Collection: USB-C Chargers & GaN

Which USB-C charger do you actually need?

Most PC builders think of wattage first, but what changes between tiers is how the charger manages heat, power splitting and voltage negotiation. Entry-level chargers (20W to 30W) are fine for phones, earbuds and tablets. Mid-range 65W GaN chargers are the sweet spot for most people, because they run a single ultrabook, a Steam Deck-class handheld or a phone at full speed from one brick. Enthusiast units (100W to 240W) are multi-port desks-in-a-box designed to run a performance laptop, a phone and a tablet at once.

GaN (gallium nitride) matters because it switches faster with lower resistive losses than traditional silicon. That lets designers use smaller transformers and fewer heat-shedding components, so a 65W brick shrinks to roughly half the old size. Diminishing returns hit when you buy more wattage than your heaviest device can pull. A 140W charger will not charge a 45W laptop any faster. It just adds cost and bulk. The extra headroom only pays off if you run several ports at once, since total output is shared and ports step down when you plug in more devices.

Upgrading and technical nuances

The spec sheet to read is USB Power Delivery. PD 3.0 tops out at 100W using fixed voltages up to 20V. PD 3.1 with Extended Power Range adds 28V, 36V and 48V, reaching 240W. Most gaming laptops still use barrel connectors, so 140W to 240W EPR matters mainly for creator laptops, newer workstation-class ultrabooks and USB-C docks. PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is the other thing to look for. It lets the device request fine voltage steps, which gives cooler, faster charging on phones like recent Samsung Galaxy models. Without it, you fall back to slower fixed-voltage charging.

Multi-port behaviour is where cheap and premium chargers separate. A 100W charger with two ports might deliver 100W to one port, then split to 65W and 35W when a second device connects. Better designs, like the Anker Prime range and UGREEN Nexode series, show you the split on the box or via a display. Cheaper units can be vague about it. Thermal control also differs. Premium chargers use temperature sensors, aluminium or thermally conductive internal potting, and firmware that gradually lowers output rather than shutting off abruptly.

For benchmark products, look at Anker Nano and Prime, UGREEN Nexode, Baseus GaN series, Belkin BoostCharge Pro, and Satechi for desktop-style multi-port bricks. Apple and Samsung first-party chargers are also solid single-port options if you want guaranteed compatibility with their own devices. If you work at a desk with a Monitor that has USB-C PD input, the monitor may already supply 65W to 90W to your laptop. In that case a separate charger is a travel and backup tool rather than a desk necessity.

Practical things to check before buying

Start with the cable, because it is the part that quietly ruins a good charger. Anything above 60W needs an e-marked cable, and 240W needs a cable rated specifically for PD 3.1 EPR. A cheap cable can limit a 100W charger to 15W or even 5W without any obvious warning. Our Cables & Connectors range includes properly rated USB-C cables, so match cable rating to charger rating.

Check the physical details next:

Australian plug type is Type I, and some chargers use foldable prongs while others use a detachable mains lead. Foldable prongs suit travel. A lead suits a desk, where a big brick on the floor beats one hanging out of a power board.

Look for RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) certification. Chargers without it are not legally supplied in Australia, and it is a good proxy for basic electrical safety testing, including insulation and temperature limits.

Check how a chunky brick fits on your power board, and whether it blocks adjacent sockets. A compact GaN unit that runs hot in a tight gap under a desk can throttle sooner than the same unit in open air.

Think about your whole setup, too. If you are building a small-form-factor rig or a compact desk with a Computer Case near the wall, route chargers so airflow around the case is not blocked. Pre-built Computers that include front or rear USB-C ports typically supply data and limited charge, not full PD, so do not expect a PC port to replace a wall charger.

If you are looking at Wi-Fi setups, keep chargers and power boards away from your router or access points, since cheap switching supplies can introduce some RF noise. Our Networking range covers upgrades if you notice dropouts near a dense charging area.

Brands and local warranty

Anker, UGREEN, Baseus, Belkin, Satechi, Apple and Samsung are the main names worth looking at. Anker and UGREEN have the most extensive GaN lineups at a range of prices, Belkin tends to focus on conservative, well-certified designs, and Baseus is strong on value. If you are building out a wider home or office setup, TP-Link is worth knowing for networking gear, though for chargers stick with the dedicated charger brands above.

Local warranty matters more with chargers than with most accessories because a failing mains-powered device can be a real safety risk. In Australia, the Consumer Guarantees under Australian Consumer Law mean products must be of acceptable quality and last a reasonable time, and buying through an Australian retailer gives you a clear path to a repair, replacement or refund without sending a brick overseas. Grey-import units may lack RCM approval and be harder to claim on. Keep your receipt and buy from a local supplier with real support.

Frequently asked questions

Is a GaN charger actually better than a regular one?

Yes, mainly for size and efficiency. GaN wastes less energy as heat, so a GaN charger can deliver the same wattage in a smaller case. A well-made silicon charger still works fine, but it will usually be larger and warmer.

What wattage should I buy for my laptop?

Match the laptop's original charger rating, or go slightly above it. A 65W charger suits most ultrabooks. Creator laptops may need 100W or 140W. Going higher is harmless because the device only pulls what it needs, but going lower means slow charging or draining under load.

Will a high-wattage charger damage my phone?

No. USB-C PD is negotiated between charger and device, so the phone requests only what it can safely accept. A 100W charger will charge a phone at the phone's maximum rate, not above it.

Why is my new charger not charging as fast as advertised?

Usually it is the cable, the port, or sharing. Check that the cable is e-marked for the wattage, that you are using the highest-power port, and that no other devices are drawing from the same charger. Some devices also support only certain protocols, such as PPS.

Can I use one charger for everything?

Often yes. A good multi-port 100W or higher GaN charger can handle a laptop, phone and earbuds. Just check how power splits when several ports are in use, and keep a properly rated cable for each device.