The original Steam Deck is infamous for its poor battery life; the Steam Deck OLED offers marginal improvements, but still falls short of all-day usage. A reliable USB-C charger is essential to prevent power outages during crucial gameplay. Our top pick is the compact and fast Anker 715 Charger. Whether you need a portable power bank, a budget-friendly option for the car or office, or a multi-port wall charger, we've got you covered.
TL;DR – Top Steam Deck Chargers
Best Overall: Anker 715 Charger
Best Budget: JSAUX 45W USB-C Power Delivery Charger
Best Hybrid: Anker 733 Power Bank
Best Power Bank: Anker 737 Power Bank
Best USB Hub: Ugreen Nexode 200W 6-Port GaN Charger
A crucial Steam Deck accessory is undoubtedly a charger – the included 45W charger with a fixed USB-C cable is subpar. A 65W charger is ideal for maximizing charging speed, especially during gameplay. A detachable USB-C cable, extra ports, and portability are also desirable features. We've selected five excellent Steam Deck chargers for home or travel. All our choices are compatible with most handheld gaming PCs, phones, and other devices.
1. Anker 715 Charger – Best Overall
Best Overall: Anker 715 Charger
Specifications:
- Total Output: 65W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C (65W)
- Size: 1.65” x 1.42” x 1.74”
- Weight: 0.24 pounds
Pros: 65W charging, compact design.
Cons: Requires separate USB-C cable.
The included Steam Deck charger (45W max) has a non-detachable cable, limiting portability. The Anker 715 is significantly more compact with foldable prongs, making it travel-friendly. GaN II technology enables 65W output in a small form factor, ensuring fast charging. While versatile, it only charges one device at a time. A USB-C cable is sold separately; Anker's two-pack is a cost-effective option.
2. JSAUX 45W USB-C Power Delivery Charger – Best Budget
Best Budget: JSAUX 45W USB-C Power Delivery Charger
Specifications:
- Total Output: 45W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C (45W, attached)
- Size: 2.2” x 1.8” x 1.2”
- Weight: 0.33 pounds
Pros: Affordable, includes cable.
Cons: Non-detachable USB-C cable.
This is an inexpensive replacement or backup charger for the car or office. For under \$20, it provides 45W charging (similar to the original), fully charging the Steam Deck in approximately 2.5 hours. It features a durable, flexible 5ft or 10ft USB-C cable and a 90-degree adapter for comfortable gaming while charging. Compatible with other USB-C devices like the Nintendo Switch. JSAUX also makes a top-rated Steam Deck docking station.
3. Anker 733 Power Bank – Best Hybrid
Best Hybrid: Anker 733 Power Bank
Specifications:
- Total Output: 65W (wall), 30W (battery)
- Ports: 2 x USB-C (65W wall, 30W battery), 1 x USB-A (22.5W)
- Battery Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Size: 4.36” x 2.79” x 1.22”
- Weight: 0.71 pounds
Pros: Wall charger and power bank, multiple ports.
Cons: 30W battery charging speed.
The Anker 733 combines a wall charger and power bank. Foldable prongs provide 65W wall charging. GaN technology improves efficiency and thermal protection. It includes a second USB-C and a USB-A port, but speeds reduce with multiple devices. Battery charging is limited to 30W, but should provide over one full Steam Deck charge.
4. Anker 737 Power Bank – Best Power Bank
Best Power Bank: Anker 737 Power Bank
Specifications:
- Total Output: 140W
- Ports: 2 x USB-C (140W), 1 x USB-A (18W)
- Battery Capacity: 24,000mAh
- Size: 6.13” x 2.15” x 1.95”
- Weight: 1.39 pounds
Pros: 140W output, large 24,000mAh battery.
Cons: Bulky.
Ideal for on-the-go Steam Deck use, the Anker 737 boasts a massive 24,000mAh battery (near the TSA limit) providing approximately four full Steam Deck charges. It offers 140W output (though the Steam Deck won't utilize this fully), and an additional USB-A port for charging three devices simultaneously. Power Delivery 3.1 and bi-directional technology enable fast charging and recharging. Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and a power display.
5. Ugreen Nexode 200W 6-Port GaN Charger – Best USB Hub
Best USB Hub: Ugreen Nexode 200W 6-Port GaN Charger
Specifications:
- Total Output: 200W
- Ports: 2 x USB-C (100W), 2 x USB-C (65W), 2 x USB-A (10W)
- Size: 4.3” x 3.6” x 2.0”
- Weight: 1.14 pounds
Pros: Six ports (four USB-C), up to 100W USB-C charging.
Cons: Expensive.
The Ugreen Nexode charges up to six devices simultaneously at 200W max. It features four USB-C ports (two at 100W), ideal for fast charging iPads or laptops. Includes a 100W USB-C cable. Charging speeds decrease with multiple devices. Four GaN chips maintain a compact size and improve efficiency. Expect a higher price point.
Choosing a Steam Deck Charger
Key factors include price and at least one USB-C port. Budget options under \$30 often have limited ports. Higher budgets usually mean extra ports, faster charging, durable build, GaN technology, advanced Power Delivery, and smart displays.
The Steam Deck's included 45W charger is a minimum benchmark. 65W is optimal for fast charging, even during gameplay (which consumes around 15W). Higher wattage is fine, but won't increase charging speed beyond the Steam Deck's capacity. For multiple devices, a higher max output is beneficial.
Power banks or hybrid options are best for mobile gaming. Aim for at least 10,000mAh. Higher wattage ensures faster charging, but these are usually larger.
After selecting a charger, ensure you have a compatible USB-C cable for optimal charging speeds. For multiple peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor), consider a Steam Deck dock.
Steam Deck Charging FAQ
-
Battery Life: The original LCD Steam Deck's 40Whr battery lasts 7-8 hours maximum. In testing, God of War depleted the battery in 90 minutes at default settings. Lowering settings improves battery life, but a charger or power bank is essential. The Steam Deck OLED's 50Whr battery offers 12 hours maximum and 30-50% better life than the LCD model (confirmed in testing).
-
Max Charging Speed: The Steam Deck's maximum charging speed is 65W. Higher wattage chargers are acceptable; the Steam Deck will only charge at its maximum rate. Lower wattage chargers will increase charging time.
