You can now find compact, stylish, and highly efficient chargers with multiple ports as standard when you're looking to replace aging charging stations and solutions. The best options will remain cool under heavy use and charge everything from earbuds to laptops.There's never been a better time to upgrade your charging gear. But navigating the vast array of available chargers -- from the most reputable brands to those you should steer clear of -- can be overwhelming. However, over the past year, I have undertaken extensive testing, evaluating close to 300 GaN (gallium nitride) chargers of varying sizes, power outputs, and manufacturers.Also:This portable power station has a standout feature that makes camping safer than everWhether 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. This testing and analysis has culminated in a carefully curated list of the very best chargers available today.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. Sort by All Number of USB ports Max port output Travel friendliness Features Max output The best GaN chargers of 2025 Show less View now at Ugreen This Ugreen GaN charger is an absolute beast. Built like a brick and equipped with five ports, it can replace a whole bank of standalone chargers. It's powerful, too, capable of a total output of 300W, which is more than twice what Apple's standard single-port 140W MacBook Pro charger can deliver.Read the review: Ugreen Nexode 300WWhile many 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. You would normally pay beyond $250 for this model but it is currently on sale for $170.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 Number of USB ports 8 Max port output 9 Travel friendliness 4 Features 7 Max output 9 Pros USB-C and USB-A ports Keeps cool no matter what the load Perfect if you have legacy USB-A devices Cons Very expensive Too heavy to carry about This Ugreen GaN charger is an absolute beast. Built like a brick and equipped with five ports, it can replace a whole bank of standalone chargers. It's powerful, too, capable of a total output of 300W, which is more than twice what Apple's standard single-port 140W MacBook Pro charger can deliver.Read the review: Ugreen Nexode 300WWhile many 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. You would normally pay beyond $250 for this model but it is currently on sale for $170.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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Being a frequent traveler, I've often felt that the gear I use on the road is a compromise, lacking the versatility, power, or quality of the equipment I've left at home or in the office. The need to balance weight and global compatibility invariably imposes constraints and limitations.Read the review: Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN travel chargerNot anymore! Not only does the Satechi 145W, 4-Port charger 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 easily interchangeable on this unit.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.The reviews of this charger emphasize its build quality and solid design -- but don't make the mistake that some seem to make. Buy this charger if you need legacy USB-A charging support because this is one designed for modern workloads.You can pick up this charger on sale at Amazon for $65 with a 46% discount.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 Number of USB ports 7 Max port output 9 Travel friendliness 8 Features 6 Max output 8 Pros Interchangeable plugs for worldwide support Powerful enough to charge a laptop Smaller than Apple's 140W USB-C charger Cons No USB-A legacy support Satechi 145W 4-Port USB-C charger Best GaN charger for traveling 3.8 / 5 Score Being a frequent traveler, I've often felt that the gear I use on the road is a compromise, lacking the versatility, power, or quality of the equipment I've left at home or in the office. The need to balance weight and global compatibility invariably imposes constraints and limitations.Read the review: Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN travel chargerNot anymore! Not only does the Satechi 145W, 4-Port charger 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 easily interchangeable on this unit.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.The reviews of this charger emphasize its build quality and solid design -- but don't make the mistake that some seem to make. Buy this charger if you need legacy USB-A charging support because this is one designed for modern workloads.You can pick up this charger on sale at Amazon for $65 with a 46% discount.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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Right out of the box, it's hard not to notice that this beefy charger weighs over a pound. The weight is an advantage because it keeps the charger planted on the desk while other lesser chargers get dragged about by the weight of the attached cables.Read the review: One of the best GaN USB-C chargers I've tested can top up 6 devices at onceThis is a powerful, well-made charger that's perfect for those who need to power multiple devices. I particularly like that this charger can support dual 100W output on the USB-C ports, as this means it can power a couple of MacBook Pros simultaneously. Sure, you don't get the full 140W the laptops can take, but 100W is adequate if you don't need the fastest possible charge rate.The two USB-A ports are handy for legacy devices that don't draw a lot of power, while the bank of four USB-C ports is more than enough for the majority of users.Then there's the price: $70. Yes, this charger is only $70.Anker 200W GaN 6-port charger tech specs:Ports: 4 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A |Max single port output: 100W |Total power output: 200W |Dimensions: 112 76 35 mm/4.4 3.0 1.4 inches|Weight: 563 g/1.24 lb Number of USB ports 7 Max port output 7 Travel friendliness 4 Features 6 Max output 7 Pros Perfect for those who don't have any legacy USB-A devices Decent bunch of USB-C ports Heavy presence on desk Cons Too heavy to be a travel charger Anker 200W Prime 6-port charger Best GaN desktop charger 3.1 / 5 Score Right out of the box, it's hard not to notice that this beefy charger weighs over a pound. The weight is an advantage because it keeps the charger planted on the desk while other lesser chargers get dragged about by the weight of the attached cables.Read the review: One of the best GaN USB-C chargers I've tested can top up 6 devices at onceThis is a powerful, well-made charger that's perfect for those who need to power multiple devices. I particularly like that this charger can support dual 100W output on the USB-C ports, as this means it can power a couple of MacBook Pros simultaneously. Sure, you don't get the full 140W the laptops can take, but 100W is adequate if you don't need the fastest possible charge rate.The two USB-A ports are handy for legacy devices that don't draw a lot of power, while the bank of four USB-C ports is more than enough for the majority of users.Then there's the price: $70. Yes, this charger is only $70.Anker 200W GaN 6-port charger tech specs:Ports: 4 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A |Max single port output: 100W |Total power 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 Show less View now at Zendure With this Zendure charger, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. It's perfect for traveling and for use on road as it combines solid charging capabilities with a palm-sized form factor.And while 65W might not seem like much, this will run and top up an Apple MacBook Pro; if you have a smaller laptop, this unit could very well charge it at full power.The Zendure SuperPort S3 integrates a US plug, two USB-C and one USB-A port into a sleek all-in-one unit with universal compatibility for most devices.And better yet, it's only $30. Stocks are low, however, and so be quick if you're interested in this model.Zendure SuperPort S3 tech specs:Ports: 3 USB ports (2x USB-C & 1x USB-A)|Max single port output: 63/65W |Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches |Weight: 283 g/10 oz Pros USB-C and USB-A ports Power outlet prongs pack away tidy Affordable Cons Only one plug outlet With this Zendure charger, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. It's perfect for traveling and for use on road as it combines solid charging capabilities with a palm-sized form factor.And while 65W might not seem like much, this will run and top up an Apple MacBook Pro; if you have a smaller laptop, this unit could very well charge it at full power.The Zendure SuperPort S3 integrates a US plug, two USB-C and one USB-A port into a sleek all-in-one unit with universal compatibility for most devices.And better yet, it's only $30. Stocks are low, however, and so be quick if you're interested in this model.Zendure SuperPort S3 tech specs:Ports: 3 USB ports (2x USB-C & 1x USB-A)|Max single port output: 63/65W |Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches |Weight: 283 g/10 oz Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Nexode 100W charging station features three USB ports -- two USB-C and one USB-A -- that share 100W of output power between them. 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 MagSafeThe 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 Number of USB ports 6 Max port output 6 Travel friendliness 6 Features 6 Max output 6 Pros 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 Cons Not cheap Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charger with MagSafe Best MagSafe GaN charger 3 / 5 Score The Nexode 100W charging station features three USB ports -- two USB-C and one USB-A -- that share 100W of output power between them. 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 MagSafeThe 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Which is the best GaN charger? Which is the best GaN charger? That depends on what you want from a charger. Some users want lots of ports and high power output. Some want 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.ChargerPricePortsMax single port outputMax total outputUgreen Nexode 300W$1704 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A140W300WSatechi 145W$654 x USB-C140W145WAnker 200W Prime$704 x USB-C and 2 x USB-A100W200WZendure SuperPort S3 65W$302 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A65W65WUgreen Nexode 100W$1102 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A and 1 x MagSafe charging pad100W100W Show more 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 devices?To help you narrow down the charger choices for you, I've put together a table highlighting the strengths of each charger.This charger is for youIf you want...Ugreen Nexode 300WA big, powerful desktop charger with a legacy USB-A port. This is about as big -- and as good -- as they get. It's pricey but worth it as a future-proof investment.Satechi 145WYou want a powerful travel adapter for all your USB-C devices. This will let you charge whatever you have, wherever you are. There's no USB-A support, though.Anker 200W Prime You want lots of USB-C and USB-A ports and you want a charger with a big desktop presence. If you have multiple power-hungry devices, this is for you.Zendure SuperPort S3 65WTravel is your thing, and you want something small and convenient. It's small, but it packs a punch.Ugreen Nexode 100WYou want a desktop charger with the convenience of MagSafe. You can charge up to four devices simultaneously. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a GaN charger A variety of factors impact the quality and usability of the 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. Consider how many you might need, and whether or not you would be willing to lose a port or two in exchange for a smaller form factor.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.Price: When you're thinking about picking up a new GaN charger, you will, of course, need to think about how much you're willing to spend. While a cheaper option might be attractive, if you want a charger that will last you for years to come, you might want to spend a little more. Show more 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 recommended list. ZDNET authors who contributed to this article have also extensively researched the best offerings on the market and customer feedback.First, does it do what it 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 loads and multi-port loads to make sure these are in line with the specs. A charger needs to output the rated power for several hours to get a passing grade.Is the charger safe? I carry out several 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? This is the sort of abuse it will get in day-to-day use, especially if it's a travel charger.What do users say?I connect my hands-on experience with the thoughts and feedback of past customers to learn about its benefits -- and potential pain points. Show more FAQs on GaN chargers 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. GaN transistors, also known as GaN FETs, are smaller, can carry more power, switch faster, and are more power-efficient than their silicon counterparts. This makes them ideal for applications in USB-C adapters, chargers, and power distribution systems. Show more 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 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. Show more Can you use an adapter to change a USB-C port into one that will take a USB-A connector? Yes. (Bear in mind that these add yet another thing to lose or forget, and something else to break.) Show more Something likethis orthis will do the job.When it comes to chargers, how hot is too hot? When I'm testing devices, I have set 45C/113F 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 thesafe "no injury" temperature range chart.TheASTM C1055(the Standard Guide for Heated System Surface Conditions that Produce Contact Burn Injuries) states that the average person can touch objects up to 60C/140F for up to five seconds without sustaining irreversible burn injuries. Show more 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. Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends