Satechi 30W USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger Review: Big performance, small package

Frequent travelers have nightmares of waking up just before departure, only to wince when they see their smartphone running on exhaust fumes — but serious mobile tech enthusiasts should have a Satechi 30W USB-C PD GaN wall charger on hand to power their devices charging much faster than expected.

Lightning fast

Gone are the days of leaving your iPhone on the charger overnight and sacrificing full performance for reduced battery capacity over time. This powerful 30W USB-C charger is surprisingly efficient. I tested Satechi’s GaN wall charger along with a pair of their USB4 C-to-C cables with my Nintendo Switch Lite and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, and both devices charged about 30% faster than when I used their respective chargers would have connected. If you’ve never heard of or tried a gallium nitride (GaN) charger, you’re missing out. These models tend to be slimmer and much faster than the average USB-C charger.

Anyone who can hardly wait for their iPad, Android phone or MacBook Air to be fully charged should invest in one of these little powerhouses.

Premium portability

Everyone runs the risk of getting bent cords and bent electrical pins when taking their charger on the go, but this cleverly designed model makes it easy to toss in your bag worry-free. Not only is it lightweight at just 1.5 ounces and ultra-compact at just 1.81 × 1.06 inches, this Satechi wall charger’s electrical pins fold securely inward, giving you peace of mind that this rugged aluminum device is built to last will survive the journey.

Another benefit of an extra small wall charger is the ability to place it in cramped outlets that may be awkward or impossible to place a bulkier model.
Speaking of electric pens, this charger comes in two versions to fit both US and EU outlets.

USB-C cable not included

The raw charging speed, connectivity between a massive range of devices, and longevity of this powerful wall charger are all major reasons to get one, but it’s unfortunate that Satechi doesn’t offer a wall charger and cable combo.

So if you want a matching premium Satechi USB C-to-C cable to charge your gear instantly, prepare to shell out another $24.99-$29.99 on top of the $29.99 wall charger to pay in US dollars. Don’t get me wrong, this high-end setup is worth every penny, but the option to buy both together at a slight discount would have been a good option.

Faster charging, less worries

A new wall charger might seem redundant when the one that came with your tech works just fine, but that’s only because you haven’t experienced how a Satechi 30W USB-C PD GaN wall charger will power your devices at least 30% can charge faster than what you might be used to. Durable, small and fast, this wall charger is a particularly attractive model for frequent travelers and anyone who needs to stay connected to their favorite mobile devices.