Are you shopping for back-to-school supplies? I suggest considering these GaN chargers to save space and deliver more power.
Students often find themselves carrying multiple chargers for their devices, such as phones, laptops, tablets, and possibly wireless earbuds that require frequent charging. These bulky chargers consume valuable space in backpacks, which could be used for other items.
GaN chargers address this issue in two ways. They provide the same power output in a significantly smaller form factor, thanks to gallium nitride transistors. Additionally, if you're willing to invest a bit more initially, you can secure a high-capacity multi-device charger that can power your entire tech setup from a single wall outlet, which is particularly advantageous for dorm living.
**Spigen USB-C 20W GaN Charger**
*Spigen / Amazon*
**Pros**
- Affordable enough to purchase multiple
- Perfect for travel
- Compact and lightweight
- Easily replaceable if lost
**Cons**
- Insufficient power for most laptops
- Limited to one USB-C port
We've consistently recommended Spigen chargers, and their 20W GaN model is no exception. This is the charger I would buy in pairs: one for my backpack, one for my nightstand, and another to leave at a parent's home. It's compact enough to fit easily in a backpack, as it's among the smallest and lightest GaN chargers from Spigen, and it features a foldable plug.
This charger is compatible with the latest iPhones, iPads, Samsung, and Pixel phones, as well as nearly all other devices that use the USB-C PD standard. However, it’s not suitable if you need a charger that can also power a laptop. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't come with a cable included.
**Ugreen 3-Port 30W USB-C GaN Charger**
*Ugreen / Amazon*
**Pros**
- Charges three devices from a single outlet
- Great for daily use
- Compact, ideal for dorm settings
- Inexpensive to replace
**Cons**
- Not powerful enough for most laptops
- Charging speed decreases with all three ports in use
If your dorm has only one power outlet (or you're sharing one with a roommate), I recommend the Ugreen multi-port GaN charger. It has three ports, allowing you to charge a phone, earbuds, and a tablet or Kindle simultaneously. It supports various protocols, including PD, QC, and PPS.
It comes in fun colors (blue and light pink), appealing for those creating a coordinated look. Its size is relatively small compared to other multi-port chargers available.
One thing to remember is that charging three devices will slow down charging speeds for each device. It still won't provide adequate power for most laptops.
**Spigen 70W Dual USB-C GaN Charger**
*Spigen / Amazon*
**Pros**
- Can charge a laptop and phone from the same outlet
- Serves as an excellent backup laptop charger for your desk
- Frees up a crucial outlet in a dorm room
- Affordable enough to use as a spare
**Cons**
- The two ports may feel limiting for multiple devices
- Cannot charge two laptops at full speed at the same time
The $16.99 Spigen 70W dual USB-C charger impressed me because it genuinely acts as a two-in-one charger. It can charge both a laptop and a phone from one wall socket concurrently, making it ideal for dorms where outlets are limited.
With an output of up to 60W on a single port, it can charge devices like a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Dell XPS. While it won’t charge two laptops at full speed simultaneously, it effectively powers one laptop (up to 50W) and one phone (up to 20W).
**Anker 65W Nano USB-C GaN 3-Port Charger**
*Anker / Spigen*
**Pros**
- Charges a laptop, phone, and earbuds simultaneously from one outlet
- Compact enough to fit in a pencil case
- Replaces three individual chargers on your desk
- A practical choice to be your sole charger for the semester
**Cons**
- Charging slows when all three ports are in use
- Best to charge your laptop alone when time is limited
Instead of the $19.99 Anker Nano 70W GaN II, I recommend the three-port 65W GaN II charger for several reasons. It provides nearly equivalent power for single-device charging and charges multiple devices more quickly than the Ugreen option I previously referenced. The details about various charging configurations are available on the product page linked below. Essentially, you can connect your laptop to the top USB-C port while simultaneously charging your phone and earbuds in the other two, all at a reasonable speed.
**Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Four-Port Charger**
*Ugreen / Amazon*
**Pros**
- Fast-charges a laptop, phone, and headphones at the same time
- Foldable plug is backpack-friendly
- Consolidates multiple chargers into
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Are you shopping for back-to-school supplies? I suggest considering these GaN chargers to save space and deliver more power.
I examined eight of Amazon's top-rated GaN chargers, ranging from the least expensive to the most costly, to identify the ones that effectively reduce cable clutter this semester.
