HW18 GaN charging station has 10 ports and two USB-C ports up to 140 W

The HW18 charging station has six USB-C ports and four USB-A ports. Two of the USB-C ports support USB Power Delivery 3.1 at up to 140 W, making them suitable for charging more powerful laptops. The station also supports PPS and has a display showing charging information.

The documentation lists a 660 W Max rating. That figure alone does not say how much power each device receives when several ports are in use. It is more useful to check the limits of the individual ports and how power is distributed when multiple devices are connected.

Two USB-C ports up to 140 W

Ports C1 and C2 support USB Power Delivery 3.1 at up to 140 W. That can be useful for a laptop that supports the relevant charging profile. The actual power also depends on what the connected device and cable support.

For 140 W charging, you need a suitable USB-C cable with an E-Marker chip that is rated for that power. The chip alone is not enough: the cable must also have the appropriate power rating. A cable with a lower limit can restrict charging power.

Other ports and power distribution

The remaining USB-C ports have lower maximum ratings:

• C3 and C4: up to approximately 65 W
• C5 and C6: up to approximately 30 W

Depending on the device's requirements, C3 and C4 may be suitable for a laptop, while C5 and C6 can also charge phones and small electronics. The four USB-A ports support Quick Charge. For this model, up to 60 W is listed when a USB-A port is used on its own, depending on the specific protocol.

These maximums should not be assumed to be available on every port at the same time. The documentation states that power is redistributed when multiple devices are connected. If you need to charge two laptops simultaneously, for example, check the power allocation for the specific port combination before buying.

What does 660 W Max mean?

The 660 W Max rating does not guarantee that all ports will deliver their maximum power simultaneously with every combination of devices. Without a detailed power allocation, the rating also does not establish how many watts will be available when all ten ports are occupied.

When assessing the station, compare your devices' requirements with the port limits and the allocation for simultaneous use, rather than relying on the large number on the packaging.

PPS, GaN and practical use

The HW18 supports PPS, which allows voltage to be adjusted dynamically during compatible fast charging. It is particularly useful for phones that use this charging method. The station also supports USB Power Delivery 3.1 and Quick Charge on USB-A; actual power depends on device compatibility and the port used.

The station uses gallium nitride semiconductors, known as GaN. This technology makes it possible to design smaller, more efficient power supplies than older silicon-based designs. That does not mean the station will stay cool under heavy load. Leave space around it for cooling, do not overload it, and use suitable, undamaged cables.

Ten ports make the most sense on a desk where several devices need charging, such as a laptop, phone, tablet and small electronics. One station can replace several separate adapters. It is, however, more of a desktop device than a small travel adapter; its greater weight may help keep it stable when several cables are connected.

Display and LED lighting

The front display shows charging information. The current power reading can help you check whether a device is drawing the expected power, but the wattage alone does not confirm which specific PD profile is in use.

The station also has an LED element with its own switch. It is an extra rather than a feature that determines charging power.

Who is the HW18 suitable for?

The HW18 could be practical in a home office or workplace where several devices need to be connected in one place. Its strengths are the combination of ten ports, two USB-C outputs up to 140 W and PPS support. If you charge only one laptop and one phone, you are unlikely to need all ten ports.

Before choosing it, check the power each device needs, cable compatibility and the power allocation for your intended combination of ports. The 660 W rating alone does not provide that information.