The Ultimate Guide to USB-C Cables and Charging Stations in 2025

UGREEN knows what it’s doing when it comes to charging tech; I used all of the brand’s chargers, power banks, cables, and Qi 2 chargers, and they’ve all been reliable. After switching from Anker to UGREEN’s ecosystem two years ago, I haven’t looked back. The Nexode Power Bank is my go-to power bank while traveling, and the vertical design, combined with a built-in LCD panel and the ability to charge three devices simultaneously, makes it a standout choice.

However, here’s the thing about USB-C cables and charging stations: not all of them are created equal. Only the best USB-C cables should be used to charge devices. Low-quality cables can pose a fire hazard, so it’s essential to know what you’re buying. This is why trustworthy brands play a pivotal role in the USB-C cable world.

Why I switched to 100W USB-C cables for everything

Breakneck charging speeds, which easily exceed 65W to 100W, are gaining popularity these days. To ensure you get the fastest possible speed, invest in a 5A, 100W USB-C cable that is compatible with all devices.

I recently tested five excellent Type-C cables from well-reputed brands, all of which cost below $10 during Prime Day sales. All of us at Android Central have thoroughly tested and reviewed the featured cable, and we can attest to its high standards. The standout was UGREEN’s retractable option at just $11.

Now that the iPhone 16 series comes with USB-C, you can grab one of the best USB-C cables for iPhones. Note that the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus support USB 2.0, which offers a data transfer rate of 480Mbps. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature USB 3.2 Gen 2 with a 10Gbps data transfer rate.

✅ Recommended if: You need reliable cables that handle 100W charging and work with everything from phones to laptops. The retractable design eliminates cable clutter.

❌ Skip cheap cables if you value safety and performance. I’ve seen low-quality cables overheat and fail during testing.

The retractable cable game-changer

I dislike cable clutter, so I typically take Baseus’ retractable USB-C to USB-C cables with me when traveling. But UGREEN now makes a 100W retractable USB-C cable as well, and it costs just $11. You’re missing out if you’re not using retractable wires; they’re just as great to use as standard USB-C cables, and you don’t have to deal with any clutter.

The cable sits at the top and is hidden when not in use — it has a magnet in the USB-C connector that allows it to stay attached. It spools easily and has four preset lengths, making it highly convenient to use. I used it for the better part of a month with the Vivo X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, and iPad Pro M4, and it proved to be just as reliable as other cables I tested.

My journey from 200W to 500W charging stations

I use UGREEN’s charging products daily, and over the past two years, I’ve relied on the Nexode 200W to charge the hundreds of phones and accessories I’ve at home. The 200W charging station features six ports and performs exceptionally well on its own. Although UGREEN rolled out the Nexode 300W last year, I used it as my secondary charger because it had fewer ports.

UGREEN is now introducing its most ambitious GaN charging solution yet in the Nexode 500W. As the name suggests, the Nexode 500W delivers a total power budget of 500W, and interestingly, it can go up to 240W via the main USB-C port. This is a big differentiator over the other 200W and 300W models, which deliver up to 100W and 140W via a single port.

The Nexode 500W is now available for $249 on Amazon, and it can also be purchased on UGREEN’s website. I switched out the Nexode 200W with the 500W as soon as I got the charging station. I used it extensively over the last month to charge everything from the Vivo X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, Honor Magic V3, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, iPad Pro M4, Honor MagicBook Pro 16, and dozens of accessories, as well as phones set to debut later in June and July.

What makes the Nexode 500W special

UGREEN didn’t change the design of the Nexode 500W, and it resembles the 300W Model. You get the same gunmetal grey body with UGREEN logos plastered on the side, and at 3.75 lb (1.7 kg), it is a massive unit. This device is designed for use at home, and while you can take it on the road, I wouldn’t recommend doing so.

✅ Recommended if you need to charge multiple laptops, tablets, and phones at the same time. The 240W USB-C1 port is future-proof for gaming laptops and power stations.

❌ Skip this if you only charge a few devices. The 200W Model is more than enough for most situations and is significantly cheaper.

It features a vertical design that makes it easier to use on a desk, but can also be positioned horizontally. The charging station comes with a reassuringly thick IEC power cable, designed to handle 500W without any issues. However, you don’t get many accessories included. I would have liked a few bundled USB-C cables in the package, but that isn’t the case.

Given the increased power budget, the Nexode 500W is considerably larger and heavier than the Nexode 300W, and it features rubber feet at the bottom to ensure it stays securely in place on a table. All the ports are labeled, and the USB-C1 port is of particular interest, as it supports up to 240W over the USB PD 3.1 standard.

✅ Recommended if you need to charge multiple laptops, tablets, and phones simultaneously. The 240W USB-C1 port is future-proof for gaming laptops and power stations.

❌ Skip this deal if you only charge a few devices. The 200W Model handles most scenarios perfectly and costs significantly less.

Real-world charging performance

As it stands, the 240W charging potential gives the Nexode 500W a distinct edge over other products in this category, and the USB-C1 port does a great job delivering consistent power at over 200W. In addition to the standard charging profiles provided with 100W and 140W ports, the USB-C1 port supports up to 36V/5A (180W) and 48V/5A (240W), making it ideally suited for charging power stations, gaming notebooks, and power banks.

Thankfully, there are no problems with overheating. While it does get hot with all ports in use, like all other charging stations, there are built-in overcharging and overvoltage protections, a necessary inclusion. The other USB-C ports — C2 through C5 — each support up to 100W, and a USB-A port is also included, with a maximum of 20W.

There are two things I look for in a charging station: consistent power delivery and reliability. The Nexode 500W excelled in both areas; I tested the ports with a power meter, and it consistently delivered a charge to connected devices, even with all six ports in use. The USB-C1 port is the real differentiator, as it allows you to take full advantage of the USB PD 3.1 standard to achieve 240W.

The 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank alternative

That’s not all; UGREEN is also adding retractable cables to its other products. The Nexode 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank costs just $69 right now — the same price as the regular Model. Having a built-in cable makes all the difference while using a power bank, and this is a welcome move by the brand.

The Nexode 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank is identical to the regular Model in terms of design and charging technology. You get the same LCD panel that displays the remaining battery level and real-time charging details, which is quite handy to have. The most significant difference is that a retractable cable is now built into the chassis.

In addition to the retractable cable, the power bank features a USB-C port and a USB-A port, with a 165W power budget that allows it to charge three devices simultaneously without any issues. I used it for the better part of a month with the Vivo X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, and iPad Pro M4, and it proved to be just as reliable as other chargers and power banks I tested.

My top picks for differeProduct Price Key Features Best

For most users: Nexode 200W ($89). The 200W charging station with six ports handles the majority of household charging needs. It delivers 100W through the primary port while maintaining good power distribution across the remaining ports. I used this as my main charger for two years without any issues.

For power users: Nexode 500W ($249). If you’re charging multiple laptops, tablets, and phones simultaneously like I do, the 500W option is worth the investment. The 240W USB PD 3.1 capability future-proofs your setup for gaming laptops and other high-power devices.

🔌 My Top Picks for Different Use Cases

For Most Users: Nexode 200W ($89)

The 200W charging station with six ports handles most household needs. It features a 100W main port, ensuring excellent power distribution. I have used it reliably for two years.

For Power Users: Nexode 500W ($249)

Perfect for charging multiple laptops, tablets, and phones. 240W USB PD 3.1 support ensures future compatibility with high-power devices, such as gaming laptops.

For Travel: 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank ($69)

Retractable cable means fewer items to carry. 165W output charges up to 3 devices—great for travel convenience.

For Cables: UGREEN 100W Retractable ($11)

One cable with four preset lengths and a magnetic connector. It supports 100W, replacing several regular wires in your case.

For Most Users: Nexode 200W($89)

A 200W charger with six ports that handle most household needs. Delivers 100W on the main port and distributes power efficiently. Reliable for over 2 years of use.

For Power Users: Nexode 500W($249)

It is ideal for charging multiple devices at once. Features a 240W USB PD 3.1 port, future-proofed for gaming laptops and power-hungry setups.

For Travel: 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank($69)

It comes with a retractable cable, so you don’t need to pack extras. It delivers a total output of 165W and charges three devices, making it perfect for travel scenarios.

For Cables: UGREEN 100W Retractable($11)

A versatile cable with four preset lengths, a magnetic connector, and 100W support. Great for simplifying your tech bag.

For travel: 20,000mAh Retractable Power Bank ($69) The built-in retractable cable eliminates the need to carry separate cables. With a total output of 165W and the ability to charge three devices, it handles most travel scenarios perfectly.

For cables: UGREEN 100W Retractable ($11). This single cable replaces multiple standard wires in your bag. Four preset lengths, a magnetic connector, and 100W capability make it ideal for any charging scenario.

Why I stick with UGREEN over Anker

Forget Anker: UGREEN just added a retractable cable to its best power bank, and the innovation doesn’t stop there. While high-grade USB-C cables can sometimes be expensive, UGREEN’s excellent Type-C wires from well-reputed brands are all available for under $10 during sales events.

The best part is that UGREEN isn’t charging anything extra for the retractable versions. Retailing at competitive prices, you are getting a standout value as well. The Nexode 500W is costly, but if you need a charging station that will handle the next generation of USB-C devices and notebooks, there’s no doubt — this is the one to get.

Bottom line

If you need reliable charging solutions that you can take anywhere or use at home, UGREEN’s ecosystem has everything covered. The retractable cable technology eliminates clutter, the charging stations deliver consistent power, and the pricing remains competitive compared to inferior alternatives.

After extensive testing across dozens of devices, these represent the best value in charging accessories right now. Whether you choose the compact retractable cables for travel or step up to the 500W charging station for a permanent desk setup, you’re getting proven technology that works as advertised.