Why two USB-C charging ports on laptops are useful, and why many laptops only have one
Engadget explains how dual USB-C charging ports improve laptop usability, why many models include only one, and what to do if your laptop is short on ports.
The extra port matters because it allows users to charge their laptop and use peripherals at the same time. The article describes the author’s experience of working from coffee shops with a portable monitor, forced to carry extra cables because the laptop’s only USB-C port is needed for charging. A second port would let the monitor connect directly via USB-C and remove the need for a hub or additional cables.
Most manufacturers omit the second port to keep costs down, according to the article. Adding extra Power Delivery controllers, circuit board space and engineering complexity increases expenses that most brands are unwilling to absorb.
The article highlights several laptops with two or more USB-C charging ports. Apple’s MacBook Air M2 and M3 come with two Thunderbolt ports on the left side, while MacBook Pro models with Pro and Max chips include three. Dell’s XPS 13 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, with the XPS 14 and 16 offering three. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Nano feature two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the Yoga 9i has three. Asus Zenbook 14 and Zenbook Duo also include dual Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports, while the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 each have two.
For laptops with only one USB-C port, the article recommends using a USB-C hub with pass-through charging. It also warns that not all USB-C ports support video; the port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode or be Thunderbolt or USB4. Desktop docks, such as Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 models, connect via a single cable and can support high-speed data, multiple displays, Ethernet, audio and laptop charging. Before buying a hub or dock, users should verify that it supports Power Delivery pass-through at the laptop’s required wattage and offers enough ports for their needs.