UGREEN Nexode Retractable Series Impressions

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Just in time for Amazon Prime Day 2025, tech accessories manufacturer UGREEN has released a new line of products: the Nexode Retractable Series. As the name suggests, they each include retractable cables for a clutter-free experience. The cables vary in length, based on the product, but they each function similarly. You can pull them to the desired length, and they will stay locked in place. Pulling them slightly beyond that will trigger the retracting mechanism. I found this to be a neat and handy feature, and we’ll take a look at how UGREEN integrated them in its new series of products.



Nexode 165W 20000mAh Power Bank with Retractable Cable

Let’s start with my favourite of the bunch, UGREEN’s new power bank. This chunky brick stores 20000mAh of power, which is plenty of juice to charge up to three devices simultaneously via the integrated cable, USB-C port and USB-A port. There’s a small screen that displays information such as the remaining battery level, remaining discharge time and the output per port.

It’s neatly designed, with the 25.6-inch/65cm retractable cable neatly tucked in via magnets when not in use. UGREEN also included a detachable USB-C cable and a pouch. I found the whole kit to be a great companion while travelling, as it enables me to charge my handheld gaming PC, smartphone, tablet and earbuds without worrying about power access.

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While it is branded as a 165W portable charger, this refers to the maximum output when charging through the integrated USB-C cable (100W) and USB-C port (65W) simultaneously. Even then, the 100W output from a single port (the retracting cable) is more than decent, enabling you to charge a range of devices, from your smartphone to your laptop. Even if you are using all three charging ports, the cable will still provide 100W charging, but the power distribution of the remaining ports will drop to 10W.

I do wish this power bank featured at least another USB-A port, but as it is, it is very handy, especially while travelling. The UGREEN Nexode 20000mAh Power Bank with Retractable Cable is available via the official Amazon page for $100.

Nexode 65W GaN Fast Charger with Retractable Cable

UGREEN has also upgraded its GaN fast charger series with a 27-inch retractable cable. The new Nexode 65W GaN fast charger can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously. The maximum output is 65W when either the integrated USB-C cable or the USB-C port is used. Using additional ports will alter the power distribution based on the port(s) used.

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Like with the new power bank, I do wish there was at least another USB-A port to make it more versatile. That said, it can power a range of devices from the MacBook Pro/Air to the Nintendo Switch, and it’s an easy choice for a daily driver. It is indeed quite practical for daily use, as it offers a clutter-free experience with a retractable cable that tucks in magnetically after use.

UGREEN’s Nexode 65W GaN Fast Charger with Retractable Cable retails for $50, but is currently down to $35 for Prime Day.

Nexode 145W Fast Car Charger with Retractable Cable

Don’t be confused by the name, as this won’t charge your electric car but is a charger to be used in your car. It can charge up to four devices simultaneously, but the maximum output of 145W can be achieved by charging through one USB-C port (100W) and the integrated cable (45W).

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As with the other devices, the power distribution will vary based on the port and the number of ports in use. Unlike the other devices, the retractable cable is more exposed and seems like an oversight.

It is a useful accessory to throw in your car, and the starting cost isn’t that exorbitant. The 145W model is not currently available on the Amazone store, but the 90W variant costs $40 ($28 for Prime Day).

Nexode 100W Retractable USB-C Cable

This is a rather simple, but useful accessory. This 1-metre USB-C cable is housed in a puck with a retractable mechanism. This makes it very easy to carry and eliminates clutter.

The cable supports 100W fast charging with PD3.0 and QC3.0 technology. This enables the device to charge, for example, a MacBook Pro 16" M4 to 42% in 30 minutes, provided that you have a power adapter.

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Despite its innovative design, UGREEN did not integrate a magnetic mechanism as with the other products in the Retractable Series. This would help latch the cables to the sides of the puck, making the device even easier to carry. The sticking cables looks kind of awkward and I hope UGREEN improves on the design in the next variant.

The UGREEN Nexode 100W Retractable USB-C Cable is available for $16 ($12 for Prime Day) on the official Amazon page.

UGREEN Nexode 500W Desktop Charger

A bonus device from UGREEN’s Nexode line, but not in the Retractable Series, is the Nexode 500W Desktop Charger which is also among the company’s Prime Day-discounted products. This product recently launched as a more heavy-duty charger.

It features 6 charging ports (5 USB-Cs and 1 USB-A), with each of the USB-C capable of outputting 100W. This allows you to charge a range of devices, and is meant for an office/work environment (as it is relatively heavy) where you can power laptops, speakers and more without worrying about lacking USB ports (although I wish they included more than one USB-A port).

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The power distribution can be confusing, but if you use all of the ports at once, the output will be 500W (1x240W, 4x60W, 1x20W). The device includes 11 levels of safety protection, including over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection to ensure that your devices are charged safely and reliably.

The UGREEN Nexode 500W Desktop Charger is available for £220 (£165 for Prime Day) or $250 ($200 for Prime Day).
 
Wait a moment, I'm missing something. Last I looked into it, the specification for the max output from USBC was 100 watts. Why does this one have a 240w connector? How fat of a cable do you need for that kind of current?
 
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Wait a moment, I'm missing something. Last I looked into it, the specification for the max output from USBC was 100 watts. Why does this one have a 240w connector? How fat of a cable do you need for that kind of current?
USB 4 cables can deliver 240W apparently. I picked this one up recently and it does feel a little thick, but nothing extraordinary:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DDQDG6GF
 
Wait a moment, I'm missing something. Last I looked into it, the specification for the max output from USBC was 100 watts. Why does this one have a 240w connector? How fat of a cable do you need for that kind of current?
USB 4 v2.0 works up to five amps, 48 volts, 240 watts. The cables are definitely thicker than previous USB iterations. Despite their backwards compatibility, I still suggest getting cables based on the actual specifications of your source device. Future proofing is only sensical to a certain extent. Video cables are already in that ballpark where the cables are rather thick, and that thickness while nice on the surface, definitely has drawbacks for space and actual flexibility. USB 4 cables wont be much different.
 
I just ordered the Nexode 165W for me. I've been wanting to get a new power bank. My old generic power pack I got on Amazon was giving me problems for a while. Like, randomly it decides that even though it's at 80% charge, it really doesn't feel like charging anything until I plug it back in to charge itself.
 
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Amazon, pssshhh.......they have their own website and store - https://www.ugreen.com.

How do these compare to Anker though?
Can't speak for stuff like this, but I have utilized some of their cables and video switches, they generally have decent stuff to work with. Where they kind of fall though is their video switch equipment. A lot of times they make them way too generic, don't incorporate some useful features into them, or just designs them in awkward ways that make their practicality useless in a setup. From my experiences, I can only say I've encountered one product from them I wasn't pleased with, if you stick to their cables and charging equipment, you won't have a bad experience.
 
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