Why this travel editor swears by the Satechi GaN Travel Charger | CNN Underscored

Having flown over 1,200,000 miles since 2016, I’m always looking for the latest and greatest travel gear. And now, I’m convinced I’ve found the best travel adapter on the market: the Satechi GaN 145W Travel Charger.

It’s a compact and efficient solution for my international and domestic charging needs, and I’ve never seen my iPhone 15 Pro Max charge so quickly — I’m talking from an empty battery to 50% charge in 15 minutes.

Here’s a closer look at this charger’s features and why it’s a must on your packing list no matter where your travels take you.

Before using this travel adapter, I was unfamiliar with Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. The charger runs cooler and is more efficient than traditional chargers. This results in less heat generation and a more compact design without sacrificing performance. Even at maximum output, it only gets slightly warm.

The manufacturer claims it chargers three times faster than conventional chargers. I plugged my iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 7 into ports 1 and 2 (each with a 65W output) — here’s how the batteries did after 20 minutes of charging:

The device can output up to 145 watts, but the actual output depends on how many devices you charge at once. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

I used this charger at home for a few weeks before bringing on a recent trip to Europe. There’s no question it’s designed with travel in mind.

Its compact size and the four interchangeable international plugs (US, UK, EU and AU) make it ideal for globetrotters. The charger also comes with a mesh carrying bag that fits the charger and its included adapters.

This charger features four USB-C ports, which may be a drawback for those who still use USB-A chargers. However, as more devices transition to this updated port, I love that it’s all USB-C.

I typically carry six rechargeable devices — an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a MacBook Pro, an Apple Watch Series 7, an iPhone 13, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones and a Suri electric toothbrush. With this charger, I can simultaneously charge two-thirds of these devices with just one outlet.

That’s a game-changer for my travels. Gone are the days of carrying a separate phone charger, a MacBook charger and a travel adapter. Now, I can travel with just the Satechi GaN Travel Charger and the cables required.

At $120, the Satechi GaN Travel Charger on the pricier side when compared to competitors. While its features and performance may justify the cost for frequent travelers, casual users may find that more affordable options like the Foval European Travel Plug Adapter meet their charging needs at a fraction of the price.

If you’ve also already migrated over to USB-C, this isn’t a problem. But if you have a mixed ecosystem of chargers, you might find it limiting with only USB-C ports. However, you can purchase a USB-C to USB-A adapter to use USB-A cables with this device.

If you’re on team USB-C and travel frequently, the Satechi GaN Travel Charger is for you. Its compact design, high power output and smart power distribution will simplify your travel charging setup.

That said, the lack of USB-A ports and its higher price point may deter some travelers. But if you can fully utilize its capabilities, I think its high cost is worth it for frequent international travelers.

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