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USB-C is the one port to rule them all, but it has taken the tech world a long time to catch up. More than a decade after USB-C’s launch, I’ve finally moved all my devices to USB-C—and I think it’s changed my life.
I Don’t Have to Worry About Forgetting a Charger
The first thing I realized after switching over completely to USB-C was that I never had to worry about forgetting my chargers at home. As long as I’m carrying the highest wattage charger I have, I can charge everything I own.
This has some caveats, and you’ll likely have to invest in a really good (and expensive) charger that can power your biggest device for it to be a universal solution. In my case, my HP Omen Transcend 14’s 140W USB-C charger can handle everything I own or would take with me on the go, including my phone, camera battery charger, mouse, headphones, and more.
Granted, the HP charger that came with the laptop isn’t the most compact or best looking, and it only charges one device at a time, but it’s still much better than carrying multiple small chargers peppered across my backpack. After I upgraded to another 140W charger that supported multiple outputs and bought a few good-quality USB-C cables, my charger worries are all but resolved now.
My Backpack Is Much Lighter
Cutting down on the number of chargers I have to carry reduces hassle and takes weight off my shoulders. Previously, my travel tech kit included chargers for my laptop, phone, and camera, if required. The first and last of those aren’t exactly lightweight or easy to carry, and I frequently carried around my giant 45L backpack, which weighed over 22 lbs (10 kg).
So, instead of carrying a tech rucksack, I now carry a rather small 15L backpack that fits everything I might need. Sometimes my bag feels so light I subconsciously start worrying I forgot something, only to remember I only need one charger now.
One Power Bank Charges My Entire Kit
Another major benefit of switching every gadget you own to USB-C is that you need only one power bank to keep it all charged on the go. Power banks also operate on the same principle you’d use to buy a USB-C charger—if it can charge the biggest device you own, it’ll charge everything else.
I use aShargeek 170, which has a 24,000mAh capacity.We rated the Shargeek 170 highlyas this power bank can charge my laptop, phone, camera, and every other device at full speed. Previously, I’d carry one power bank for my phone and accessories if needed, as charging my laptop wasn’t possible over USB-C.
Freedom From Cable Messes
Ever sat down at an airport trying to charge multiple devices and found yourself in a cable spaghetti? Well, USB-C helps you solve that.
For starters, you don’t have to fish through your bag to find the right cable. As long as you pick up a USB-C cable rated at 140W or higher (or an appropriate cable for your charger), you can charge just about anything with it.
USB-C cables are also easier to use because you don’t have to worry about orientation. If you want, you can even getmagnetic USB-C connectors for a MagSafe-like user experience. And with iPhones finally moving to USB-C, even those in Apple’s walled garden can enjoy these benefits.
USB Docks Let Me Reclaim So Much Desk Space
you’re able to’t talk about fixing cable messes without mentioning USB-C docks. Most USB-C docks let you add more USB-A ports, run HDMI monitors, read SD cards, connect to Ethernet, and more, over a single connection. Depending on your laptop’s charging requirements, you might even be able to charge your laptop simultaneously.
This provides a one-cable docking experience, ensuring that once you cable manage your desk, you never have to worry about plugging or unplugging devices and leaving random connectors. There are a fewcaveats to buying a USB-C hub, but most will do 90 percent of what you want regardless.
Another thing to remember here is that not all USB-C ports are created equal, so you can only take full advantage of a USB-C hub if you have a Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port. Your USB-C port might still be compatible as a display output or power delivery, so it’s best to check the label on the port or your laptop’s manual before making a decision.
For all its benefits, getting everything moved to USB-C charging wasn’t easy. If you want a USB-C charging laptop, chances are you’re looking at the premium end of devices. Additionally, while USB-C can theoretically go up to 240W, no laptop on the market takes advantage of this, meaning you’ll be stuck with laptops with a maximum power budget of 140W.
For example, I bought myHP Omen Transcend 14for roughly $1,700. For that price, I could’ve bought laptops that were far superior in performance, but since the Omen is limited to 140W, the RTX 4060 and Core Ultra 7 GPU and CPU combination can’t run to its full potential. There are several factors you need to consider whenbuying a USB-C charging laptop.
The other major pitfall is having to buy expensive chargers. you may find up to 65W chargers from good brands for as low as $15, while higher capacity chargers, including 140W and upwards, can cost more than $100. You’ll also have to navigate all the complicated and often misleading marketing and spec sheets around USB-C chargers and cables.
I also had to resort to a third-party charger to charge the LP-E17 batteries for myCanon 200D. Unless all the tech you own uses USB-C out of the box, you’ll either have to upgrade or find a third-party charging solution to bring it up to standard. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it will cost you extra.
Once you’re past that hurdle, though, USB-C really does live up to the hype. Having one universal connector with power adaptors and cables that are compatible with everything you own makes traveling or even carrying it around much simpler.
