The upside of a laptop having two charging ports (and why some don't)

Let's be clear here — not all USB-C ports also support video. USB-C is a connector shape, not a feature set, so just because the port looks identical doesn't mean it does the same thing. To ensure the port on your device can output video, it needs to support DisplayPort Alt Mode or be a Thunderbolt/USB4 port. Either way, the most practical fix you can make if your laptop only comes with one such port is to invest a little money in a USB-C hub. Multi-port USB-C hubs are compact and portable and take over your single USB-C port. They come with their own USB-C port with pass-through charging, so you can still keep your laptop at 100 percent battery while throwing in some extra USB-A ports for peripherals and even SD card readers.

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 desktop docks are stationary units that connect via a single cable and require power from an outlet. They support high-speed data, multiple display setups, Ethernet, audio and laptop charging.

Before buying either a hub or a dock, make sure it supports Power Delivery pass-through at your laptop's required wattage and has enough ports to cover whatever your laptop is missing.

Two USB-C charging ports aren't a premium luxury; they're a practical feature that dictates how you can use your laptop every day. If you're shopping for a new laptop, make sure to check port configuration before you commit — it's one of the easier specs to overlook and one that's easy to regret quickly.