Introduction
You’ve lost your laptop charger again. You search online and two names keep appearing: Nekteck and Anker. One is the quiet underdog Wirecutter keeps recommending. The other is the household name everyone trusts.
But here’s the problem with most comparisons: they compare across different price tiers. The Nekteck 60W GaN charger costs around $22. The Anker 735 Nano II 65W costs around $46. That’s not a small gap — it’s a decision point.
The real question isn’t “which is better.” It’s which one makes sense for your usage pattern, your laptop, and your budget. Let’s cut through the noise.
The Verdict First
Choose Nekteck 60W GaN if: You want near-universal compatibility, a detachable cable included in the box, and USB-IF certified safety — all at half the price of the Anker competition. It’s Wirecutter’s #1 pick for a reason.
Choose Anker 735 (Nano II 65W) if: You need 65W peak power for larger laptops, prefer Anker’s proven Active Shield temperature safety system, want a slightly smaller physical footprint, and don’t mind paying extra for the brand premium.
The honest take: For 80% of users with a 13-inch ultrabook or MacBook Air, the Nekteck is the smarter buy. The Anker only justifies its premium if you need the extra 5W headroom or specifically want the brand’s build consistency.
Price and What You Get
| Specification | Nekteck 60W GaN | Anker 735 Nano II 65W |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | ~$22 | ~$46 |
| Max Output | 60W USB-C PD 3.0 | 65W USB-C PD 3.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB-C | 1x USB-C |
| Included Cable | Yes (6.5ft, detachable) | No |
| GaN Technology | Yes (GaN) | Yes (GaN II) |
| USB-IF Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Cert | USB-IF, UL | Active Shield, UL |
| Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.2 in | 1.42 x 1.42 x 1.16 in |
| Foldable Plug | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~3.5 oz | ~2.8 oz |
The numbers tell a story: Nekteck gives you a cable worth $10-15 for free while undercutting Anker’s price by $24. Anker’s $46 charger doesn’t include a cable.
Charging Performance
Real-World Compatibility
The Nekteck 60W GaN supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 and is USB-IF certified — meaning a certified third-party tested it to meet all safety and performance standards. In practice:
- MacBook Air (M1/M2/M3/M4): Full 60W charge speed — exactly what Apple’s charger delivers
- MacBook Pro 13-inch / 14-inch: Full 60W charge speed
- MacBook Pro 16-inch: Charges at 60W (not the full 96W/140W — expect slightly slower top-off)
- iPad Pro / iPad Air: Full speed charging
- iPhone 14/15/16 Pro: Full fast charge via USB-C
- Nintendo Switch: Full speed charging in handheld mode
The Anker 735 Nano II 65W delivers the same compatibility, with 5W extra headroom:
- MacBook Air: Full speed
- MacBook Pro 13/14-inch: Full speed (same as Nekteck)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch: Slightly better — 65W vs 60W means faster charging under load
- iPad/iPhone/Switch: Same as Nekteck
The difference in charging speed is negligible for most users. The extra 5W only matters if you’re charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro under heavy load while also running the device.
GaN vs GaN II
Both are gallium nitride chargers — they run cooler and are smaller than traditional silicon chargers.
- Nekteck uses standard GaN technology
- Anker uses GaN II, which is marginally more efficient at heat management
In real-world testing by independent reviewers, both run equally cool under normal loads. The GaN II advantage is largely theoretical for a 60-65W charger — it matters more for 100W+ chargers.
Build Quality and Safety
Nekteck 60W GaN
Nekteck’s charger is certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) — a rare designation that means it passed independent third-party testing for both performance and safety. Not all chargers on Amazon carry this certification.
The build quality is solid: the foldable plug clicks firmly, the USB-C port is snug, and the included cable is well-made with a detachable USB-C to USB-C cable that’s 6.5 feet long. This is a cable you don’t need to buy separately.
Anker 735 Nano II 65W
Anker’s Active Shield 2.0 system uses a temperature sensor inside the charger that actively monitors heat and adjusts power output to maintain safety. It’s a genuine safety advantage, though both chargers pass safety certification.
The Anker is notably smaller — at 1.42 inches cubed, it’s approximately 30% smaller than the Nekteck. This matters if you plan to pack it in a tight carry-on or use it in crowded power strips where space is limited.
However, Anker does not include a cable. A comparable-quality USB-C to USB-C cable adds $8-15 to your total cost.
Total Cost of Ownership
| Item | Nekteck 60W | Anker 735 65W |
|---|---|---|
| Charger | $22 | $46 |
| USB-C Cable (6ft, 60W+) | Included | $8-15 |
| Total out of pocket | $22 | $54-61 |
| 3-year battery replacement | $0 | $0 |
| Warranty | 18 months | 18 months |
| Cost per year (3-year cycle) | $7.33 | $18-20 |
The Nekteck saves you $32-39 total when you factor in the cable. That’s nearly the cost of a second Nekteck charger.
Pros and Cons
Nekteck 60W GaN
Pros:
- Half the price of comparable Anker chargers ($22 instead of $46)
- USB-IF certified for safety and performance
- Detachable 6.5ft USB-C cable included — saves $8-15
- Charges most 13-inch and smaller USB-C laptops at full speed
- GaN design keeps it compact and cool
- Wirecutter #1 pick for laptop chargers
Cons:
- Slightly larger than Anker’s Nano II
- 60W max isn’t enough for 16-inch MacBook Pro full speed
- Only one USB-C port (no multi-device charging)
- Brand is less well-known than Anker
Anker 735 Nano II 65W
Pros:
- GaN II design is 30% smaller than Nekteck
- 65W gives 5W more headroom for larger laptops
- Active Shield temperature monitoring
- Anker’s brand reputation and build consistency
- 18-month warranty with responsive support
Cons:
- No cable included — adds $8-15 to total cost
- $46 upfront for a single-port charger is premium pricing
- Performance difference is negligible for most users
- Same single-port limitation as Nekteck
Best For / Skip If
Buy Nekteck 60W GaN if:
- You need a reliable laptop charger at the lowest possible price
- You own a 13-inch ultrabook, MacBook Air, or thin-and-light laptop
- You want a charger that’s tested and certified (not just “Amazon cheap”)
- You appreciate getting a good cable included without paying extra
Buy Anker 735 Nano II 65W if:
- You own a 16-inch laptop that benefits from the extra 5W headroom
- You prioritize minimum physical size above all else
- You already own a good USB-C cable and only need the charger block
- You’re an Anker loyalist and value brand consistency
Skip Nekteck if:
- You need multi-device charging (look for a multi-port model)
- You regularly charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro under heavy load
- You want the absolute smallest possible charger
Skip Anker 735 if:
- You want the best value — Nekteck delivers 90% of the experience at half the price
- You don’t already own a USB-C cable
- You need simple, reliable charging without brand premium
Bottom Line
The Nekteck 60W GaN charger proves that you don’t need to spend Anker money to get a safe, reliable laptop charger. It’s USB-IF certified, Wirecutter-tested, includes a cable, and costs just $22.
The Anker 735 Nano II is a beautiful piece of engineering — smaller, more powerful on paper, backed by a trusted brand. But paying $46 for a single-port charger without a cable is hard to justify when the Nekteck exists.
For most people — especially owners of 13-inch laptops, ultrabooks, and MacBook Airs — the Nekteck is one of the highest-value tech accessories you can buy. The Anker only wins if the extra 5W, smaller size, or brand loyalty matter enough to double your spend.
Buy smart. Get more value.
