Laptop Power Adapters and USB-C Chargers
AC/DC power supplies here means the chargers and adapters that keep laptops, phones and tablets running: USB-C wall chargers from Apple, Samsung, Baseus, Ugreen and Joyroom, replacement notebook adapters from Lenovo and HP, universal laptop adapters with interchangeable tips from Conceptronic and Innergie, plus car chargers, wireless chargers and multi-port charging stations.
The key spec is wattage. Most phones charge quickly on a 20W to 30W USB-C charger, a thin laptop typically needs 45W to 65W, and large performance laptops can need 140W or more. GaN chargers pack that power into a much smaller body, and multi-port models share their total output between devices. For a laptop with a round barrel plug, match the voltage and connector exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a higher-wattage USB-C charger with my phone?
Yes. USB-C Power Delivery chargers and devices negotiate the power level, so a 65W or 100W charger only supplies what the phone or tablet asks for. That means one powerful charger can safely serve a laptop, phone and tablet. Use a good quality cable, and for anything over 60W choose a USB-C cable rated for 5A.
Will a lower-wattage charger work with my laptop?
Often it will, but slowly. A USB-C laptop connected to a charger under its rated wattage may only charge when asleep or switched off, or may lose charge under heavy load. For everyday use, choose a charger that matches or exceeds the wattage of the adapter that came with your laptop.
Do I need a UK or an EU plug?
Cyprus uses the UK-style three-pin socket, so chargers with a UK plug fit directly. Models with an EU plug are handy for travel in mainland Europe, or can be used at home with a suitable adapter. Many popular chargers come in both versions, so check the plug type in the specifications before ordering.
What does GaN mean on a charger?
GaN stands for gallium nitride, a semiconductor material that handles power more efficiently than traditional silicon. GaN chargers run cooler and can be much smaller for the same output, which is why a 65W or 100W GaN charger can fit in a jacket pocket and still power a laptop, phone and tablet from several ports.