USB Power Delivery vs PPS: Which Fast Charging Standard Should You Use?

9/25/2025 · Charging · 7 min

TL;DR

• USB Power Delivery PD is the broadly supported fast charging spec for phones, laptops, and accessories.
• PPS is a variable voltage protocol built on PD that can improve efficiency and reduce heat by negotiating finer voltage and current steps.
• Choose PD if you want universal compatibility and laptop charging. Choose PPS if your phone supports it and you want cooler, more efficient charging during heavy use.

What are PD and PPS

• USB Power Delivery PD: a standard that allows devices to negotiate fixed power profiles up to 240 W depending on the revision and cable. It uses set voltage steps like 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, 20 V.
• Programmable Power Supply PPS: an extension of PD that lets chargers and devices negotiate continuous voltage and current in small increments. That reduces wasted power and heat when the device is not optimally matched to a fixed step.

How they differ in practice

• Voltage negotiation:
• PD uses fixed voltage steps.
• PPS adjusts voltage continuously in small increments.
• Efficiency and heat:
• PPS can be more efficient and run cooler, especially at intermediate battery states or during high load.
• With PD fixed steps, devices may draw more current than needed and dissipate extra heat.
• Compatibility:
• Most devices accept PD. PPS support is common on modern Android phones but less common on laptops and older gear.

Real world benefits

• Faster top speed: Both can achieve similar peak wattage if supported by both charger and device.
• Cooler charging: PPS often results in lower battery and charger temperatures during heavy use or while gaming on the phone.
• Battery longevity: Lower charging heat from PPS may help long term battery health, though charge controllers and thermal design matter most.

What to look for when buying a charger

• Power rating: match charger wattage to device needs. 30 W to 65 W suits phones and small laptops; 65 W to 140 W suits larger laptops.
• PD revision: PD 3.0 with PPS is preferred for modern phones. Larger PD versions increase max wattage.
• Cable: use USB-C to USB-C cables rated for the charger power. For over 60 W choose a cable with proper e-marker if needed.
• Brand and safety: pick chargers with overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection from reputable makers.

Cables and ports quick guide

• USB-C port: required for PD and PPS for high wattage. Older USB-A is limited.
• DisplayPort alt modes or Thunderbolt ports may pass PD but check device docs for power limits.
• Not all cables support high wattage. For 100 W plus use certified cables with e-marker.

Device considerations

• Phones: Many recent Android phones support PD with PPS. iPhones support PD but not PPS as of 2025.
• Laptops: Most support PD for charging but rarely use PPS. Check your laptop spec for maximum PD input.
• Power banks: Some support PD out and in, and a subset support PPS for faster phone charging.

Which should you choose?

• Choose PD if you want broad compatibility across phones, laptops, tablets, and power banks.
• Choose PPS if you own a device that explicitly supports it and you want marginally cooler, more efficient charging during heavy use.
• For most users a PD charger that also supports PPS is the best compromise when available.

Buying checklist

• Does your device list PPS support in its charging specs?
• Match charger wattage to device peak input.
• Use a USB-C to USB-C cable rated for the power and with an e-marker if necessary.
• Prefer chargers from reputable brands with safety certifications.

Bottom line

USB Power Delivery is the universal fast charging choice. PPS builds on PD to offer finer voltage control and better thermal efficiency on compatible devices. If you want one charger to rule them all, pick a PD charger with PPS support, the correct cable, and a sensible wattage for your gear.

Found this helpful? Check our curated picks on the home page.