What is a GaN charger?

A better material than silicon

For decades, the power components inside chargers were built on silicon. GaN — gallium nitride — is a newer semiconductor material that handles higher voltages and switches far faster than silicon can. In a charger, that translates into three practical wins: less heat, less wasted energy, and a much smaller package for the same power.

If you've ever compared an old laptop brick to a modern one that delivers the same wattage from something the size of a matchbox, you've seen GaN at work.

Why the size difference is real

Silicon chargers waste more energy as heat, so they need bigger components and more space around them to stay cool. GaN loses less energy in the first place, so the same wattage fits in a fraction of the volume. A 65W GaN charger can be smaller than a 20W silicon one from a few years ago.

That's not a gimmick — it's the difference between a charger you leave at home and one that lives in your bag.

Cooler running, longer life

Heat is the enemy of electronics. Because GaN chargers run cooler, the components inside age more slowly and there's less thermal stress on everything nearby, including the device you're charging. It's one of the reasons GaN has become the default for anything above about 30W.

Multi-port without compromise

GaN's efficiency is what makes small multi-port chargers practical. Fitting three or four ports into one compact charger used to mean each port sharing a thin slice of power. Modern GaN chargers can deliver meaningful wattage across several ports at once from a body that still fits in a pocket — a genuine desk-tidier and a one-charger travel solution.

What to look for in a GaN charger

Not all GaN chargers are equal, so a few things are worth checking. Look at the total wattage and how it's split across ports — some chargers advertise a big headline number that only applies when a single port is used, and drop sharply when you plug in a second device. Check that it supports the fast-charging standards your gear uses (USB Power Delivery, and PPS if your phone needs it), because GaN is about efficiency and size, not the charging protocol. And consider the port mix: USB-C for modern devices, with a USB-A port only if you still have older gear. A good GaN charger will run barely warm even under full load; noticeable heat is a sign of a cheaper design cutting corners, GaN or not. Size, wattage, standards, port mix — check those four and you'll get a charger that lasts.

Is it worth paying for?

For low-power needs — charging a watch overnight — a basic charger is fine and GaN adds little. For anything you carry, anything charging a laptop, or anything driving multiple devices, GaN is worth it for the size and the cooler running alone. It has quietly become the standard rather than the premium option.

Most of KORD's higher-wattage chargers are GaN, and it's noted in the product detail. Not sure which suits you? hello@kord.nz.