I used to think that a 65W charger meant I would get 65W of power no matter what I plugged in. I bought a cheap multi-port hub from a local electronics market, thinking I had hacked the system. It had four ports and promised fast charging, but the moment I plugged in my phone alongside my laptop, everything slowed down to a crawl. My phone, which usually hits 50% in half an hour, was suddenly taking two hours just to reach a full charge.
That experience sent me down a rabbit hole of learning how these chargers actually work. If you have ever wondered why your expensive phone is charging like it is stuck in 2010 when you use a multi-port hub, here is the truth about power sharing and why 65W GaN chargers are the only real solution.
Issues with cheap multi-port charger
The problem with cheap multi-port chargers is a concept called static power distribution. Most of these basic hubs have a total power limit, but they do not know how to share it intelligently. When you plug a single device into the first port, it might give you the full speed. But the second you plug anything into that second port even a small pair of earbuds the charger panic-splits the power.
Often, a cheap 65W charger will immediately drop the main port to 45W or even 30W the moment a second cable is connected. Some even stop the fast-charging protocol entirely and revert to a basic slow charge because the internal chip cannot handle the complex handshake required for fast charging on multiple ports at once. This is why your phone says Fast Charging for a second and then switches to Charging or Slow Charging.
Why GaN is good
This is where GaN, or Gallium Nitride, comes in. Traditional chargers use silicon, which gets very hot when you push a lot of power through it. To keep a 65W silicon charger from melting, it has to be huge. GaN is a newer material that conducts electricity much more efficiently and generates significantly less heat. This allowed engineers to shrink the charger to the size of a biscuit box while keeping the internals cool enough to handle smart power management. In 2026, GaN III technology is the standard. These chargers use intelligent power allocation, which means if your laptop needs 45W and your phone needs 20W, the charger calculates that in real-time and provides exactly that, instead of just cutting everything in half.
GaN chargers worth your money
After testing a few and looking at the current market in India, these are the 65W GaN chargers that I believe are actually worth buying. They do not just promise the wattage; they actually deliver it safely.
One of my favorites is the Stuffcool Nova 65W. It is a home-grown brand that has really nailed the quality. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. What I love about it is that it supports the PPS protocol, which is essential if you use a Samsung or a Google Pixel. It stays remarkably cool even when I have my MacBook and iPhone plugged in simultaneously.
If you want something with a bit more of a tech aesthetic, the Nothing CMF Power 65W GaN is an excellent choice. It is incredibly compact and has a very distinct orange or dark grey finish. It is designed to work perfectly with the Nothing ecosystem, but it is just as good for any other PD-compatible device. It is one of the most reliable budget-friendly GaN chargers available right now.
For those who prioritize a very slim profile for travel, the Portronics Adapto 65W is a solid pick. It is widely available and often goes on sale. It is a bit more of a utility charger, but it handles the 65W load well. It is a great pick if you want something reliable without spending a premium.
Lastly, if you need something rugged, the Ambrane 65W GaN Charger is built like a tank. Ambrane has been in the Indian power bank and charger market for a long time, and their GaN series is very stable. It is great for tossing in a backpack without worrying about it getting scratched or damaged.
Conclusion
If you have a laptop that supports Type-C charging and a modern smartphone, a 65W GaN charger is the best investment you can make for your desk. It clears up the cable clutter and ensures your devices are ready when you are. Just make sure the one you buy has at least two USB-C ports so you can future-proof your setup. Are you still using the bulky brick that came with your laptop, or have you made the switch to a tiny GaN charger yet? I would love to know which brands you have found to be the most reliable for travel.
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