Review: This Baseus charging station allows me to worry less about outlets

My workspace is always full of different devices that I constantly plug and unplug. This jungle of gadgets leads to a messy tangle of various power adapters. Even though modern devices primarily use USB-C ports, which makes charging a little easier, juggling multiple phones, headphones, laptops, tablets, and accessories is still a bit complicated.

On the other hand, the rise of fast charging technology for smartphones and other smart devices has brought a wave of versatile accessories. These new products focus on compatibility with various devices, offering solutions beyond just charging phones and tablets. Enter the Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro power strip. This product goes beyond a typical power strip, featuring multiple ports that can charge up to six devices at once.

Pricing and availability

The Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro is available from major retailers, with Amazon selling it for around $90. Currently it only comes in black. While this won’t bother everyone, it can stand out against lighter colored furniture. As I write this review, my eyes continue to drift to the PowerCombo, not because of its sleek design (which it has), but because its matte black finish stands in stark contrast to my warm wood desk.

A versatile charger

This 100W charging station leverages GaN technology for powerful performance. Gallium nitride (GaN) makes the design compact and ensures efficient charging. I can charge multiple devices at once. After months of real-world use, I’ve found it to be quite reliable despite a few quirks (more on that later). As a result, this charger is now a permanent fixture on my desk.

The Baseus PowerCombo 100W redefines the traditional power strip, going beyond the old AC power strips hidden behind desks. Unlike larger models, the Baseus PowerCombo 100W is compact, measuring just 4.4 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches and weighing just 15.7 ounces.

Gone are the days when bulky chargers took up valuable space in my travel bag. Using GaN technology, the Baseus PowerCombo 100W delivers powerful power in a remarkably compact design. Its small footprint allows for effortless placement on my desk, or any desk for that matter, but its true potential shines through when on the go. This lightweight charger is a strong contender to become your travel charging companion, ensuring all your devices stay powered during travel and adventures.

The Baseus PowerCombo 100W maintains the brand’s reputation for quality. Its performance, especially with USB-C ports, is impressive. With two AC outlets, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, the PowerCombo covers a wide range of devices.

Although the Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro delivers up to 100W of power, it’s important to understand how it works in the real world. Its impressive output is especially noticeable when charging a single device via one of the USB-C ports. However, when multiple devices are connected, power is intelligently distributed to ensure each gadget charges efficiently.

When you connect two devices, power is split between the ports. One device will receive 65W, while the other will receive 30W. Check out the image below for a complete guide on multiport charging.

This charger is a breeze to use thanks to its easily accessible ports. It keeps my devices charged effortlessly and without any hassle. Its minimalist design, featuring a sleek black body, fits well in most setups. The bright orange ports add a fun touch and make it easier to insert USB cables correctly, solving this all-too-common problem.

The Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro intelligently manages power for multiple devices, prioritizing faster charging for power-hungry gadgets. This ensures that all connected devices receive sufficient power. While its charging speeds don’t quite match those of dedicated wall chargers, the difference is minor and the convenience of having a single hub for multiple devices can’t be beat.

It’s worth mentioning that even with GaN technology, the Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro can heat up slightly during prolonged use, but it never reaches worrying temperatures. Additionally, I noticed brief power interruptions when plugging in multiple USB drives at once. According to Baseus, this is due to “overpower protection,” a safety feature intended to prevent overloads. While this may be a minor inconvenience, it highlights the charger’s built-in protections.

Should you buy it?

The Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro is a must-have for anyone managing multiple devices and needing to charge them all at the same time. It eliminates the hassle of finding outlets and keeps your workspace clean and efficient. Its compact design also makes it a reliable travel companion, ensuring all your devices stay charged during your adventures and business trips.

Even though the charging station doesn’t deliver the full 100W to every device at the same time, its GaN3 technology ensures fast charging that meets most needs. Even when you’re powering multiple devices and a laptop, you’ll notice a significant increase in load for all. Its compact, portable design also creates a more organized and visually appealing workspace. Overall, the Baseus PowerCombo GaN3 Pro offers a convenient and user-friendly solution for efficiently managing multiple devices.

That said, if you need top speeds for all your devices simultaneously, there may be better options among the leading GaN chargers on the market. Additionally, the small, always-on light might be a minor annoyance for some.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the convenience and portability of the PowerCombo GaN3 Pro are hard to beat. Its built-in safety features, including overload and overheat protection, provide peace of mind. You can connect your devices and let them charge without worry.