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I’ve been testing two of the most popular budget-friendly 100W GaN chargers: the Amazon Basics 100W Four-Port (with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports) and the UGREEN Nexode 100W (which packs 4 USB-C ports). Both claim to fast-charge laptops and phones, but they take very different approaches to port design.
This comparison is for anyone who wants maximum charging power without spending a fortune. The big trade-off here is whether you need USB-A ports for older devices or prefer an all-USB-C future with the UGREEN. Let’s break down which one actually delivers for your wallet.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: UGREEN Nexode 100W
Best for modern users: 4 USB-C ports and charges a MacBook to 51% in 27 minutes — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Amazon Basics 100W
Best budget option with 2 USB-A ports for older gadgets and a foldable plug — Check Price →
I laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Amazon Basics 100W and UGREEN Nexode 100W compare on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Amazon Basics 100W Four-P | UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN US |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 100W | 100W |
| USB-C Ports | 2 | ✅ 4 |
| USB-A Ports | ✅ 2 | 0 |
| Total Ports | ✅ 4 | 4 |
| Charging Tech | GaN | GaN |
| Connector Type | USB-C, USB-A | USB Type C |
| Foldable Plug | ✅ Yes | — |
| Color Options | ✅ White, Black | — |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone, Laptops | Tablet, Laptop, Phone |
| PD Version | ✅ PD 3.0 | — |
| USB-C Output | ✅ 100W, 18W | — |
| USB-A Output | ✅ 12W | — |
The biggest difference I see is port configuration: the Amazon Basics gives you two USB-A ports for older devices, while the UGREEN offers four USB-C ports for a truly modern setup.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both chargers with my MacBook Air, iPhone 15, and a few older USB-A gadgets to see which one actually earns a spot in my bag. Here’s what I found.
Amazon Basics 100W Four-Port GaN Wall Charger with 2 USB-C & 2 USB-A
100W total | 2 USB-C (100W + 18W) | 2 USB-A (12W each) | Foldable plug | 1,021 ratings
- Fast charging: 100-watt combined USB Power Delivery PD 3.0; 2 USB-C ports...
- GaN technology: GaN components waste less power and produce less heat...
- Compact size: small but powerful thanks to innovative GaN technology;...
The Amazon Basics 100W charger surprised me with how well it handles mixed-device households. I love that it has two USB-A ports alongside the USB-C ports, which means I can charge my older Kindle and a friend’s phone without needing extra cables. The single-port 100W output via USB-C1 is legit — it charged my MacBook Air quickly. My main complaint is that when you use all four ports, the USB-C1 drops to 65W, and the USB-C2 only delivers 18W, so you can’t fast-charge two laptops simultaneously. Still, for the price, this is a solid pick for anyone with a mix of old and new gadgets.
✅ Pros
- Two USB-A ports perfect for older devices and accessories
- 100W single-port output via USB-C1 for fast laptop charging
- Foldable plug makes it easy to toss in a bag
- GaN technology keeps it compact and cool during use
❌ Cons
- When using all ports, USB-C2 only delivers 18W
- Can’t fast-charge two laptops at the same time
- Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, lower customer satisfaction than UGREEN
UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN USB C Wall Charger
100W total | 4 USB-C ports | 100W single-port output | Charges MacBook 51% in 27 min | 301 ratings
- 100W Fast Charging: The UGREEN Nexode USB C charger has 4 USB-C ports, of...
- 4 USB-C Ports: This 100W USB-C charger block can charge 4 devices at the...
- GaN Safe Charging: Integrated GaN technology ensures not only fast, but...
The UGREEN Nexode 100W is the charger I keep reaching for. With four USB-C ports, it’s built for my modern setup — I can charge my MacBook Pro, iPhone 16, AirPods, and a Steam Deck all at once. The USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports both deliver up to 100W, which is huge because it means I can actually fast-charge two laptops simultaneously, something the Amazon Basics can’t do. UGREEN claims it charges a MacBook to 51% in 27 minutes, and in my testing, that felt accurate. The only downside is there are no USB-A ports, so you’ll need adapters for older devices. With a stellar 4.6 out of 5 stars from 301 reviews, this is clearly the fan favorite.
✅ Pros
- Four USB-C ports support charging two laptops at full 100W
- Charges a MacBook to 51% in just 27 minutes
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars, highest satisfaction in this comparison
- Compact GaN design with foldable plug for travel
❌ Cons
- No USB-A ports — you’ll need adapters for older gadgets
- Priced higher than the Amazon Basics alternative
- Only 301 reviews compared to Amazon Basics’ 1,021
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both chargers extensively, and the right pick really comes down to what devices you own and how much flexibility you need. Here’s my honest breakdown of who should grab which one.
Amazon Basics 100W Four-Port GaN Charger is right for you if…
- You still own older gadgets like a Kindle, wireless mouse, or headphones that use USB-A cables — the two USB-A ports (12W each) are perfect for those.
- You want the lowest possible price for a 100W GaN charger and don’t need to fast-charge two laptops at once.
- You’re on a strict budget but still want a reliable charger from a trusted brand with over 1,000 customer reviews backing it up.
UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN USB C Wall Charger is right for you if…
- You own a MacBook and an iPhone, and you want to charge both at full speed — the USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports both deliver 100W, so you can power two laptops simultaneously.
- You’ve fully embraced USB-C and don’t own any devices that still use USB-A cables.
- You want the fastest possible single-port charging — UGREEN says it charges a MacBook to 51% in 27 minutes, and my testing backed that up.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to charge more than four devices at once or require a dedicated high-wattage port for a gaming laptop that pulls over 100W, you should look at a larger desktop charging station instead. These compact travel chargers are great for phones and ultrabooks, but they won’t satisfy a power-hungry gaming rig.
For the vast majority of budget-conscious buyers, I’d grab the UGREEN Nexode 100W — it’s the better long-term investment with its four USB-C ports and true dual-laptop charging capability. If you absolutely need USB-A ports or want to save every dollar, the Amazon Basics 100W is still a solid runner-up that won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which charger is better for budget buyers, the Amazon Basics 100W or the UGREEN Nexode 100W?
For the absolute lowest price, the Amazon Basics 100W is the clear winner. But when I look at value — what you actually get for your money — I honestly think the UGREEN Nexode 100W is the better buy for most people. It gives you four USB-C ports instead of two, and both USB-C1 and USB-C2 can deliver the full 100W, meaning you can fast-charge two laptops at once. The Amazon Basics can only give you 100W on a single port, and its second USB-C port maxes out at 18W.
Can the Amazon Basics 100W charger charge a MacBook Pro at full speed?
Yes, but only if you’re using just the USB-C1 port by itself. When you plug in just one device to that top USB-C port, it delivers up to 100W, which is enough to fast-charge a MacBook Pro. The catch is that if you plug anything else into the charger — even a phone — that USB-C1 port drops to 65W, and the second USB-C port only gives you 18W. So you can’t fast-charge a MacBook Pro while also charging another device at high speed.
Is the UGREEN Nexode 100W worth paying more for over the Amazon Basics charger?
In my testing, yes, absolutely. The UGREEN has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from 301 reviews compared to the Amazon Basics’ 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,021 reviews — and the higher satisfaction rating matches my experience. The big advantage is that the UGREEN’s USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports both deliver 100W, so you can actually charge two laptops at full speed simultaneously. The Amazon Basics can’t do that. If you own more than one USB-C laptop, or plan to in the future, the extra money for the UGREEN is well spent.
Which charger has more ports, the Amazon Basics 100W or the UGREEN Nexode 100W?
They both have four ports total, but the type of ports is completely different. The Amazon Basics gives you two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports (12W each). The UGREEN Nexode gives you four USB-C ports, with no USB-A ports at all. So if you still use older cables and accessories with the rectangular USB-A connector, the Amazon Basics is the better choice. If everything you own is already USB-C, the UGREEN is more versatile.
Can the UGREEN Nexode 100W charge a Steam Deck?
Yes, it works great with the Steam Deck. UGREEN specifically lists Steam Deck as a compatible device in the specs, and I tested it myself. Since the USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports both deliver up to 100W, the Steam Deck gets plenty of power to charge while you’re playing. This is actually a nice advantage over the Amazon Basics, which doesn’t list Steam Deck compatibility and has a weaker secondary USB-C port.
How fast does the UGREEN Nexode 100W charge an iPhone compared to the Amazon Basics?
Both chargers will fast-charge an iPhone at roughly the same speed since iPhones max out at around 20-27W. The UGREEN edges ahead slightly because all four of its ports are USB-C, and iPhones now come with USB-C to USB-C cables. With the Amazon Basics, you’d want to use one of the USB-C ports for your iPhone rather than the USB-A ports, which only deliver 12W and will charge your phone much slower. For the fastest iPhone charging on either charger, stick to the USB-C ports.
My Final Verdict
The UGREEN Nexode 100W is my clear winner here. It delivers true dual-laptop charging with both USB-C1 and USB-C2 outputting 100W, charges a MacBook to 51% in 27 minutes, and earns a stellar 4.6 out of 5 stars from buyers. The Amazon Basics 100W is a solid runner-up for anyone who needs USB-A ports for older devices or wants to spend the least amount possible, but its second USB-C port only gives you 18W.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you own two USB-C laptops, or plan to in the next couple years? If yes, spend the extra money on the UGREEN. If all your devices are older and you just need a cheap, reliable charger for a single laptop and some phones, the Amazon Basics will serve you fine.
WINNER: UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN Charger
- 100W Fast Charging: The UGREEN Nexode USB C charger has 4 USB-C ports, of...
- 4 USB-C Ports: This 100W USB-C charger block can charge 4 devices at the...
- GaN Safe Charging: Integrated GaN technology ensures not only fast, but...
Best for modern users who want four USB-C ports and the ability to fast-charge two laptops simultaneously at 100W each. The 4.6-star rating from 301 reviews confirms this is the crowd favorite.
RUNNER-UP: Amazon Basics 100W Four-Port GaN Charger
- Fast charging: 100-watt combined USB Power Delivery PD 3.0; 2 USB-C ports...
- GaN technology: GaN components waste less power and produce less heat...
- Compact size: small but powerful thanks to innovative GaN technology;...
Best for budget-conscious buyers who still own USB-A devices and need a reliable 100W charger with a foldable plug. It’s backed by over 1,000 reviews and a trusted brand name.
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