RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger Review: Smaller and More Functional Than an OEM MacBook Charger

RAVPower has quietly been making a name for itself by releasing mobile accessories that work well, are easy to use, and are priced nicely. Their new RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger is just such a product. For under $80, this wall adapter will keep your laptop and phone fully charged on the go.

The RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger shipped in no-frills packaging; I appreciate that since the packaging ends up in a landfill or the ocean.

Inside the box, you will find the RAVPower 100W USB-C, a USB-C to USB-C Cable with E-Mark Chipset, and a User Guide. The E-Mark chipset allows the wall adapter and the connected device to communicate correctly, so you get the fastest but safest charging speeds possible.

I appreciate the inclusion of the USB-C to USB-C. The fact that it is specifically identified as having an “E-Mark chipset” suggests it makes sense to use the included cable with the wall adapter rather than the one you had lying around.

The wall adapter is available in your choice of glossy white or black. I received a review sample in black. It looks great, but it’s as bad a fingerprint magnet as I have ever seen. It measures 2.4″ tall by 2.4″ wide by 1.3″ thick and weighs just 5.82 ounces.

RAVPower is quick to point out that this wall adapter is 35% smaller and 45% lighter than Apple’s 96W wall adapter. And, unlike Apple’s single port adapter, this RAVPower wall adapter has two USB-C ports. That means you can charge two devices at once. There are even a small series of LEDs above the ports to tell you when it’s charging.

Some wall adapters ship with swappable prongs, so you can, for example, use the same wall adapter in the US or Israel. Unfortunately, RAVPower didn’t go that route, and the 100W USB C Wall Charger comes with US electrical prongs. That’s not a huge deal, but it does mean you will want to carry some prong adapters if you plan to travel internationally with it.

I appreciate that the prongs fold into the wall adapter’s casing. That makes it a bit smaller to pack and, more importantly, helps prevent the prongs from being damaged.

The wall adapter looks simple, but there is a serious amount of tech packed into its simple plastic box. For example, it has GaN power technology to safely charge connected devices as quickly as possible. Using this technology means less heat is produced. That, in turn, lets the company reduce the size of the wall adapter.

If you connect one device to the top USB-C port, up to 100W of power will flow. Suppose devices are connected to both USB-C ports. In that case, the device’s onboard intelligent distribution system will prioritize the necessary power to maintain the output of high-power devices. Best of all, the device takes care of everything, so you don’t have to think about it.

RAVPower notes that the wall adapter:

Packs enough power to fully charge a 16” MacBook Pro in 1.7hrs, an iPad Air 4 in 2.2 hrs and an iPad Pro 11 in 2hrs via the included USB-C to USB-C cable with E-Mark chipset. An iPhone 12 Pro will go from 0%-50% in 25 minutes.

The RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger’s Features include the following:

• 100W Power Delivery
• Simultaneous USB-C Charging
• Advanced GaN Power Tech
• 35% Smaller and 45% Lighter than an Apple 96W Charger
• Intelligent Power Allocation

The RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger is a nicely-designed and well-executed. It doesn’t break any new ground, but if you are looking for a wall adapter that can be used in place of the one that came with your Mac, this is for you. And if you are looking for a wall adapter that can charge your computer and tablet simultaneously, this is for you.

RAVPower’s offering is significantly smaller and lighter than Apple’s, has two USB-C ports, and is smart enough to safely manage how much power goes to each of them when both are in use. In addition, the company includes a USB-C cable to help guarantee you get the fastest possible speeds.

Best of all, however, is the price. Apple’s 96W power adapter is currently $79.00. This RAVPower wall adapter is the same price. But the RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger gives you two ports instead of one, and as of this writing, it is 20% off with the code NL151. That means it is less expensive than Apple’s offering and more functional.

The RAVPower 100W 2 USB-C Ports PD Wall Charger sells for $79.00; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Small but powerful; 100W when a single device is connected; Intelligent distribution of power when both ports are in use; Includes “smart” USB-C cable; Nice price

What Needs Improvement: Prongs are not swappable, so you’ll need to bring adapters when traveling; Casing is a fingerprint magnet