The best GaN chargers is something everyone with a phone, tablet or laptop should know about. Because, quite simply, they'll power up these devices more quickly than a traditional type of charger.
This new generation of chargers use gallium nitride rather than silicon, which is better at conducting electricity. And this makes them smaller, more energy-efficient, cooler, and able to charge more quickly than silicon chargers.
This means you'll save space, save money on electricity bills and won't have to wait around so long for your phone, tablet, camera, or laptop to be at 100%. So really, why would you buy any other type of charger?
Below we've brought together the best GaN chargers on the market today. Choosing between them is mainly about how what sort of devices you want to charge. A 45W charger is fine for a phone, but for a powerful laptop you'll need something more like 100-200W. Also, if you need to power up more than one device at once. some GaN chargers come with lots of ports. Alternatively, if you're looking for a different type of charger, see our guides to the best wireless chargers and the best solar chargers.
Gareth Bevan
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. With several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, shooting for some household names, he has learned a thing or two about cameras and the photography industry. Outside of photography, expect to find him cycling around London, or deep in a Netflix binge.
This is the best charger you can get combining a tiny size with a huge amount of power, overkill for just your iPhone alone, but great for several devices.
If you want to charge a lot of devices with wired charging at the same time, with three USB-C and one USB-A connection, you can get all your gadgets topped up in no time.
A quite frankly ridiculously powerful 300W of charging capacity for multiple devices including power-hungry laptops – squeezed into a small cube that won't look out of place on any desk.
One of the most powerful wall chargers for power-hungry laptops and other devices, the only downside is the charger's large size takes up more space in bags and sockets.
This might not be the most powerful on this list, but still manages an epic 240W of charging – however, this is the most sleek-looking desk charger for any minimalist setup.
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Best GaN charger overall
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
I am a big fan of the Anker Prime range of chargers and this one at 100W is probably the best of the lot for a size-power ratio. The Anker 100W is a compact and powerful charger that will free you from carrying around large bulky chargers, or even worse, chargers with separate power bricks. The charger also offers enough power out of one port to easily keep the best (non-gaming) laptops running at max juice all day, and with three ports to charge all your devices quickly when needed.
The size Anker has shrunk this charger to I think is amazing, it is so light and I can easily slip it into a pocket if needed. The Anker 100W has a sleek design and a durable build quality, although it does get quite hot when used to maximum capacity. It has two USB-C ports that support Power Delivery (PD) up to 100W, which means it can charge most laptops, tablets, and smartphones at their optimal speed. It also has one USB-A port for older or lower-power devices that still rely on that connection. The charger also has a smart chip that detects the connected devices and adjusts the output accordingly, ensuring safe and efficient charging for all your devices.
Whether you are traveling, working, or using it around the home, I think the Anker 100W is a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile and portable charger that can handle multiple devices at once.
If you’re someone who travels frequently, I would suggest checking out the Ugreen Nexode 65W 3-Port Travel Charger. I’ve found it to be a versatile and user-friendly solution for my power needs while on the go. The charger’s simple and intuitive design, featuring click-in and out international plugs, ensures hassle-free charging and compatibility with various global wall outlets. Additionally, the included soft case not only keeps everything organized but also protects the charger and accessories during travel, minimizing the risk of losing those essential components.
While there are other smaller and more powerful chargers out there, I’ve found that the Nexode 65W charger strikes a good balance between size and function. It offers a 65W power output that caters to a range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to some laptops.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler like me or simply seeking a multi-device charger for home use and the occasional getaway, I think the Ugreen 65W charger is a smart choice for a more streamlined roaming power solution.
UK/EU versions are limited by the size of a socket
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Can get more power or ports for only a marginally larger size
When it comes to choosing the best GaN chargers, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, the most important ones are price and power. If you’re looking for a charger that offers great value at the lower end of both of these, then the Anker Nano 3 (30W) power adapter is an excellent choice.
This tiny device is capable of charging a MacBook Air at full speed, an iPhone up to three times faster than with an original 5W charger, and the latest Samsung phones at full speed with Samsung Super Fast Charging. It’s a versatile charger that can handle all your charging needs.
However, there are some downsides to this charger. For one, there’s only one port, which means you can only charge one device at a time. Additionally, it’s not suitable for large laptops. So if you have a larger laptop that requires more power, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
This charger from Ugreen leads the pack out of all the chargers I have tested for sheer power and connections, capable of an astonishing combined 300W of charging power over its five USB ports.
The Nexode 300W comfortably powered and charged every device on my desk including two MacBooks, phones, tablets, and of course, cameras. The charger gets a little warm, but not to worrying levels, and the power never once cut out or dipped in my testing.
While you might find a lot of your devices can't currently make use of the full charging speeds that this Ugreen charger is capable of out of each port, you'll be future-proofed for when these devices do come along.
Finally, the Nexode charger looks great, but the downside is the charger is a little heavy and isn't the most convenient to move from place to place with, although is certainly possible, but this might disappoint anyone who needs a lot of power on the go. This is much more at home as a permanent addition to your desk as a power hub.
Size: 17.1 x 13.5 x 5.7 cm (6.73 x 5.32 x 2.24 in)
Weight: 560 g (19.75 oz)
Reasons to buy
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Fast 140W single port charge
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Powerful charge for up to three devices at once
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Intelligent power switching
Reasons to avoid
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Quite large
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Headline speed diminishes quickly when all ports are used
I tried out the Ugreen Nexode 140W 3-port charger and it worked wonders. I would go as far as saying it is the only charger you are going to need. It is powerful enough to support even the most power-hungry laptops and devices with 140W single port charging.
Even with all three ports in use, there is enough power to keep less power-intensive laptops running, alongside your phone and other devices. I pushed this charger as hard as I could with two laptops and a phone and it kept all three juiced up while running with no issues like power drop-outs or overheating.
The charger itself is well-designed and looks great. It is lightweight, but it is a little larger than some of the lower-powered devices on the market, so it will take up a little more room in a bag, or require a bit more space around your wall outlet. It also isn’t the cheapest charger on the market, but for the power and future-proofing, I think this is a great investment.
Size: 104.5 x 78.4 x 33.8 mm (4.11 x 3.09 x 1.33 in)
Weight: 656 g (23 oz)
Reasons to buy
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All the power a deskful of devices is going to need
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Looks sleek
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Single port power enough for demanding devices
Reasons to avoid
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Stand for charger isn’t stable enough
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Hardwired in mains power
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Not made for traveling
The Anker Prime 240W desktop charger has proven to be a valuable addition to my workspace, effectively addressing the issue of managing multiple cables from various outlets in my power strip. The charger boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, although the stand struggles to keep the charger upright, and the fixed power cable restricts optimal positioning.
Nonetheless, if you’re seeking a solution for powering multiple devices simultaneously, this charger is an excellent choice. Its 240W capacity, distributed across four outlets, effortlessly accommodated my array of devices. Even under the strain of multiple laptops, the charger performed flawlessly and maintained a cool temperature. The single ports, offering 140W or 100W, were particularly useful for my more power-hungry devices.
While the Anker Prime 240W charger is somewhat pricey compared to less powerful alternatives, it’s worth considering whether your devices can fully utilize its power capacity. Despite the cost, investing in this charger could be a prudent move for future-proofing your tech setup.
Capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously
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Lots of ports
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Interchangeable international plugs
Reasons to avoid
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Large size
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No cable included
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No bag or storage for additional plugs
For the past week, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro has been my primary wall charger, and its performance has left me thoroughly impressed. With four ports capable of delivering a whopping 140W of power, it effortlessly charges even my most power-hungry laptops at maximum speed. The ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing charging efficiency is a definite plus.
What I find particularly useful is the inclusion of adapters for various countries. This feature not only makes the charger an ideal travel companion but also eliminates the need for separate adapters, saving me both money and the hassle of remembering to pack them!
However, there is a minor downside. The charger's size is quite substantial, which means it occupies a significant amount of space in my bag and around the socket. This can make it challenging to use in confined spaces. It's probably on the larger end of what I'd be comfortable carrying around.
Single port output: 15W (MagSafe), 100W (USB-C), 100W (USB-C), 22.5W (USB-A)
Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Size: 15.2 x 11.5 x 11.2 cm (5.98 x 4.53 x 4.41 in)
Reasons to buy
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MagSafe makes your iPhone a desktop display
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100W power is enough for most laptops
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Great looking device
Reasons to avoid
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Maximum power outputs drop quickly with multiple devices
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Not really portable
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Confusing power combinations
The Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN charger is a delightful addition to my meticulously arranged desktop setup, thanks to its 15W MagSafe feature that brings a touch of elegance when I place my iPhone on the MagSafe charger in landscape mode, it transforms into a beautiful desktop clock, merging functionality with style. In general, the charger’s design is visually appealing and enhances the overall look of my workspace.
The charger’s robust 100-watt output provides ample power to charge my MacBook or phone through its two USB-C ports or lower-powered devices through the single USB-A port, which makes the charger very versatile. However, the 100W single port rating does drop quite a bit when multiple ports (or the MagSafe pad) are in use at the same time.
The only feature I find missing is a second wireless charger beneath the top surface, which would have been ideal for charging my AirPods or Apple Watch, thereby increasing its versatility. Nevertheless, given the rarity of chargers that offer both wireless charging and a powerful desktop charger combination, this is one of the best desktop chargers I’ve used.
Firstly think about how many devices you want to power, and what power ratings your devices have.
If you want to power a lot of smaller devices, then you need to look for a charger with the highest number of ports. If this can be combined with a big maximum wattage from the charger then that will mean you can charge these many devices even faster. Phones, headphones, and wearables all charge at quite low rates compared to laptops, so can usually all be charged simultaneously at full speed.
If you have one of two big devices that are power hungry like a laptop then this means you might be better off with a powerful charger with just a few ports as the more you plug into the charger the more you dilute the total power until you get to the point where it is not able to power your most needy devices.
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
What's the difference between GaN and GaN2
GaN2 (or GAN II) is the latest generation of GaN charging technology - providing improvements in power transfer, heat dissipation, and charging speed over first-generation GaN devices.
What does GaN stand for?
GaN is short for Gallium Nitride. It's a natural mineral, that is an alternative semiconductor material to silicon. Gallium nitride allows manufacturers to make chargers that are smaller, faster, and more power efficient than the brick-like silicon chargers that we have grown up with.
How we choose the best GaN chargers
We choose which GaN chargers go into this guide based on a few different criteria. Firstly, we choose brands that we know are reliable, there are a lot of brands on marketplaces like Amazon that come and go, but having confidence in an established brand is important for safety and should you need product support.
We then try to select a range of chargers that cover different use cases like charging single or multiple devices, different power output requirements, and lastly covering a range of prices.
The broad range of chargers in the guide reflects this desire to be as helpful to as many people as possible in deciding their next GaN charger.
Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.
