Main Points

• With manufacturers no longer including chargers with new phones, individuals need reliable, fast chargers. By purchasing one that can power multiple devices, you avoid the clutter of numerous charging blocks and ensure rapid charging whenever required.
• When selecting a GaN charger, consider your device's wattage needs, the number of ports, safety features, and the charger's size and portability. Also, buy from a reputable brand known for quality and longevity.
• GaN chargers are safe for phone batteries and usually generate less heat than traditional silicon-based chargers, which benefits battery health. Why Do We Need Chargers More Than Ever?

Many manufacturers have stopped including charger adapters in the boxes with flagship phones, citing environmental safety, and we won't go into the details of how true this is. However, I see some positive aspects in this: each phone upgrade doesn't add an extra charger to your drawers, and you can choose something more universal or improved, like devices with multiple ports. This way, you don't have to clutter your desk with numerous charging blocks and can get by with just one. But what types of chargers are customers exploring today? It's no secret that we all seek a faster charger than our previous one when needed. When it comes to faster charging, here are the key types of phone chargers known for delivering rapid charging speeds:

Wall Chargers with Fast Charging Technology:

• USB Power Delivery (PD) Chargers: These chargers support the USB PD standard, which can deliver up to 100W, although most phones typically use 18W to 30W PD chargers for fast charging.
• Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) Adapters: Chargers that support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology, enabling higher power levels and faster charging times.

High-Wattage Wireless Chargers:

• Qi Wireless Chargers with Fast Charging: Some Qi wireless chargers are designed to provide higher wattages, such as 10W, 15W, or even higher, depending on the phone model and its compatibility.

GaN (Gallium Nitride) Chargers:

• These chargers use GaN technology, which allows for higher efficiency and greater power delivery in a smaller form factor. They can support fast charging protocols like USB PD and QC, making them ideal for rapidly charging devices.

MagSafe Chargers:

• For iPhone 12 and later models, MagSafe chargers offer up to 15W of wireless charging power, which is faster than standard Qi wireless charging.

The fastest charging options typically come from high-wattage wall chargers supporting USB PD or Quick Charge, as they deliver the most power in the shortest time. New types of chargers - GaN, known for their efficiency and compact size, also excel at meeting fast charging requirements. These chargers offer a range of options to accommodate various charging needs and preferences for mobile phone users. Today, we delve into and identify the most satisfactory GaN chargers available.

GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers are a type of charger that uses GaN semiconductors instead of traditional silicon semiconductors in its power conversion process. This technology allows for smaller, more efficient, and faster chargers. GaN charger adapters convert AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging devices. This process involves high-frequency conversion, transformation, and rectification, allowing for efficient and fast charging while generating less heat and waste energy. GaN chargers are becoming increasingly popular due to their high efficiency, compact size, and fast charging capabilities.

When choosing a GaN charger, start by confirming the wattage requirements of your devices to ensure compatibility and optimal charging speeds. Opt for models that offer multiple ports, such as USB-C or USB-A, if you need to charge several devices simultaneously.

For example, if you own a MacBook Air M2, iPhone 14 Pro, and AirPods, choose a 65W charger with min two USB-C ports and one USB-A port to efficiently meet the power requirements: 30W for the MacBook, 20W for the iPhone, and 5W for the AirPods. Prioritize safety features like overheat protection and short-circuit prevention for reliable and secure usage. Consider the charger's size and portability, especially if you travel often, to ensure convenience. Lastly, select a charger from a brand you know for quality and durability.

To identify a high-quality GaN charger, consider several key points: Look for a compact and lightweight design, which is a hallmark of GaN technology. Ensure the charger has clear labeling indicating "GaN" or "Gallium Nitride" and verify its technical specifications for higher power output and efficiency. Compare its charging speed and efficiency with other chargers, as GaN chargers typically offer superior performance and cooler operation. Examine the PCB board structure for complexity that aids in heat dissipation and power conversion, and check for heat-dissipating materials. Finally, ensure the charger includes built-in safety mechanisms such as overcharge, short-circuit, and overheating protection to safeguard both the charger and your devices. By considering these factors, you can select a high-quality GaN charger that provides efficient and safe charging for your devices.

Compactness is important when it comes to a charger, as it would be inconvenient to charge in one place all the time. So, let's look at the top most compact fast chargers.

The Anker Nano 3 is a compact 30W USB-C charger suitable for various devices, including the iPhone 15 and other non-Apple products. It features foldable prongs and is available in multiple colors, with a minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any environment. The charger delivers up to 30W of power, making it ideal for devices requiring higher wattage for fast charging. It efficiently charges compatible devices at maximum capacity and adjusts the power output for lower-wattage devices. With robust build quality, the charger performs reliably and is aesthetically pleasing. Its single USB-C port design prevents power division, ensuring efficient charging. Its dimensions are 1.12 x 1.12 x 1.4 inches. Additionally, devices like iPhones and Androids have built-in protections to prevent battery damage from overcharging. The charger supports these protections, enhancing battery longevity by adjusting the charge speed as needed. It is recommended for phones, tablets, and wireless earbuds but not for laptops due to their higher power requirements.

Compact yet immensely powerful, the Anker 313 USB-C Super Fast Charger 2.0 45W is compatible with the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+/S24, and S23 phones, as well as the iPhone 15 lineup. It provides super-fast charging for Samsung devices and fast charging for iPhones. The charger features foldable prongs, making it convenient for travel, and is highly regarded for its build quality and reliability, consistent with Anker's esteemed reputation. It supports a wide input voltage range and offers multiple output configurations. With compact dimensions of approximately 1.5 x 1.25 x 1.5 inches, it is suitable for charging a variety of devices, including MacBook Pro and Samsung phones. This makes it a versatile and powerful charging solution.

Not only Anker chargers have designs perfectly for iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel phones. The UGREEN Nexode Robot GaN Charger is a compact and efficient USB Type-C charger with a fun changing face indicator for charging status. Gallium nitride (GaN) technology makes this charger smaller (1.3 x 1.5 x 2.2 inches), more energy-efficient, and quicker to charge compared to traditional chargers. The charger features removable feet and a sticker face that indicates when the device is charging; the face changes when the battery is fully charged. The single USB-C port ensures the full 30W power is delivered to one device, which is ideal for max charging needs as it avoids the power split that occurs with multiple ports. Nexode Robot includes magnetic feature feet for easy attachment to surfaces and effectively charges a range of devices safely, automatically adjusting to the required charging rate and preventing overheating or poor performance.

After compact devices, it's time to move on to more substantial chargers, and our selection criteria remain the same: the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously. We mean a laptop, phone, and possibly Bluetooth headphones or a smartwatch. While modern devices require more power and faster charging, with technologies such as USB-C fast charging, not all laptops support this, but most current high-performance models do have this port, which is considered universal in the European Union as of this year. This also applies to manufacturers in the United States, thanks to market globalization. The devices for laptops in recent years have power ratings from 30 to 65 watts, so we'll take this as the primary criterion for multi-port chargers. Meanwhile, phone chargers, which we can't find in the boxes anymore, have power ratings from 20 to 30 watts (iPhone 12 or newer models use 20W, Samsung flagships 25W or 45W for plus, and Google Pixel - 30W). Therefore, we are considering chargers with a total power of at least 65 watts to have a reserve for using multiple ports simultaneously.

The first of multiple fast-charging adapters is, of course, designed by Anker. These chargers are highly regarded for their exceptional reliability, fast charging capabilities, and excellent value for money. The Anker 735 65 Watt USB-C charger is a compact and powerful charger that is ideal for devices such as iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and other accessories thanks to the use of gallium nitride technology. It's significantly smaller than Apple's standard power adapters and features folding plugs as well as an extra base to prevent it from falling out of outlets. The charger works great, charging both an iPad and a MacBook at the same time. However, I do note that its overall power drops when multiple devices are connected, which can be a concern for more power-hungry devices. If you use only one USB-C connector (first and second from the top), then you get a full power of 65 watts, and if you distribute different devices between them, it will be 45 and 20 watts, respectively. Recommended for MacBook Air users or those who need to charge multiple smaller devices at the same time. For higher-demand devices such as the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, a higher-capacity charger is recommended.

In terms of size, the 735 looks like the two smaller Anker Nano chargers at 2.6 x 1.54 x 1.14 inches, so I'd say it's pretty compact for its specs. high build quality and safety features

The latest addition to the Anker GaNPrime series, the Anker Prime 100W USB-C Charger is an extremely powerful and compact pocket-sized charger. This versatile 3-port fast charger includes two USB-C ports and one USB-A port and features collapsible pins for easy travel. Capable of outputting up to 100W, it can effectively charge a high-powered laptop and phone at the same time, or multiple lower-powered devices such as smartphones and tablets. We haven't stressed the importance of using compatible high-power USB-C cables before, since all the chargers we've reviewed, including this one, don't come with cables. It also features multi-device power sharing without overcharging, making it suitable for a variety of gadgets including laptops, phones, tablets, and wireless headphones. The USB-A connector power has 22.5W max, and two USB-C 100W each item while single-port charging. The series has been on the market for a year and isn't far behind the brand's previous sales leaders.

The Anker GaNPrime 100W is slightly larger than its predecessors, measuring 1.73 x 1.54 x 2.38 inches and weighing 5 ounces.

Portable and powerful, the UGREEN 160W Nexode Pro adapter is marketed for high efficiency and reduced heat but fails to meet these claims, particularly struggling with thermal performance under full load. The adapter features almost plastic-free packaging and exudes a professional look and feel, but it lacks a cable and some critical user manual information, which is disappointing for a premium product. Testing revealed that while the adapter exhibited excellent idle power usage and stable DC voltage, its efficiency was subpar, leading to higher heat generation. The device offers multiple ports with good power distribution and quick recovery during power delivery negotiation but falls short in the PPS mode, potentially impacting dual 45W Samsung super fast charging. Overall, while it offers some positives like low idle power consumption and adherence to safety standards, the adapter's thermal management and misleading efficiency claims detract from its professional appeal.

This 4-in-1 device comes in corresponding sizes, making it slightly larger than previously described items. However, when compared to the original Apple MacBook Pro 96W charger, it has just the perfect size. Measuring 2.76 x 2.76 x 1.3 inches and weighing 10.7 ounces, it will not take up much space in a travel bag.

In the end, we look into the common belief that fast chargers harm battery life. But what about GaN technology?

GaN chargers are generally safe for phone batteries, offering benefits like reduced heat generation compared to traditional silicon-based chargers, which are advantageous for battery health. However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Excessive heat can still occur if the charger is improperly designed or if the device is not used correctly. The fast charging capabilities of GaN chargers can put additional stress on the battery, potentially leading to faster degradation if the battery is not built for high charging speeds. Compatibility with your phone and its charging protocol is crucial to avoid damage or inefficiencies. To maintain battery health, it is important to follow proper usage guidelines, such as avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping the device at moderate brightness, and preventing overcharging. In summary, while GaN chargers are generally safe, considering these potential drawbacks and adhering to proper usage practices is essential for optimal battery health.