GaN Chargers: An Overview of the Benefits

Chargers have become significantly smaller in recent years, despite delivering more power. The reason is often found in three letters: GaN.

What GaN Actually Means

GaN stands for Gallium Nitride, a semiconductor material that is increasingly replacing classic silicon in charging electronics. The key practical advantage: GaN components run significantly cooler at the same power output, requiring less space for cooling. The result is chargers that are hardly larger than older 20-watt power supplies at 65 watts.

Why That’s More Than Just Compact

Less heat generation also means: multiple ports can be charged simultaneously at high power without the device overheating during continuous operation. The Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime, 65 W) charges via 2 × USB-C and 1 × USB-A up to three devices at the same time, such as a laptop, phone, and headphones. However, only a single device receives the full 65 watts; if multiple devices are connected, the power is distributed. The power supply measures 6.6 × 3.8 × 2.9 cm and weighs 125 g.

The Difference with Power Banks

Power banks are also seeing increased performance. The Anker Power Bank 20,000 mAh, 87 W delivers a total of 87 W, with up to 65 W via the USB-C port – enough for many laptops. It offers a built-in USB-C cable and an LED display. The built-in cable is convenient, but if it’s defective, it can’t be easily replaced.

Is the Switch Worth It?

If you’re still carrying multiple old individual power supplies, a single GaN charger not only saves space in your luggage. For travelers and those who value compact charging solutions, a GaN charger is particularly worthwhile. If you have a single device at home that is rarely taken on the road anyway, the switch is more of a matter of comfort.