Key takeaways
- StarTech's industrial-grade 240W USB-C charger is available now for $175.
- It's built to be tough, is VESA compatible, and can be locked down to prevent theft.
- This is a heavy-duty charger that might be overkill for some consumers.
There are a lot of USB chargers out there, and I've gone hands-on with almost every variety you can think of. But there's one category I don't test too often, and that's industrial-grade chargers. These are professional-grade devices designed for intensive use in offices, schools, warehouses, or factories.
Also: The best GaN chargers you can buy
Designed for the wear and tear of repeated use, industrial-grade chargers are built to withstand higher levels of abuse than typical consumer devices, and they don't come much better than this Four-Port 240W unit from StarTech .
It's a GaN (gallium nitride) charger with four USB-C ports grouped into two banks, each port capable of 140W max, and the two banks capable of outputting 240W max. For maximum stability, each bank of two USB-C ports is supplied by a separate transformer.
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StarTech 4-port 240W GaN USB-C charger
This GaN (gallium nitride) charger is as durable as it is powerful.
Another industrial design feature is the fact that the USB-C ports are compatible with screw-locking USB-C cables that help prevent the cables being easily stolen of falling out accidentally. I might come across as an old man yelling at the clouds, but I feel that screw-locking USB ports should be present more on chargers and PCs.
The unit is built from tough aluminum, which not only helps dissipate heat, but also gives it a high level of durability. This is one charger that can take being banged around. It's powered by a cord that goes into a mains outlet, so you can choose the best position for it.
On the bottom of the unit is a polymer mounting frame with screw holes that allows it to be screwed onto the top or underneath a desk (two lengths of screws are provided), and the frame is also compatible with 100x100 VESA mounts.
Also: What is GaN? Everything you need to know about gallium nitride-based charging tech
The screw mounting feature is a great anti-theft feature, but it's not the only one. Also built into the unit are three lock slots for Noble Wedge, K-Slot, and Nano locking cables .
There are three locking slots on the back of the charger, along with a port for the power cable.
The charger is USB-IF compliant, and rated as DOE Level VI energy-efficient, and offers protection against over-voltage, overheating, and over-current. I tested this charger extensively, pushing it to its limits, and it performed flawlessly.
's buying advice
While most people are happy with domestic chargers, those who want something designed for a harder life will appreciate the StarTech 4-port unit . It's tough, durable, well-made, and resists being stolen for $180 -- a competitive price for its feature set. All in all, this is a charger that will last for years.
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