Introduction: The “Multi Plug” Nightmare
In this Anker vs UGREEN 100W GaN Charger review, I’ll cover exactly what the big tech sites miss. Let’s start with the mess inside our rucksacks. I used to haul a chunky 96W Apple brick for my MacBook, a separate 30W plug for my iPhone, and another brick for my ROG Ally. It was a heavy, tangled, inefficient nightmare
This is the problem that “GaN” (Gallium Nitride) technology solves. One single, compact plug that can charge all your devices. But the market is a minefield. You’ve got two clear reputable but affordable titans to choose from: Anker, an established and trusted brand. UGREEN, the aggressive Amazon best-seller that matches Anker spec-for-spec, but for a little bit less cash.
The big tech sites will just list the factory specs. We don’t do that here. We wanted to know what actually happens when you load up these chargers. If you plug your laptop, phone, and handheld in at the same time, do you still get full speed? Or does it all collapse? We tested both to find the true “one plug” champion.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Table of Contents
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Tale of the Tape: Reigning Champ vs New Challenger
| Specification | Champ Anker 736 Charger (GaNPrime 100W) | Challenger UGREEN Charger( Nexode 100W) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Max Output | 100W | 100W |
| Ports | 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A | 3x USB-C, 1x USB-A |
| Key Tech | GaNPrime (Intelligent PowerIQ 4.0) | GaN II Technology |
| Size | 6.7 x 3.1 x 5.7 cm (Slightly bulkier) | 6.9 x 4 x 4 cm (Slightly sleeker) |
| Estimate Price | ~£49.99 | ~£33 |
Round 1: The “Full Bag” Load Test
This is the only test that matters and the one most reviews skip. I plugged in my MacBook Pro 14″ (pulls ~65W-90W), my iPhone 15 Pro and my Rog Ally, all at once.
The Anker 736 handled it like a pro. Its “GaNPrime” tech isn’t just marketing hype. It intelligently recognised the MacBook as the “high priority” device and kept it supplied with 65W, while still fast-charging the iPhone (20W) and giving the rest to the Rog Ally. My laptop never dropped the fast charge speed once. The charger got warm to the touch, but never “worryingly hot.”
The UGREEN Nexode 100W also powered all three… but it failed the test. Its power-splitting logic is more “rigid”. When all three devices were plugged in, I noticed the Mac’s charge drop to 45W, while the other ports shared the rest. This means that while everything is charging, your high-power laptop is charging significantly slower, failing the “one plug for all” promise. It also ran noticeably hotter to the touch than the Anker.
🏆- Anker 736 GaN Prime.
Round 2: Features, Design & Portability
On paper, the UGREEN Nexode 100W wins this round, hands down. That extra USB-C port (three vs. Anker’s two) is a massive practical advantage. It means you can charge your laptop, phone, and headphones all via USB-C at the same time—leaving the USB-A port free for a watch or older peripheral. It’s also slightly sleeker and more compact.
The Anker 736 is a dense, premium-feeling block. The materials feel exceptional, with a matte finish that resists scratches. But there’s no getting around the fact that for a 100W charger, having only two USB-C ports in 2025 is a clear disadvantage. A bit of a bitter pill to swallow when its main rival offers three ports for less money.
🏆- UGREEN Nexode 100W.
Round 3: Price & Overall Value
This is where it gets tricky, and defines the “value trap”. The UGREEN Nexode 100W costs around £33. That’s roughly £17 less than the Anker. For that low price, you get the same 100W headline power and an extra USB-C port.
The UGREEN looks like the undeniable value winner. But is it “value” if it doesn’t perform the core task? In our opinion, no. The Anker’s extra few quid premium is the price you pay for advanced thermal and power-splitting intelligence that actually works.
🏆- Anker 736 GaN Prime.
TRUK Final Scorecard
| Category | Anker 736 (100W) | UGREEN Nexode (100W) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Load Performance | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Heat Management | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Ports & Features | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Build & Portability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Overall Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Overall Score | 4.4 / 5.0 | 3.4/ 5.0 |
This is a classic “value trap” scenario. The UGREEN Nexode 100W looks better on paper: it’s cheaper and has an extra USB-C port. Many reviews just stop there.
FAQs
What is GaN, and why do I want it?
GaN stands for Gallium Nitride. It’s a material that’s far more efficient than traditional silicon, allowing chargers to be made much smaller, lighter and run cooler while handling more power. It’s the tech that makes these “one plug” chargers possible.
If the UGREEN runs hotter, is it unsafe?
During testing, it got very warm to the touch under a full 100W load, but not to an unsafe level where it might melt. The heat is a sign of inefficiency, which is likely why it has to cut power to the so dramatically under a full load.
But the UGREEN has threeUSB-C ports? Isn’t that better?
It’s only better if it can power them all effectively. Testing proved those three ports couldn’t deliver what a power-user needs (a fast-charger for a laptop plus other devices). The Anker’s two “smarter” USB-C ports are far more useful.
2025 © TechReviewsUK.com
Anker 736 Charger (GaNPrime 100W)
The Anker 736 is the only charger that survives the “Full Load” test in 2026. Unlike the UGREEN, which throttles laptop speeds when multiple devices are connected, Anker’s GaNPrime chip intelligently allocates power to keep your MacBook fast-charging. It runs cooler, safer and more reliably than the competition.
Product Brand: Anker
Product Currency: GBP
Product In Stock: InStock
4.4
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