Gallium Nitride (GaN) Chargers: A Guide (2023)

Benefits of GaN Chargers

Gallium Nitride (GaN) chargers are a newer type of charging technology that has several advantages over traditional silicon-based chargers. Here are some of the benefits of GaN chargers:

1. Compact Size: GaN chargers can be made smaller than traditional silicon-based chargers, making them more portable and easier to carry around.
2. Faster Charging: GaN chargers can deliver more power than traditional chargers, allowing for faster charging times. They are capable of charging devices up to 3 times faster than traditional chargers.
3. Increased Efficiency: GaN chargers are more efficient than traditional chargers, which means less energy is lost during the charging process. This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
4. Cooler Operation: GaN chargers generate less heat than traditional chargers, making them more efficient and safer to use.
5. Multi-Device Charging: GaN chargers can often charge multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing charging speed or efficiency.

Overall, GaN chargers offer several benefits over traditional chargers, including faster charging times, increased efficiency, and smaller size. However, they may be more expensive than traditional chargers, so it’s important to consider the cost-benefit when deciding if a GaN charger is right for you.

Recommended Chargers

There are several popular GaN chargers on the market, including:

1. Anker PowerPort Atom III: This charger is compact and lightweight, with a single USB-C port that can deliver up to 60W of power. It uses GaN technology to offer a smaller form factor than traditional chargers.
2. RAVPower PD Pioneer 90W GaN Charger: This charger has a maximum power output of 90W, making it capable of charging laptops as well as smartphones and tablets. It features two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, allowing users to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
3. AUKEY Omnia Mix4: This charger has a maximum power output of 100W, with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. It uses GaN technology to offer a compact form factor and faster charging times.
4. HyperJuice 100W GaN Charger: This charger has a maximum power output of 100W, with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. It uses GaN technology to offer a smaller form factor and faster charging times.
5. Belkin Boost Charge Pro 68W GaN Charger: This charger has a maximum power output of 68W, with a single USB-C port. It uses GaN technology to offer a smaller form factor and faster charging times.

Overall, GaN chargers are becoming more popular due to their increased efficiency, smaller form factor, and faster charging times. As the technology continues to improve, we can expect to see even more GaN chargers on the market in the future.

History of GaN Charging Technology

Gallium Nitride (GaN) charging technology is a relatively new type of power conversion technology that has been developed over the last few decades. Here’s a brief history of the development of GaN chargers:

In the 1990s, researchers began exploring the use of GaN semiconductors in power electronics. GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that has several advantages over traditional silicon-based semiconductors, including higher breakdown voltage, faster switching speeds, and higher thermal conductivity.

In the early 2000s, researchers developed the first GaN-based power devices, including GaN transistors and diodes. These devices were initially used in military and aerospace applications due to their high performance and reliability.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, GaN-based power devices began to be used in commercial applications, including power supplies, motor drives, and LED lighting. The first GaN-based chargers were also developed during this time.

In recent years, GaN-based chargers have gained popularity due to their smaller size, increased efficiency, and faster charging times. Several companies have entered the market, offering GaN-based chargers with multiple ports and high power output.

Today, GaN charging technology continues to evolve, with researchers exploring new materials and designs to further improve performance and efficiency. As GaN technology becomes more widespread, we can expect to see more GaN-based chargers and other power electronics on the market.

GaN Versus Traditional Silicon Charger Size Comparison

GaN chargers are typically much smaller than traditional silicon-based chargers when delivering the same power output. This is because GaN semiconductors have higher electron mobility and a higher thermal conductivity than silicon, allowing them to operate at higher switching frequencies and temperatures. This means that GaN-based chargers can use smaller transformers and heat sinks, resulting in a smaller overall size.

The exact size difference between GaN chargers and traditional chargers can vary depending on the specific charger and power output. However, in general, GaN chargers can be up to 50% smaller than traditional chargers when delivering the same power output.

For example, a traditional 60W laptop charger might be around 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. In contrast, a 60W GaN charger might be as small as 2 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 0.5 inches thick. This smaller size makes GaN chargers more portable and easier to carry around, which is especially important for travelers who need to keep their luggage light and compact.

Are GaN Chargers Worth the Price?

GaN chargers are generally more expensive than traditional silicon-based chargers, but they offer several benefits that may make them worth the price for some users.

One of the main advantages of GaN chargers is their increased efficiency. They waste less energy during the charging process, resulting in less heat generation and reduced energy bills. This increased efficiency also means that GaN chargers can deliver more power than traditional chargers, which results in faster charging times.

Another advantage of GaN chargers is their smaller size. GaN semiconductors are smaller and more efficient than silicon-based semiconductors, allowing for a smaller and more compact charger design. This makes GaN chargers more portable and easier to carry around, which is especially important for travelers who need to keep their luggage light and compact.

Finally, GaN chargers often offer multi-device charging capabilities, allowing users to charge multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing charging speed or efficiency.

That said, whether or not a GaN charger is worth the price depends on individual needs and preferences. If you need a fast, efficient, and portable charger that can charge multiple devices at once, a GaN charger may be worth the extra cost. However, if you don’t need these features or are on a tight budget, a traditional charger may be a better choice.

GaN FAQs

Let us know in the comments if you have a favorite charger!