A charger that came with an older phone may still handle an overnight top-up, but it can be the weak link when a laptop, tablet and wireless earbuds all need power before you leave. The best USB C GaN charger gives you enough wattage for your devices in a smaller, more useful plug - without paying for power you will never use.
GaN chargers have become a sensible replacement for bulky single-device adapters. They suit USB-C phones, iPads and Android tablets, USB-C laptops, power banks and many portable games consoles. The right choice comes down to three practical details: the wattage your device accepts, the number of devices you charge at once, and whether the charger supports the USB-C charging standard your equipment needs.
What makes a GaN charger different?
GaN stands for gallium nitride. It is a material used in the charger rather than in the battery of your phone or laptop. It allows charging components to operate more efficiently and at higher frequencies than conventional silicon designs. In day-to-day terms, this often means a charger can deliver substantial power without becoming as large as an older equivalent.
That does not mean every GaN model will be tiny, nor that GaN alone guarantees faster charging. A 65W charger is still limited to 65W, whatever material it uses. Fast charging depends on the charger, cable and device agreeing on a suitable power profile. The benefit of GaN is that it makes compact multi-port chargers far more practical for a desk, bedside table or travel bag.
For UK buyers, look for a proper UK plug rather than relying on an adapter where possible. A compact body and folding pins make a noticeable difference if the charger will spend most of its life in a rucksack or hand luggage.
Choosing the best USB C GaN charger
Start with the highest charging wattage required by the device you use most. Your phone may charge quickly from 20W or 30W, while a modern USB-C laptop may need 45W, 65W or more. Buying a higher-wattage USB-C charger will not force too much power into a smaller device. USB Power Delivery negotiates the amount of power the device can accept.
The catch is shared power. A 65W charger with two USB-C ports might provide the full 65W to one connected laptop, then split its output when a phone is connected to the second port. That is normal, but the split should be clearly shown in the product specifications. If you need to charge a 65W laptop and a phone at the same time, a 100W or 120W model can be the better fit.
20W to 30W: phones, earbuds and compact tablets
A 20W USB-C PD charger is a dependable everyday option for many iPhones and Android phones, as well as earbuds, smartwatches and smaller tablets. It is small, affordable and well suited to a spare charger for work or travel.
Move to 30W if you want more headroom for a larger phone, an iPad or a compact USB-C tablet. This is also useful when a phone supports faster charging through PPS, although the charger must specifically include PPS support. A higher wattage figure alone is not enough.
45W to 65W: the practical one-charger option
For many people, 65W is the useful middle ground. It can provide enough power for a wide range of USB-C laptops, including many lightweight Windows models and MacBook Air configurations, while still charging a phone quickly. A 65W GaN charger with two USB-C ports can replace separate laptop and phone adapters, provided you check its power-sharing ratings.
If your laptop’s original charger is rated at 45W or 60W, a 65W USB-C PD model is usually a sensible replacement or upgrade. It gives a little extra capacity for charging a phone alongside it, though laptop charging speed may reduce when both ports are in use.
100W and above: laptops plus accessories
A 100W GaN charger makes more sense for higher-powered laptops, larger tablets and multi-device desks. It is particularly useful if you regularly charge a laptop, phone and power bank together. Some models include three or four ports, often a mix of USB-C and USB-A.
Check the per-port output carefully. A charger advertised as 100W may offer 100W from one USB-C port, but only 65W when another port is active. That may still be ideal for a 65W laptop and phone, but it is not the same as delivering 100W and 30W simultaneously.
Some laptops require more than 100W or use a manufacturer-specific charging connector. In those cases, do not assume a USB-C GaN charger is a complete replacement. Check the laptop manual or original adapter label first.
Ports matter as much as total wattage
Single-port chargers are best when you want the smallest possible plug and usually charge one device at a time. They are a good match for a phone, tablet or laptop kept in a separate bag.
Two USB-C ports suit most households and commuters. You can charge a laptop and phone from one wall socket, or charge two phones without hunting for another plug. For a family charging point or a home-office desk, three or four ports reduce cable clutter, but the charger body will be larger and the total output needs to be high enough to make those ports useful.
USB-A remains handy for older cables, Bluetooth accessories and some power banks. However, USB-A ports generally deliver less power and do not offer the same charging flexibility as USB-C PD. If you are buying new cables as well, prioritising USB-C to USB-C makes more sense for laptops and modern phones.
Check USB Power Delivery and PPS support
USB Power Delivery, often shown as USB-C PD or PD, is the key standard for fast and safe USB-C charging across phones, tablets, laptops and other compatible devices. It lets the charger and device agree on voltage and power rather than treating every USB-C port as identical.
PPS, short for Programmable Power Supply, is an additional PD feature used by many Samsung Galaxy and other Android phones for their fastest supported charging modes. If quick charging for a compatible Android handset is a priority, choose a charger that explicitly lists PPS. Without it, the phone will still charge, but may not reach its top charging rate.
Apple devices use USB-C PD rather than PPS for their standard fast-charging approach. A quality PD charger in the right wattage range is therefore the main requirement for an iPhone, iPad or USB-C MacBook.
Do not overlook the cable
The cable can limit an otherwise excellent charger. A low-cost USB-C cable may be fine for a phone but unsuitable for a 65W or 100W laptop charge. For higher-power use, choose a USB-C to USB-C cable rated for the wattage you need. A 100W-capable cable is a practical choice when you want one cable for several devices.
Longer cables are convenient around a sofa or hotel bedside, but they can be less tidy and may be less durable if tightly bent or trapped under furniture. For a desk or travel pouch, a one-metre cable is often the easiest balance. Keep the original laptop cable if it is in good condition, as it may already be correctly rated.
Size, heat and everyday reliability
A GaN charger can run warm when supplying high power, particularly with several devices attached. Warm is expected; excessive heat, a damaged casing, loose plug pins or intermittent charging are not. Choose recognised brands and make sure the charger carries the relevant UK safety markings.
A charger with a little more capacity than your usual requirement can also be a better long-term buy. For example, a 100W model is not necessary for a 20W phone, but it can save buying another adapter if you later add a USB-C laptop or need to share a socket. On the other hand, a compact 30W charger remains the better value if you only need dependable phone charging.
When comparing charging accessories at MyMemory, use the listed wattage, port layout and supported standards as your starting point rather than choosing by size alone. A small charger is convenient, but the useful one is the charger that can power your actual devices at the same time.
Before buying, check the original charger label, count the devices that will share it, and match the USB-C cable to the highest wattage you expect to use. That small amount of checking will leave you with a charger that earns its place in your bag or by your desk, rather than another plug sitting unused in a drawer.
