Best Chromeboxes for June 2021: ASUS, Acer, HP and more

Chromebooks are incredibly popular these days. From education to enterprise, Google has a hit on its hands with Chrome OS. There are already a number of premium Chromebooks out there, but what if you want to run Chrome OS in a desktop environment? There are a number of excellent Chromeboxes out there to accomplish this very task. While they don’t get as much hype or fanfare as their mobile counterparts, Chromeboxes are reliable for work and school applications. In addition, if you like working on a bigger screen, a Chromebox is the ideal device for you. In this guide we’ll take a look at the best Chromeboxes from Acer, ASUS, and HP. Hopefully you’ll find something on our list that meets your needs.

Navigate this article: 

• Best Overall: ASUS Chromebox 4
• Best for less: HP Chromebox G3
• Best fanless: ASUS fanless Chromebox
• Best for business: Acer CXI3 Chromebox
• Best combo deal: ASUS Chromebox 3 Bundle
• Best next-gen: Acer Chromebox CXI4

Best overall: ASUS Chromebox 4

The ASUS Chromebox 4 features a 10th Generation Intel Core or Celeron processor and DDR4-2666 memory for faster, smoother and more energy-efficient performance. These specs are configurable up to a Core i7 and 16GB of RAM. It also supports up to three 4K displays and comes equipped with versatile USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for fast data transfers, and USB-C also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections.

Offering easy access to Android apps via Google Play, the device lets you enjoy your favorite apps. For the added benefit of Chrome Enterprise, the ASUS Chromebox Enterprise 4 option empowers businesses, IT administrators and remote employees with the tools they need for enhanced productivity and efficiency. You can also configure this Chromebox with up to 256GB of SSD storage, an impressive amount for a Chrome OS device.

Overall, this is the Chromebox for you if you need a top of the line machine with a range of choices when it comes to internal specs. The ability to connect three displays makes this a workhorse at the office and should be at the top of the list for business users.

ASUS Chromebox 4

ASUS leads the Chromebox pack with this excellent all-around device. With customizable configurations, there are Chromebox 4 models to fit any workflow or education application.

View at Amazon

Best for less: HP Chromebox G3

If you need performance without a high price, the HP Chromebox G3 is a solid option. Intel’s 10th generation processors power HP’s Chromebox G3 and Chromebox Enterprise G3, and there is a Celeron option for the budget-minded. HP also includes up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 128GB of storage. Unfortunately, for the 32-64GB models, you get slower eMMC storage as opposed to the 128GB M.2 SSD. Like most Chromebooks, the HP Chromebox G3 has a microSD slot for beefing up your storage if needed.

HP has four USB-A ports on this Chromebox, but it’s a shame there’s only one USB-C port available. You do get two HDMI ports, useful for connecting up to two 4K displays. With most modern accessories moving to USB-C, those looking to use multiple peripheral devices with this Chromebox may need to resort to the dongle life. It’s worth noting that older models of the G3 line exists (G2 models mainly on Amazon), but these devices are really not worth their price and should be avoided.

HP Chromebox G3

Those looking for a Chromebox with top specs without a high price will love the Chromebox G3 from HP. This machine packs in 10th generation Intel chips and all the ports you need for a first-class desktop experience.

View at HP

Best fanless: ASUS Fanless Chromebox

The ASUS Fanless Chromebox features a 10th Generation Intel  Core or Celeron processor for faster, smoother and more energy-efficient performance. The fanless aluminum chassis has multiple metal fins to efficiently dissipate heat while operating quietly and to reduce maintenance needs in commercial environments. The ASUS Fanless Chromebox also supports up to three 4K displays and comes equipped with versatile USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for fast data transfers, and USB-C also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections. Offering easy access to a rich selection of Android apps available on Google Play, the device enables use of productivity-boosting apps.

In addition, the ASUS Fanless Chromebox features a compact, space-saving design with chassis dimensions of 207 x 148 x 32 mm. Each device also features a newly designed lockable VESA mount that securely attaches to a wide range of surfaces. The VESA mount includes a screw-in rubber barrier that protects the surface of ASUS Fanless Chromebox from everyday bumps and knocks. The VESA mount also allows you to attach the device to your display and turn it into your own customized all-in-one PC for a tidy, clutter-free workspace. If you want a compact and quiet Chromebox, look no further.

ASUS Fanless Chromebox

Want a quieter desktop experience? ASUS has you covered with this fanless Chromebox. A range of configurable specs make this device appealing to a variety of users.

View at Amazon

Best for business: Acer CXI3 Chromebox

Acer touts this machine as the best for small and medium businesses alike. However, this Chromebox is also a solid option for personal use on your desktop at home. For under $270, you get quite a bit of power. The Chromebox runs the Intel Celeron 3867U processor with 4GB of standard memory. You also a 128 GB SSD for storage, very spacious by Chrome OS standards. To add value, Acer also includes a USB mouse and keyboard for easily setting up in a business environment.

With dimensions of 5.9 in x 5.8 in x1.6 in, this compact Chromebox can fit into any environment. It’s ideal for stowing away on the back of a monitor, and an optional VESA kit allows for easy mounting. You can connect this Chromebox to two displays to extend your desktop and increase productivity. It’s also worth picking up a docking station to extend port selection. If you need a Chromebox, this is one to put on your shortlist.

Acer Chromebox CXI3-UA91

Those that need a Chrome OS experience on the desktop will love Acer's Chromebox CXI3-UA91. With 128 GB of SSD storage, this is a great option for small businesses. This Chromebox can fit just about anywhere, even mounted to the back of a monitor.

View at Acer

Best combo deal: ASUS Chromebox 3 Bundle

The ASUS Chromebox 3 features 8th Generation Intel Core processors and DDR4-2400 memory configurable up to 8GB for faster, smoother and more energy-efficient performance. With full support for Android apps from Google Play, ASUS Chromebox 3 gives you the ability to run your favorite mobile apps with the power of a mini PC. It also comes equipped with a versatile USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port for data transfer, power delivery and DisplayPort functionality, and supports dual 4K/UHD displays for gorgeously sharp visuals and powerful productivity.

This device supports dual displays via HDMI and USB Type-C without the need for an additional graphics card, making multitasking a whole lot easier. Spread out your documents, mirror content or extend a single browser across multiple displays. When it’s time to kick back and relax, ASUS Chromebox 3 lets you browse the web, view photos from your SD card on Google Photos or watch videos in 4K/UHD. ASUS Chromebox 3 even features touchscreen support for more intuitive control and engaging gameplay.

This bundle also features a Chrome OS compatible mouse and keyboard, as well as a 24″ external monitor with HD resolution. All of these items in a single package let you plug and play your new Chromebox right out of the box. If you need to get up and running quickly with a Chromebox on your desk, this is the way to go.

ASUS Chromebox 3 Bundle

To use a Chromebox effectively you're going to need an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Why not buy all of these things in a single bundle? ASUS makes getting started with your Chromebox simple by giving you everything you need.

View at Amazon

Best next-gen: Acer Chromebox CXI4

The Acer CXI4 is the successor to the aforementioned CXI3. Acer announced this device in Q3 of 2020, but it’s still not widely available for purchase. Loaded with Google Chrome OS, the Acer Chromebox CXI4 is easy to set up, provides integrated malware protection, and offers a variety of premium features from Google right out of the box.

With an up to 10^th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, this mini PC offers solid performance to deal with everyday tasks. With advanced Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), you can now enjoy a smoother wireless experience with up to three times faster speeds than standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) while also coming equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology.

Easily customize this device for a variety of scenarios including educational, digital signage, or kiosks thanks to the versatility of Chrome OS. With a variety of storage options and price points for any user, this is an excellent Chromebox to keep an eye on. It’s quite a shame that Acer hasn’t yet made this model available on a larger scale.

Acer Chromebox CXI4

If you want to be the first to get a next-gen Chromebox, this is one of the best mid-tier options. Acer previewed this device in late 2020, with positive reviews from most outlets. This Chromebox should be available to preorder from Acer soon.

View at Acer

If you’re shopping for a new Chromebox, these six devices should be on your shortlist. Most of the Chromeboxes mentioned here have configurable specs, so you can find something that fits your budget. Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a Chromebox is your intended use-case and the number of ports. For top of the line performance, choose either the ASUS Chromebox 4 or HP Chromebox G3. For more budget-conscious shoppers, consider checking out the upcoming Acer CXI4.

Now that you’ve seen our picks, tell us about your favorite Chromebox in the comments below.

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Mi Watch Revolve Active Review: Great hardware, still buggy software

What makes a smartwatch different from a smart band? Is it just about the form factor? Or is the smartwatch supposed to be smarter and more capable? These are some of the questions I’ve been dealing with for the past week while reviewing the new Mi Watch Revolve Active. That mouthful of a name aside, the Mi Watch Revolve Active is Xiaomi’s new smartwatch for the Indian market that’s targeting the sports enthusiasts with far more sports tracking options than its predecessor in India — the Mi Watch Revolve, with which it shares almost all the features. So is the Mi Watch Revolve Active also a glorified smart band like the Mi Watch Revolve?

There’s a couple of things to note — some of you might recognize the Mi Watch Revolve Active, as it’s the same smartwatch that’s sold as the Mi Watch Color Sports Edition in China and as the Mi Watch in international markets.

Navigate this review

• Design and Display
• Software
• Fitness and Health Tracking
• Battery Life
• Should you buy the Mi Watch Revolve Active?

Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active Specifications: Click to expand

Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active: Specifications

Specification	Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active
Build	Glass fiber-reinforced polyamide frame Polycarbonate back TPU strap 5ATM
Dimensions & Weight	46mm watch case 45.9×53.35×11.8mm (without protrusions) 32 grams (watch case)
Display	1.39-inch AMOLED 454 x 454 pixels 326PPI
Battery & Charging	420mAh Two pogo pin charger Rated for 16 days of typical use
Sensors	Heart rate sensor, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, air pressure sensor, ambient light sensor
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS
Audio	Microphone for voice assistant

About this review: Xiaomi India loaned us the Mi Watch Revolve Active for review. This review is after about a week of use. Xiaomi did not have any inputs in the content of this review.

Design and Display

Xiaomi has gone with a utilitarian design for the Mi Watch Revolve Active. The circular dial gives it the feel of a traditional watch, like the Mi Watch Revolve, but it also looks quite generic. Apart from the round face, there are two buttons on the watch — home and sport. While the sport button opens the workout menu by default, it can be configured to launch a specific workout. The home button can take you to home or in the app drawer. Depending on the long press duration, you’ll also get different functions, like access to the Amazon Alexa voice assistant or force restart.

The Revolve Active’s case is made of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide with a polycarbonate back, unlike the Revolve that sports a metallic design with a polycarbonate back. The glass fiber-reinforced polyamide material is said to be good in strength and relatively lightweight. So the Xiaomi smartwatch is very light and weighs just 32 grams without the straps. This makes it easier to wear for a longer duration, and especially while sleeping.

You also get a 22mm user-replaceable TPU strap that is quite decent. Xiaomi is offering three color options for the smartwatch – Beige (the one that I received for the review), Black, and Navy Blue. There are going to be a couple of extra strap color options as well that you can purchase separately.

The touchscreen is 1.39-inch OLED with 454×454 pixels resolution, and it’s great. The screen also gets very bright, so I had no problems looking at it both indoors and outdoors. It’s also vibrant, and the company is utilizing the presence of the OLED panel by offering an always-on display option. I initially tried to use the watch without the always-on display option and it was just too annoying waiting for that extra fraction of a second that it took to detect the wrist turn gesture and wake up.

On the back of the watch, you’ll find a bunch of sensors that are used to track your heart rate and blood oxygen level. You’ll also notice the pogo pins on the underside that are used for charging it. The company bundles a magnetic charger that’s slightly smaller than the watch itself. You won’t get a power adapter but you can plug the charger’s USB-A port in pretty much any smartphone wall adapter lying around.

The smartwatch is also 5ATM (up to 50 meters underwater) water-resistant, so you can take it in the shower or a pool.

Overall, the hardware is well put together and feels nice. My only problem is with its size. Xiaomi is selling just one case size — 46mm — that will feel very large to people with slender wrists.

Software

The Mi Watch Revolve Active runs on a proprietary operating system that seems to be based on an RTOS (realtime operating system). It pairs with the Xiaomi Wear app on Android and Xiaomi Wear Lite app on iOS for setting up. It doesn’t matter if you own a Xiaomi phone or not, you get the same functionality on pretty much all modern smartphones. The Xiaomi Wear app also shows details of all the tracking done by the smartwatch. You also use the app to control which apps send you notifications, whether you get incoming call details, which widgets you see on the homescreen of the smartwatch, and more.

Moreover, you can download extra watch faces using the app. There are a total of four pre-installed watch faces on the smartwatch, but the app gives you access to over 100 more. Xiaomi does not provide any easy way to sideload additional watchfaces, but you can if you know what you are doing. If you don’t, the collection of Xiaomi’s watch faces is pretty decent and it includes both analog- and digital-type watch faces, with some even including details about your heart rate, steps taken, and more.

Additionally, there are eight standby watch faces that work when you’ve enabled the always-on display and are not actively interacting with the watch.

As there’s no rotating bezel or crown on the Mi Watch Revolve Active, you only use the touchscreen to interact with it. The gestures are fairly simple — swipe down for notifications, swipe up for control panel, swipe from left edge to go back, and swipe left or right to navigate the widgets.

My experience interacting with the smartwatch was mostly fine, except on a couple of occasions when the watch just froze. Apart from a force restart, nothing worked. I also had issues with the always-on display which, despite being enabled, didn’t seem to work on a couple of occasions after checking a notification. The screen just went to sleep. Waking up the watch again seemed to set everything straight but it was annoying.

Another issue with the always-on display was it wasn’t really smart. So even when I removed the watch from my hand, it continued to have the screen on, thereby wasting battery life when it clearly wasn’t being used.

The notifications mirroring on the watch is also pretty barebones. You can’t do much with it. You’ll see the notification that has arrived but you can’t reply to messages or do anything else. The process of removing an individual notification that has been seen is also tedious. You’d have to tap open that notification and then go back to all notifications, and that’ll remove it.

In terms of the apps, you only get a basic set of applications – weather, torch, find my phone, compass, air pressure, breathing, phone camera control, stopwatch, timer, alarm, and more. There’s no calendar app to tell you about your upcoming appointment or a built-in music player to help you listen to music using wireless earbuds while on a run without a phone. You also don’t get an app store to download more applications. These limitations are common on a Watch at this price range and beyond, but they are limitations nonetheless, and they come in the way of calling this Watch a proper “smartwatch”.

Also, as mentioned, all your fitness and health tracking is synced with the Xiaomi Wear app. However, you can also ask the app to sync the tracking data with Strava or Apple Health to get more insights.

You do get a voice assistant in the form of Alexa but as there’s no speaker, you get answers in the form of text. Alexa support also means you can use the smartwatch to control your compatible smart appliances. Since the smartwatch is using your phone to reach Alexa’s servers, the response time is a tad slower but still usable. Also, you only get a toned-down version of the voice assistant.

Overall, the software of the Mi Watch Revolve Active leaves a lot to be desired. Most of what it offers can be done on a smart band itself, including the ones sold by Xiaomi like the Mi Band 5. There also appears to be bugs in the software given my aforementioned troubles, but these can easily be fixed via a software update. But considering this same smartwatch has been available to consumers in other markets under different names, it’s sad to see these kinks haven’t already been ironed out. We even noted some of these in our Mi Watch Revolve review, so seeing them repeated here makes us skeptical. Having said that, the apps and functions the watch does offer work great.

Xiaomi Wear (Free, Google Play) →

Fitness and Heath Tracking

The Mi Watch Revolve Active offers a lot in terms of fitness and health tracking. It supports 117 sports modes, meaning you can track everything from walking and running to darts and swimming. However, you’ll only get richer metrics with 17 core modes that are pre-configured in the watch, and don’t need to be added using the app.

The company has also added GPS into the watch, so you can track your route during your runs, walks, and other similar activities without needing your phone.

During my walks, the Xiaomi smartwatch counted the steps accurately, something I checked by manually counting my steps and comparing them to the numbers shown by the smartwatch. The watch also shines in tracking other activities and gives detailed metrics that can be useful to people who like to track the performance of their workouts.

The one thing where I found the smartwatch to be failing was the automatic workout detection. It’s supposed to automatically detect when you’ve started your walk or run, but I tried multiple times without success. The one time I did see the automatic workout detection work, I had actually just completed a run. So, all in all, it’s better to start workouts manually with the Xiaomi watch, and it’s actually not a hassle.

The activity metrics tracked by the smartwatch seemed accurate. Clearly, the company’s experience with its popular Mi Band lineup and Firstbeat algorithm have helped it a lot in tracking fitness-related data. Firstbeat is known for its physiological analytics for fitness and sports.

While the Mi Watch Revolve Active works well on the fitness front, its health and wellness features aren’t so great. The company has added wellness features like energy, stress, and sleep monitoring on the watch. While sleep monitoring did seem to be working fine to a point, it counted just lying in the bed after waking up and browsing the phone as sleeping, which isn’t great if I’m looking for accurate data. Also, the watch doesn’t track daytime naps. Similarly, the energy and stress levels shown by the watch were just random at times, not matching with how I actually felt, making them pretty much useless.

In other health-related features, the Mi Watch Revolve Active continuously tracks your heart rate and lets you monitor your blood oxygen levels. I wasn’t able to compare the heart rate data given by the watch with another device at this point but apart from some exceptions, things seemed okay to me but I can’t be certain. Why? Because I saw the watch seemingly tracking heart rate while lying on a table. I didn’t know my table had a heart.

The inclusion of a SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensor in smartwatches and smart bands is in fashion these days but most devices don’t actually provide any workable deductions from that. Similarly, with the Mi Watch Revolve Active, you can check your blood oxygen level but you won’t get any more information. Given both of the sensors aren’t really medical-grade, any data provided by them can only help with amateur tracking.

Overall on the fitness and wellness tracking fronts, the Mi Watch Revolve Active wins on the fitness tracking but its health and wellness features are far from perfect.

Battery Life

Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active is great on the battery front. Xiaomi promises 14 days of battery life without the always-on display, and while I didn’t have the time to fully test that promise, my usage showed it will easily be able to last around 12-13 days on average use. According to Xiaomi, the battery life reduces by half when you’re using the always-on display, so even if you get around 5-6 days of battery life, it’s quite good for any smartwatch.

The Mi Watch Revolve Active takes 35 minutes to charge from 0 to 50, and just over 1.5 hours to reach 100%. I’ll update this section if more time with the watch shows different results than what I’ve extrapolated from my week-long usage.

Should you buy the Mi Watch Revolve Active?

I started this review by posing questions around what differentiates smartwatches and smart bands. As smartwatches have grown as a product category, they’ve managed to make a space for themselves that’s different from the smart bands by offering certain features, like a wide selection of apps, enhanced support for notifications, and a lot more. This is what I expect from a smartwatch.

Unfortunately, the Mi Watch Revolve Active barely offers any of those features. As I suspected, it’s pretty much a glorified smart band in a smartwatch’s body. Sure, it has a lot going for it, like a great display, long battery life, wide-range fitness tracking options, and an aggressive price tag (₹8,999 for a limited period, and ₹9,999 after that). But its limitations, in terms of the smartwatch features, let it down. Also, the smartwatch’s software needs more polish to iron out the kinks, which is something we find ourselves repeating from the past experience with the Mi Watch Revolve.

So should you buy it? Well, if you don’t expect a lot from your smartwatch and are satisfied just getting fitness tracking features in a decent-looking frame with great battery life, the Mi Watch Revolve Active may be useful to you. But if you want a real smartwatch experience and refined software, you should look elsewhere.

Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active

Mi Watch Revolve Active is Xiaomi's new smartwatch for India. It's sold as Mi Watch internationally, and as the Mi Watch Color Sports Edition in China.

Features:

Pros: Cons:

View at Amazon

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What configuration options are available for the HP Elite Folio?

HP introduced the Elite Folio earlier this year at CES 2021 as its newest ACPC (always connected PC). The 2-in-1 laptop is one of the only ARM-based Windows laptops launched in 2021. According to HP, the Elite Folio offers users the portability of a tablet and the performance capabilities of a laptop. The display hinge allows you to snap the display in a more secure position with its unique pull-forward design. It also has a unique vegan leather material covering the entire magnesium chassis of the display and keyboard at the bottom.

If you’re interested in the new Elite Folio, make sure you go through our review before making a final decision. The laptop is available in a bunch of configurations you can choose from. Let’s first take you through the specifications of the HP Elite Folio.

HP Elite Folio Specifications

As mentioned above, the Elite Folio is powered by an ARM processor, specifically the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx SoC. It comes with a maximum clock speed of 3.1GHz while graphics are handled by the Adreno 690 integrated chipset. With the X55 modem, customers also get the option to choose between 4G LTE and 5G mobile connectivity.

The 13.5-inch display on the notebook is available with a WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280) resolution IPS panel protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. HP offers the display in two different brightness options. The base option comes with 400-nits of brightness, while a more superior option comes with 1000-nits brightness and HP’s Sure View Reflect for the ones concerned about privacy.

You can also choose between two memory models. The Elite Folio is available with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which is soldered onto the mainboard. This means that the memory is not user upgradable. Storage options include a 128GB PCIe NVMe TLC SSD going up to 512GB, which sounds pretty good.

Port selection is limited on the HP Elite Folio. You get a standard 3.5mm headphone and microphone combo jack with two USB Type-C ports. The USB-C ports are not Thunderbolt certified, but that shouldn’t restrict you to add a Thunderbolt dock to expand your input options. Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and, as mentioned before, optional 4G/5G mobile connectivity. Other notable features include an IR-enabled webcam for Windows Hello functionality, Bang & Olufsen tuned quad stereo speakers, and a 46 WHr. HP says that the battery on the Elite Folio can be charged using standard 65W USB Power Delivery or by using its proprietary fast charging technology.

HP Elite Folio Configurations

The HP Elite Folio is currently available at $1,758 for the base variant featuring 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of memory. You can go lower at $1,699 if you opt for Windows 10 Home instead of Windows 10 Pro. Bumping up to 16GB of memory increases the price to $1,823, while doubling the storage takes the price up to $1,852. The 512GB storage model is priced at $1,935, and the brighter 1000-nit display is an additional $169. Lastly, you need to pay extra for mobile broadband, where the 4G LTE option adds $201 while the 4G LTE with 5G costs $444.

Looking for a new laptop? Check out our recommendations of the best laptops to buy in 2021. We also have a dedicated list of the best laptops available at Best Buy.

HP Elite Folio

The HP Elite Folio is an ARM-based convertible laptop featuring a vegan leather finish and optional 4G/5G mobile connectivity.

Buy from HP.com

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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 speaker with IP67 rating now on sale for $65 ($35 off)

Ultimiate Ears sells some of the best (and most recognizable) Bluetooth speakers around, and the Wonderboom 2 is one of its most recent models. The speaker has a compact design and IP67 water/dust resistance, and now you can buy one from AT&T on clearance for $64.9. That’s $35 off the original price, and AT&T is offering free shipping.

This is a small portable Bluetooth speaker, with a handle on the top and massive volume buttons on the front. It’s built for use outdoors, but it works just as well in your home too. The internal battery is rated to last up to 13 hours, and if you happen to already a compatible Ultimate Ears speaker (including this one), you can pair it with the Wonderboom 2 for stereo sound.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

This Bluetooth speaker is built for outdoors use, with IP67 water/dust resistance and excellent battery life. Black and blue colors are available.

Buy at AT&T

The only real downside to this speaker is that it uses microUSB for charging, instead of the newer USB Type-C connector. That means it probably can’t be charged with the same cable as your phone or tablet, unless you’re using an older device. There’s also no option for wired audio input.

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Anker’s tiny USB Type-C charger now on sale for just $14

Smaller power adapters are becoming more and more common, largely thanks to the increased availability of Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors. Anker has now discounted one of its USB Type-C chargers to just $13.59 on Amazon, and while this specific charger doesn’t use GaN, it’s still incredibly compact. This sale matches the discount we saw at the beginning of June.

The charger on sale is the Anker Nano PowerPort III, which can supply up to 20W of power to any devices that support USB Power Delivery, or USB-PD for short. That includes most Android devices, recent iPads and iPhones, the Nintendo Switch, and most other Type-C devices. The main selling point here is the size — the brick just over 1 inch wide.

Anker PowerPort III

This super-compact wall adapter can charge USB Type-C devices at up to 20W, but only the white and black colors are on sale. Click the Coupon button on the product page to get the full discount.

Buy at Amazon

Many mobile devices can charge faster than 20W, but the PowerPort’s super-compact design makes it a great backup charger to keep in a bag or carrying case. Phones will still charge quickly at 20W, though tablets, laptops, and the Nintendo Switch will take longer to fully power up compared to their stock chargers.

The main downside here is that there’s only a single Type-C port, so you can’t easily charge multiple devices. Plugging in devices with a standard USB Type-A cable (like most smartwatches) will also require a dongle, and there’s no Type-C cable included in the box. If you don’t have enough Type-C cords around, Anker sells those too.

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