Quick Review Summary
In This Review
Recommended with caveats
Buy the A2688 if you want a compact travel charger for a laptop and one or two smaller devices, especially when a 65W laptop allocation is sufficient. Skip it if you need 100W for your laptop while other devices are connected, more than two USB-C ports, or an included high-current cable.
What We Like
- Either USB-C port can deliver up to 100W when used alone
- Two USB-C devices can receive a practical 65W plus 35W allocation
- Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port support modern and legacy accessories
- Compact 1.7 × 1.1 × 2.7-inch body suits travel
- Foldable US prongs make packing easier
- 100–240V input supports international voltage systems
- Temperature monitoring and automatic power adjustment are documented
What Could Be Better
- No USB-C cable is included
- Three-port output is limited to 89W rather than 100W
- USB-C2 and USB-A share a 24W power group
- No display shows live wattage or power allocation
- A 100W laptop may receive only 65W when another USB-C device is connected
Our Detailed Analysis
The Anker Prime Charger (100W, 3 Ports, GaN), model A2688, is designed for people who want laptop-class USB-C power without carrying a large power brick. It also provides enough connections for a phone and one older USB-A accessory.
Its headline 100W specification looks impressive, but the real purchasing decision depends on how that power is divided when a second or third device is connected.
This Anker Prime 100W charger review is based on official specifications, the A2688 quick-start guide, manufacturer support material, device-maker guidance, and current competing-product information.
BuyZivo did not independently test this charger. Therefore, the analysis explains its manufacturer-rated capabilities rather than presenting measured charging speed, temperature, efficiency, or durability as hands-on results.
Design and Build Quality
The A2688 uses a narrow rectangular wall-charger design measuring 1.7 × 1.1 × 2.7 inches, or 43.5 × 29 × 67.8 mm.
Anker notes that these dimensions do not include the AC prongs. At 6 oz, or 170 g, the charger is compact enough for a small technology pouch and easier to carry than separate laptop, phone, and tablet adapters.
The US version has foldable prongs. Folding the prongs protects them and prevents them from scratching other items inside a bag.
International travelers will still need the correct plug adapter for their destination. The charger’s 100–240V input means it supports the voltage systems used in most countries, but it is not a voltage converter.
Anker promotes thicker prongs, a balanced design, and improved outlet grip. These are useful design characteristics for a relatively heavy wall charger. However, BuyZivo did not test it in worn or loose electrical outlets, and outlet conditions can vary considerably.
The charger does not have a screen, control button, or companion app. Its only interface consists of two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
This simplicity makes the charger easy to operate, but it cannot show the negotiated wattage or explain why a connected device is charging more slowly than expected.
The package includes the Anker Prime A2688 charger and a welcome guide. A USB-C charging cable is not included.
Ports and Rated Charging Capabilities
Either USB-C port can deliver up to 100W when used alone.
The documented fixed USB-C outputs include:
- 5V at 3A
- 9V at 3A
- 15V at 3A
- 20V at 5A
The USB-A port is rated for up to 22.5W through its supported voltage and current combinations.
The most important phrase is “when used alone.”
The 100W label represents the charger’s maximum single-port and total capacity. It does not mean that every connected device can receive 100W simultaneously.
With two ports active, the charger’s total output can reach 100W. With all three ports active, the total ceiling falls to 89W.
The charger supports USB Power Delivery, PPS, and Anker’s PowerIQ compatibility technology.
USB Power Delivery allows a compatible charger and USB-C device to negotiate a suitable voltage and power level.
PPS, or Programmable Power Supply, supports more precise voltage adjustment for compatible smartphones and other devices. This technology is particularly relevant to supported Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
However, wattage alone does not guarantee that a device will activate its fastest branded charging mode. The charger, cable, device, protocol, and available port allocation must all be compatible.
Read another post about:
>> Best Multi-Port USB-C Chargers for Home and Travel
Single-Device Performance
When charging one compatible laptop, either USB-C port can provide the full 100W rating.
That is sufficient for many MacBook Air models, 13- and 14-inch laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and other USB-C devices.
A laptop supplied with an adapter rated above 100W may still charge from the A2688 if it supports USB Power Delivery. However, it may charge more slowly or continue losing battery during demanding workloads when its power consumption exceeds the charger’s available output.
Phones and tablets do not automatically receive 100W. A connected device negotiates only the amount of power it supports.
Charging power may also decrease as the battery fills or the device becomes warm. This is normal behavior controlled by the device’s battery-management system.
Anker publishes charging-time examples for selected products, but BuyZivo has not reproduced those tests.
Battery size, starting battery percentage, ambient temperature, cable resistance, background activity, and device usage can all affect the final charging time.
The reliable conclusion is that the A2688 can advertise up to 100W from either USB-C port. The connected device ultimately determines how much of that power it accepts.
Multi-Device Power Distribution
The A2688 is most convincing when it is used with two USB-C devices.
When USB-C1 and USB-C2 are used simultaneously, the documented power allocation is up to 65W + 35W.
This is a practical combination for a thin-and-light laptop plus a tablet or phone. The higher-demand laptop should be connected to the top USB-C1 port.
When USB-C1 and USB-A are used together, USB-C1 can provide up to 65W while USB-A can deliver up to 22.5W, depending on the connected devices and supported protocols.
The more restrictive combination is USB-C2 plus USB-A. These two ports share a combined power group of up to 24W.
This shared group can be suitable for a phone and a small accessory, but it is not designed to support two independently high-power devices.
When all three ports are connected, USB-C1 receives up to 65W. USB-C2 and USB-A then share up to 24W, producing the charger’s documented 89W maximum total output.
In a realistic travel setup, this could provide:
- Up to 65W for a laptop
- Shared power for a phone and a smaller accessory
It is not the right architecture for a laptop that must continuously receive 100W while two additional devices charge quickly.
Connecting or disconnecting a device may cause the charger to renegotiate power allocation. A brief interruption or change in charging indication can occur during this process.
Users powering sensitive USB devices that cannot tolerate an interruption should consider separate adapters or test their exact setup before relying on one multi-port charger.
Compatibility and Cable Requirements
The Anker Prime A2688 is broadly compatible with USB-C PD laptops, MacBooks, iPads, USB-C iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixel phones, Chromebooks, and smaller accessories.
However, “compatible” does not mean that every device will charge at its maximum advertised speed.
For 100W output, Anker recommends an e-marker cable. In practical terms, buyers should use a reputable USB-C-to-USB-C cable rated for 5A and at least 100W.
A lower-rated cable can limit the available power even when both the charger and laptop support 100W.
Charging capability, data speed, and video support are separate cable specifications. A cable that supports 100W charging does not automatically support high-speed data transfer or external displays.
Samsung’s 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 demonstrates why protocol support matters.
According to Anker’s support guidance, this mode requires:
- A compatible Samsung Galaxy device
- A suitable PPS charging profile
- A 5A USB-C cable
- Sufficient power from the selected port
Connecting additional devices can reduce the available USB-C output and may change the charging mode displayed by the phone.
Google recommends a 30W-or-higher PPS adapter for supported Pixel fast charging. Other compatible USB-PD adapters can still charge Pixel phones, but the Pixel controls how much power it accepts.
Apple devices also request only the power they require. Connecting an iPhone or iPad to a 100W charger does not force 100W into the device.
Heat, Safety and Sustained Use
GaN technology allows manufacturers to build smaller high-power chargers, but it does not eliminate heat.
The official A2688 guide states that higher temperatures can reduce charging speed and restrict power output. It documents an operating-temperature range of 0–25°C, or 32–77°F.
Anker also describes an ActiveShield temperature-management system that monitors temperature and adjusts power output.
This is manufacturer-provided information rather than an independent BuyZivo test result.
BuyZivo did not measure:
- Surface temperature
- Internal temperature
- Sustained 100W performance
- Thermal-throttling thresholds
- Voltage ripple
- Protection-trip behavior
- Audible noise
- Electrical efficiency
The official guide lists the following regulatory specifications:
- Average active efficiency: 85.00%
- Efficiency at 10% load: 80.37%
- No-load power consumption: 0.20W
These figures should not be presented as BuyZivo measurements.
Use the charger in a dry and ventilated location. Do not cover it with clothing, bedding, paper, or other materials that could trap heat.
Use undamaged cables with the appropriate current rating and insert the AC plug fully into the outlet.
Stop using the charger if it becomes damaged or wet or produces smoke, an unusual smell, abnormal sound, or excessive heat.
The Anker A2688 was not listed by model number on Anker’s US recall page when checked on September 2, 2026.
This is a time-limited finding rather than a guarantee that no future recall or safety notice will be issued. Check current manufacturer recall notices before buying or continuing use.
Portability and Everyday Usability
The A2688’s strongest everyday benefit is device consolidation.
One charger can cover a laptop, phone, and USB-A accessory without occupying three separate outlets.
Its foldable prongs, universal-voltage input, and compact body make it suitable for:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Shared offices
- Daily commuting
- Coffee-shop work
- Home charging stations
The tradeoff is cable management.
Because no cable is included, buyers must add at least one correctly rated USB-C cable. A complete three-device travel setup may require two USB-C cables and one USB-A cable.
Therefore, the charger’s compact body does not eliminate all the space required by a multi-device charging kit.
Port order also matters more than some buyers may expect.
The top USB-C1 port should normally be reserved for the laptop during multi-device charging. Placing devices on USB-C2 and USB-A creates a shared 24W group that can feel slow when both connected devices require meaningful power.
The ports are straightforward to use, but a display like the one included on the Anker B121B would make power-allocation problems easier to identify.
Final Buying Advice: Anker Prime 100W charger review
The Anker Prime A2688 is a strong compact charger for a common travel setup: one laptop that operates comfortably with 65W, one phone or tablet, and one lower-power accessory.
It is also a capable single-device 100W laptop charger when paired with a compatible 5A e-marker USB-C cable.
Buy it if compactness, foldable prongs, and mixed USB-C and USB-A connectivity matter more than having a display or achieving maximum charging speed across three devices.
Skip it if your laptop must receive the full 100W while other devices are connected, if you want three USB-C ports, or if you expect a high-power cable inside the box.
Buyers with multiple high-power devices should consider a larger 140W–160W multi-port charger instead.
The Anker Prime A2688 is worth considering if its port allocation fits your devices. Its three-port output limit and separate cable requirement matter more than a numerical rating. This verdict evaluates documented capabilities; BuyZivo has not measured its performance.
Sources and Model Verification
Consult Anker’s A2688 product support and user guides for model-specific specifications and power allocation. Match A2688 on the product label: other Anker Prime chargers may use different port layouts or sharing rules.
Evidence, Performance & Specifications
Our scores combine the stated review basis, measurable product information, compatibility requirements, and documented limitations.
Key Specifications & Rated Output
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Power and charging performance | 8.8/10 | Either USB-C port reaches 100W alone and the dual USB-C split is practical |
| Port selection | 8.0/10 | Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port cover common mixed-device setups |
| Device compatibility | 8.6/10 | Broad laptop, phone, tablet, and accessory compatibility with protocol limitations |
| Build quality and portability | 9.0/10 | Compact dimensions, foldable prongs, and 170 g travel-friendly design |
| Thermal and power sharing | 7.7/10 | Temperature-based output management is documented but three-port power is limited |
| Ease of use | 8.4/10 | No controls are required, although port choice matters |
| Overall value | 8.1/10 | Strong compactness and output, offset by no included cable |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | A2688 |
| Product type | GaN wall charger |
| Input | 100–240V at 2.1A and 50–60Hz |
| Ports | Two USB-C and one USB-A |
| USB-C1 single-port output | 5V at 3A, 9V at 3A, 15V at 3A, or 20V at 5A; 100W max |
| USB-C2 single-port output | 5V at 3A, 9V at 3A, 15V at 3A, or 20V at 5A; 100W max |
| USB-A single-port output | 5V at 3A, 9V at 2A, 10V at 2.25A, or 12V at 1.5A; 22.5W max |
| USB-C1 plus USB-C2 | 65W plus 35W; 100W total max |
| USB-C1 plus USB-A | 65W plus up to 22.5W |
| USB-C2 plus USB-A | 24W shared |
| All three ports | 65W plus 24W shared; 89W total max |
| Dimensions | 1.7 × 1.1 × 2.7 inches or 43.5 × 29 × 67.8 mm; prongs excluded |
| Weight | 6 oz or 170 g |
| Plug | Foldable US AC prongs on the US version |
| Average active efficiency | 85.00 percent manufacturer regulatory value |
| Efficiency at 10 percent load | 80.37 percent manufacturer regulatory value |
| No-load power consumption | 0.20W manufacturer regulatory value |
| Documented operating temperature | 32–77 degrees Fahrenheit or 0–25 degrees Celsius |
| Included items | Charger and welcome guide; charging cables not included |
| Warranty | 24 months stated for this product; coverage varies by region and seller |
How We Tested / Evaluated
Evidence & Limitations
Compatibility Notes
Safety Notes
Is This the Right Product for You?
Match the product’s strengths, limitations, compatibility, and value to your actual devices and charging habits.
Buy It If
Skip It If
Best Alternatives
Choose another option when a different power level, port arrangement, size, or price fits your needs better.
| Alternative | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| UGREEN Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Charger | A close three-port alternative | Similar two USB-C plus one USB-A layout with a different power-allocation design |
| Anker Charger 100W with Smart Display B121B | Live wattage and charging information | Adds a display, cable, and more flexible low-current allocation but is larger |
| UGREEN Nexode 100W 4-Port Charger | Users who need three USB-C ports | Adds a third USB-C port and charges four devices |
| Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger | International travelers and higher combined power | Four USB-C ports, 145W total, and interchangeable travel adapters |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions, based on the same information used throughout this review.
Can the Anker Prime 100W Charger charge a laptop and phone at the same time?
Yes. It can charge multiple compatible devices simultaneously. However, available power is shared between active ports, so the laptop may receive less than the maximum single-port output depending on the port combination.
Does each USB-C port provide 100W?
Each USB-C port can provide up to 100W when used individually with a compatible device and cable. This does not mean both USB-C ports deliver 100W simultaneously.
What is the maximum output when all three ports are used?
Anker specifies a maximum total output of 89W when both USB-C ports and the USB-A port are used at the same time.
Does the charger include a USB-C cable?
No. Charging cables are not included with the standard charger package and must be purchased separately.
Do I need an E-Marker USB-C cable for 100W charging?
Anker recommends using a compatible E-Marker USB-C cable for optimal 100W charging. The connected laptop or device must also support the requested charging wattage.
Is the Anker Prime 100W suitable for international travel?
The charger supports 100–240V input, making it compatible with common international voltage standards. However, travelers may still need a suitable plug adapter for the destination country.
Can it charge Apple and Android devices?
Anker lists compatibility with selected MacBook, iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Microsoft Surface, and other USB-powered devices. Actual charging speed depends on the device, cable, protocol, and active port combination.
Does the charger become warm during use?
A compact high-power charger may become warm during operation. Anker states that ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature, but BuyZivo did not independently perform long-term thermal testing for this research-based review.
Arif Hossen
Product Review Editor & Technical Researcher
Arif researches charging technology, USB‑C accessories and mobile power products using official specifications, technical documentation and device-manufacturer guidance. His reviews focus on compatibility, practical limitations and informed buying decisions.
