Anker 511 Charger (Nano 3, 30W) Review
A thumb-sized 30W USB-C charger that fast-charges your phone or tablet from any outlet.
A 30W charger the size of your thumb that refuels a phone almost as fast as the bulky brick it replaces. For most people, this is the only travel charger they need.
What the Anker 511 (Nano 3) actually is
This is a single-port USB-C wall charger rated at 30 watts. It uses gallium nitride (GaN) internals, which is the reason it can shrink so much compared to the chunky power bricks of a few years ago. The plug prongs fold flat, so it disappears into a pocket or the small zip pouch of a bag.
Thirty watts is the sweet spot for phones and small tablets. It will charge an iPhone at full PD speed, top up a Pixel or Galaxy quickly, and handle an iPad or a Nintendo Switch without complaint. It is not meant to drive a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full tilt, and Anker doesn't pretend otherwise.
How it performs day to day
The real-world payoff is speed plus size. A modern iPhone goes from dead to roughly half charge in about half an hour, which matches the larger 20W and 30W bricks people already trust. You lose nothing by going small here.
Owners consistently note that it runs warm under load, which is normal for GaN chargers and not a sign of trouble. The folding prongs are the unsung hero. No sharp metal snagging your bag lining, no scratched laptop screen. Plug it in, it grips the outlet firmly, and it doesn't sag or droop the way some lightweight chargers do.
The catches worth knowing
It has one port. That's the headline limitation. If you want to charge a phone and earbuds at the same time, you want the 35W Nano dual-port model or a 65W charger instead. For a single device, one port is fine and arguably cleaner.
No cable is included, which trips up first-time buyers. You'll need your own USB-C to USB-C (or USB-C to Lightning for older iPhones) cable. And while 30W is plenty for phones and tablets, it's underpowered for serious laptop work. A 13-inch MacBook Air will charge, just slowly, and a bigger laptop will basically trickle.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Buy it if you want a no-fuss charger for a phone or tablet, especially for travel or a second charger to leave in a bag. At the $15 to $25 range it's an easy call, and Anker's reputation for not frying your devices is well earned.
Skip it if you charge multiple gadgets at once or rely on a laptop as your main machine. Spend a little more on a 65W multi-port unit in those cases. You'll thank yourself the first time you don't have to choose which device gets the outlet.
The verdict
The Anker 511 (Nano 3, 30W) is one of the best small upgrades you can make to your daily kit. It's cheap, it's tiny, and it charges your phone as fast as the brick taking up space in your drawer right now.
Just go in knowing its limits. One port, no included cable, and it's a phone-and-tablet charger rather than a laptop powerhouse. Within that lane, it's hard to beat for the money.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the Anker 511 (30W) fast-charge an iPhone?
- Yes. It supports USB-C Power Delivery and hits full fast-charge speed on modern iPhones, taking one from empty to around 50 percent in roughly 30 minutes. You'll need a USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C cable, since none is included.
- Can it charge a laptop?
- It can charge lighter laptops like a MacBook Air or many Chromebooks, but slowly, and it's not ideal for heavy use while plugged in. For 14-inch and larger laptops, get a 65W or higher charger instead.
- Does the Anker 511 come with a cable?
- No. It's the charger only. Plan to use a cable you already own or buy one separately.
Daniel covers home, kitchen, and everyday-carry gear. He's a stickler for durability and value, and has no patience for overpriced hype.
