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GaN Charger Guide: One Charger for All Your Devices

Sound familiar? A bag full of different chargers: a bulky one for your laptop, another for your phone, and maybe one more for your tablet or earbuds. It's inconvenient, heavy, and creates a tangle of cables. Fortunately, there's a solution that makes life much simpler: the GaN charger.

A Gallium Nitride (GaN) charger is a modern USB-C fast charger that's smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the traditional chargers you're used to. It allows you to charge multiple devices, including your laptop, simultaneously with just one plug. In this article, we'll help you make the right choice by explaining the specifications and offering a few concrete recommendations.

What to Look For When Buying a GaN Charger

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know what to look for. These three points will help you find a charger that's a perfect match for your devices.

1. Power (Watts): How Much Do You Need?

The power output, measured in watts (W), determines how fast your devices charge. A modern laptop often requires a powerful laptop charger of 65W or even 100W to charge at full speed. For a smartphone or tablet, 20W to 45W is usually sufficient. A good GaN charger intelligently distributes power among the connected devices. So, check the required wattage of your most demanding device (usually your laptop) and choose a charger that can deliver it.

2. Ports: USB-C and the Convenience of a Multi-Port Charger

Most new devices use a USB-C connection for fast charging. A multi-port charger with multiple USB-C ports is therefore a smart choice. Some chargers also include a traditional USB-A port for older devices or accessories. Think about how many devices you want to charge at the same time. A charger with two or three USB-C ports and possibly a USB-A port typically offers the most flexibility.

3. Size and Weight: The Ideal Travel Charger

The main advantage of GaN technology is that chargers can be much more compact. A compact charger is ideal for on the go, whether you're commuting daily or travelling. A good travel charger not only saves space in your bag but also weight. Compare the dimensions and weight to find a model that fits your portability needs.

Recommended GaN Chargers

Based on specifications and functionality, we've lined up a few popular choices for you.

Baseus GaN6 Pro 100W: Power for the Demanding User

Baseus GaN6 Pro Gallium Nitride Fast Charger 2C+2U 100W Stellar Black

Why It Stands Out The Baseus GaN6 Pro is a powerhouse designed for users who don't want to compromise. With a total output of 100W and four ports, this charger can effortlessly power a high-performance laptop, tablet, and smartphone all at once.

Key Features

  • High Power: Delivers up to 100W from a single USB-C port, suitable for most high-end laptops like a MacBook Pro.
  • Four Charging Ports: Equipped with two USB-C and two USB-A ports for maximum flexibility.
  • Intelligent Power Distribution: The Baseus BCT technology, as the manufacturer calls it, ensures optimal and safe power distribution across all connected devices.
  • Compact Design: Despite its high power, the charger remains relatively compact and portable.

Who Is It For? For professionals, creatives, and students who work with multiple powerful devices daily and want to charge everything quickly and simultaneously. This is an excellent replacement for multiple separate chargers.

Ugreen Nexode S 65W: The Balanced All-Rounder

Ugreen Nexode S 65W GaN Chargerr

Why It Stands Out The Ugreen Nexode S 65W offers an excellent balance of power, size, and price. At 65W, it's powerful enough for most laptops (like a MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13), and its three ports make it a versatile companion for daily use and travel.

Key Features

  • Sufficient Power: 65W is the ideal middle ground for charging a laptop and a phone at the same time.
  • Three Ports: Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port provide a good mix for modern and older devices.
  • Wide Compatibility: According to Ugreen, it supports various fast-charging protocols, including Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC).
  • Very Compact: Thanks to its GaNInfinity technology, this charger is remarkably small and light, making it an ideal travel charger.

Who Is It For? For the everyday user or traveller looking for a compact yet capable multi-port charger. It's perfect for charging a laptop, phone, and earbuds without having to carry a heavy bag.

Apple 35W Dual Power Adapter: For the Apple User

Original Apple - 35W - Dual Power Adapter - 2 USB-C Ports - White

Why It Stands Out For those loyal to the Apple ecosystem, this official 35W adapter from Apple offers a seamless experience. It's not the most powerful, but its design and functionality are perfectly tailored to Apple products.

Key Features

  • Designed for Apple: Guaranteed compatibility and performance with iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
  • Two USB-C Ports: Convenient for charging your iPhone and Apple Watch, or a MacBook Air and an iPhone, at the same time.
  • Familiar Design: The well-known, sleek, and compact Apple design.
  • Good charger for MacBook and iPhone: Power is neatly distributed when two devices are connected.

Who Is It For? For Apple users who primarily charge an iPhone, iPad, or a lighter MacBook Air. If you value genuine accessories and are looking for a charger for two of your Apple devices, this is a logical choice.

Haven't Found the Right Match Yet?

These three models are popular choices, but we understand that everyone has unique needs. You might be looking for a different power output, a specific port configuration, or an even more compact model. Fortunately, a wide range of options is available.

Check out our full range and find the perfect USB C charger for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about GaN Chargers

What exactly is a GaN charger?

GaN stands for Gallium Nitride. This is a semiconductor material that is more efficient than the traditional silicon used in most old chargers. This allows a GaN charger to deliver more power in a much smaller package while generating less heat. This makes them smaller, safer, and faster.

Can I use one GaN charger for my MacBook and iPhone?

Yes, that's one of its biggest advantages. A GaN charger with multiple ports and sufficient power (e.g., 65W or 100W) can charge a MacBook and an iPhone simultaneously. The built-in technology ensures that each device receives the correct amount of power for optimal and safe charging.

Is a higher wattage always better?

Not necessarily. It's more important to choose a charger that matches the devices you want to charge. A 100W charger is ideal for a powerful laptop, but it won't necessarily be faster for a smartphone that can only accept 25W. The charger automatically adjusts the power output. However, a wattage that's too low is a problem: a 35W charger will charge a 100W laptop very slowly, or not at all, while in use. So, choose a wattage that is at least equal to that of your most demanding device.


Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer