Overview

The Ugreen Nexode 100W Retractable solves a problem so fundamental that it is surprising no one nailed it sooner: the cable you always forget to pack. By embedding a retractable USB-C cable directly into a 100W GaN charger, Ugreen collapses two items into one and eliminates the most common point of failure in any travel charging kit. Pull the cable out, plug into your laptop, and the charger handles up to 100W of power delivery. When you are done, the cable retracts flush into the housing with a satisfying click.

This is not just a gimmick bolted onto a mediocre charger. The Nexode 100W Retractable delivers genuine laptop-class power through its built-in cable, while a second USB-C port on the body lets you charge a phone or tablet simultaneously. For frequent travelers who have sworn off cable pouches and adapter bags, this is the charger that finally lets you leave the house with just the brick and nothing else. The trade-off is real, though: that integrated cable adds bulk and introduces a single point of mechanical failure that standard chargers simply do not have.

Features Deep-Dive

Built-In Retractable Cable Design

The retractable cable is the defining feature, and Ugreen has executed it well. The cable extends to roughly one meter, which is enough to reach from a wall outlet to a desk or airplane tray table, but not so long that you are dealing with excess slack. The retraction mechanism uses a spring-loaded spool that winds the cable evenly without tangling, and the cable locks at full extension so it does not slowly creep back into the housing while you are charging. Build quality on the spool feels robust after extended use, though any mechanical component like this will eventually wear in ways a standard cable never would. The cable itself supports the full 100W output, which means you can charge a MacBook Air or a 14-inch MacBook Pro without reaching for a separate cable.

Charging Performance and Power Delivery

With the built-in cable, the Nexode 100W Retractable delivers up to 100W via USB Power Delivery 3.0. That is enough to fast-charge a 14-inch MacBook Pro at near-maximum speed and to keep a 16-inch MacBook Pro running during moderate workloads, even if it charges slowly. The secondary USB-C port on the charger body provides up to 30W when used alone, or shares power intelligently when both ports are active. In dual-port mode, the split is typically 65W on the built-in cable and 30W on the external port, which still covers a laptop and a smartphone comfortably. PD 3.0, PPS, and QC 4.0 support mean broad device compatibility across Apple, Samsung, and other ecosystems.

Portability and Travel-Readiness

Here is where the Nexode 100W Retractable earns its keep. Despite the integrated cable adding roughly 30% more volume compared to a standard 100W GaN brick, the total package is still smaller than carrying a comparable charger plus a separate cable. The foldable prongs tuck flat for packing, and the whole unit weighs around 285 grams. For a one-bag traveler or someone who routinely works from coffee shops, the convenience of grabbing a single object instead of rummaging for a charger and then hunting for a cable is genuinely transformative. Just know that this is still a pocketable charger only if you have generous pockets.

Pricing Analysis

At $59.99, the Nexode 100W Retractable sits at a modest premium over standard 100W chargers, which typically run $40-50 from reputable brands. That $10-20 premium is essentially the cost of an integrated cable that you will never leave behind. Consider that a quality 100W USB-C cable costs $15-25 on its own, and the math starts working in Ugreen's favor. You are paying for the convenience of consolidation more than raw charging capability. Compared to the Anker 100W 3-Port Smart Display at $69.99, this charger costs $10 less but trades the smart display and third port for the retractable cable. The value proposition is strongest for travelers and weakest for desk-bound users who already have cables everywhere.

Who Is This For?

• Frequent travelers who are tired of packing separate cables and want to grab one object on the way out the door. If you fly weekly or work from different locations daily, this charger pays for itself in convenience within the first month.
• Minimalist packers who obsess over reducing bag contents. The Nexode eliminates one cable from your kit entirely, and for one-bag travelers, that freed-up space and mental overhead matters more than you might expect.
• Laptop-and-phone users who charge exactly two devices and do not need a USB-A port. The built-in cable handles the laptop, the external port handles the phone, and you are done.

Who Should NOT Use This

• Desk-bound power users who charge three or more devices simultaneously. With only two USB-C ports and no USB-A, this charger cannot serve as a desktop hub the way 4-port alternatives can. If your desk has a laptop, tablet, phone, and earbuds all waiting for power, look at the 140W options instead.
• Anyone who is hard on cables. The retractable cable cannot be replaced if it frays, kinks, or develops a charging issue. A standard charger with a replaceable cable gives you a lifetime of swappability. If you tend to yank cables at sharp angles or stuff chargers into overpacked bags, the integrated cable is a liability, not a feature.

Bottom Line

The Ugreen Nexode 100W Retractable is the most clever charger in this roundup, and clever in a way that actually matters. It eliminates the most forgettable item in any charging setup and does so without sacrificing real power delivery. The trade-off is a cable you cannot replace and a form factor slightly larger than the competition. For travelers, it is a near-perfect solution. For everyone else, a standard charger with a good cable might still be the smarter long-term bet.

FAQ

How long is the retractable cable when fully extended?

The cable extends to approximately one meter (about 3.3 feet). That is enough to reach from most wall outlets to a desk or tray table, but it will not stretch across a room. If you typically charge from outlets that are far from your workspace, you may still need an extension cord or a longer standalone cable.

Can the built-in cable charge a MacBook Pro at full speed?

Yes, the built-in cable supports the full 100W output via USB PD 3.0. A 14-inch MacBook Pro charges at near-maximum speed, and a MacBook Air charges at its full supported rate. A 16-inch MacBook Pro will charge, but slower than with Apple's 140W MagSafe adapter since that model can accept up to 140W via USB PD 3.1.

What happens if the retractable cable breaks?

This is the primary risk of the design. If the cable develops a fault, you cannot simply swap it out the way you would with a standard charger. Ugreen includes a warranty, but you would need to replace the entire unit rather than just the cable. For peace of mind, some users carry a short backup cable, which partially defeats the purpose but provides a safety net.

Does it support charging non-USB-C devices?

There is no USB-A port on this charger, so older devices that rely on USB-A cables will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Both ports are USB-C only, which keeps the design clean but limits compatibility with legacy accessories like older fitness trackers or Kindle e-readers that ship with USB-A cables.