Review: JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger

Can one charger finally clean up my desk?

I will be the first to admit my desk is a mess, I have multiple USB to AC charger blocks, dozens of cables of various lengths strung across my desk and hanging with clutter even when not plugged into anything to charge and if you’ve ever sat down at your desk and immediately felt annoyed by a bunch of cables that are just lying there with nothing plugged into them regularly, you’re in the same boat. Between a laptop, phone, earbuds, my Xreal One Pro, Meta AR Glasses, Shokz Headphones, and so many more random accessories, things get messy fast. The JOYROOM PODIX (Model JR-TRD01) is built for people who are tired of that chaos. Instead of being just another power brick, it tries to be a true desktop charging station—one that actually looks good sitting out in the open.

What really sets it apart is its bold design choice: built-in retractable USB-C cables. That alone makes it very different from the usual pile of chargers and loose cords most of us deal with every day.

Let’s break down how it looks, how it performs, and whether it’s worth making space for on your desk.

Design & Build: A Cube That’s Meant to Be Seen

The first thing you notice about the PODIX is the shape. This isn’t a flat hub you hide behind a monitor—it’s a compact cube designed to sit front and center.

The finish is a clean, dark grey that feels modern without screaming “gamer gear.” On the front, there’s a 1.54-inch LCD screen that immediately gives it some personality.

One of the clever touches here is the magnetic base. You stick the included mounting pad to your desk, then the charger snaps onto it magnetically. The cube can rotate about 180 degrees, which sounds small but ends up being really useful. You can swivel it toward you when plugging something in, then turn it away to keep things visually tidy.

The screen isn’t just decorative either. It shows real-time power output for each port, so you can actually see how fast your devices are charging. And if you like a bit of flair, there are small animated icons—like a smiley face—that react when devices are plugged in. It’s a fun touch without feeling gimmicky.

The Star Feature: Retractable USB-C Cables

This is the big selling point. The PODIX has two built-in USB-C cables that retract directly into the unit.

Pull gently, and each cable extends up to about 31.5 inches (80 cm). Give it a quick tug when you’re done, and it zips right back inside. No wrapping cables. No dangling wires. No clutter.

For everyday desk use, this is fantastic. You sit down, pull out a cable, charge your phone or laptop, and when you’re done, your desk instantly looks clean again.

There are a couple of trade-offs, though. That cable length will be fine for most desk setups, but if your outlet is far away or your desk layout is awkward, it might feel a bit short. Also, because these cables are built in, they aren’t replaceable. If one ever fails, that port is effectively gone.

Specs & Charging Performance

Inside, the PODIX uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which allows it to deliver high power while staying relatively compact and cool.

You get five total outputs:

• Two built-in retractable USB-C cables
• One standard USB-C port
• Two USB-A ports for older devices

The total power output tops out at 140W. On a single USB-C port, it supports PD 3.1 and can deliver the full 140W on its own. That’s enough to fast-charge power-hungry laptops like a 16-inch MacBook Pro, getting it to around 50% in roughly 25 minutes.

When charging multiple devices at once, the power is shared—as expected—but the distribution is smart. You can still fast-charge a laptop at around 100W while a phone pulls 30W at the same time, which is more than enough for most real-world setups.

Everyday Use

In daily use, this charger really shines. There’s something genuinely satisfying about pulling out a cable, charging your device, and then snapping it away when you’re done. If you care about desk organization, this will absolutely scratch that itch.

The magnetic base holds the unit well enough for one-handed cable pulls, though if you yank too hard, you can knock it loose. It’s secure—but not invincible.

The display ends up being more useful than you’d expect. If you’ve ever questioned whether your charger is actually fast-charging, the PODIX shows you exactly how many watts your device is pulling in real time. It removes all the guesswork.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dramatically reduces cable clutter
• Strong 140W output suitable for high-end laptops
• Good mix of USB-C and USB-A ports
• Real-time power display is genuinely useful
• Magnetic swivel design adds flexibility

Cons

• Retractable cables may be too short for some desks
• Built-in cables can’t be replaced if they fail
• Priced higher than basic chargers
• Magnetic base could be stronger

Final Verdict

The JOYROOM PODIX isn’t trying to be the cheapest charger out there—and it doesn’t need to be. It’s designed for a very specific type of user: someone who values a clean, organized workspace and wants a charger that actually looks like it belongs on their desk.

If you’re running a MacBook or high-end Windows laptop and you’re tired of cables draped everywhere, this charger is an excellent choice. It solves desk clutter better than almost anything else in its category.

If you are someone who needs longer cables and everything you charger isn’t fairly close together on your desk, then you still will end up needing extra cables and cords but at least you can consolidate some.

Pick yours up on Amazon Today

Or you can order from outside the US on Joyroom Direct