What Is a GaN Charger and Why Should You Care?
If you've bought a new laptop, smartphone, or tablet in the past couple of years, there's a good chance it came with a USB-C charger. But not all USB-C chargers are created equal. GaN chargers — those built using Gallium Nitride semiconductor technology rather than traditional silicon — represent a genuine step forward in charging technology, and they've become the go-to choice for anyone who wants to charge multiple devices efficiently without carrying a bag full of bulky adapters.
This guide covers everything you need to know about GaN chargers in the UK in 2026: how the technology works, what to look for when buying, and our picks across every budget and use case. All pricing is based on current UK retailer listings as of September 2026 and is subject to change.
GaN vs Silicon: What's the Difference?
Traditional phone and laptop chargers use silicon-based transistors. Silicon is a mature, well-understood semiconductor material, but it has physical limitations — particularly around how efficiently it can switch electrical current at high frequencies. This inefficiency generates heat, which is why older chargers get warm during use and why they need to be physically large to dissipate that heat safely.
Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a compound semiconductor that can switch electrical current at much higher frequencies with significantly less energy loss. The practical result is a charger that:
- Runs cooler than an equivalent silicon charger
- Is physically smaller and lighter for the same power output
- Wastes less energy as heat, making it more efficient
- Can deliver higher wattages in a compact form factor
GaN technology was first developed for military and aerospace applications, but it's now mainstream in consumer electronics. Most reputable charger brands — Anker, Belkin, Ugreen, Baseus, and others — now use GaN in their premium and mid-range products.
Understanding USB Power Delivery and Charging Standards
Before diving into specific products, it's worth understanding the charging standards that GaN chargers use, as these determine compatibility with your devices.
USB Power Delivery (USB PD)
USB Power Delivery is the dominant fast-charging standard for USB-C devices. USB PD 3.0 supports up to 100W, which is sufficient to fast-charge most laptops, tablets, and smartphones. USB PD 3.1 (also called Extended Power Range or EPR) extends this to 240W, though consumer devices rarely require more than 140W.
PPS (Programmable Power Supply)
PPS is an extension of USB PD that allows the charger to dynamically adjust its output voltage in small increments, rather than switching between fixed voltage levels. This enables more efficient charging for devices that support it — notably Samsung Galaxy smartphones, which use PPS for their fastest charging speeds. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S24 or similar device, a charger with PPS support will charge it faster than a standard USB PD charger of the same wattage.
Proprietary Fast Charging
Some devices use proprietary fast-charging protocols — Qualcomm Quick Charge, for example. Most modern GaN chargers support USB PD as standard, and many also support Quick Charge for backwards compatibility. However, Apple's MagSafe and Samsung's Super Fast Charging 2.0 are USB PD-based, so a good USB PD charger will work correctly with these devices.
How Much Wattage Do You Actually Need?
Choosing the right wattage is the most important decision when buying a GaN charger. Too little and your device will charge slowly or not at all under load; too much and you're paying for capacity you'll never use.
| Device | Minimum Wattage | Recommended for Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 / 16 series | 5W | 27W (USB-C PD) |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 series | 15W | 45W (USB PD PPS) |
| iPad Pro M4 | 18W | 45W (USB-C PD) |
| MacBook Air M2 / M3 | 30W (slow) | 67W |
| MacBook Pro 14" | 67W (slow) | 96W |
| MacBook Pro 16" | 67W (very slow) | 140W |
| Most Windows laptops | 45W | 65–100W |
| Gaming laptops | 65W | 100–140W |
Note: when charging multiple devices simultaneously from a multi-port charger, total wattage is shared between ports. A 65W charger with two devices connected may deliver 45W to one and 20W to the other, depending on the charger's power distribution logic.
Best GaN Chargers UK 2026: Our Picks by Category
Best Budget Single-Port GaN Charger: Anker Nano 30W
The Anker Nano 30W (USB-C) is one of the most popular compact chargers in the UK, and for good reason. It's genuinely tiny — barely larger than a standard UK plug — yet delivers 30W of USB PD power, which is sufficient to fast-charge an iPhone 15 or 16, charge a Samsung Galaxy smartphone at a reasonable speed, and even trickle-charge a MacBook Air. Available from Amazon UK and Currys for approximately £19–£22 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Extremely compact, good value, USB PD support, Anker's reliable build quality
Cons: Single port only, 30W won't fast-charge larger laptops
Best for: Smartphone and tablet users who want a compact travel charger
Best Mid-Range Single-Port GaN Charger: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 30W
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 30W is a premium single-port option from one of the most trusted names in accessories. It's slightly larger than the Anker Nano but offers Belkin's reassuring build quality and a 2-year warranty. Available from Amazon UK, Currys, and John Lewis for approximately £24–£29 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Excellent build quality, Belkin reliability, available at John Lewis with extended returns
Cons: More expensive than Anker equivalents, single port only
Best for: Those who prioritise brand reliability and retailer support
Best 65W Multi-Port GaN Charger: Anker 735 GaN Prime 65W
The Anker 735 GaN Prime 65W is the sweet spot for most home and office users. It features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with a maximum output of 65W. When a single device is connected to the primary USB-C port, it receives the full 65W — sufficient to fast-charge a MacBook Air M2 or M3. With multiple devices connected, power is distributed intelligently between ports. Available from Amazon UK and Currys for approximately £39–£45 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Excellent value, compact for 65W, three ports, Anker GaN Prime technology
Cons: Not sufficient for MacBook Pro 14" or 16" fast charging
Best for: MacBook Air users, smartphone and tablet users who want to charge multiple devices simultaneously
Best 65W Alternative: Ugreen Nexode 65W
The Ugreen Nexode 65W (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A) is a strong competitor to the Anker 735, offering similar specifications at a comparable price. Ugreen has built a solid reputation for quality accessories in the UK market. Available from Amazon UK for approximately £35–£42 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Competitive pricing, good build quality, PPS support
Cons: Less widely available than Anker in UK high street retailers
Best for: Value-conscious buyers who want multi-port charging at 65W
Best 100W Multi-Port GaN Charger: Ugreen Nexode 100W
For users who need to charge a laptop and multiple other devices simultaneously, the Ugreen Nexode 100W (2x USB-C, 2x USB-A) is an excellent choice. With 100W total output, it can fast-charge a MacBook Pro 14" on the primary port while simultaneously charging a smartphone and tablet. Available from Amazon UK for approximately £49–£59 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Four ports, 100W total output, PPS support, good value for the wattage
Cons: Larger than 65W options, power distribution reduces per-port wattage with multiple devices
Best for: Power users with multiple devices, MacBook Pro 14" users
Best Premium 100W Option: Baseus GaN5 Pro 100W
The Baseus GaN5 Pro 100W (2x USB-C, 2x USB-A) uses Baseus's fifth-generation GaN technology and offers a premium build quality with a distinctive design. It supports USB PD 3.0 and PPS on both USB-C ports. Available from Amazon UK for approximately £45–£55 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Premium build quality, GaN5 technology, PPS support on both USB-C ports
Cons: Slightly more expensive than Ugreen equivalent
Best for: Those who want premium build quality at 100W
Best High-Power GaN Charger: Anker 747 GaN Prime 150W
The Anker 747 GaN Prime 150W (3x USB-C, 1x USB-A) is designed for power users who need to charge a high-performance laptop alongside multiple other devices. With 150W total output, it can deliver 140W to a single device — sufficient for a MacBook Pro 16" — while still having capacity for additional devices. Available from Amazon UK for approximately £79–£89 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Exceptional power output, three USB-C ports, Anker GaN Prime technology
Cons: Larger and heavier than lower-wattage options, premium price
Best for: MacBook Pro 16" users, gaming laptop users, those who need to charge many devices simultaneously
Best Desktop Charging Station: Anker 727 Charging Station 100W
The Anker 727 Charging Station takes a different approach, combining a 100W GaN charger with a built-in power strip featuring two AC outlets. This makes it ideal for desk use, where you can plug in a monitor or desk lamp alongside charging your devices. Available from Amazon UK for approximately £59–£69 as of September 2026, subject to change.
Pros: Combines GaN charging with AC outlets, excellent for desk use, compact for what it offers
Cons: Not portable in the traditional sense, more expensive than charger-only options
Best for: Home office users who want to consolidate desk power management
What to Look for When Buying a GaN Charger in the UK
UK Safety Certification
This is non-negotiable. Any charger sold in the UK should carry appropriate safety certification. Post-Brexit, the UK has introduced the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking as the UK equivalent of the EU's CE marking. In practice, many products still carry CE marking, which remains acceptable for products placed on the UK market before certain transition deadlines. Look for chargers from established brands that clearly state compliance with relevant safety standards, including BS EN 62368-1 for audio/video and IT equipment.
Avoid no-name chargers from unknown sellers, particularly at very low prices. A poorly made charger can damage your devices or, in extreme cases, pose a fire risk. Stick to established brands available from reputable UK retailers.
Port Configuration
Consider how many devices you typically charge simultaneously. A single-port charger is fine for travel; a three or four-port charger is more practical for desk use. Remember that total wattage is shared between ports — a 65W charger with two devices connected won't deliver 65W to each.
PPS Support
If you own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or another device that supports PPS fast charging, ensure your charger supports PPS. Most mid-range and premium GaN chargers do, but it's worth checking the specification sheet before buying.
Cable Compatibility
A GaN charger is only as good as the cable you use with it. For high-wattage charging (above 60W), you need a USB-C cable rated for the appropriate wattage. Many chargers don't include a cable in the box — check before buying, and invest in a quality USB-C cable rated for your charger's maximum output.
GaN Charger Comparison Table
| Model | Max Wattage | Ports | PPS | Approx. UK Price (Sep 2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Nano 30W | 30W | 1x USB-C | No | £19–£22 | Smartphones, travel |
| Belkin BoostCharge Pro 30W | 30W | 1x USB-C | No | £24–£29 | Premium single-port |
| Anker 735 GaN Prime 65W | 65W | 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A | Yes | £39–£45 | MacBook Air, multi-device |
| Ugreen Nexode 65W | 65W | 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A | Yes | £35–£42 | Value multi-port |
| Ugreen Nexode 100W | 100W | 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A | Yes | £49–£59 | MacBook Pro 14", 4 devices |
| Baseus GaN5 Pro 100W | 100W | 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A | Yes | £45–£55 | Premium 100W |
| Anker 747 GaN Prime 150W | 150W | 3x USB-C, 1x USB-A | Yes | £79–£89 | MacBook Pro 16", power users |
| Anker 727 Charging Station | 100W | 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A + 2x AC | Yes | £59–£69 | Home office desk |
All prices as of September 2026 and subject to change. Verify current pricing at point of purchase from Amazon UK, Currys, John Lewis, or Argos.
Are GaN Chargers Worth the Premium?
For most people, yes — particularly if you're replacing multiple chargers with a single multi-port unit. The compact size of GaN chargers is a genuine quality-of-life improvement, especially for travel. A 65W GaN charger that fits in a jacket pocket can replace a bulky laptop charger and a separate phone charger, saving space and weight.
The efficiency argument is also real, though the energy savings on a single charger are modest. Where GaN chargers genuinely shine is in reducing heat output — a cooler charger is a safer charger, and it's less likely to cause discomfort when used in confined spaces like aircraft seats or hotel rooms.
The main caveat is to buy from reputable brands and established UK retailers. The GaN charger market has attracted some low-quality products that claim high wattages but don't deliver them consistently. Sticking to Anker, Belkin, Ugreen, and Baseus — all of which have strong UK market presence and are available from Amazon UK, Currys, and John Lewis — is the safest approach.
Our Recommendations by Use Case
- Smartphone-only user: Anker Nano 30W (£19–£22) — compact, affordable, does everything you need
- MacBook Air user: Anker 735 GaN Prime 65W (£39–£45) — charges your MacBook Air at full speed with ports to spare
- MacBook Pro 14" user: Ugreen Nexode 100W (£49–£59) — sufficient for fast charging with room for other devices
- MacBook Pro 16" / gaming laptop user: Anker 747 GaN Prime 150W (£79–£89) — the power you need without compromise
- Home office desk user: Anker 727 Charging Station (£59–£69) — combines GaN charging with AC outlets for a tidy desk setup
- Frequent traveller: Anker Nano 30W or Anker 735 GaN Prime 65W — compact enough for any bag
Final Thoughts
GaN chargers have matured into a genuinely compelling product category. The technology is proven, the prices have come down significantly over the past few years, and the range of options available in the UK is excellent. Whether you need a compact single-port charger for your smartphone or a high-power multi-port unit for a full laptop and device setup, there's a GaN charger that fits the bill.
The key is to match the wattage to your actual needs, prioritise PPS support if you own a Samsung Galaxy device, and buy from a reputable brand available through established UK retailers. Do that, and you'll wonder how you managed with a bag full of bulky silicon chargers for so long.
