GaN you dig it? — USB-C desktop power chargers testedthe best GaN-based boxes We tested the best multi-port, high-wattage chargers for the plug-deprived.

Kevin Purdy – Nov 28, 2022 12:00 pm UTC Enlarge / GaN desktop chargers in their native habitat. From left: Ugreen Nexode 200W, Hyper 245W GaN Desktop Charger, and Anker 727 Power Station.Kevin Purdy / Ars Technica reader comments 91 with 0 posters participating Share this story Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit

USB-C has made it easier to plug things in and connect them. Charging, though? Charging is still complicated. You get a different amount of power based on the device, the port, the battery level, and whatever else is drawing current. It can make you wish for a few ports that power whatever you plug in, whatever the size.

You used to need a big surge protector, packed with charging bricks crowding each other out, to get that kind of juice. But these days, gallium nitride-based chargers can put out serious power from a small space. We’ve scanned the marketplace, tried out a few of them, and have some recommendations for different power needs.

Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post throughaffiliate programs. What we were looking for (and how we reviewed)

It’s not too hard to find a little cube that can deliver a good amount of charge these days, even for a 15- or 16-inch laptop. And there are multi-port chargers that can do that, too, though they typically plug in directly, require long and expensive cords, and drop their power output when multiple devices are plugged in.

We sought the best mix of size, maximum output, output across all ports, and (to a lesser extent) port variety, like USB-A or standard A/C plugs. More generally, we sought devices that could simultaneously keep a laptop powered while also charging a phone, a laptop, and, in some cases, a few other incidental gadgets, too.

Gallium nitride (GaN) chargers use a newer, more efficient technology that allows for smaller charging circuits yet produce less heat than traditional silicon models. We monitored our tested chargers’s temperatures, both with hands and with an infrared thermometer. We also listened close for any coil whinewhile our chargers were under heavy load.

We’ll save you the suspense: none of our tested models felt notably warm, even near their top output for a drained device. And we didn’t notice coil whine in any chargers, though that’s an issue that could develop over time. Advertisement Pretty much any four USB-C devices you plug into Hyper’s charger will be charged at full speed, unless they’re all 16-inch MacBooks. Kevin Purdy / Ars Technica Closer look at the four identical 100 W ports on the Hyper charger. Kevin Purdy / Ars Technica The two-hole plug and back of Hyper’s charger. Kevin Purdy / Ars Technica You can flip the Hyper, and it’s the same smooth but ridged texture (which makes it a bit slippery on some surfaces). Kevin Purdy / Ars Technica The Ars pick Hyperjuice 245 W GaN Desktop Charger Buy: $150 at Hyper, B&H, eBay(ships from Japan) Specs at a glance: Hyperjuice 245 W GaN Desktop Charger Ports Four USB-C (PD 3.0) Max single port output 100 W (two simultaneous) Dimensions 4.133.931.28 inches (10510032 mm) Weight 1.28 lb (582 grams) Price (MSRP) $149

Hyper’s 245 W GaN Desktop Charger removes the guesswork from charging. It’s just four USB-C ports, each one capable of a maximum of 100 W (over Power Delivery 3.0), sharing a total of 245 W. That’s plenty for almost every loadout with a laptop, phone, and other gear, and it all fits inside a nondescript box not much bigger than most battery packsall at a price that’s reasonable for the category.

If you have multiple battery-drained devices pulling more than 245 W across the ports (what a day you’ve had!), you’ll get proportionally less power across them. That means you can charge and run a 100 W laptop and a 60 W laptop and still have room left over to charge a pro-level tablet and standard-size phone at or near their top charging capacity. Few people will max out this power station.

The Hyperjuice’s front has no branding except on its underside, just a small power indicator light and four ports labeled with faint 100 W markings. They’re a little too faint, so if you’re working in a dark space, the device might require some DIY labeling. The shell is a smooth, lightly ridged plastic, which can slide a bit on a smoother desk texture. Its power cord is a simple two-prong C7 cable, so you can swap it for something longer or buy a second one for your bag if you want to take your charging station with you.

Hyper’s charger doesn’t come with any USB-C cords, so you’re on your own to build out a set that works best for you and your gear. Note that Hyper issued voluntary recalls for two of its power products recently, both due to overheating concerns. We didn’t encounter any heat issues during a few weeks of cycling Hyper’s desktop charger on and off our desktop. The good Simple, powerful charging scheme No branding on front or sides, blends in with most desks Standard, easily replaced or duplicated power cord The bad No grip points (unless you add them) USB-C only (if that matters to you) Page: 1 2 3 Next → reader comments 91 with 0 posters participating Share this story Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Kevin Purdy Kevin is a tech reporter and product specialist at Ars Technica, with more than 15 years’ experience writing about technology. Advertisement Channel Ars Technica ← Previous story Next story → Related Stories Today on Ars