Anker is trying something new that might cut the number of cables you need to wrangle in half. that it 2-in-1 USB-C cable Allows two devices to charge simultaneously from a single USB-C port with built-in Smart Power Management that automatically adjusts power distribution based on each device’s power needs.
The four-foot cable features a single USB-C port on one end that splits into a pair of USB-C ports on the other end, each with a cable foot that can be shortened as needed to keep things neat and tidy. It’s all wrapped in a durable casing that Anker promises will withstand “10,000+ bends.”
Supporting PD, PPS, and PIQ 2.0 USB power delivery protocols, Anker’s 2-in-1 charging cable can deliver up to 140W of power when connecting a single device to a power adapter. With two devices connected, such as a laptop and a smartphone, the maximum power delivery drops to 130 watts if one device consumes more than 100 watts. If no device needs that much power, the total power delivery of the cable will be reduced and will not exceed 100 watts.
Anker provided some additional details on how automatic power management for the 2-in-1 works. If two laptops are connected at the same time to a single USB-C power source, the first connected device will receive more power. When charging two devices from a slower 60-watt power adapter, such as a laptop and a smartphone, the computer will receive only 30 watts of power, while the phone will be limited to only 13.5 watts. It’s no surprise that you’ll want to stick with a larger USB-C power adapter to take full advantage of this 2-in-1 cable’s capabilities.
Data transfer is also supported, but unfortunately, Anker’s new 2-in-1 cable doesn’t work as a USB-C hub. Only the first connected device will be able to share data, and transfers are limited to USB 2.0 speeds of 480Mbps.
Although we haven’t had a chance to test the new cable ourselves, it looks like it may require you to upgrade your USB-C power adapter to something more powerful. But at $25, the Anker 2-in-1 USB-C charging cable is a tempting upgrade if the inside of your everyday bag looks like a nest of wires.