The original Steam Deck is infamous for its underwhelming battery life; the Steam Deck OLED offers a slight improvement, but still falls short of all-day endurance. A reliable USB-C charger is essential to prevent power outages during crucial gameplay moments. Our top pick is the compact and fast-charging Anker 715 Charger.
Whether you need a top-tier power bank for on-the-go charging, a budget-friendly option for the car or office, or a multi-port wall charger, we've curated a selection to meet your needs.
A crucial Steam Deck accessory is undoubtedly a charger—the included 45W charger with its fixed USB-C cable leaves much to be desired. A 65W charger is ideal for maximizing charging speeds, especially during gameplay. Features like a detachable USB-C cable, extra ports, and portability are significant advantages. We've selected five top-tier Steam Deck chargers for home and travel, all compatible with other handheld gaming PCs, phones, and more.
While the Steam Deck's included charger suffices, its 45W output and non-detachable cable limit portability. The Anker 715 is remarkably compact (1.65x1.42x1.74 inches with foldable prongs), easily fitting into any bag. Its 65W output, enabled by GaN II technology, ensures the fastest possible charging. The Anker 715 is versatile, quickly charging smartphones, tablets, and more, although limited to a single device at a time. Note: a USB-C cable is sold separately. Anker's two-pack of USB-C cables is a cost-effective option.
Seeking a budget-friendly replacement or extra charger for the car or office? The Jsaux 45W USB-C Power Delivery Charger is a great value option. For under $20, it delivers a 45W charge, similar to the original charger, fully charging the Steam Deck in about 2.5 hours. It features a durable, flexible 5ft or 10ft attached USB-C cable and a 90-degree USB-C adapter for comfortable gaming while charging. Compatible with other USB-C devices, including the Nintendo Switch.
The Anker 733 Power Bank combines a wall charger and portable battery, ideal for travelers. Its foldable prongs deliver 65W as a wall charger. GaN technology ensures efficient charging and thermal protection. It features a second USB-C and a USB-A port, though charging speeds decrease when multiple devices are connected. While charging from the 10,000mAh battery limits charging speed to 30W, it should still provide over one full Steam Deck charge.
For frequent on-the-go Steam Deck gaming, the Anker 737 Power Bank is a powerhouse. Its 24,000mAh capacity (near the TSA limit) provides approximately four full Steam Deck charges. Its 140W output (via USB-C) is suitable for charging MacBooks and other laptops, although the Steam Deck won't reach those speeds. An additional USB-A port allows simultaneous charging of three devices. Power Delivery 3.1 and bi-directional technology enable fast charging and recharging. Anker includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and a power display.
The Ugreen Nexode 200W 6-Port GaN Charger simultaneously charges up to six devices with a 200W maximum output. Four USB-C ports (two at 100W) and two USB-A ports are included. While the Steam Deck won't utilize the full 100W, it's ideal for iPads and some gaming laptops. Ugreen includes a 100W USB-C cable. Charging speeds decrease with multiple devices connected. Despite its numerous ports, it remains compact, making it a portable USB charging hub. Four GaN chips enhance efficiency and thermal management. Expect a premium price for this powerful charger.
Choosing a Steam Deck charger involves several factors, with price and at least one USB-C port being paramount. Budget options under $30 are available but often limit you to a single port. Higher budgets generally unlock additional ports, faster charging speeds, durable builds, and features like GaN technology, advanced Power Delivery, and smart displays.
The Steam Deck's included 45W charger serves as a minimum benchmark. 65W appears optimal, maximizing charging speeds even during gameplay (which consumes roughly 15W). Higher wattage is acceptable, though the Steam Deck won't charge faster. For simultaneous charging, a higher maximum output is beneficial.
Beyond wall chargers, power banks or hybrid options are excellent for on-the-go play. At least a 10,000mAh battery is recommended, and higher wattage ensures faster charging. However, these options tend to be larger and bulkier.
After selecting a charger, ensure you have a USB-C cable supporting optimal charging speeds. If you plan to use peripherals like keyboards, mice, or monitors, consider a Steam Deck dock instead.
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. Adjusting settings improves battery life, but a charger or power bank is essential. The Steam Deck OLED, with its more efficient 50Whr battery, offers up to 12 hours of playtime—a 30-50% improvement over the LCD model (confirmed in testing).
The Steam Deck's maximum charging speed is 65W. Higher wattage chargers are fine; the Steam Deck will only charge at its maximum rate. Lower wattage chargers will result in longer charging times.