Anker’s new dual-headed USB-C cable charges two devices simultaneously

Anker is trying something new that could potentially halve the number of cables you have to tangle. The 2-in-1 USB-C cable allows you to simultaneously charge two devices from a single USB-C port thanks to the built-in “Intelligent Power Management” solution that automatically adjusts power distribution based on “each device’s power needs.”

The four-foot cable has a single USB-C port on one end that splits into a pair of USB-C ports on the other, each with a three-foot cable that can be shortened as needed to keep things tidy. Everything is wrapped in a durable cover that Anker claims will survive “over 10,000 folds.”

Supporting USB PD, PPS, and PIQ 2.0 power protocols, Anker’s 2-in-1 charging cable can deliver up to 140W of power when one device is connected to a power adapter. When two devices are connected, such as a laptop and a smartphone, the maximum power delivered drops to 130 W if one device draws more than 100 W. If neither device needs that much power, the total power delivered by the cable is reduced and will not exceed 100 W .

Anker provided additional details on how the 2-in-1’s automatic power management works. If two laptops are connected to a single USB-C power source at the same time, the first connected laptop will receive more power. When charging two devices from a slower 60W power adapter, such as a laptop and a smartphone, your computer will only receive 30W of power while your phone will be limited to just 13.5W. It’s no surprise that you’ll want to stick with the more powerful USB-C power adapter to take full advantage of this 2-in-1 cable.

Data transfer is also supported, but unfortunately Anker’s new 2-in-1 cable doesn’t work as a USB-C hub. Only the first connected device will be able to share data, and transfers are limited to USB 2.0 speeds of 480 Mbps.

While we haven’t had a chance to test the new cable ourselves, it appears that you may need to replace the USB-C power adapter with something that provides a bit more power. But at $25, the Anker 2-in-1 USB-C Charging Cable is a tempting upgrade if the inside of your everyday carry looks like a rat’s nest of wires.