> I know Pixels usually need a charger with PPS (Programmable Power Supply) support to reach their maximum wattage, but there are so many options out there. Sooo, you're actually spot on with the PPS requirement! For the Pixel 9, if the charger doesnt have PPS, it'll just fall back to standard Power Delivery (PD) speeds, which is basically why your old 18W brick feels like a total snail lol. As a bit of a tech nerd, I’m always super cautious about battery health and heat, so let’s break down the technical side of the best options out there right now... Option A: Google 45W USB-C Power Adapter. Honestly, this is the 'safe' bet. It’s designed specifically for the Pixel’s power profile. The downside? It’s kinda bulky and definitely the most expensive. I mean, it works perfectly, but you're paying for the brand name. Option B: Anker 313 Charger Ace 45W. I LOVE this one!! It’s a GaN charger, which means it uses Gallium Nitride instead of silicon. It literally stays MUCH cooler while pushing max speeds compared to old tech. It supports the exact 5A PPS protocol that Pixels crave. Plus, it's way more compact than Google’s version. Option C: Ugreen Nexode 45W Dual USB C GaN Charger. This is fantastic if you wanna charge your buds at the same time. But be careful—when both ports are used, the wattage splits, so you might lose that 'super fast' charging on the phone. Tbh, I’d go with the Anker 313 Charger Ace 45W. It’s the perfect middle ground for safety and speed. Just make sure you use a high-quality cable like the Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Bio-Braided) to handle the current properly. Lowkey, getting a 45W is smart cuz it future-proofs you for the next few years! gl!

Quick question - before I give a specific recommendation, are you looking for a single-port plug just for the Pixel, or do you need something that can handle a tablet or laptop too? Honestly, I've had some really disappointing experiences with 'fast' chargers that didn't support PPS properly. It's so frustrating when you think you're getting a deal but the phone still takes forever to charge... Basically, here is why the specs matter so much for the Pixel 9:
- **PPS Protocol**: This allows the phone to communicate with the brick to adjust voltage in real-time. Without it, you're stuck with basic speeds.
- **PD 3.0**: This is the foundation, but PPS is the "add-on" that Pixels actually need for those peak 27W+ speeds.
- **Heat Management**: Newer GaN tech helps prevent that overheating you mentioned. While people already mentioned Anker and Ugreen, you might want to look at the Spigen ArcStation Pro 45W GaN Wall Charger for a more budget-friendly option. I also checked out the Baseus 30W GaN5 Fast Wall Charger, which is tiny, though I'm not 100% sure if 30W is enough for future-proofing. I mean, I've highkey been burned by no-name brands before, so definitely stick to these! gl!

I've gone through a bunch of these over the years and found that looking at teardowns is the only way to be sure about quality. Sites like ChargerLAB or even some of the deep dives on the r/usbchardware subreddit are great resources for finding chargers that actually maintain their advertised speeds without overheating long-term. Quick tips for picking one:

• Check for PPS 3.3V-11V 3A or higher in the fine print on the back of the brick.
• GaN tech is basically mandatory now if you want it to stay cool in a small form factor. If you're looking for alternatives to what's already been mentioned:
• Spigen ArcStation Pro 45W GaN Wall Charger
• Satechi 30W USB-C GaN Wall Charger The Spigen one is a tank. I've used their stuff for several Pixel generations and it has never flaked out on me. Satechi is also solid if you want something that looks a bit more premium and fits better in tight outlets.

TL;DR: Grab any PPS-compatible GaN charger from Anker or Ugreen. Yo, I feel u, that old 18W plug is basically a snail lol. For my Pixel, I switched to an Anker GaN charger and it’s honestly been great. Just make sure to go with a brand like Anker or Ugreen for better value. They’re super compact and way cheaper than the official brick—usually under 30 bucks. Just check for PPS support! gl!

Seconding the recommendation above. This^ Also, just a quick warning: you gotta look at the cable too. I unfortunately had issues with a generic cord that was NOT as good as expected—it lacked thermal protection and basically melted my old port... such a nightmare. See, if the cable doesnt have an E-Marker chip, it can bypass voltage safety. Stick to reputable brands like Satechi—saving $10 isnt worth risking your new Pixel 9 honestly!!

Solid advice 👍

Seconded!