Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 – A 60W USB-C PD charger that can split in two

This is a product analysis of the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2, not a review. I do not have these products in hand (yet) to do a full review. The information presented here is based on specs and details offered by Anker.

Update: Check out the full review of the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2

One of the Atom series USB-C chargers shown off at CES. The Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 is Anker’s first dual USB-C charger. A lot of USB-C users have been awaiting its release and details. It promised to offer two USB-C ports, with up to 60W output. But little else was known… until now.

• USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A
• Up to 60W with a single USB-C device connected
• Up to 30W from each port with two USB-C devices connected
• GaN tech
• Foldable plug
• 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.1 inches | 69 x 69 x 28 mm
• 6.2 oz | 175 grams

These specs make it a good option when traveling with more than one small to mid sized USB-C device. The folding plugs sell it as a travel charger. And will be appreciated by those who missed them on Anker’s last GaN tech charger.

Too Big for GaN?

The size and weight are more than some USB-C enthusiasts hoped for, with GaN tech confirmed. It isn’t bad, but it depends on what you’re planning to replace with it.

	Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2	Inateck 60W PD with Dual USB-C Ports	Anker PowerPort Speed PD 60	Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter	Innergie 60C
Ports	USB-C x2	USB-C x2	USB-C x1	USB-C x1	USB-C x1
Output	60W single 30W + 30W dual	60W single 45W + 15W dual	60W	61W	60W
Size	2.7 x 2.7 x 1.1 in	3 x 2.75 x 1 in	2.5 x 2.5 x 1.1 in	2.9 x 2.9 x 1.1 in	2.4 x 1.2 x 1.2 in
Weight	6.2 oz	6.8 oz (US plug)	5.1 oz	6.8 oz	4 oz
Price	Price not available	No products found.	Price not available	Price not available	$28.00

• Inateck has the most comparable dual port USB-C charger. Both output 60W with a single port, less with dual connections. The Atom PD 2 is smaller and lighter. But not by a lot.
• The Atom PD 2 falls between Anker’s single USB-C port 60W charger and Apple’s 61W USB-C power adapter (which Anker is marketing against).
• The single port Innergie 60C is a much smaller and lighter example of a GaN charger. But Anker’s charger is half the price.

The most interesting comparison is with the Atom PD 1, Anker’s previous GaN tech charger. The Atom PD 2 weighs over three times as much. If you only need two 30W USB-C PD chargers you can carry less weight with two Atom PD 1s. It’ll cost almost the same, too. So where’s the extra weight from? Some is for the folding plug. Some is for the extra USB-C port. And keep in mind the Atom PD 2 has two, separate power channels inside. With a bridge to connect them with single port connections. That adds weight, even with GaN in the mix.

It isn’t an amazing reduction in size and weight. Not like we saw with the Atom PD 1. But it does beat its nearest competition. And anything else compared to it has been single port with less functionality. Likely more use of GaN could have been applied to reduce the size and weight further. But GaN is more expensive than silicon, and past a certain price point you lose the mass market. If nothing else it is good to see a new dual USB-C charger enter the market.

Dual Output Limits

The 30W from each port is based on details and graphics provided by Anker. They show two power lines built into the charger. The two can combine on one USB-C port, allow up to 60W output. Operating independently they output up to 30W each. The remaining question is can power from one line partially go to its own outlet and the other outlet. This would allow for more configurations, such as 45W and 15W. Further testing will be required to determine that.

Assuming two device connections are limited to 30W these charger is best suited for charging:

• Two USB-C Power Delivery supporting phones (iPhone, Pixel) or tablets
• Two Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• Two 12-inch USB-C laptops
• Any combination of phone, tablet, Switch, and 12-inch laptop

It is less useful for larger laptops unless they are the only device connected. While I’m sure it’ll be perfect for some it isn’t a one size fits all charger.

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Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lighting Cable – 6 Feet

Anker’s MFi certified USB-C to Lightning cable was the first certified, non-Apple cable to market this year. It was originally offered in white and at 3 feet length. It is now also available in black. And a much requested 6 feet cable will be available on June 10, 2019.

The 6 feet version is only available in white for now. A black variant may be released later. You can order the cable from Amazon today and it’ll ship in early/mid June when available.

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Anker PowerLine+ II USB-C to Lighting Cable

Anker has released another MFi certified USB-C to Lightning cable today. This one uses nylon-braiding for its exterior.

Some consider braided cables to be superior. The woven material provides structural integrity to the cable. And protects the wiring inside from bends and other punishment. Lab testing shows you can bend the cable a lot more before it breaks compared to regular nylon cables. That said, a braided USB cable is more rigged and inflexible. It can coil, but will take up more space. But Anker is providing a solution to that with this particular cable.

The Anker PowerLine+ II USB-C to Lighting cable includes a pouch. The cable can coil up and fit inside. It doesn’t appear to use a zipper, rather it snaps close. Anker states you can uncoil as much cable as you need and keep the rest in the pouch. This would provide for neater cable management across short distances. And the pouch adds even more protection to the cable when on the go.

The nylon-braiding Anker USB-C to Lightning cable is $6 more than their regular cable. And only $2 more than Apple’s USB-C to Lightning cable.

Currently only a 3 feet cable is available.