo 65W

The No products found. charger offers the size perks of GaN technology. But it is using older silicon-based technology that is cheaper to produce. Today GaN technology has come down in price, but this charger is still a low-cost option that doesn’t rely on sales or coupons to get you the best price. And the chargers which can beat its price don’t include a USB-C cable as this one does, making your total cost higher. As a 65W USB-C charger, it will support most mobile devices, from an iPhone to a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Only the largest laptops, often requiring around 100W chargers, are outside its support range. It also fully supports a Nintendo Switch in handheld or docked mode and the Steam Deck.

The lack of PPS support is its biggest downside. If you have a newer Samsung, Google, or other Android phone which supports Super Fast Charging or PPS, you may want to look at other 65W chargers with those options. iPhones and most laptops don’t support PPS. The lack of GaN technology with a similar form factor does mean this charger can get warmer. But during testing, none of the external temperature readings got close to being too hot to touch. It didn’t get a perfect safety rating above because it is not USB-IF certified, which is common among still good USB-C chargers.

The ZMI zPower Turbo 65W is often the charger I grab for my laptop or Nintendo Switch dock when traveling. I’ve used it for years without issue, and only recently would I consider other options if buying today. The USB-C cable makes it a travel-friendly package or a dedicated charger in your home or office.

Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your iPhone, Android, or Nintendo Switch.

Buy ZMI zPower Turbo 65W if you:

• Need to charge a docked Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or 13 to 14-inch laptop
• Don’t see a better deal from a similar 65W USB-C charger which also includes a USB-C cable

Don’t buy if you:

• Want PPS or Samsung Super Fast Charging support on top of fast charging your other devices

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