Nomad releases 130W GaN power supply with 3 USB-C ports

One of the challenges I face packing for travel is remembering the chargers for all my devices. There’s the iPhone charger, one for the watch, and I often carry a small Bluetooth speaker with me. An iPad is often in the mix. If I need to track the progress of a business project, then I also need the power supply for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Besides, many of the small country inns we tend to stay at for long summer weekends are out of plug sockets. In places like these, remembering to bring along a handful of chargers is one thing, but having somewhere to plug them all in is another.

Nomad has a great solution with its new 130W GaN power supply, with three USB-C ports and flip-out prongs.

Why is GaN significant?

Before we get into the details, why is GaN in the name of this charger? Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a transistor material that is more energy efficient than the silicon transistors used in most battery chargers. This means that a GaN charger generates less heat, can charge at faster rates, and can be more compact.

GaN chargers cost a small premium (the Nomad 130W GaN Power Adapter retails for $110), but they can be smaller, lighter, run cooler, and can support high-power loads like this one from 130W

The ports (and power) to charge and run multiple devices, even laptops

The Nomad 130W GaN Power Adapter not only delivers up to 130W of power, it also features three USB-C ports.

Each of the three ports can deliver up to 100W of power alone. My 16-inch MacBook Pro is an older version with a 96W charger, but you can use it with the latest model as well, despite the fact that it comes with a 140W Apple charger. You won’t be able to charge it quickly, but you definitely will be capable of keeping any MBP running. In fact, this charger can power most laptops that charge via USB-C, including Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

When using two or more ports, things get a little more interesting, depending on your configuration:

• only two lower ports, rated at 65W each
• 100W top port (with blue trim), plus another 30W port
• top 70W port, plus two 30W ports each

Whichever combination of ports you use, the maximum combined output is 130W.

And the cables?

With this power supply, you have one place to plug in multiple devices. This makes it especially useful for travel. But if that’s the case, you’ll still need to remember about cables for your devices. It’s worth noting that Nomad also offers a universal rugged cable. Covered in Kevlar and available in three lengths, this cable supports 100W USB-C charging and can connect to USB-C, USB Type-A and Micro USB ports.

Nomad 130W GaN Power Adapter Recommendation

Nomad’s most powerful adapter to date would be a great choice for home use. However, I like the idea of ​​using it as a travel hub. I already plugged my laptop into the Apple power adapter included in the box, leave it plugged in under the desk. And I’ve installed chargers in my home office and bedroom for my iPhone and other devices. Why bother unplugging them for a trip?

Putting the Nomad charger in a bag makes packing easier, lighter, and still supplies power to all my devices, including my MacBook Pro. All I need is a single electrical outlet and any three can charge or powered at the same time. The only problem it doesn’t solve is remembering to bring cables. However, keep one of those Nomad universal cables in your bag and you’re covered for pretty much any device (older iPads and iPhones up to the 14-series, you’ll still need to stash a Lightning cable).

Disclosure: Nomad provided a power supply for evaluation purposes but did not contribute to this review.