USB PD 3.1 (Power Delivery 3.1) is the latest USB charging standard that supports up to 240W of power delivery through USB-C. It introduces the Extended Power Range (EPR) with 28V, 36V, and 48V voltage options, up from PD 3.0's maximum of 20V/100W.

Technology Deep Dive — March 2026

PD 3.1 Chargers Explained

Q: Is PD 3.1 backward compatible?

Yes, PD 3.1 is fully backward compatible. A PD 3.1 charger works with all PD 3.0, PD 2.0, and standard USB-C devices. The charger and device negotiate the appropriate voltage and current automatically.

Q: What devices support PD 3.1?

As of 2026, PD 3.1 (EPR) is supported by MacBook Pro 16" (140W), select gaming laptops, some high-end power banks, and professional-grade devices. Most phones and ultrabooks use PD 3.0 (up to 100W), which still works with PD 3.1 chargers.

Q: Is PD 3.1 the same as PPS?

No. PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is a feature within PD 3.0 and 3.1 that allows fine-tuned voltage adjustments (in 20mV steps). PD 3.1 adds EPR (Extended Power Range) for 140-240W. Samsung's Super Fast Charging uses PPS, while MacBook Pro 16" uses PD 3.1 EPR.

Q: How much does a PD 3.1 charger cost?

PD 3.1 chargers with EPR support typically cost $50-100 for 140W models. The premium over PD 3.0 is about $15-30. Given the future-proofing and higher wattage support, PD 3.1 chargers offer good long-term value for power users.

The 240W USB-C Charging Standard

Everything you need to know about USB Power Delivery 3.1, the Extended Power Range, and why it matters for your next charger purchase.

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Best 65W Chargers

UGREEN

Nexode 65W 3-Port GaN Charger

$36.49

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GaN5 Pro Fast Charger 65W (2-pack)

$49.99

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Best 100W Chargers

UGREEN

Nexode 100W 3-Port GaN Charger

$48.08

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Baseus ⭐ Best Seller

EnerFill FE11 3-Port Fast Charger 100W

$34.99

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What Is USB PD 3.1?

USB PD 3.1 (Power Delivery 3.1) is the latest USB power standard, released in 2021 and gaining widespread adoption in 2025-2026. Its headline feature is the Extended Power Range (EPR), which raises the maximum USB-C power delivery from 100W to 240W.

This is achieved through higher voltage support — up to 48V at 5A — compared to PD 3.0's maximum of 20V at 5A (100W). This means USB-C can now power gaming laptops, portable monitors, and even some desktop workstations.

For consumers, PD 3.1 means one charger, one cable, all devices — from your iPhone to your MacBook Pro 16" to future gaming laptops.

240W

Maximum power delivery

48V

Maximum voltage (EPR)

100%

Backward compatible

PD 2.0 vs PD 3.0 vs PD 3.1: Full Comparison

Feature	PD 2.0	PD 3.0	PD 3.1
Maximum Power	100W	100W	240W
Maximum Voltage	20V	20V	48V
Maximum Current	5A	5A	5A
PPS Support	❌	✅ Optional	✅ Optional
EPR (Extended Power)	❌	❌	✅
Voltage Options	5V, 9V, 15V, 20V	5V, 9V, 15V, 20V + PPS	5V, 9V, 15V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 48V
Special Cable Needed	No	No (100W cable for 5A)	Yes (EPR cable for >100W)
Key Use Cases	Phones, tablets	Laptops up to 100W	Gaming laptops, workstations

Best PD 3.1 Chargers in 2026

Here are the top PD 3.1 (EPR) chargers currently available:

Baseus 140W GaN5 Pro

Best value PD 3.1 charger

140W

3C + 1A • $65-80

Anker 737 GaNPrime 150W

Premium build with display

150W

2C + 1A • $80-100

UGREEN Nexode 140W

Excellent thermal management

140W

3C + 1A • $60-75

Apple 140W USB-C

Official Apple PD 3.1 charger

140W

1C • $95-99

UGREEN Nexode 200W

Best desktop PD 3.1 charger

200W

4C + 2A • $90-110

Do You Need a PD 3.1 Charger?

✅ You Need PD 3.1 If...

• You own MacBook Pro 16" (140W charging)
• You have a high-performance gaming laptop
• You want maximum future-proofing
• You charge 3+ devices simultaneously
• You're buying a desktop/hub charger

💡 PD 3.0 Is Fine If...

• Your highest-power device is MacBook Pro 14"
• You mainly charge phones and tablets
• You have MacBook Air or ultrabook
• Budget is a priority
• You only charge 1-2 devices at once

PD 3.1 FAQ

What is USB PD 3.1?

USB PD 3.1 is the latest USB charging standard supporting up to 240W through USB-C. It introduces Extended Power Range (EPR) with 28V, 36V, and 48V voltage options.

Do I need a special cable for PD 3.1?

Yes, for EPR (above 100W), you need a USB-C cable rated for 240W with an EPR e-marker chip. Standard 100W cables cannot handle the higher voltages.

Is PD 3.1 backward compatible?

Yes, fully. A PD 3.1 charger works with all PD 3.0, PD 2.0, and standard USB-C devices. Voltage and current are negotiated automatically.

What devices support PD 3.1?

MacBook Pro 16" (140W), select gaming laptops, some high-end power banks, and professional devices. Most phones use PD 3.0 which still works with PD 3.1 chargers.

Is PD 3.1 the same as PPS?

No. PPS allows fine-tuned voltage adjustments within PD 3.0/3.1. PD 3.1 adds EPR for 140-240W. Samsung Super Fast Charging uses PPS; MacBook Pro 16" uses PD 3.1 EPR.

How much does a PD 3.1 charger cost?

PD 3.1 chargers with EPR cost $50-100 for 140W models — about $15-30 more than PD 3.0 equivalents. Good long-term value for power users.

PD 3.1 Chargers Explained

Our Top Picks: Buy Now

Nexode 65W 3-Port GaN Charger

GaN5 Pro Fast Charger 65W (2-pack)

Nexode 100W 3-Port GaN Charger

EnerFill FE11 3-Port Fast Charger 100W

What Is USB PD 3.1?

PD 2.0 vs PD 3.0 vs PD 3.1: Full Comparison

Best PD 3.1 Chargers in 2026

Baseus 140W GaN5 Pro

Anker 737 GaNPrime 150W

UGREEN Nexode 140W

Apple 140W USB-C

UGREEN Nexode 200W

Do You Need a PD 3.1 Charger?

✅ You Need PD 3.1 If...

💡 PD 3.0 Is Fine If...

PD 3.1 FAQ

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