In 2023, I sought a charger that could deliver a bit more wattage than the average charger. At that time, I still used my MacBook Pro 16-inch from 2019, which could handle a maximum of 96 watts. I searched for a good charger with multiple ports that could accommodate my MacBook Pro. That’s when I stumbled upon the Belkin 4-Port GaN Charger 108W. It features two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. I appreciated the USB-A ports at the time because some of my older devices required charging using USB-A ports. The leftmost USB-C port could deliver a maximum of 96 watts, which was exactly what my MacBook needed. The rightmost USB-C port could provide a maximum of 30 watts. However, it’s important to note that the charger itself can only deliver a maximum of 108 watts, so you can’t use both USB-C ports at their maximum simultaneously.
The positive aspect of this charger is its ability to deliver substantial power through a single port. It supports both USB-C and USB-A, which I believe is still a commendable feature in this context. However, when you don’t frequently use the leftmost USB-C port, I think this charger might be slightly overkill, as you could find better options with multiple ports and a more evenly distributed wattage.
The most irritating issue I’m facing with this charger is the high-pitched buzzing noise it produces. The buzzing occurs when the device’s wattage exceeds its capacity, triggering the buzzing mechanism. Below is a frequency graph illustrating the various pitches it generates.
I’ve tested two of these chargers, and both had the same issue. While writing this article, Belkin support sent me a replacement unit. I hope it’s a newer version of the charger that addresses this problem, but I’m not optimistic. Once it arrives, I’ll test if it still makes the buzzing noise and may revisit this article to provide a brief update.
Conclusion
If you require both USB-C and A ports and need a significant amount of power through one USB-C port, this charger is suitable for you. However, if you’re sensitive to the constant buzzing noise, I would recommend opting for a different brand next time.
It’s intriguing how this reminds me of the owner in the Blackberry movie who opposes the production of blackberries in China because all the devices originating from there produce a buzzing noise.