With nan modulation successful caller years from silicon transistors to gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, chargers person go smaller, much efficient, safer, and tally cooler. This advancement successful exertion has revolutionized nan measurement we complaint our devices, making it easier than ever to enactment powered up without nan clutter of aggregate cords.
Makers person jumped onto this technology. Companies specified arsenic Ugreen, Anker, and Tessan nutrient everything from nan mini and portable to nan large and ace powerful chargers.
Get much in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add america arsenic a preferred Google source connected Chrome and Chromium browsers.
What is nan champion GaN charger correct now?
For rather immoderate clip now, my apical prime for nan champion GaN charger has been nan Ugreen Nexode 300W GaN 5-Ports Desktop Charging Station, which was powerful capable to switch an full array of standalone chargers. However, my latest apical prime is Ugreen's monster Nexode 500W 6-port GaN charger. For me, that other powerfulness output is simply a much-needed boost. But fearfulness not, because this intends that nan Nexode 300W unit is cheaper than ever.
Also: The champion powerfulness banks you tin buy
But I'm continually putting a number of chargers done their paces, from checking their capacity lives up to nan specs connected nan container to pushing them difficult to spot if they get basking aliases fail. So, whether you're searching for a sleek, portable charger aliases a powerful desktop action tin of charging aggregate devices simultaneously, this database will thief you find nan cleanable charger to meet your needs.
Sort by
All Number of USB ports Max larboard output Travel friendliness Features Max output
The champion GaN chargers of 2025
Why we for illustration it: My favourite charger conscionable sewage better. The Ugreen Nexode 300W sewage an upgrade successful nan shape of an other USB-C larboard and an other 200W of output.
The six ports divided up this way: a azygous USB-C larboard that tin push retired a maximum of 240W, different 4 USB-C ports handling up to 100W, and a bequest USB-A larboard that's bully for up to 22.5W. The maximum full powerfulness output, arsenic nan sanction suggests, is 500W.
Read nan Review: Ugreen Nexode 500W
Powering nan portion are six abstracted Ugreen GaNInfinity chips, which allows nan portion to push charging ratio up to 95 percent, amended dissipate nan power generated by charging, and let nan portion to beryllium arsenic compact arsenic it is.
The charger is not cheap, but this is arsenic cutting separator arsenic chargers get, packing a batch of powerfulness and information features into a mini -- albeit weighty -- unit.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a super-powerful charger bristling pinch ports, and who is consenting to walk nan money.
Who should look elsewhere: Want a lightweight charger for travel? Something inexpensive for nan nightstand? This is not for you.
Ugreen Nexode 500W tech specs: Ports: 5 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | Max azygous larboard output: 240W | Total powerfulness output: 500W | Dimensions: 146 x 60.6 x 114.6mm/5.75 x 2.39 x 4.51 inches | Weight: 2,200 g/77.6 oz
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Why we for illustration it: I've handled a batch of chargers complete nan past fewer years, but this Ugreen GaN charger is still 1 of my favorites. It's an absolute beast. It is built for illustration a ceramic and equipped pinch 5 ports, truthful it tin switch a full slope of standalone chargers. It's besides powerful -- tin of a full output of 300W, which is much than doubly what Apple's modular single-port 140W MacBook Pro charger tin deliver.
Read nan review: Ugreen Nexode 300W
While galore chargers falter erstwhile placed nether sustained dense load, that's not nan lawsuit pinch nan Nexode 300W. This point tin output nan afloat 300W indefinitely. It's a very stable, high-quality charger.
Another point I for illustration astir this charger is that nan topmost USB-C larboard tin ever output 140W, nary matter really galore different ports are successful use. You would usually salary beyond $250 for this exemplary but it is presently connected waste for $150.
Who it's for: Someone who wants a batch of power, but not arsenic overmuch arsenic is offered by nan 500W unit.
Who should look elsewhere: Again, not everyone wants a large 300W charger.
Ugreen Nexode 300W tech specs: Ports: 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | Max azygous larboard output: 140W | Total powerfulness output: 300W | Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 35mm/4.1 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 622 g/22 oz
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Why we for illustration it: I've gone hands-on pinch almost each assortment of USB charger, but I don't often trial industrial-grade chargers. These are professional-grade devices designed for intensive usage successful offices, schools, warehouses, aliases factories.
Review: StarTech.com 4-Port Multi-Device USB-C Charger
The StarTech 4-port multi-device USB-C charger is simply a GaN (gallium nitride) charger pinch 4 USB-C ports grouped into 2 banks, each larboard tin of 140W max, and nan 2 banks tin of outputting 240W max. For maximum stability, each slope of 2 USB-C ports is supplied by a abstracted transformer.
Another business creation characteristic is nan truth that nan USB-C ports are compatible pinch screw-locking USB-C cables that prevents nan cables being easy stolen aliases falling retired accidentally.
On nan bottommost of nan portion is simply a polymer mounting framework pinch screw holes that allows it to beryllium screwed onto nan apical aliases underneath a table -- 2 lengths of screws are provided. The framework is besides compatible pinch 100x100 Vesa mounts. There are besides slots for a assortment of laptop locking cables to forestall nan charger being stolen.
Who it's for: This is nan cleanable charger for offices and schools wherever things mightiness spell missing if they're not screwed down!
Who should look elsewhere: This is rather a niche charger. A batch of group don't want to screw a charger to their desk, nightstand, aliases room unit.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Why we for illustration it: Measuring conscionable 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches and weighing 8.1 ounces, this is simply a compact charger, acknowledgment successful portion to nan usage of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors which not only let chargers to beryllium smaller successful size, but besides tally cooler and much efficiently, truthful you tin battalion much powerfulness into a smaller space.
The prongs battalion distant into nan adapter easily, and location are 3 sliding levers for deploying and storing them.
Review: Tessan 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter
I've tested nan recreation adapter pinch some 240V and 110V input voltages. The output from each nan USB ports is stable, pinch each larboard delivering precisely what it says it will.
This charger tin output nan afloat 65W from a azygous port, and moreover erstwhile each 4 ports are utilized it tin negociate to push 45W retired of 1 of nan USB-C ports. This makes it a genuinely versatile charger, cleanable for some precocious and low-power devices, from laptops to earbuds.
Who it's for: Perfect for those looking for a high-quality, mid powerfulness cosmopolitan recreation charger. Tessan make nan recreation charger successful a number of sizes, bigger and smaller than this, truthful there's a recreation charger for everyone.
Who should look elsewhere: If you're staying successful nan US, past nan added weight and bulk of nan recreation adapter spot will beryllium unnecessary.
Tessan 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter tech specs: Ports: 4 USB ports (2x USB-C & 2x USB-A) | Max azygous larboard output: 65W | Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.9 x 2.3 inches | Weight: 7.4 oz
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Why we for illustration it: Right retired of nan box, it's difficult not to announcement that this beefy charger weighs complete a pound. The weight is an advantage because it keeps nan charger planted connected nan table while different lesser chargers get dragged astir by nan weight of nan attached cables.
Read nan review: One of nan champion GaN USB-C chargers I've tested tin apical up 6 devices astatine once
This is simply a powerful, well-made charger that's cleanable for those who request to powerfulness aggregate devices. I peculiarly for illustration that this charger tin support dual 100W output connected nan USB-C ports, arsenic this intends it tin powerfulness a mates of MacBook Pros simultaneously. Sure, you don't get nan afloat 140W nan laptops tin take, but 100W is capable if you don't request nan fastest imaginable complaint rate.
The 2 USB-A ports are useful for bequest devices that don't tie a batch of power, while nan slope of 4 USB-C ports is much than capable for nan mostly of users.
Who it's for: Those who want a desktop charger pinch powerfulness and presence.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants thing that they tin return successful a container aliases their suitcase.
Anker 200W GaN 6-port charger tech specs: Ports: 4 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A | Max azygous larboard output: 100W | Total powerfulness output: 200W | Dimensions: 112 × 76 × 35 mm/4.4 × 3.0 × 1.4 inches | Weight: 563 g/1.24 lb
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Why we for illustration it: The Nexode 65W charging position features 3 USB ports -- 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A -- that stock 65W of output powerfulness betwixt them. This intends owners tin complaint a wide scope of devices, from nan latest MacBook Pro to an Apple Watch, AirPods, an iPad, aliases thing that has a USB port.
And this instrumentality is nary slouch, arsenic it's tin of charging nan caller Apple M2 MacBook Pro from zero to 50% successful conscionable 30 minutes.
The magnetic charging sheet tin beryllium angled up to 65 degrees, truthful users tin take nan cleanable viewing perspective for nan smartphone. The charging sheet is bully pinch immoderate iPhone from nan iPhone 12 to nan latest iPhone 16, aliases an Android instrumentality that has wireless charging and a magnetic case
Thanks to beardown magnets, nan iPhone tin rotate 360 degrees to comfortably watch videos aliases participate successful teleconferences while charging, each without nan telephone slipping off.
Who it's for: Great for those who are all-in erstwhile it comes to nan Apple ecosystem.
Who should look elsewhere: Don't person magnetic wireless charging? Give this a miss.
Ugreen Nexode 65W GaN Charger pinch MagSafe: Ports: 2 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A and 1 x MagSafe charging pad | Max azygous larboard output: 65W | Total powerfulness output: 65W | Dimensions: 67 x 42 x 38 mm/2.64 x 1.65 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 700 g/1.54 pounds
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Which is nan champion GaN charger? That depends connected what you want from a charger. Some users want tons of ports and precocious powerfulness output. Some want a recreation charger that's easy to transportation around. For others, it mightiness beryllium having a operation of bequest USB-A and modern USB-C ports.
This floor plan will thief you prime nan correct GaN charger for you.
Charger | Price | Ports | Max azygous larboard output | Max full output |
Ugreen Nexode 500W | $200 | 5 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | 240W | 500W |
Ugreen Nexode 300W | $150 | 4 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A | 140W | 300W |
StarTech.com 4-Port Multi-Device USB-C Charger | $179 | 4 x USB-C | 140W | 240W |
Tessan 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter | $38 | 2 x USB-C and 2 x USB-A | 65W | 65W |
Anker 200W Prime | $56 | 4 x USB-C and 2 x USB-A | 100W | 200W |
Ugreen Nexode 65W | $80 | 2 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A and 1 x MagSafe charging pad | 65W | 65W |
Show more
That depends connected what you want. Do you want powerfulness aliases thing mini that you tin propulsion into a backpack erstwhile you travel? Do you request 1 larboard aliases many? Are you charging a smartphone aliases an array of devices?
To thief you constrictive down nan charger choices for you, I've put together a array highlighting nan strengths of each charger.
This charger is for you… | If you want... |
Ugreen Nexode 500W | You want nan biggest, baddest charger going, a charger that tin switch a fistful of different USB-C chargers. It's pricey but worthy it arsenic a future-proof investment. |
Ugreen Nexode 300W | A big, powerful desktop charger pinch a bequest USB-A port. |
StarTech.com 4-Port Multi-Device USB-C Charger | This is simply a charger that's designed for business and workplace environments. It's built to beryllium reliable and to grip regular workloads complete extended periods. |
Anker 200W Prime | You want tons of USB-C and USB-A ports and you want a charger pinch a large desktop presence. If you person aggregate power-hungry devices, this is for you. |
Tessan 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter | Travel is your thing, and you want thing small, convenient, and packs distant small. It's small, but it packs a punch and tin moreover complaint a laptop, albeit a small slowly. |
Ugreen Nexode 65W | You want a desktop charger pinch nan convenience of MagSafe. You tin complaint up to 4 devices simultaneously. |
Show more
A assortment of factors effect nan value and usability of nan GaN charger. Here are immoderate things to return into information earlier buying one:
- Type of ports: Are you happy pinch USB-C only, aliases do you still request USB-A for bequest devices?
- Power output: If you're charging smartphones and tablets, past a charger that tin support 25W aliases 65W is ample, but if you are charging large devices specified arsenic laptops, past you're going to request a charger that will support 100W aliases moreover 140W of power.
- How galore ports: The much ports a charger has, nan bigger and heavier it is. Consider really galore you mightiness need, and whether aliases not you would beryllium consenting to suffer a larboard aliases 2 successful speech for a smaller shape factor.
- Interchangeable plugs: If you are walking abroad, having a charger that comes pinch interchangeable plugs is really handy.
- Your existent needs versus your imagination requirements: Some group -- myself included -- are drawn to this "bigger is better" measurement of reasoning erstwhile sometimes what you request is portability. There's thing incorrect pinch having a monolithic charger brimming pinch ports, but remember, if you want to return this pinch you connected nan roadworthy aliases traveling, those other ounces will commencement to consciousness for illustration pounds.
- Price: When you're reasoning astir picking up a caller GaN charger, you will, of course, request to deliberation astir really overmuch you're consenting to spend. While a cheaper action mightiness beryllium attractive, if you want a charger that will past you for years to come, you mightiness want to walk a small more.
Show more
Every year, I trial dozens of GaN chargers, some successful nan trial laboratory and successful real-world conditions, and location are definite things I look for successful a charger if it is to make it onto my recommended list. ZDNET authors who contributed to this article person besides extensively researched nan champion offerings connected nan marketplace and customer feedback.
- First, does it do what it says it will do? This isn't arsenic easy arsenic plugging it successful to spot if it will work. I besides trial nan charger nether sustained, dense loads because moreover a poor-quality charger mightiness beryllium capable to activity for a fewer minutes. I besides trial single-port loads and multi-port loads to make judge these are successful statement pinch nan specs. A charger needs to output nan rated powerfulness for respective hours to get a passing grade.
- Is nan charger safe? I transportation retired respective electrical information tests, and besides thermal measurements -- because nary 1 wants an overheating charger successful nan home.
- Is it robust? Can it grip being plugged and unplugged repeatedly? Are nan ports bully quality? Can nan charger grip being dropped and kicked about? This is nan benignant of maltreatment it will get successful day-to-day use, particularly if it's a recreation charger.
- What do users say? I link my hands-on acquisition pinch nan thoughts and feedback of past customers to study astir its benefits -- and imaginable symptom points.
Show more
Latest news connected GaN chargers
We're still seeing value fluctuations pursuing Amazon Prime Day. As companies fig retired really tariffs are -- aliases aren't -- affecting them, astir prices are trending downwards. We're now besides seeing Qi2.2 (branded Qi2 25W) chargers starting to deed nan scene, and have begun testing and reviewing them.
Gallium nitride -- nan chemic look for this is GaN -- is simply a crystal-like semiconductor worldly pinch typical properties.
GaN has been utilized successful electronics for decades, starting pinch LEDs successful nan 1990s, wherever it was utilized to emit ray to TVs and machine displays earlier uncovering its measurement into transistors, and nowadays it is replacing nan industry's erstwhile favourite semiconductor material: silicon.
And it is these transistors that are nan cardinal to making GaN chargers special. GaN transistors, besides known arsenic GaN FETs, are smaller, tin transportation much power, move faster, and are much power-efficient than their silicon counterparts. This makes them perfect for applications successful USB-C adapters, chargers, and powerfulness distribution systems.
Show more
A transistor is simply a mini physics move that opens and closes really fast, and GaN has respective advantages complete silicon erstwhile utilized successful transistors. Not only are GaN transistors smaller than silicon transistors, but they tin transportation much powerfulness and usage it efficiently. They besides move faster astatine astir 40 cardinal times a second, astir 4 times faster than silicon transistors.
While silicon transistors person a powerfulness ratio of astir 87%, GaN transistors boost this ratio to complete 95%.
The simplification successful transistor size intends that newer GaN USB chargers tin beryllium physically smaller than nan older silicon exertion chargers. And while it's bully to person smaller chargers, it is nan accrued ratio that is nan astir important facet erstwhile it comes to USB chargers because nan much businesslike an physics constituent is, nan little discarded power it generates.
Consumers are, understandably, concerned erstwhile chargers consciousness basking to nan touch. While it is communal for chargers that usage silicon transistors to get to nan constituent of almost being excessively basking to touch, I find it uncommon for a charger utilizing GaN exertion to consciousness mildly warm.
The faster switching besides intends that a GaN transistor wrong a charger tin person amended power complete nan charging and respond to events specified arsenic overheating aliases overvoltage overmuch quicker than older transistors could, making them safer successful use.
Show more
Yes. Bear successful mind that these adhd yet different point to suffer aliases forget, and thing other to break.
Show more
Something like this or this will do nan job.
When I'm testing devices, I person group 45°C aliases 113°F arsenic nan constituent astatine which I commencement to person concerns. This is nan somesthesia astatine which things extremity emotion basking and group commencement emotion pain, according to the safe "no injury" somesthesia scope chart.
The ASTM C1055 -- nan Standard Guide for Heated System Surface Conditions that Produce Contact Burn Injuries -- states that nan mean personification tin touch objects up to 60°C aliases 140°F for up to 5 seconds without sustaining irreversible pain injuries.
Show more
This is simply a caller wireless charging modular that adds faster charging -- up from 15W to 25W -- and besides features specified arsenic precocious overseas entity discovery and amended powerfulness management.
Qi2.2 is presently supported by nan Google Pixel 10 XL Pro, and iOS 16 will adhd support to nan iPhone 16 (except nan iPhone 16e) and it's expected that some, if not all, nan variants of nan iPhone 17 will support it.
Show more
Latest Updates
- In our August 2025 update, we checked prices and updated links, and added accusation astir nan Qi2.2 standard.
Are location replacement champion GaN accessories worthy considering?
If you are looking for a much circumstantial charger, see these apical picks for nan champion GaN accessories.
I emotion this charger because it's ace bladed and fits into AC outlets that mightiness beryllium down couches aliases nightstands. This debased floor plan makes it cleanable for traveling.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
A cheap, cheerful, yet safe and businesslike GaN charger featuring 1 60W USB-C larboard and 1 18W USB-C port. Perfect for those wanting to complaint smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smaller devices specified arsenic earbuds.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
For much accusation connected GaN chargers, cheque out everything you request to cognize astir gallium nitride-based charging tech and how GaN enables much businesslike and reduced shape facet powerfulness supplies.