In the fast-paced digital age of today, a reliable MacBook charger is much more than an accessory — it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re a student taking online classes, a remote worker juggling projects on the go, or a creative professional transcoding high-res designs, having the right charger is the difference maker in your workflow. Having written in the tech and consumer electronics space for the past decade, I’ve tried dozens of Apple chargers, third-party adapters, and fast-charging accessories. This guide is also part of our coverage of MacBook chargers, and we’ve covered everything from differences in compatibility and wattage to safety tips and considerations for travel.
What Are the Different Types of MacBook Chargers?
Before purchasing a MacBook charger, the first thing to ask is if it is compatible. Apple’s range is comprised of several different MacBook models and also includes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13-inch, MacBook Pro 14-inch, MacBook Pro 16-inch, and older models as well, including the Retina and non-Retina MacBooks. Each model requires different wattages and connector types. Newer MacBooks run USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging, but older ones may be using the MagSafe or MagSafe 2 connectors.
A 2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch needs a 67W or 96W USB-C power adapter, whereas a MacBook Air (M2, 2022) will be able to make do with a 35W or 30W charger. A lower-wattage charger can lead to slow charging or no charging, while a higher-wattage charger is safe — Apple devices only draw as much power as they can handle.
USB-C vs. MagSafe: Which Is The Better Connector?
Apple has been moving toward USB-C charging in its MacBook systems since 2016, before adding the MagSafe 3 back to the 2021 MacBook Pro. There’s a lot of compatibility with USB-C Power Delivery and faster charging here. But MagSafe connectors are designed with a magnetic connection that prevents such accidents — such as, for example, yanking your laptop onto the floor while someone is tripping over the cord.
Personally, I find USB-C to be more flexible because you can use a single charger for your MacBook, iPad, and even some Android phones. But when I’m working in bustling cafés or shared spaces, I always switch back to the MagSafe charger, for peace of mind.
Selecting the Correct Wattage for Your MacBook Charger
Some shorter paragraphs The wattage of your MacBook adaptor matters a lot for charging speed, and even for device compatiblility. Types of USB-C Power Adapters Apple provides multiple USB-C power adapters that are currently available in 30W, 35W dual-port, 67W, 96W, and 140W versions. The high-wattage chargers can support fast charging and they’re great for the larger MacBook Pro models which pack more power-hungry processors.
For instance, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max chip gets the 140W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. In contrast, a 30W charger is enough for the MacBook Air, and that’s the one that many students and professionals will be looking for—something with power without bulk.
Apple Chargers vs. Other Options: What to Pick?
The Apple MacBook chargers are without questions the most reliable. These have built-in protection against overheating, overcharging and short-circuit. But they are not cheap. And if you’re looking to save some cash, reputable third-party solutions such as Anker, Aukey, or Belkin offer comparable performance and reliability.
It’s important to make sure that the third-party charger you use is USB-C PD-compliant and USB-IF-certified under the (USB Implementers Forum) standards. Beware of knockoffs without insulation and voltage regulation which can damage the battery of your MacBook or even risk safety.
In my tests over the years, Anker’s 65W GaN chargers have represented the best value for money third-party alternatives. They are small, effective and reliable for both MacBooks and other USB-C compatible devices.
Why Some of Your MacBook Chargers Are Fast and Others Aren’t
It’s completely feasible to fast-charge your MacBook with the right charger and cable. You need a USB-C PD power adapter of 67W or higher and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 (or USB-C to USB-C) cable that supports high wattage in order to fast charge optimally.
Apple says fast charging can get your MacBook Pro 14-inch from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 96W or greater adapter. This is particularly helpful for those on the go and don’t have the kind of time to wait for a full charge over the span of hours.
Travelling with a MacBook Charger: Tips of the Sniper
If you frequently travel with your MacBook, it makes sense to purchase a small, foldable charger with universal voltage support (100V–240V). And try to find a charger that has multiple ports — like a USB-C + USB-A combination — so that you can power multiple devices using only one adapter.
Note that not all plugs are supported in every region. Apple’s World Travel Adapter Kit is a useful accessory for globe-trotters. For my own part, I slip a 65W dual-port GaN charger in my backpack daily. It charges my MacBook, my iPhone and my AirPods at the same time, allowing me to avoid packing multiple bricks.
How to Make Your MacBook Charger Last Longer
If you want to get the most life out of your MacBook charger, make sure to always unplug it from the base — never pull it out by the cable. Do not entangle the cord too hard, or it may stretch the inside wires. Keep the charger in a cool dry place, and don’t expose it to the very hot or very humid environment.
If there’s fraying near the connector, or heat coming off the charger during use, it could be time to replace your charger. That said, you do not want to mess around with a malfunctioning charger that could damage your MacBook’s battery health or pose an electrical hazard.
Environmental Impact: Apple and the Sustainability of Charging
Apple is on a path to carbon-neutrality for its entire supply chain by 2030, and the designs for the MacBook Charger support that direction. The newest USB‐C power adapters are made with recycled aluminum and the USB‐C to Lightning cable is made with recyclable materials. Apple also suggests recycling old chargers through its trade-in program or local e-waste collection programs.
High efficiency chargers and GaN (Gallium Nitrate) technology lead to less energy loss during the charging process, lending your overall power consumption a greener color. Just for a lark, I’m currently writing this note, and checking my MacBook’s power impact in Activity Monitor and the under load on a GaN from 0 up to umpteen Autos added “thermal performance” as well maintained — an amusingly indirect side byproduct that I personally know long time laptop users will also appreciate.
Where to Purchase an Authentic MacBook Charger
Purchasing directly from Apple’s official store or from one of its authorized resellers guarantees that you receive a legit charger with a full warranty backing. And while online retailers, like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, also stock chargers, be sure to read reviews and pay attention to “Apple Certified” or “MFI” (Made for iPhone/iPad/Mac) badges if you are considering third-party options.
Don’t buy from marketplaces or sellers with ambiguous product descriptions and no warranty. A fake charger may be designed to look like the real thing, but typically doesn ‘t have the essential safety features.
FAQs About MacBook Chargers
Is it OK to use a higher-watt charger with my MacBook than what it needs?
Yes, MacBooks only pull the watts they need. Higher-watt charger won’t hurt your device but may charge faster where supported.
My MacBook charger is getting hot?
It’s normal for a charger to get warm while charging, and particularly so during fast-charging. But if it’s too hot for being an adapter or cable, it’s likely broken in some way.
Is it safe to use a MacBook on charge?
Absolutely. It’s safe to use your MacBook while you charge it, as long as you’re using the proper charger. As a matter of fact Apple products are designed to be efficient with power under heavy loads.
Can you charge a MacBook with a phone charger?
Yes in theory, assuming the phone charger is indeed USB-C PD compatible, but it may not provide an adequate amount of wattage for effective charging — especially for the MacBook Pro.
Is fast charging bad for battery life?
Apple’s fast charging is built around the philosophy of battery health. It also will not appreciably impact battery health, particularly if the battery is always charged within macOS using the “optimized battery charging” feature.
Conclusion
The only thing required is that you select the right MacBook charger because it’s not just a matter of picking any cable and brick; it is about ensuring the performance, safety, compatibility, and longevity for your premium machine. Whether you keep it in the family or choose a high-quality charger from a third-party manufacturer, knowing what’s powering your MacBook allows you to make informed decisions.
As someone who has been in the consumer electronics content game for more than a decade now, these smaller decisions — like which charger to use — have the potential to make a real difference in our day-to-day productivity. And when you’re pinching every percentage point of battery life, the choice of a MacBook charger is definitely worth thinking about.
