ACEFAST Desktop 80W GaN Charging Station Z9 Review


With the number of devices we carry daily, a capable desktop charging solution is no longer a luxury but a necessity. GaN technology has transformed the charger landscape, enabling compact designs, faster speeds, and better safety. The ACEFAST Desktop Fast Wireless Charging Station Z9 takes this further as a 6-in-1 charging hub that handles both wired and wireless charging from a single desktop unit. But does it deliver on its promise? Let’s find out.

What’s in the Box

  • 1 Desktop charging station
  • 1 Silicone pad
  • AC power cord
  • Manual 

Build Quality and Design

The Z9 has a boxy, industrial design that suits a desktop product well. The construction feels premium and solid, and like most GaN chargers, it has a satisfying density to it. At 83×72.5×72.5mm and weighing 590g, it has a compact footprint but feels heavier than it looks, which adds to the sense of build quality.

The exterior is made from flame retardant polycarbonate in a metal gray matte finish. The wireless charging surfaces are lined with soft black rubber to protect any device placed on them from scratches. The front wireless charging pad is adjustable up to 65°, letting you prop your phone at a comfortable viewing angle while it charges.

The wired ports sit on the left side, comprising a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a retractable USB-C cable that extends to around 70cm. On the front, a small LED indicates charging status. The right side houses a retractable pad for Apple Watch charging, and the rear is where the included 2-pin power cable plugs in. Rubber feet on the bottom keep the unit firmly in place on your desk.

Charging Methods

The Z9 supports six charging methods in total, three wireless and three wired, making it one of the more versatile desktop charging stations available.

Wireless Charging

The primary wireless pad is the star of the show. It supports up to 15W and has magnets built in for MagSafe compatibility with iPhones and Android phones that support magnetic alignment. The pad tilts up to 65°, effectively turning the Z9 into a charging stand, and the magnets hold the phone confidently at any supported angle.

Below this pad sits a secondary wireless surface primarily intended for TWS earbuds and small accessories, rated at up to 5W. It can technically charge a smartphone too, but aligning the wireless coil is fiddly enough that it is not worth attempting. The third wireless charger is housed inside the retractable Apple Watch pad on the right side of the unit, maxing out at 2.5W. The retractable design is a thoughtful touch, keeping the dock looking clean when the watch pad is not in use.

Output Device Max Speed
Wireless 1 Phone (MagSafe) 15W
Wireless 2 TWS / Accessories 5W
Wireless 3 Apple Watch 2.5W
Wired Charging

The three wired outputs cover a wide range of speeds. The retractable USB-C cable and the USB-C port are the heavy hitters, rated at 60W and 65W respectively, while the USB-A port handles up to 18W. The USB-C ports support a comprehensive list of fast charging standards including PD3.0, QC4+, QC3.0, QC2.0, PPS, AFC, FCP, and SCP, so compatibility with most modern devices is not a concern. The USB-A port covers QC3.0, QC2.0, AFC, FCP, and SCP.

Output Max Speed Protocols
Retractable USB-C Cable 60W PD3.0, QC4+, QC3.0, QC2.0, PPS, AFC, FCP, SCP
USB-C Port 65W PD3.0, QC4+, QC3.0, QC2.0, PPS, AFC, FCP, SCP
USB-A Port 18W QC3.0, QC2.0, AFC, FCP, SCP

When using multiple wired outputs simultaneously, the speeds are shared as follows: the USB-C cable and USB-C port together deliver 45W and 20W respectively, the USB-C cable and USB-A port deliver 45W and 18W, and combining all three wired outputs gives you 45W on the cable with the two ports sharing 15W between them.

With six charging methods across wired and wireless outputs, the Z9 can handle nearly any device you throw at it, and several at once.

Safety and Smart Features

The Z9 comes with a comprehensive set of safety protections, as you would expect from a modern GaN charger. These include overvoltage, overcurrent, over-power, and short circuit protection, along with over-temperature protection and anti-interference protection for the wireless charging surfaces.

The over-temperature protection system is more sophisticated than most. Since wireless charging tends to generate more heat than wired charging, especially when multiple devices are connected, the Z9 monitors temperature 40 times per second and adjusts power output accordingly. This keeps charging speeds optimized while preventing any device from getting uncomfortably warm.

The Z9 also accepts a wide input voltage range of 100V to 240V, which makes it a practical choice for international travel without needing a separate voltage adapter.

Verdict

The ACEFAST Desktop Fast Wireless Charging Station Z9 is a well-rounded desktop charging solution that does exactly what it promises. Six charging methods, a combined output of up to 80W, solid build quality, and a thorough set of safety features make it a compelling option for anyone who regularly needs to charge multiple devices at their desk.

The Z9 is available on Amazon at $57 (approximately Rs. 5,364). At that price, it is hard to argue against if a multi-device desktop charging hub is what you are looking for.