ESR has unveiled its Xtend 45W Retractable Charger, a wall charger built with a retractable USB-C cable and an extra USB-C port. Designed for mobility and simplicity, it aims to replace a traditional charger-plus-cable setup and serve as a dual-device charging station in one compact form.
What makes it stand out
The Xtend’s retractable cable stretches up to about 3.1 feet (95 cm), significantly longer than similar chargers that typically offer around 2.2 feet. The cable is braided for durability and lab tested to withstand over 20,000 pull-and-retract cycles and more than 10,000 bending cycles. Its body is foldable and includes a US plug that tucks in, making it more travel friendly. The charger also comes in three colors—white, black, and burgundy—to match newer iPhone finishes.
At its core, the charger is rated at 45 W output but supports PD 3.2 with Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS), which lets it dynamically increase power when one device needs it. This means in some cases, it can deliver up to 60 W peak output. When using two ports simultaneously, power is shared between them based on the devices’ requirements. Tests show the unit can charge an iPhone 18 Pro from empty to about 50% in roughly 15 minutes with a high-power load. It also handles PPS (for compatible Androids like Samsung) safely, with TÜV-certification, over-current/over-voltage protection, real-time temperature monitoring, and flame-retardant housing.
Specs, pricing, and real-world trade-offs
The unit measures about 64 x 53 x 29 mm and weighs roughly 140 grams, which is chunkier than many conventional bricks, largely due to its internal cable and retracting mechanism. It supports an extra USB-C port for charging a second device, though the second cable must be provided separately. The retractable cable is built in and non-replaceable—damage beyond consumer mishandling falls under the 12-month warranty.
Normally priced at US$49.99, it has been seeing frequent discounts: around US$35.99 for the white version and about US$42 for the burgundy. ESR also sells a 100W retractable car charger with two built-in USB-C cables and an extra USB-A port, which delivers up to 67W + 33W across its two USB-C outputs.
On the downside: when two devices are plugged in, total power drops back to the 45W base level. The fixed built-in cable means you’re stuck with what comes in the box. Also, while advertised as reaching 60W under certain conditions, test results show device-dependent behavior: iPhones like the 18 Pro hit about 42-53 W with the built-in cable; laptops like a MacBook Air can draw closer to 56-60 W when plugged in alone.
It’s not the smallest charger you’ll carry—a 140g, slightly bulky unit—but its design trade-offs arguably give more utility than many slim chargers that skimp on charging speed or flexibility.
Why this matters and what to watch: As newer iPhones and devices adopt AVS under USB-PD 3.2, capable third-party chargers become more critical. Official adapters support 60W dynamic output, but most ones in the wild don’t deliver beyond their rated wattage unless they implement AVS properly. With ESR’s Xtend hitting those marks in lab tests, it brings real performance options outside of Apple’s own adapter. Watch for things like USB-PD 3.2 AVS spec support, cable durability, and whether you need dual-device charging—these factors determine whether a charger like this justifies its bulk and price. For many power-users and travelers, the Xtend 45W offers a compelling balance of speed, cable management, and flexibility.
