One of the biggest issues that I have with Apple is that they no longer bundle a charger with their iPhones. As someone who’s almost always on the move, be it for events, or for leisure travels, having a charger on me is a must. However, it needs to be portable and compact at the same time.
Now, we’ve had GaN chargers on the market for a while. Skipping the technical jargon aside, they’re a lot more compact than standard chargers that use silicon material. But boy was I stoked when Nomad sent me their Slim Power Adapter. That’s a whole new level of lightweight, and I was genuinely excited to take it out for a spin.
Marketed as the perfect travel companion, these adapters promise to deliver fast, reliable charging for a variety of devices. But are they worth your buck? Let’s find out, as I discuss the design, performance, price, and overall value of the Nomad Slim Power Adapters.
Design and Build Quality
Nomad, as a brand, has always been known for producing high-quality products—their Slim Power Adapter is no different. Nomad has expertly crafted these adapters to be incredibly slim, making them ideal for anyone who needs a portable charging solution, from solo travelers to on-the-go students.
The 35W and 65W models both boast a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and a matte finish that gives them a premium look and feel.
If you’re wondering how compact these chargers really are, they’re smaller than a standard deck of cards. This makes either adapter an ideal fit for even the tightest spaces in your luggage. On top of that, the slim profile of these adapters means they can easily fit into tight spaces. Be it between seats on a plane or in a crowded backpack pocket.
It’s worth noting that the 35W model is even smaller than the 65W unit. Depending on how much power you need, you can opt for either of these. And owing to the design, the 35W unit comes with a single USB-C port, while the 65W offers dual USB-C ports.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Nomad Slim Power Adapter does not disappoint. Both the 35W and 65W models use GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which allows for efficient power conversion and less heat generation compared to traditional silicon-based chargers. This results in faster and more reliable charging without the risk of overheating.
The 65W model, in particular, is designed to handle a variety of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops. It features dual USB-C ports, allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously. The power distribution is smartly managed, with the adapter able to deliver up to 65W of power when a single device is connected. On the other hand, when two devices are connected, the power is split between the ports into 45W and 20W. To make the user aware of the differences, the faster output port is colored blue.
While the 35W model is less powerful, it’s still highly efficient in charging smaller devices like your iPhone or iPad. It offers a single USB-C port, providing a fast and reliable charge. On top of that, Nomad has also taken care of safety, with both chargers including over-voltage and over-current protection. However, it’s worth noting that Nomad doesn’t include USB-C cables in the box. As such, you will have to fork a bit extra for that.
Price and Availability
The Nomad Slim Power Adapter is positioned in the premium segment of the market, reflecting its high build quality and advanced features. True to its name, the 35W model is priced at $35, while the 65W variant goes for $65. That’s definitely on the higher side, especially when you have brands like UGREEN, Spigen, and Anker offering multi-port chargers under $50, with usually higher wattage outputs.
The product is available for purchase on the official Nomad website.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Nomad Slim Power Adapter?
Considering the premium price, there’s no denying that the Nomad Slim Power Adapter is a bit more expensive than other options in the market. However, its size, power, and build quality make it a standout product. Unlike alternatives shaped like a smaller brick, Nomad’s chargers are slim and sleek. In fact, I consider them the best chargers for users who need to charge multiple devices, including laptops, on the go.
As for home users, sure, you can always use this adapter at home too. But I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Not because it’s bad, but you’d be overspending for a simple charger. Instead, for home users, I’d suggest opting for something like the Anker Prime 240W GaN Charger for multiple devices. Or a budget GaN charger like the UGREEN Nexode X is great for simple charging needs.