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The best GaN chargers you can buy: Expert tested
Gone are the days of bulky wall chargers that ran hot and offered only a single USB port. Today's market offers sleek, compact, and highly efficient chargers equipped with multiple ports that remain cool even under heavy use. There's truly never been a better time to upgrade your charging gear.
Navigating the vast array of available chargers -- from the most reputable brands to those you should steer clear of -- can indeed be overwhelming. However, over the past year, I have undertaken an extensive testing, evaluating more than 150 GaN chargers of varying sizes, power outputs, and manufacturers. This meticulous testing and analysis have culminated in a carefully curated list of the very best chargers available today.
Whether you're looking for the ultimate travel charger, a powerhouse for multiple devices, or the most efficient charger for your high-demand gadgets, this list has you covered. Say goodbye to the days of slow, overheating chargers and step into the future with these top-notch options.
Also: This portable power station has a standout feature that makes camping safer than ever
What is the best GaN charger right now?
Based on my extensive testing, my top pick for the best GaN charger overall is the Ugreen Nexode 300W GaN 5-Ports Desktop Charging Station, which is powerful enough to replace an entire array of standalone chargers. Whether you're searching for a sleek, portable charger or a powerful desktop option capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously, this list is crafted to help you find the perfect charger to meet your needs.
The best GaN chargers of 2024
- USB-C and USB-A ports
- Keeps cool no matter what the load
- Perfect if you have legacy USB-A devices
- Very expensive
- Too heavy to carry about
This Ugreen GaN charger is an absolute beast. A unit. Built like a brick, equipped with five ports, and can replace a whole bank of standalone chargers. And it's powerful too, capable of a total output a total of 300W, which is more than twice what Apple's standard single-port 140W MacBook Pro charger can deliver.
Read the review: Ugreen Nexode 300W
While a lot of chargers falter when placed under sustained heavy load, that's not the case with the Nexode 300W. This thing can output the full 300W indefinitely. It's a very stable, high-quality charger.
Another thing I like about this charger is that the topmost USB-C port can always output 140W, no matter how many other ports are in use.
Ugreen Nexode 300W tech specs: Ports: 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | Max single port output: 140W | Total power output: 300W | Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 35mm/4.1 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 622 g/22 oz
- Interchangeable plugs for worldwide support
- Powerful enough to charge a laptop
- Smaller than Apple's 140W USB-C charger
- No USB-A legacy support
Being a frequent traveler, I've often felt that the gear I used on the road was a compromise, lacking the versatility, power, or quality of the equipment I left at home or in the office. The need to balance weight and global compatibility invariably imposed constraints and limitations.
And despite being smaller than Apple's 140W USB-C charger, two of its ports utilize Power Delivery 3.1 technology, each capable of providing up to 140W of power individually while the other two ports support Power Delivery 3.0, and can each supply up to 45W when used singly.
Read the review: Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN travel charger
Not any more with the Satechi 145W, 4-Port charger. Not only does this have four USB-C ports to keep all my devices topped up, but it also comes kitted with four interchangeable international adapters (EU/AU/UK/US), complemented by a mesh carrying bag for the ultimate convenience while traveling. And unlike some chargers I've tested, the adapters are easy to interchange on this unit.
The reviews of this charger emphasis the build quality and how well designed it is, but don't make the mistake that some seem to do and buy this charger if you need legacy USB-A charging support, because this is one is designed for modern workloads.
Satechi 145W tech specs: Ports: 4 x USB-C | Max single port output: 140W | Total power output: 145W | Dimensions: 96 x 76 x 28mm/3.1 x 3.78 x 1.22 inches | Weight: 357 g/12.6 oz
- Perfect for those who don't have any legacy USB-A devices
- Six USB-C ports
- Max single port output of 140W
- Heavy presence on desk
- Too heavy to be a travel charger
- No USA-A port
Satechi's new 200W USB-C GaN Charger is a charger that's up to the job, no matter the device. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and power banks, this will charge them all.
Read the review: Satechi 200W GaN 6-port charger
On the front are six USB-C ports supporting a total power output of 200 watts combined. With a single device connected to the first or second port, the unit can output a maximum of 140W, enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed.
Alongside the six ports is a discreet LED indicator, while on the bottom are rubber feet to keep it from sliding around on the desk, and there's also a cradle to hold the charger in a vertical configuration.
Constructed of space gray aluminum and black polycarbonate, this gives it an elegant yet highly durable finish.
Satechi 200W GaN 6-port charger tech specs: Ports: 6 x USB-C | Max single port output: 140W | Total power output: 200W | Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 35mm/4.1 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 622 g/22 oz
- Multifunctional
- Power outlet prongs pack away tidy
- Doesn't convert mains voltage
With this Zendure charger, you can charge up to six devices simultaneously (one of those devices being mains powered). And it's perfect for traveling because it combines a travel adapter for converting socket pins between different countries, along with a multi-port charger, into a single unit.
And while 65W might not seem like much, this will actually run and top up a MacBook Pro, and if you have a smaller laptop then this could very well charge it at full power.
The Zendure Universal Travel Adapter integrates the US, UK, EU & AU plugs into a sleek all-in-one unit, so it can plug into and accept pretty much any plug or socket you encounter (note that it does not alter the voltage of the outlet -- the voltage in that country is the voltage you will get out of the unit).
Zendure Universal Travel Adapter tech specs: Ports: 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | Max single port output: 65W | Dimensions: 168 x 107 x 35mm/6.6 x 4.2 x 58 inches | Weight: 283 g/10 oz
- Perfect for smartphones and tablets
- Foldaway prongs make this compact
- High quality
- Low cost of only $10
- No cable (but remember, this is $10)
This is the perfect charger to buy if you're looking for an additional charger for your smartphone or tablet. Compact and small, high quality, and at a price that you can't beat.
Read the review: Anker 312
I have several of these in use and always keep a few of these in stock because they're great to give people who only have some scabby charger that takes ages to charge their device and gets red hot in the process.
Anker 312 tech specs: Ports: 1 x USB-C | Max single port output: 25W | Total power output: 25W | Dimensions: 50 x 46 x 28mm/2.0 x 1.8 x 1.1 inches | Weight: 69 g/2.5 oz
- Premium quality
- MagSafe charging pad means no need for a cable to charge your iPhone
- Compact
- Two USB-C and one USB-A means you can charge a total of four devices simultaneously
- Not cheap
The Nexode 100W charging station features three USB ports -- two USB-C and one USB-A -- that share between them 100W of output power. This means owners can charge a wide range of devices, from the latest MacBook Pro to an Apple Watch, AirPods, an iPad, or anything that has a USB port.
And this device is no slouch, as it's capable of charging the new Apple M2 MacBook Pro from zero to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Read the review: Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charger with MagSafe
The magnetic charging plate -- which is good with any iPhone from the iPhone 12 to the very latest iPhone 15, or an Android device that has wireless charging and a magnetic case -- can be angled up to 65 degrees, so users can choose the perfect viewing angle for the smartphone. And thanks to strong magnets, the iPhone can rotate 360 degrees to comfortably watch videos or participate in teleconferences while charging, all without the phone slipping off.
Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charger with MagSafe: Ports: 2 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A and 1 x MagSafe charging pad | Max single port output: 100W | Total power output: 100W | Dimensions: 92 x 60 x 60 mm/3.6 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 862 g/30 oz
Which is the best GaN charger?
Which is the best GaN charger really depends on what you want from a charger -- for some, lots of ports and high power output is what they want, for others it might be having a travel charger that's easy to carry around. For others, it might be having a mix of legacy USB-A and modern USB-C ports.
This chart will help you pick the right GaN charger for you.
Charger | Price | Ports | Max Single Port Output | Max Total Output |
Ugreen Nexode 300W | $270 | 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | 140W | 300W |
Satechi 145W | $120 | 4 x USB-C | 140W | 145W |
Satechi 200W | $150 | 6 x USB-C | 140W | 200W |
Zendure Universal 65W | $40 | 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | 65W | 65W |
Anker 312 | $10 | 1 x USB-C | 25W | 25W |
Ugreen Nexode 100W | $125 | 2 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A and 1 x MagSafe charging pad | 100W | 100W |
What is the best GaN charger for you?
That depends on what you want. Do you want power, or something small that you can throw into a backpack when you travel? Do you need one port or many? Are you charging a smartphone or an array of device?
To help you narrow down the charger for you, I've put together a table highlighting the strengths of each charger.
This charger is for you… | If you want... |
Ugreen Nexode 300W | A big, powerful desktop charger with a legacy USB-A port |
Satechi 145W | You want a powerful travel adapter for all your USB-C devices |
Satechi 200W | You want lots of USB-C ports and don't care about legacy USB-C |
Zendure Universal 65W | Travel is your thing |
Anker 312 | You want something small, portable, and cheap |
Ugreen Nexode 100W | You want a desktop charger with the convenience of MagSafe |
Factors to consider when choosing a GaN charger
A variety of factors impact the quality and usability of GaN charger. Here are some things to take into consideration before buying one:
- Type of ports: Are you happy with USB-C only, or do you still need USB-A for legacy devices?
- Power output: If you're charging smartphones and tablets, then a charger that can support 25W or 65W is ample, but if you are charging big devices such as laptops then you're going to need a charger that will support 100W or even 140W of power.
- How many ports: The more ports a charger has, the bigger and heavier it is.
- Interchangeable plugs: If you are traveling abroad, having a charger that comes with interchangeable plugs is really handy.
- Your actual needs versus your fantasy requirements: Some people -- I'm one -- are drawn to this "bigger is better" way of thinking when sometimes what you need is portability. There's nothing wrong with having a massive charger brimming with ports, but remember, if you want to take this with you on the road or traveling, those extra ounces will start to feel like pounds.
How we test GaN chargers
Every year I test dozens of GaN chargers, both in the test lab and in real-world conditions, and there are certain things I look for in a charger if it is to make it onto my recommend list.
- First, does it do what is says it will do? This isn't as easy as plugging it in to see if it will work, but I also test the charger under heavy and sustained loads (because even a poor quality charger might be able to work for a few minutes). I also test single port load and multi-port loads to make sure these are in line with the specs. To get a passing grade, a charger needs to output the rated power for several hours.
- Is the charger safe? I carry out a number of electrical safety tests, and also thermal measurements, because no one wants an overheating charger in the home.
- Is it robust? Can it handle being plugged and unplugged repeatedly? Are the ports good quality? Can the charger handle being dropped and kicked about, because this is the sort of abuse it's going to get in day to day use, especially if it's a travel charger.
What is gallium nitride (GaN)?
Gallium nitride (the chemical formula for this is GaN) is a crystal-like semiconductor material with special properties.
GaN has been used in electronics for decades, starting with LEDs in the 1990s, where it was used to emit light to TVs and computer displays before finding its way into transistors, and nowadays it is replacing the industry's previous favorite semiconductor material -- silicon.
And it is these transistors that are the key to making GaN chargers special.
So what's the big deal with GaN transistors and how do they make for better chargers?
A transistor is a tiny electronic switch that opens and closes really fast, and GaN has several advantages over silicon when used in transistors. Not only are GaN transistors smaller than silicon transistors, but they can carry more power, switch faster (around 40 million times a second, roughly four times faster than silicon transistors), and they are much more power efficient.
While silicon transistors have a power efficiency of around 87%, GaN transistors boost this efficiency to over 95%.
The reduction in transistor size means that newer GaN USB chargers can be physically smaller than the older silicon technology chargers. And while it's nice to have smaller chargers, it is the increased efficiency that is the most important factor when it comes to USB chargers because the more efficient an electronic component is, the less waste heat it generates.
Consumers are, understandably, concerned when chargers feel hot to the touch. While it is common for chargers that use silicon transistors to get to the point of almost being too hot to touch, I find it rare for a charger using GaN technology to feel mildly warm.
The faster switching also means that a GaN transistor inside a charger can have better control over the charging and respond to events such as overheating or overvoltage much quicker than older transistors could, making them safer in use.
Can you use an adapter to change a USB-C port into one that will take a USB-A connector?
When it comes to chargers -- and other things we touch -- how hot is too hot?
When I'm testing devices, I have set 45°C/113°F as the point at which I start to have concerns. This is the temperature at which things stop feeling hot and people start feeling pain according to the safe "no injury" temperature range chart.
The ASTM C1055 (the Standard Guide for Heated System Surface Conditions that Produce Contact Burn Injuries) states that the average person can touch objects up to 60°C/140°F for up to five seconds without sustaining irreversible burn injuries.
Are there alternative best GaN accessories worth considering?
If you are looking for a more specific charger, consider these top picks for the best GaN accessories.