A GaN charger uses gallium nitride instead of traditional silicon to convert power more efficiently. The result is faster, higher-wattage charging in a smaller and lighter form, which is why Native Union’s GaN lineup can power everything from phones and tablets to laptops without the bulk of older wall chargers.
If you have ever looked at a compact charger and wondered how something that small can power a laptop, the answer is often GaN. Short for gallium nitride, GaN is a newer semiconductor material that lets chargers deliver more power with better efficiency than traditional silicon designs.
For you, that means a charger that takes up less space in your bag, runs with less wasted heat, and can often charge multiple devices from a single outlet. For Native Union, it also means a better foundation for chargers that feel refined, travel-ready, and built for modern everyday carry.
What is a GaN charger?
A GaN charger is a wall charger that uses gallium nitride transistors instead of conventional silicon transistors. Those transistors switch power faster and more efficiently, which allows the charger to shrink internal components while still supporting high output.
In practical terms, GaN makes it easier to build a charger that can fast-charge a phone, top up a tablet, or even power a USB-C laptop without turning into a large power brick. That is why GaN chargers have become a go-to choice for people who want more power in less space.
GaN also pairs naturally with modern fast-charging standards such as USB-C Power Delivery. Native Union’s current lineup spans compact 35W and 45W wall chargers through 67W travel chargers and a 100W four-port charger, which shows how the technology scales from daily carry to full desk setups.
Why GaN is better than silicon
Traditional chargers rely on silicon, a material that has served consumer electronics well for decades. The problem is that higher-power charging usually demands more thermal management and more internal space. As wattage goes up, so does size.
Gallium nitride changes that tradeoff. Because it can operate more efficiently at higher switching frequencies, engineers can use smaller supporting components and tighter layouts. Less energy is lost as heat, and more of the incoming power goes where you want it to go: into your device battery.
That is the reason a modern GaN charger can feel surprisingly small for what it does. It is not simply a design trick. The underlying material enables a better power conversion process.
The 3 biggest benefits of GaN chargers
1. Smaller size without giving up power
This is the first benefit most people notice. A well-designed GaN charger can deliver laptop-level output in a body that takes up far less space than older chargers. Native Union’s Fast GaN Charger PD 35W is positioned as a compact dual-port everyday option, while the Fast GaN Charger PD 100W pushes into multi-device laptop charging without the bulk of a traditional desktop brick.
2. Faster charging for modern devices
GaN is especially useful when paired with USB-C Power Delivery. Native Union’s 100W GaN charger supports USB PD 3.1 and can charge up to four devices at once, while its 67W travel models are powerful enough to support full-speed charging for a MacBook Pro 14-inch on a single USB-C port. That is the difference between carrying a basic phone charger and carrying one charger that can handle most of your setup.
3. Better efficiency and less wasted heat
All chargers generate heat, but GaN designs generally waste less energy during power conversion. That helps support smaller shapes, lighter builds, and better day-to-day portability. It also makes GaN a better match for a premium accessory brand focused on long-term usability rather than disposable tech.
GaN vs. traditional chargers
The comparison below captures the difference in practical terms.
Charger technology comparison: Gallium Nitride (GaN) chargers represent a significant advancement over traditional silicon-based chargers. Below is a comparison to help you understand the key differences.
| Category | Traditional silicon charger | GaN charger |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Usually bulkier at the same wattage | Smaller and lighter for the same power output |
| Heat | More energy lost as heat | More efficient conversion with less wasted heat |
| Best use | Basic low-wattage charging | Fast charging, travel, laptops, and multi-device setups |
| Ports | Often single-purpose | More commonly optimized for dual-port or multi-port charging |
| Everyday carry | Fine for home use | Better suited to life on the move |
How Native Union’s GaN chargers fit real life
Because this article lives on Native Union’s own site, the most useful question is not only what GaN is, but which kind of GaN charger makes sense for different routines.
For a compact everyday carry, the Fast GaN Charger PD 35W is the smallest multi-device option in the range and works well for phones, tablets, and lighter travel setups.
For a more flexible single-port or mixed-device setup, the 45W models step up output for tablets, MacBook Air-class laptops, and quick phone charging. The 45W 1C + 1A version also keeps a USB-A port in the mix for older cables.
Fast GaN Charger PD 45W
Fast GaN Charger PD 45W 1C + 1A
For travel, the 67W chargers are the sweet spot. Native Union offers both a dual USB-C travel charger with international adapters and a three-port international model that adds USB-A for older accessories.
For a fuller desk or travel ecosystem, the Fast GaN Charger PD 100W is the power user option. With three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, dynamic power allocation, and a 100W USB-C output, it is built to reduce the number of chargers you carry.
How to choose the right GaN charger
Start with wattage
Choose a charger based on the most demanding device you own. A phone-only setup needs far less power than a USB-C laptop. If you want one charger for everything, it usually makes sense to size up.
Check the port mix
A dual USB-C charger suits newer device ecosystems. If you still use older accessories or legacy cables, a charger with both USB-C and USB-A can be more practical.
Look for USB-C Power Delivery
USB-C PD is what enables fast, negotiated charging for many modern phones, tablets, and laptops. It is one of the most important specs to look for when comparing chargers.
Think about where you charge
A small 35W or 45W charger is ideal for daily carry. A 67W travel charger is better for people who move between countries or need one charger for phone and laptop. A 100W model works best when you want a single power hub.
Conclusion
GaN matters because it solves a real problem. Devices need more power than ever, but no one wants to carry bigger chargers to get it.
By replacing silicon with gallium nitride, Native Union’s GaN chargers make high-speed charging smaller, lighter, and easier to live with. Whether you need a compact everyday charger, a travel-ready multi-port option, or a single charger for your entire setup, GaN is the technology that makes that shift possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about GaN Chargers
What is a GaN charger in simple terms?
A GaN charger is a charger that uses gallium nitride instead of silicon to convert power more efficiently. That helps it charge faster in a smaller form.
Are GaN chargers really better?
For most modern devices, yes. They are typically smaller, more efficient, and better suited to fast charging than older silicon-based chargers.
Can a GaN charger charge a laptop?
Yes, if the wattage is high enough and your laptop supports USB-C charging. Native Union's 67W and 100W models are designed for that kind of use.
Do GaN chargers charge phones faster?
They can, especially when paired with USB-C Power Delivery and a compatible device. The main advantage is that they can deliver fast charging without the bulk of older chargers.
Which Native Union GaN charger should I buy?
PD 35W
Compact daily charging for your iPhone & iPad.
PD 45W
Extra headroom for tablets or MacBook Air.
PD 67W 3-Port
The travel essential for laptops and multiple gear.
PD 100W
Ultimate power for multiple power-hungry devices.
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