In this guide, I’ll show you the best Steam Deck car chargers you can plug into your vehicle to keep your Steam Deck charged while driving. Several great options on the market let you charge your Steam Deck simultaneously as your other electronics in the car.
What are the Best Steam Deck Car Chargers?
- LISEN Retractable Car Charger
- JOYROOM 120w Car Charter
- FLYLEAD 60w 3-Power Charger
- UGREEN 130w Car Charger
Why You Need a Car Charger for Your Steam Deck
The Steam Deck’s battery life is 2 to 3 hours before you get a low battery warning. I’ve gotten a bit more on some smaller indie games (thanks, Balatro). If you are playing some higher-performance games, expect to hit the low end of that range.
Now, imagine you’re on a long road trip.
Whether you’re the passenger or trying to keep the kids entertained, maintaining the Steam Deck’s charge is essential. After all, nobody wants to lose progress in a game they’ve poured countless hours into because the battery runs dry.
Luckily, several Steam Deck car chargers are designed specifically for long road trips. You will plug the Steam Deck into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or USB-C port to get steady power while driving.
Key Features to Look for in a Steam Deck Car Charger
When picking the perfect car charger for your Steam Deck, you’ll want to keep a few key features in mind to ensure reliable and safe charging:
- Minimum 45W Power Output: The Steam Deck needs your car charger to deliver at least 45W. Look for chargers with USB-C connectors to ensure they can handle the Steam Deck’s power requirements, especially during intensive gaming sessions.
- Safety Features and Protection Systems: A good car charger includes safety mechanisms like overvoltage, overcurrent, and temperature protection to prevent overheating or overcharging your Steam Deck’s battery.
- Multi-Port Functionality: A car charger with extra ports lets you charge your Steam Deck alongside a phone, tablet, or other gadgets, so I like one that functions like a regular Steam Deck docking station if possible.
- LED Indicator for Night Charging: If you’ve ever fumbled around in the dark trying to find a charging port, you’ll know the value of a simple LED indicator. Just make sure that your charger turns itself off when your vehicle does so that you don’t draw down your car battery!
With these features, you’ll ensure your Steam Deck gets the charge it needs while staying safe and convenient during your travels.
LISEN Retractable Car Charger Review
The LISEN Retractable Car Charger is a practical and compact solution for powering your Steam Deck during road trips. Featuring a 45W USB-C Power Delivery port, it delivers sufficient power to keep your handheld console running even during demanding gaming sessions.
My favorite feature on the LISEN charger is the retractable cable design, which minimizes clutter and makes it incredibly convenient for storage and use. It also includes safety features like over-current, voltage, and temperature protection to ensure your Steam Deck’s battery stays safe while charging.
This charger’s dedicated focus on high-speed charging and portability makes it especially appealing for the Steam Deck. It’s perfect for gamers who want a reliable, hassle-free charging solution for their Steam Deck.
Key Features
- Power Output: 45W USB-C connectors, sufficient for the Steam Deck’s charging needs.
- Cable Design: Retractable USB-C cable for convenience and reduced clutter.
- Safety Features: Includes over-current, over-voltage, and temperature protection for safe charging.
- Port Options: This may include additional ports for charging other devices simultaneously (depending on the specific model).
- Compact Build: Space-saving design, ideal for car setups.
- Compatibility: Designed to work with various devices, including the Steam Deck and other USB-C gadgets.
- Convenience: Easy to store and use, with a tidy, all-in-one design.
![LISEN Retractable Car Charger [69W USB C Car Charger Adapter] for iPhone 16 Car Charger Fast Charging, Gift for Men Women, Car Accessories USBC Car Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Android, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ba3P8RoaL._SL160_.jpg)
JOYROOM 120w Car Charger Review
The JOYROOM 120W Car Charger is another great option for Steam Deck users, providing fast and reliable charging with more power. Its three charging ports (two USB-C charger ports and one USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 port) can charge multiple devices simultaneously, making it a versatile choice for road trips or everyday use.
One of its standout features is the 120W maximum power output, with up to 100W allocated to a single USB-C port, ensuring the Steam Deck charges quickly. It also supports fast-charging protocols like QC4.0, PD3.0, and PPS, enhancing device compatibility.
I really like the compact overall design. This charger has a colorful LED ring for visibility during night charging.
One important note: The JOYROOM charger doesn’t include cables, so you’ll have to buy whatever USB-C cables (or other cables) you want alongside the charger.
Key Features
- Power Output: Total of 120W; up to 100W on a single USB-C Power Delivery port.
- Ports: Three charging ports — two USB-C charger ports and one USB-A QC3.0 port.
- Compatibility: Ideal for Steam Deck, smartphones, laptops, and other USB-powered devices.
- Safety Features: Includes over-voltage, over-current, temperature protection, and short-circuit prevention.
- Design: Compact build with a durable, fireproof shell and a colorful LED ring for night-time visibility.
- Cable Requirement: This does not include charging cables, allowing users to pair them with their preferred options.
FLYLEAD 60W 3-Port Charger Review
The FLYLEAD 60W 3-Port Charger is great for charging your Steam Deck in the car. It offers 60W of power for charging your device during long car rides.
One of the standout features of this charger is its 3-port design, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. This is perfect for users who want to charge their Steam Deck alongside other devices, like a phone or tablet, without needing various chargers.
The compact design makes storing in your car easy without taking up too much space. Plus, its USB-C PD 3.0 compatibility ensures fast and efficient charging. You will really like the reliability and convenience of this Steam Deck charger.
Key Features
- Power Output: 60W total, sufficient for charging the Steam Deck and other devices.
- Ports: 3 ports in total—two USB-C PD ports and one USB-A port for charging multiple devices simultaneously.
- Charging Protocols: Supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD 3.0) for fast charging.
- Compatibility: Works with various devices, including the Steam Deck, smartphones, and tablets.
- Compact Design: Space-efficient, making it easy to store in your vehicle.
- Safety Features: Includes over-voltage, over-current, and temperature protection to ensure safe charging.
UGREEN 130W Car Charger Review
The UGREEN 130W Car Charger is an excellent choice for Steam Deck users seeking reliable and fast charging on the go. Equipped with dual USB-C power delivery ports and one USB-A port, this versatile Steam Deck official charger supports simultaneous device charging
I really like the added USB-A port on this charger, which can still be helpful for various gadgets and charging cables, like a mouse or keyboard. The UGREEN has an impressive 130W supply to ensure the Steam Deck receives optimal power for sustained performance during longer play sessions.
This Steam Deck USB C power adapter charger is compact, durable, and designed with safety in mind. It features over charging and over temperature protections.
Key Features
- Total Output: 130W maximum combined power.
- Ports: Dual USB-C ports and one USB-A port for multi-device charging.
- USB-C1 Output: Up to 100W, ideal for laptops and the Steam Deck.
- USB-C2 Output: Up to 65W, perfect for smartphones or smaller devices.
- USB-A Output: Up to 22.5W for legacy devices or accessories.
- Safety Features: Includes over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature protections.
- Compatibility: Supports many devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming devices.
- Fast-Charging Protocols: Compatible with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Deck Car Chargers (FAQs)
Can I use any USB-C car charger for my Steam Deck?
While many USB-C chargers will work, it’s best to use one that supports USB Power Delivery (PD) with at least 45W output for fastest charging.
Will charging my Steam Deck in the car drain the car’s battery?
Modern car batteries can handle device charging without significant drain, but it’s best to charge while the engine is running on long trips.
Is it safe to play games on my Steam Deck while it’s charging in the car?
Yes, it’s safe to play while charging, but you may notice slightly slower charging speeds or increased heat generation during intensive gaming sessions.
How long does it take to fully charge a Steam Deck using a car charger?
With a 45W PD charger, you can expect a full charge in about 2-3 hours, depending on your usage and the current battery level.
Can I use my Steam Deck car charger for other devices?
Most Steam Deck-compatible car chargers can also charge other USB-C devices like smartphones, tablets, and some laptops.
Conclusion
Remember, the right charger can differentiate between gaming nirvana and battery anxiety on your road trips. So choose wisely, maintain it, and may your journeys be filled with endless gaming adventures!
