Anker announced several additions to the company’s Prime line of chargers today, including a new desktop version that allows the power output of its six USB ports to be customized through a control dial. As a result, connected devices get exactly as much power as they need.
The new $169.99 Anker Prime Charger shares 250W of power across four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. The first USB-C port can deliver up to 140W of power, while the other three max out at 100W. The two USB-A ports deliver up to 22.5W each.
The charger offers four different power distribution modes, adjustable through a built-in control dial or Anker’s mobile app.
A 2.26-inch LCD screen shows the power draw of each USB-C port, as well as the total power draw of all connected devices. It also lets the Anker Prime Charger double as a desktop clock, displaying the time and date as a screensaver that activates after a set time. For more detailed data, including the power draw over time, the output can also be monitored through a Bluetooth connection to Anker’s mobile app.
A slightly cheaper (by about $5) alternative is the new 8-in-1 Anker Prime Charging Station. For $164.99, it offers a maximum power output of 240W across four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports and includes a pair of AC outlets that will save you from having to crawl under a desk to plug something in.
The 8-in-1 lacks different charging modes — it automatically detects the power needs of connected devices and distributes it as needed — but it does offer connectivity to Anker’s mobile app, allowing power output to be monitored and scheduled. It also features a very large wall adapter, which means the device that actually sits on your desk is slimmer than Anker’s other desktop offerings.