A bag overflowing with chargers, a power strip screaming for help at the office, your laptop taking hours to charge... Sound familiar? The proliferation of our gadgets has turned power management into a real headache. Fortunately, one technology is changing the game: GaN (gallium nitride).
A 120W GaN charger is the promise of an all-in-one solution, capable of simultaneously powering a laptop, smartphone, tablet, and other accessories from a single, compact unit. This guide is here to help you navigate the options and choose the model perfectly suited to your needs, with practical advice and concrete examples.
Before you jump on the first model you see, let's review the few criteria that will make a real difference in your daily life.
The total power, expressed in watts (W), is the charger's maximum capacity. A 120W model, for example, can distribute this power across several ports. But be aware, the maximum power per port is just as crucial. For a fast laptop charger, make sure at least one USB-C port can deliver 65W, 90W, or even 100W thanks to the Power Delivery (PD) standard. Most smart chargers automatically adjust the power sent to each device for a charge that is fast, optimised, and safe.
Assess how many devices you plug in daily. A multi-port USB-C charger is often the most logical solution. The most versatile configurations combine USB-C ports (for new and power-hungry devices) and USB-A ports (for older or less power-intensive accessories). A 4-port USB charger, for example, can be enough for a mobile professional and replace four separate adapters on its own.
This is where the GaN magic happens: this technology allows for chargers that are much smaller and lighter than their silicon counterparts, while also generating less heat. For stationary use, a GaN charging station on your desk ensures a clean and clutter-free workspace. For travel, a powerful, compact travel charger will slip into any bag without weighing it down.
Here is our selection of chargers that cater to different user profiles, from the powerhouse model for centralising everything to more portable and specific options.
What makes it unique?: With its 120W of total power and four ports, this charger is for those who want to make no compromises. Its main USB-C port can deliver up to 100W, enough to power the vast majority of laptops on the market, including the most demanding ones.
Highlights?:
The ideal user?: Professionals, creatives, and digital nomads who juggle a complete ecosystem (powerful laptop, tablet, smartphone...) and are looking for a single charging solution, whether at the office or on the go.
What makes it unique?: This charger is the ideal balance of power and portability. With 67W, it quickly charges a MacBook Air, an iPad Pro, or a smartphone, and its pocket-sized form factor makes it a perfect travel companion. The included USB-C cable is a real bonus.
Highlights?:
The ideal user?: Users of ultrabooks like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 who want an ultra-compact primary or secondary charger for their machine and phone.
What makes it unique?: This official Samsung charger features GaN technology in an ultra-compact format. It is optimised for the Samsung ecosystem with its Super Fast Charging (SFC) based on Power Delivery 3.0, while remaining perfectly compatible with other USB-C devices.
Highlights?:
The ideal user?: Primarily owners of Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets who want to get the most out of their device's fast charging with an official, compact accessory.
What makes it unique?: This is the very definition of a small yet mighty charger. With its 20W and PD 3.0 compatibility, it's perfect for giving a quick power boost to a smartphone (iPhone or Android) or accessories like wireless earbuds.
Highlights?:
The ideal user?: Those looking for a dedicated, fast, and minimalist charger for their smartphone, or a quality charging solution for their small gadgets.
Is the perfect model for you not in this selection? Don't worry, our catalogue is full of other gems for every need and budget.
? Explore our full range of USB chargers
GaN (gallium nitride) is a semiconductor material that is replacing silicon in modern chargers. It conducts electricity more efficiently, which allows it to produce less heat. In practical terms, the benefits are numerous:
Absolutely not, and that's the whole point. Modern chargers, especially those equipped with USB Power Delivery (PD) or Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards, "communicate" with the connected device. The charger will only send the maximum power that the device can safely accept. Plugging a 20W smartphone into a 100W port will not damage it; it will simply charge at its maximum speed of 20W.
Yes, the cable plays a crucial role. To benefit from high power levels (over 60W), it is essential to use a USB-C cable certified to handle 100W (or more). These cables integrate an "E-Marker" chip that communicates to the charger its ability to carry such power safely. Using an unsuitable cable will throttle the charging speed and, in rare cases, may pose a safety risk.