USB-C Power Delivery: What You Need to Know in 2025

9/20/2025 · Power · 8 min

TL;DR

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) is the current standard for fast charging laptops, phones, tablets, and accessories.
PD profiles run from 5V to 48V and up to 240W with newer specs; common chargers are 18W, 30W, 45W, 65W, 90W, and 140W.
For phones: 18W to 45W PD is usually ideal. For ultrabooks: 45W to 65W. For gaming laptops: 100W or more may be required.
Match charger wattage to device needs, but having higher wattage is safe as PD negotiates the correct voltage and current.
Use quality USB-C cables rated for the power level: USB-C to USB-C cables can be 60W, 100W, or 240W rated.

How USB-C PD Works

PD is a negotiation protocol over the USB-C connection. The charger advertises supported voltages and currents, and the device requests what it needs.
Modern PD supports variable voltages such as 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V and higher. The Programmable Power Supply (PPS) mode lets devices request fine-grained voltage steps for more efficient charging.
PD protects devices by only delivering the negotiated power. Devices will not draw more than they are designed for.

Wattage Tiers and Common Use Cases

18W to 30W: Phones, earbuds, some tablets.
45W to 65W: Thin laptops, larger tablets, fast charging for many phones.
90W to 140W: Bigger laptops, ultrabooks under load.
240W: Newer high-power standards for gaming laptops and demanding devices.
When in doubt, pick a charger that matches or slightly exceeds the device's factory adapter wattage.

Cables and Ratings

Cables matter. Look for cables rated for the power you need:
60W cables are fine for phones and small laptops.
100W cables are standard for most laptops.
240W cables are required for the newest high-power chargers.
Beware of cheap uncertified cables. They can limit charging speed or be unsafe.
If your setup uses a dock or hub, ensure the hub supports USB-C PD passthrough at the required wattage.

PPS, Quick Charge, and Other Standards

PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is part of USB PD and offers smaller voltage steps and more efficient charging. Many modern phones and chargers support PPS.
Qualcomm Quick Charge is less common with USB-C PD taking over, but adapters may support both.
Marketing terms like \"fast charge\" or \"super charge\" are vendor specific. Check PD wattage and PPS support instead.

Multiport and GaN Chargers

GaN chargers are smaller and more efficient than older silicon designs. They are common in multiport chargers.
Multiport chargers share total wattage across ports. For example a 100W charger might provide 65W on one port and 30W on another when both are used.
If you need to charge a laptop and a phone simultaneously, pick a charger with enough total wattage and good power distribution.

Laptop Charging Tips

Check the laptop's recommended adapter wattage on the manufacturer page or the original charger.
For full performance under load, match or exceed the original adapter wattage.
Some laptops restrict charging speed on lower wattage chargers but will still charge at reduced rates.

Safety and Certification

Look for PD-certified chargers and reputable brands.
Safety features to prefer: overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, thermal protection.
Avoid unknown brands with mixed reviews, especially for high-wattage chargers.

Buying Checklist

Determine device adapter wattage.
Choose PD charger with equal or higher wattage.
Pick a cable rated for the wattage (60W, 100W, or 240W as needed).
Consider GaN and multiport if you need compactness and multiple devices.
Check PPS support for most efficient phone charging.

Bottom Line

USB-C Power Delivery simplifies charging across phones, tablets, and laptops. Buy a PD charger that matches your device needs, use the right cable, and prefer reputable brands with safety features. A 65W USB-C PD charger with a 100W cable covers most ultrabooks and phones; step up to 100W or higher for gaming laptops and power users.

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