Best apps live in Setapp
Replace Mac defaults and discover new gems in one suite.
Most people would agree that Mac chargers don’t last nearly as much as laptops themselves. They break, they get lost, or even stolen. Which means that it’s highly likely that you’d have to replace your old MacBook charger at some point. And which one then do you get?
If you search for MacBook chargers on the web today, you’ll get lots of contradicting results. There are different shapes, versions, connectors, and power outputs available. At the same time, choosing a wrong Apple power adapter for your $2,000 MacBook Pro seems scary. So let’s break down all the available MacBook Pro and MacBook Air chargers to help you make the right decision.
Essential Differences In MacBook Chargers
Looking at all the variations of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro power adapters, you’ll notice that the first thing they specify is wattage, which can go anywhere from 29W to 87W. Naturally, the higher it is the more power your Mac receives.
Contrary to the popular belief, however, getting a higher wattage Apple MacBook Pro charger wouldn’t charge your Mac faster, but also wouldn’t damage your Mac, given that it’s officially supplied by Apple. That’s why it’s so important to be careful about picking the right charger for MacBook Pro. If you go with a charger below whatever’s required, your MacBook will probably not charge at all.
The second thing that the MacBook Pro charger name tells you is its type. As of 2021, there have been only three versions released: MagSafe, MagSafe 2, and USB-C. The latter is used for the newest MacBook models.
The last thing to consider is the shape of the connector. While MagSafe and USB-C have been using the same connectors for all models, MagSafe was split into a T and L-shaped connectors, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Check your MacBook model first
Given a variety of MacBook chargers available, the most prudent thing to do before buying one is to check your MacBook’s model. It’s not only the Air or Pro that you need to know (for which you might just look at your monitor’s bezel), or even the screen size, but the year and even the part of year it was manufactured in (e.g. late 2018 or early 2019).
To see your MacBook’s model:
- Click on the Apple logo in your menu bar
- Select About This Mac
- Record the first line (e.g. MacBook Air, 13-inch, Early 2015)
With your MacBook information in hand, navigate to the appropriate section below to see the kind of Mac charger you need.
Apple chargers for a MacBook
For a long time, MacBooks used to be the only laptops Apple would make, and the last ones of this original type were made in mid 2010. But in 2015, Apple resurrected the name with an ultra-light, ultra-portable MacBook model that lasted a few more years until being just recently discontinued.
Overall, different MacBooks use three different types of chargers.
The newest models — MacBook (12-inch, 2015 and later) use 29W or 30W USB-C power adaptors (for which the serial number on the cable reads C4M or FL4).
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) use a 60W MagSafe Power Adapter with an L-shaped connector.
Nearly every other MacBook model would be compatible with a 60W MagSafe Adapter with a T-shaped connector. The exact list of models is:
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
(Video) Must Have Apps for New MacsMacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2007)
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006)
MacBook (13-inch, any older model)
Apple chargers for a MacBook Air
Hugely popular MacBook Airs were first released in 2008 and shocked the world with their lack of CD-ROM drives (which seems so amusing today). The model has been improving ever since, with the latest iterations released in 2019.
The newest MacBooks Air models (13-inch, 2018 and later) use a 30W USB-C Power Adapter.
The proper Apple MacBook Air charger for models that don’t have Touch ID, as old as mid 2012, is a 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter. Specific models are:
MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012)
Older MacBook Airs use a 45W MagSafe Charger with an L-shaped connector. These models are:
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011)
(Video) Best 10 SetApp Apps 2021MacBook Air (13-inch, Late 2010)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Late 2010)
MacBook Air (Mid 2009)
MacBook Air (Late 2008)
MacBook Air (the original model)
Apple chargers for a MacBook Pro
Since the very first model, MacBook Pros have been the go-to laptops for professionals across all fields. Introduced in 2006, they’ve since come in three sizes (13, 15, and 17 inches) and used a variety of processors, video cards, and batteries — all of which have a significant impact on the type of charger being used. So a MacBook Pro 2012 charger is quite different from a 2016 model, for example.
The latest MacBook Pros have been switched to USB-C cables, so if you have a 13-inch version of 2016 and later you’d use a 61W USB-C Power Adapter and if you have a 15-inch version of 2016 and later you’d use an 87W USB-C Power Adapter.
Older MacBooks split in lots of categories. Let’s go from the most recent to way back in time. The 85W MagSafe Power Adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector is for:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2015)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2013)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2013)
MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)
The less powerful 60W MagSafe charger works with such Retina-enabled laptops as:
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2013)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2013)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2012)
The older 60W MagSafe adapter with L-style connector works on:
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
(Video) Best Mac Apps I Actually Use!MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
Another L-style 85W MagSafe Power Adapter is compatible with:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
Finally, the T-Style connectors work on the oldest of MacBooks. The 60W MagSafe adapter with T-style connector is good for:
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009)
Its bigger cousin, the 85W MagSafe charger with T-style connector covers the rest:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4 or 2.2 GHz)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, 2.4 GHz)
(Video) The Best Mac Apps That Will Transform Your Macbook! | What’s on My Mac 2023MacBook Pro (15-inch, Core 2 Duo)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Core 2 Duo)
MacBook Pro (15-inch)
MacBook Pro (17-inch)
MacBook Pro (original)
Where to buy Apple power adapters
Once you know which Mac charger you need, you might be wondering where to buy one. The most no-brainer option is, of course, visiting your local Apple store or ordering from apple.com. But if you want to save a few dollars or get a special deal, you can also check some other places in the process.
Note: There’s a lot of no-name (or even counterfeit) Apple-like products on the market, which might not work as advertised or, in some cases, damage your Mac. That’s why it’s only recommended to buy Apple power adapters only from large, trusted retailers.
Just a quick look at the 30W USB-C Power Adapter for MacBook Air gives us the following breakdown:
Apple’s official website simply lists the Apple MacBook Air charger for $49
Amazon lists the same charger with a discount at $43
BestBuy matches the $49 standard price but also offers four months of Apple Music for free if you’ve never subscribed before
Walmart drops the price to $43 to match Amazon
Right away you can see that Amazon and Walmart offer a better deal, whereas BestBuy would be great for those who haven’t tried Apple Music yet. So make sure to check those retailers (at least) when you’re shopping for your new Apple power adapter.
When to replace your MacBook charger
How do you know when to buy a new charger? Obviously you need one when the old charger fails. But sometimes your adapter might simply start working slower than usual, which is quite difficult to pin down, unless you use robust monitoring software.
iStat Menus is an all-in-one system monitor that not only tracks your battery life, as well as charging cycles and speed, but also your CPU and RAM usage, internal temperature, and network quality. With no scans to perform, you can simply look at your iStat Menus charts in your Mac’s menu bar to have a clear overview of your machine’s performance at any time.
How to extend your battery life
At one point or another, every Mac owner has wondered how great it would be to make their Mac’s battery last longer. What would be even better is to have a comprehensive ongoing solution in place.
Endurance is a lightweight utility that manages all aspects of your Mac that could result in extended battery life. By slowing down your Turbo Boost, dimming your screen, and hiding background apps, Endurance can give you up to 20% more unplugged time with your MacBook. Seems like a dream come true.
In the end, when you’re about to go shopping for a charger, consult the list above and then check prices at all the official Apple distributors. And don’t forget to use some nifty utilities to know what exactly is going on with your Mac.
Best of all, iStat Menus and Endurance are available to you at absolutely no cost via Setapp, a platform with more than 170 top-of-the-game utilities and apps designed to make your work and life a breeze, from keeping an inventory of your home (check out Home Inventory) to making the most out of your MacBook speakers (Boom 3D). Try Setapp today and get unlimited access to the best apps in the world! Why not?
FAQs
How do you know which MacBook charger to buy? ›
If your Mac uses USB-C to charge, you can charge your Mac laptop with any USB-C power adapter or display. For the best charging experience, you should use a power adapter or display that provides at least the minimum wattage of the power adapter included with your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook.
Can I use 85w MagSafe instead of 60w? ›No the adapter is RATED to put out UP TO 85 watts. It does not supply that wattage constantly. So you are safe to use a 85 watt adapter on the 13" MBP that originally came with the 60 watt adapter.
Can I use 67W charger for MacBook Pro? ›The 67W USB-C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go. It's compatible with numerous USB-C devices and charging cables. Apple recommends pairing this power adapter with your 13-inch MacBook Pro (2016 and later) or your 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Pro chip.
Can I use 67W charger for MacBook Air? ›67W USB-C. If you want to fast-charge your MacBook Air, you'll need a power adapter that delivers over 60 watts, such as Apple's 67W USB-C Power Adapter.
Is there a difference between MacBook Chargers? ›Power adapters come in various wattages. Your MacBook requires a power adapter with the right wattage. You can easily use a compatible charger with a higher wattage, though it won't charge your MacBook any faster. If you use a charger with a lower wattage, it won't provide enough power for your MacBook.
How do I know what charger I need? ›Buy a charger whose port corresponds with your phone's port. And, that shouldn't be a problem. The latest Android phones have USB-C ports, while older models have a micro USB port. Apple phones, on the other hand, feature the Lightning port.
Is 60W enough to charge MacBook Pro? ›The short answer is Yes, especially with 60W, it is enough power to recharge your laptop. The long answer follows below.
Is it OK to use lower wattage charger for MacBook? ›You can safely use a power adapter or display with higher or lower wattage than the adapter included with your Mac. For the best charging experience, you should use the power adapter and cable included with your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook.
Is it OK to use a higher wattage charger for MacBook Pro? ›Apple, Anker and UGreen are the only companies to make a power adapter that supports the latest PD 3.1 standard that supports power output to up to 240W; other USB chargers have a practical maximum of 100W. It is fine to charge a laptop with a higher-wattage power adapter than it needs.
Is it safe to use 96W charger for MacBook Pro 13? ›It is safe to charge any Mac (including those with Apple Silicon) with the 96W (or lower/higher) USB-C charger.
Can I use 96W charger for MacBook Pro? ›
On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast charge with the following combinations of power sources and cables: 140W USB-C Power Adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or USB-C charge cable. 96W USB-C Power Adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or USB-C charge cable. Apple Studio Display + Thunderbolt cable.
What is the difference between 67W and 30w charger Apple? ›67W USB-C Power Adapter
The biggest difference between this adapter and the 30-watt USB-C adapter is the 67-watt USB-C adapter's charging time. It's incredibly powerful, with Apple promising it can charge a device from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes.
There's no harm in using that charger with your MacBook Air M1. The Realme Super Dart 65W charger does not "just" output 10V - it negotiates the voltage with the device you're charging. This means that the maximum effect that can be drawn by the device might be less than 65W.
Is it safe to use 96W charger on MacBook Air? ›You can safely use the 96W charger. The laptop will limit how much power it pulls from the charger. Just use a genuine Apple charger. Chargers from other OEMs are probably Ok as well if necessary.
Which power adapter is better 35W or 67W? ›The 67W power adapter is a lot faster
That's right, it took three hours and 40 minutes to charge a MacBook Air with the charger doing seemingly what it was meant to do. A full charge on the 35W adapter without the iPhone attached took 120 minutes, a full 100 minutes less than if it was also charging another device.
Indeed, Apple chargers are universal. as such the higher powered chargers wont damage a Mac that normally uses a lower wattage adapter. According to Apple: "You can use a higher wattage power adapter, but you cannot use one with less wattage without potential operating issues."
Can I use a 65w charger instead of 45W MacBook Air? ›Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple portable, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.
What is the difference between 96w and 61w MacBook charger? ›A: By the 96w as it will only Charger your computer faster. It will not overcharge also. The 61w will charge but at a much slower rate. A: Yes, it actually can be used on ANY Macbook laptop, regardless of Air/Pro or otherwise so long as it has a USB-C port.
How do I know what exact charger my laptop has? ›For that, you can find service tag (which is usually attached back of your Laptop) or the brick of power charger (as shown in above image). We have made it is for you. If you are in India, you can simply click the image of the service tag and/or existing power adapter of your laptop.
What are the 3 types of charger? ›There are mainly three types of ports for the most common data cables. The Micro USB and TYPE-C port for Android models, and the Lightning port for Apple mobile phones.
Does it matter what brand charger I use? ›
What Charger Can I Use? As long as you're using the right cable or the right wireless standard (and it's difficult not to), you can use just about any charger with your phone.
Is 60W too much for MacBook Air? ›You can use it. “Power adapters for Apple notebooks are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Apple notebook. You can use a higher wattage adapter without issue, but doing this won't make your computer charge faster or operate any differently.
Is 60W enough for MacBook Pro 15? ›In general, 27W is enough to maintain or slightly recharge the battery when the computer is not under load and 60W is enough to recharge the battery even when the computer is under moderate load. For more details, see the diagrams below and check out our test results when recharging a MacBook Pro.
Is it OK to charge MacBook Air with 60W charger? ›You can safely use a power adapter or display with higher or lower wattage than the adapter included with your Mac. For the best charging experience, you should use the power adapter and cable included with your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook.
Will using a different charger ruin my MacBook? ›You should make sure that the USB-C charger you use is from a reputable manufacturer, the cable is designed for charging, and the power output is sufficient to charge your MacBook. So, as long as you do that, you can use third-party USB-C chargers safely with your Mac.
What happens if I use a 45W charger on a MacBook Pro? ›Yes, the MacBook Pro will charge on a 45W charger, it will just charge slower.
How many watts should a MacBook charger be? ›Almost all computers that charge via USB-C have a maximum charge speed of 60 watts—but the 15-inch MacBook Pro can charge at up to 87 watts, and the 2019 16-inch and 2021 14-inch model maxes out at 96 watts, making them the most noteworthy exceptions.
Is it okay to charge MacBook Pro with 30W charger? ›The 30W USB‑C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office or on the go. While the power adapter is compatible with any USB‑C device, Apple recommends using it with MacBook Air. You can also use it with selected iPhone and iPad Pro models to take advantage of the fast-charging feature.
Is it OK to use 30W charger for MacBook Pro? ›Yes. I am assuming this is a USB-C charger and a USB-C equipped MacBook Pro (2016 or newer). The 30w charger will be OK to use while it's asleep and during use. It may not deliver enough power while the computer is in use, though.
Can I use a 45W charger instead of 60w MacBook Pro? ›A MacBook, MacBook Air or Pro that came with the 60watt can use the 60 or 85watt adapters with no issues. A 45watt adapter will work, but unless the laptop is sleeping it won't charge the battery - to possibly still having the battery drain under heavy CPU loads.
Which charger is best for MacBook Pro 13 inch? ›
13-inch: For the new MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022), a 67W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 or USB-C charge cable fits the bill.
Is it safe to charge MacBook with 65W charger? ›It should be fine. I use a Lenovo 65W USB-C power adapter to charge my wife's 2019 MBA. A USB-PD power adapter will always negotiate with the device for the proper voltage, and in any case the device being charged has its own power management system and is supposed to control how much current is taken.
Can I charge MacBook Pro 16 with 96W? ›Note: With the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable and optional 140W USB-C Power Adapter, you can fast charge the 16-inch MacBook Pro up to 50 percent in about 30 minutes. And with the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable and the 96W USB-C Power Adapter, you can fast charge the 14-inch MacBook Pro up to 50 percent in about 30 minutes.
Can I use 85W charger instead of 96W? ›Yes. " You can use a compatible higher wattage power adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently.
Can I use 61W adapter for MacBook Pro? ›THIS 61W USB C MacBook charger is compatible with MacBook Pro 12, 13, 14 Inch, MacBook Air M1,13 Inch, all devices with a USB-C port, laptops, and smartphones.
Can I use 65w charger instead of 61W for MacBook Pro? ›It should have no problem. It may be a bit lower power than it wants (originally it comes with a 96 watt charger), but it would work just fine as long as the CPU and GPU load isn't maxed out.
Can I use 65W charger instead of 67W? ›it's perfectly safe. the wattage figure is only the maximum the charger is capable of supplying, the framework will take what it wants up to that maximum, and in any case the battery is regulated by the charging circuit.
Does 67W fast charging affect battery life? ›Fast Charging May Generate More Heat
This means that fast charging generates more heat than standard “slow” charging. This could be an issue since excessive heat will degrade lithium-ion batteries. Fast charging may shorten the battery's lifespan compared to using a standard charger.
If i use a 30w charger for my iPhone 13 pro, will it down my battery health? Or any issue will be happen? That won't harm the phone. You can use that or even larger power adapters.
Is 45W charger good for MacBook Air? ›The 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter features a magnetic DC connector so if someone should trip over it, the cord disconnects harmlessly and your MacBook Air stays put safely. It also helps prevent fraying or weakening of the cables over time.
Is 65W good for MacBook Pro? ›
By itself, the primary USB-C port supports 96W of power, but even if you use other ports, it will always support 65W, so it's always enough to power the MacBook Pro.
Can I charge MacBook Pro 16 with 67W? ›67W USB C Charger Power Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro 16, 15, 14, 13 Inch, MacBook Air, Included 6.6ft USB C to C Cable.
Is it OK to use 61W charger for MacBook Air? ›Yes. Using a larger power adapter will not harm it.
Can I use 96W charger instead of 61W? ›Can I use 96W charger instead of 61W? 61 W is already in excess of the maximum power the iPhone or iPad can use to fast charge with, so moving up to a 96W capable AC adapter would not charge any faster nor damage either the iPhone or iPad.
Can I use 61W to charge MacBook Pro 16? ›You can use a compatible higher wattage adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. Lower wattage adapters don't provide enough power." No damage will result, to anything. "Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, and 87W varieties.
What happens if you use 65W charger instead of 30W? ›About the battery health/life, there's no need to worry about it. I hope this helps. Yes you can but, it will charge at the same speed at which it charges with your out of the box charger at 30w and it will not damage or degrade your battery. So, there is no point in getting a 65w charger.
Can I use 67W charger? ›Can I use 67w charger of MacBook 2021 for iphoneSe 2020? Yes. Any Apple “USB” power adaptor can safely charge any iPhone. The actual battery charger is built-into your phone, and will only “draw” as much power from the adaptor as it needs and can safely use.
What happens if you use a 65W charger instead of 45w? ›If your computer requires 45w, but your power supply can provide 65w, you will be fine. As long as it is the same voltage and connector type you can use a higher watt adapter. It will charge the battery a bit faster but other than and the size of the brick you will see no difference.
How do I know what type of charger to buy for my laptop? ›Your old laptop charger should have a model number on it which can be used to buy a new one that is compatible with your laptop. You can also find out what type of charger your laptop takes by looking on the bottom of the laptop.
What is the difference between T type and L type MacBook charger? ›Apple changed the "old" T-models with new L-models. However, they are exactly the same and I've been using a 85Watt MagSafe charger for years now as it charges much faster. Just do it, and nothing will change, except if you go from 45/60 watt to 85 (it will load faster :)).
How many watts should my MacBook charger be? ›
Almost all computers that charge via USB-C have a maximum charge speed of 60 watts—but the 15-inch MacBook Pro can charge at up to 87 watts, and the 2019 16-inch and 2021 14-inch model maxes out at 96 watts, making them the most noteworthy exceptions.
How many watts should a MacBook Pro charger be? ›14-inch MacBook Pro (2021 or later)
On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast charge with the following combinations of power sources and cables: 140W USB-C Power Adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or USB-C charge cable.
Overview. The 30W USB‑C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go. While the power adapter is compatible with any USB‑C device, Apple recommends using it with MacBook Air. You can also use it with select iPhone and iPad Pro models to take advantage of the fast-charging feature.
What happens if I use the wrong MacBook charger? ›You will not harm anything using the incorrect adapter. The charging circuitry in Intel Macs is very sophisticated and won't let anything bad happen.
What happens if I use the wrong charger for my MacBook Pro? ›You will likely just get a slower charge since there is less voltage going across the line. There is always greater risk of using a higher powered adapter, though. Current MacBook airs use a 35 Watt power supply, whereas MacBook Pros use a 60 W power supply.
Can I use a higher rated charger for laptop? ›Using a higher wattage charger is perfectly safe. This is because the Laptop is designed in such a way as there is the maximum power that can be drawn by the system. A higher wattage charger can supply this power easily and hence you won't run into any issues.
What to do if you lost your laptop charger? ›- Charge your laptop via USB-C.
- Use an adapter to charge your laptop in a vehicle.
- Charge your laptop with a power bank.
You can use either a USB-A to Lightning cable or the newer USB-C to Lightning cable with your iPhone. You can use any of the adapters listed below to charge your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or iPod. You can also use a Mac USB-C Power Adapter or third-party adapters that comply with applicable safety standards.
Can I use 96W charger on MacBook Pro 13? ›A: Yes, it actually can be used on ANY Macbook laptop, regardless of Air/Pro or otherwise so long as it has a USB-C port. Even though it's rated for 96W, that's only it's maximum. It can charge any device up to that wattage.
Can I charge my 13 inch MacBook Pro with a 15 inch charger? ›You can use a compatible higher wattage adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. Lower wattage adapters don't provide enough power. So yes, you can use the 15" charger for the 13", but not the other way around as the 13" won't provide enough power for the 15".