I tested Anker’s new ultra-compact phone charger – here’s why it’s now my go-to option
I reviewed Anker’s latest phone charger and its power-to-size ratio is absolutely astonishing.
Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable review
The Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable is a model that feels almost too good to be true. For a very modest price you get a highly compact, foldable and hi-tech phone charger and a USB-C cable thrown in for good measure – at a very modest price. But the truth is, it really isn’t too good to be true. Anker has, simply put, delivered yet another great wall charger that’s ideal for on-the-go use.
It’s fair to say that ‘Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable’ is quite the title… so let’s just stick with Anker Nano 45W from here on out, if that’s OK with you? Ah, great – then let’s power on. The Anker Nano 45W is a single-port wall charger that has plenty of power for most handsets. Some models, like the OnePlus 13 phone, for instance, support 80W charging, but 45W will be plenty for most Samsung phones and iPhones.
Typically, when I’m reviewing the best iPhone chargers and best Android phone chargers, I juice up my trusty Samsung Galaxy S24 FE – which has a 4,700mAh battery capacity – from 0% to 100%. And when testing the Anker Nano 45W, that was no different. I’m pleased to report that the charger got my phone back to full health in around 80 minutes – exactly what I’d hope to see from a charger with this level of power.
Of course, if you’re going to charge up a more power-hungry device like one of the best MacBooks, for example, that 45W isn’t gonna be enough for you, and I’d instead seek out a mightier model like the five-star UGreen Uno Charger 100W. Also, there’s only one port, so it will be a one-at-a-time situation if you’re also looking to juice up a pair of the best wireless earbuds or best headphones.
Regardless, as a single-port charger, you’re getting great performance from the Anker Nano 45W. But this model’s merits go well beyond performance alone.
This charger has fantastic build quality and an intelligent hi-tech design. There’s GaN technology, meaning Anker’s been able to fit a lot of power into a tiny shell – this is a smaller-than-pocket-sized charger that’s also super easy to slip into your pocket thanks to foldable prongs. You’re also getting Anker’s ActiveShield 3.0 tech for smart heat monitoring. The charger will occasionally feel warm, but never so much so that it’s of any concern.
On top of that, its glossy surface and textured outer casing is highly appealing, with the gray-black color hammering home that classy, premium feel. I do still wish that Anker added a few other color options though, as we saw with the great Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger 30W.
At $34.99 / £24.99 (about AU$50), this is already a great value-for-money option, just based off of its power-to-size ratio and luxury build. But things get even better. There’s a 6ft USB-C cable included in the box, which makes this charger an absolute steal. Yes, you could technically get a 45W charger for even less than this, but given the sheer quality on offer, this is a top-value option.
And really, that sums up the Anker Nano 45W. It’s great value for money, beautifully sized and powerful enough to charge most phones in a jiffy. Sure, you could get even more power, ports and such from rivals. But if one port is all you need, it really doesn’t get much better than this.
Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable review: price & specs
Price | $34.99 / £24.99 (about AU$50) |
Total power output | 45W |
Number of ports | 1 |
Port type(s) | USB-C |
Dimensions | 1.9 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches / 49 x 49 x 34mm |
Should I buy the Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable?
Buy it if…
You want a phenomenal value option
With 45W of power, GaN technology and even an included USB-C cable, the Anker Nano 45W is phenomenal value for money. Sure, there are cheaper models around. But if you also want a durable, ultra-compact build, this is the full package.
You need a compact charger that doesn’t sacrifice charging speed
So, I mentioned it above, but it really is impressive how much charging power has been packed into such a tiny charger. This model impressed me, charging my phone in around 80 minutes – on par with a lot of great models like the Anker 335 Charger 67W.
Don't buy it if…
You want to charge multiple devices at once
Maybe it’s stating the obvious, but if you want to juice up two or more devices simultaneously, there are better options out there for you. That’s simply because the Anker Nano 45W only has a single port, of course. Good alternatives include the Belkin BoostCharge 3-Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W or even the Belkin BoostCharge Pro GaN Dual Wall Charger 45W.
You’re looking for a top-class laptop charger
So, if you want to charge your laptop, this model might not quite have enough firepower for you. There’ll also be some phones that can harness much more than 45W while wired charging, such as the OnePlus 13 phone. So, if you want great charging speeds for laptops or Macbooks, I’d recommend instead checking out the Anker Charger 140W, 4 Port, PD 3.1 – it even has a display!
Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable review: also consider
UGreen Nexode RG 65W
Want a charger with a bit more personality? Then let me draw your attention to the UGreen Nexode RG 65W, a robot-shaped, display-enabled wall charger with three ports and a good amount of power to go around. Yep, you’re getting more ports, an expressive screen and a 20W higher maximum power output – not bad! Even though this model has a list price that’s $15 / £10 higher than its Anker rival, I’ve seen it on sale for closer to the $33 / £27 mark. It’s worth noting, though, that there’s no USB-C cable included in the box. Read our full UGreen Nexode RG 65W review.
