This Power Station Proves All Chargers Should Have Screens (And Retractable Cables)

The Anker Nano Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W) isn’t quite the powerhouse that the company’s Prime Charger (250W) is, but it’s a little more functional and a lot cheaper, which means it’ll be the right power hub for a lot of people.

Price and Availability

The Anker Nano Charging Station is available to buy now and retails for $89.99. It comes in either black or white with matching retractable cables.

There Are Plenty of Ports For Desk Use

As a quick overview, the Nano Charging Station has seven total ports and plugs. There are three AC outlets on the back, two built-in retractable USB-C cables, one USB-C port, and one USB-A port.

The AC outlets on the back function as a traditional power extension, allowing you to plug in a monitor or other USB charger and receive full power. The other four USB ports all share a total of 100 watts of power.

The two retractable USB-C cables on either side each reach 2.3 feet and then snap back into place with magnets that keep them tight against the unit, instead of flopping around. They’re convenient and move smoothly. But best of all, having these embedded cables cuts down on desk clutter, having visible wires everywhere. But if you’re not careful, they could unintentionally become a fidget toy at your desk.

Although those built-in cables are nice, I think my favorite part of the whole device is the screen. A black glossy front masks the actual small square 1.3-inch LCD. I wish it were larger, but ultimately, the display is color and can show the power details just fine. Clicking the stealth button on top will cycle between total power being used, a view of the power being used on each of the four USB ports, or the Smart Protection heat level.

Unlike the Anker Prime Charger (250W), however, there is no clock or time on the screen. I understand why there’s not. Cutting Bluetooth and a wireless connection saves money, and without it, there’s not really a way to set the time. But it’s a bummer. Instead, you’re forced to stare at “Power 0 W” or another blank screen when nothing is charging.

You can press and hold the button to turn the display off—without stopping charging. I’m split on whether this is better or not.

I really wish Anker had added a generic screensaver to show when nothing is plugged in. It could have been a fourth screen to cycle through. But not having something like that makes this station less ideal to use as a nightstand charger, I think.

Speed Is the Biggest Downside to This Charging Station

The 100W of power will probably be the downside for a lot of people considering this charging station. Really, it will probably vary widely and depend on what your main needs are, whether it’s a letdown.

I’ve been using the charging station on my desk next to my desktop computer, and I always have several devices that need to be powered up. Primarily, though, it’s my iPhone, an iPad, a camera, a speaker, headphones, and random gadgets like those. I’m not primarily using it to charge a laptop or device that can easily suck 65W+.

I was worried that the 100W capacity would feel limiting or degrade the product’s utility, but I haven’t felt that during its use. It has covered all my needs. And thanks to the display, it’s easy to tell if your devices are actually stressing it or not. For me, 100W is enough for daily use.

Should You Buy Anker Nano Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W)?

As an alternative to some of the other charging stations that the company sells, the Anker Nano Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W) hits a sweet spot between price and functionality. On the low end, the regular $50 Anker Charging Station provides the exact same ports and power, but doesn’t have a display or two built-in retractable cables. I think those two features are probably worth the extra $40 for this new Nano version.

The Anker Prime Charger 250W is a feature-rich powerhouse, but its $170 retail price, $80 above the Nano, isn’t exactly affordable. So, as long as you won’t be maxing out 100W all day long, the new Nano Charging Station is a great power solution.