Anker Nano 3 30W Review: 8.4/10 - Tiny GaN charger with big power
We may earn a commission from links on this page Learn more
At no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases; we also participate in the eBay Partner Network (EPN). See our full disclosure.
At a Glance
The Anker Nano 3 is the perfect travel companion for anyone who wants a tiny, powerful charger that can fast-charge phones, tablets.
Prices last checked June 2026
Overview
The Anker Nano 3 (model A2147) is a 30W GaN USB-C charger that packs impressive power into a remarkably compact 1.14-inch cube form factor. Released in September 2022, it features a foldable plug design, PowerIQ 3.0 technology for optimized device charging, and PPS support enabling Samsung Super Fast Charging up to 25W on Galaxy S24/S25. It is available in five colors (Black, White, Green, Purple, Blue) and is designed alongside Anker’s bio-based USB-C cables made from 30% plant-based materials at $22.
Design & Build
The Nano 3 is exceptionally small, measuring just 1.14 x 1.14 x 1.26 inches (without prongs) and weighing only 1.3 ounces (37g). The foldable US plug makes it even more portable and reduces the risk of scratching other items in a bag. The glossy plastic exterior is available in five colors (Black, White, Green, Purple, Blue), and the compact size means it won’t block adjacent outlets on a power strip - a common issue with larger charging bricks. Build quality is excellent for its class, with a reinforced USB-C port rated for 10,000+ insertion cycles. Anker’s ActiveShield 2.0 technology monitors internal temperature 3 million times per day and dynamically adjusts output power to prevent overheating, even in high-ambient-temperature environments.
Performance
The Nano 3 delivers up to 30W (15V/2A, 20V/1.5A) via its single USB-C port, enough to fast-charge an iPhone 15/16 Pro Max to 50% in about 30 minutes or fully charge an 11-inch iPad Air (8,306mAh) in 1.6 hours. It can also charge a MacBook Air (M1/M2/M3) at its maximum 30W charging speed. PowerIQ 3.0 (Anker’s implementation of USB PD 3.0 with PPS) ensures compatible devices receive optimal charging current. PPS support at 3.3-16V/3A and 3.3-21V/2.25A enables Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 (up to 45W on Galaxy S25 Ultra, though limited to 30W by the charger’s max). The GaN technology keeps the charger cool even during extended use, with surface temperature staying under 35 degC in typical use. When not in use, the charger draws less than 0.1W standby power, meeting the strictest Energy Star Tier 2 efficiency standards.
Features
The Nano 3 is compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices, including iPhone 15/16 series (up to 27W fast charging), iPad Air/Pro (up to 30W), Samsung Galaxy S24/S25 (up to 25W via PPS), MacBook Air M1/M2/M3 (full 30W), and Nintendo Switch/Switch OLED (handheld charging at full speed). It supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS (3.3-21V) for broad compatibility. The foldable US plug and ultra-compact 1.14-inch cube size make it ideal for travel, and it is one of the smallest 30W GaN chargers on the market, rivaled only by the UGREEN Nexode 30W. Anker’s environmental commitment includes 90% less plastic in the packaging and 30.9g less plastic in the charger body compared to conventional 30W chargers, achieved through the compact GaN design.
Pros
- Incredibly compact 1.14-inch cube at just 37g - one of the smallest 30W chargers available
- 30W PD 3.0 with PPS fast-charges iPhone 15/16 to 50% in 30 min, iPad Air in 1.6 hours
- Foldable US plug protects the prongs in transit and won’t snag on bag compartments
- PPS support enables Samsung Super Fast Charging (up to 25W) on Galaxy S24/S25 series
- ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature 3M times per day for safe, throttled operation
Cons
- Single USB-C port means you can only charge one device at a time
- Glossy exterior finish shows micro-scratches over time compared to matte alternatives
- No USB-A port for older cables or accessories like earbuds with USB-A connectors
- 30W is insufficient for full-speed charging of 14/16-inch MacBook Pro or power-hungry gaming laptops
Verdict
The Anker Nano 3 is the perfect travel companion for anyone who wants a tiny, powerful charger that can fast-charge phones, tablets, and even some laptops without taking up bag space. Its combination of 30W PD 3.0 output, foldable plug, and ActiveShield 2.0 thermal protection in a sub-40g package makes it the go-to choice for minimalist travelers and iPhone/iPad users who need a pocketable emergency charger, earning it a 8.4/10.
Sources
Where to Buy
Check current pricing on eBay or Amazon.
Prices last checked June 2026. Pricing and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
📊 Comparison: Anker Nano 3 30W vs. Competitors
| Specification | Anker Nano 3 30W | Anker 737 Power Bank | Anker Prime 27650mAh | Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $22 | $119 | $89 | $59 |
| Power | 30W single USB-C | -- | -- | -- |
| Technology | GaN (Gallium Nitride) | Power Delivery 3.1, bi-directional | -- | Li-ion Nitecore cells |
| Ports | 1x USB-C with PowerIQ 3.0 | -- | -- | -- |
| Plug | Foldable prongs | -- | -- | -- |
| Dimensions | 1.14 x 1.14 x 1.26 in (without prongs) | 6.18 x 2.17 x 1.97 in | 6.4 × 2.1 × 2.0 inches | 4.76 x 2.32 x 0.43 in |
| Weight | 1.3 oz | 1.39 lbs | 1.43 lbs (650g) | 5.3 oz (150g) |
| Protection | ActiveShield 2.0 temperature monitoring | -- | -- | -- |
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Purple, Blue | -- | -- | -- |
| Compatible | iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, Samsung Galaxy | -- | -- | -- |
| Capacity | -- | 24,000mAh (86.4Wh) | 27,650 mAh (99.5 Wh - TSA-friendly) | 10,000mAh (38.5Wh) |
| USB-C 1 Input | -- | 140W via USB-C (5V-28V, 5A) | -- | -- |
| USB-C 1 Output | -- | 140W max (5V-28V, 5A) | -- | -- |
| USB-C 2 Output | -- | 140W max (5V-28V, 5A) | -- | -- |
| USB-A Output | -- | 18W max (5V-9V, 2A/1.5A) | -- | 18W QC (5V-12V, 1.5A-3A) |
| Total Output | -- | 140W max | 250W max (all ports combined) | 18W max |
| Display | -- | OLED screen showing input/output power | 1.3-inch smart OLED (status, speed, temperature) | -- |
| USB-C 1 | -- | -- | 140W Power Delivery 3.1 (input/output) | -- |
| USB-C 2 | -- | -- | 100W Power Delivery (output only) | -- |
| USB-A | -- | -- | 2× 18W (shared, total 30W) | -- |
| Pass-Through | -- | -- | Yes - charges device and battery simultaneously | -- |
| USB-C Input/Output | -- | -- | -- | 20W PD (5V-12V, 1.5A-3A) |
| Materials | -- | -- | -- | Carbon fiber composite |
| Features | -- | -- | -- | Ultralight carbon fiber construction, airplane safe |
How We Rate Products
Every product on ComfyTechCheck is scored on a 1 to 10 scale based on a structured evaluation framework. We assess products across five core criteria:
- Performance (30% weight): Speed, responsiveness, and real-world capability in its category.
- Build & Design (20% weight): Material quality, ergonomics, and aesthetic appeal.
- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
- Value (20% weight): Price-to-performance ratio relative to direct competitors.
- Battery Life or Reliability (10% weight): Endurance testing for portable devices, or long-term dependability for stationary gear.
Scores are assigned by our editorial team after hands-on testing or extensive research using verified user reports, expert analysis, and technical specifications. The weighted average produces the final rating you see on each review. This methodology is inspired by established consumer review standards from organizations such as Consumer Reports and Which?, adapted for the tech product categories we cover.
For a detailed breakdown of our full research and review process, visit our How We Rate page.