Looking for the best MacBook chargers? Then you probably know that MacBooks already come with a suitable charger, made by Apple. There are several reasons, though, you may need another one. Perhaps you've lost or damaged the original. Or maybe you want a spare for travel or separate chargers for your home and office.
Either way, you don't need to pay the high prices Apple charges for their official chargers. There are a number of excellent chargers from third parties that cost less, are often lighter, and will do the job just as well. Some of them have extra functionality too.
To help you find the right one, we've gathered a list of the best MacBook chargers on the market today. Note that as well as the charger, you'll also need a USB-C to USB-C charging cable or USB-C to MagSafe cable. Again, you can either buy these directly from Apple or get a cheaper one from a third party.
The important thing when it comes to choosing a charger is the wattage. In general, you'll want to match the wattage on the adapter your MacBook came with. (If you've lost it, you can find out here.) However, if you want a multi-port adapter that you can use to charge other devices at the same time, you'll want a higher wattage than the official charger.
With all that in mind, read on to discover the best MacBook chargers on the market today, and the specs you need to choose the best one for you.
Gareth Bevan
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. With several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, shooting for some household names, he has learned a thing or two about cameras and the photography industry. Outside of photography, expect to find him cycling around London, or deep in a Netflix binge.
This is the best charger you can get combining a tiny size with a huge amount of power, overkill for just your iPhone alone, but great for several devices. Read more below...
With one 140W connection this can power even the most demanding of laptops. Or with two USB-C and one USB-A connection, you can get all your gadgets topped up in no time. Read more below...
This is one of the most powerful solutions to powering a whole desk full of devices, including multiple laptops at the same time via its 300W of total output. Read more below...
If you want to keep your laptop topped up with power around the world then there is no simpler way to do that than with this charger from Ugreen – just pop in the right plug configuration and you're good to go.
With only one port, there is nothing complicated about this charger from Anker, and it is the best laptop charger for just a single device – and much smaller than Apple's own version.
6. Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN with 15W MagSafe Charging Station
Charge your laptop and an iPhone at the same time – with 100W of power through USB-C you can keep most laptops topped up, while the MagSafe array allows you to pop your phone up and use it as a display.
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Best laptop charger overall
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
The 100W model stands out as my top pick when considering its size-to-power ratio. The Anker 100W is a compact, high-powered charger that liberates you from the burden of lugging around cumbersome chargers or, even worse, chargers with separate bulky power bricks. With this charger, you can easily keep your non-gaming laptops running at full throttle throughout the day from a single port, and it even offers three ports to rapidly charge all your devices when the need arises.
What truly amazes me is the reduction in size that Anker has achieved with this charger. It's incredibly lightweight, and you can effortlessly slip it into your pocket when necessary. The Anker 100W boasts a sleek design and sturdy construction, although it does tend to heat up when operating at maximum capacity.
Equipped with two USB-C ports supporting Power Delivery (PD) up to 100W, it can efficiently charge most laptops, tablets, and smartphones at their optimal speeds. Additionally, it features one USB-A port for older or lower-power devices that still rely on this connection. The charger also incorporates a smart chip that detects connected devices and adjusts the output to ensure safe and efficient charging for all your gadgets.
Size: 17.1 x 13.5 x 5.7 cm (6.73 x 5.32 x 2.24 in)
Weight: 560 g (19.75 oz)
Reasons to buy
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Fast 140W single port charge
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Powerful charge for up to three devices at once
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Intelligent power switching
Reasons to avoid
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Quite large
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Headline speed diminishes quickly when all ports are used
The Ugreen Nexode 140W 3-port charger stands as one of the most potent wall chargers available for your laptop, and it's even possible to charge two low-powered laptops simultaneously with it. For a single device, it has some immense power, featuring 140W single-port charging, and easily accommodates even the most power-hungry laptops and devices.
Even when utilizing all three ports, there's ample power to sustain less power-hungry laptops while keeping your phone and other devices fully charged. I rigorously tested this charger by pushing it to the limit with my laptop and a phone, and it flawlessly maintained all my devices without any issues like power drop-offs or overheating.
The charger itself exhibits an elegant and appealing design. It's lightweight, although slightly larger than some of the lower-powered alternatives on the market, so it may occupy a bit more space in your bag or around your wall outlet. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option out there, its exceptional power should make it a worthwhile investment.
If you're in the market for a charger that can power up your MacBook alongside several other devices concurrently, look no further than this Ugreen charger. It leads the way in terms of both power and connectivity, boasting an impressive combined charging capacity of 300W spread across its five USB ports.
The Nexode 300W charger adeptly supplied power to and charged all the devices on my desk, including MacBooks, phones, tablets, and cameras. While the charger did generate some heat, it remained well within acceptable levels, and not once did it experience any power interruptions or drops during testing.
Although many of your current devices may not fully utilize the rapid charging speeds this Ugreen charger offers from each port, it provides excellent future-proofing for upcoming devices that can take advantage of its capabilities. The Nexode charger exhibits an attractive design, but it's worth noting that it's somewhat weighty, and its lengthy power cable may not be the most convenient for those needing portability on the go. This charger is better suited as a permanent addition to your desk, serving as a reliable power hub.
For those who are constantly on the move, I recommend considering the Ugreen Nexode 65W 3-Port Travel Charger, a great solution to solving your power needs around the globe. This charger's straightforward and user-intuitive design, equipped with click-in and out international plugs, ensures hassle-free charging and compatibility with a variety of global wall outlets. Furthermore, the included soft case not only keeps all components organized but also safeguards the charger and its accessories during travel, reducing the risk of misplacing these crucial items.
While there are smaller and more potent chargers available, I've found that the Nexode 65W charger strikes an excellent balance between size and functionality. It delivers a 65W power output, suitable for a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to certain laptops.
Whether you're a frequent traveler like me or simply in search of a multi-device charger for home use and occasional getaways, I believe the Ugreen 65W charger is a clever choice for a more streamlined and efficient portable power solution.
The best laptop charger for just one device at a time
Specifications
Max charging wattage: 65W
Ports: 1
Dimensions: 42 x 36 x 44mm
Weight: 112g
Reasons to buy
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Fast-charge M2 Air
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Suitable for 13-inch MacBook Pro
Reasons to avoid
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Only one port
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Won't power an 16-inch M2 Max
The newest iteration of the M2 MacBook Air introduces a welcome feature: support for fast charging using a 65W or higher power adapter. If you're looking to expedite the recharging process of your laptop and get back to work or entertainment in no time, we have an excellent charger recommendation for you.
Anker offers a charger that not only stands out for its effectiveness but also for its compact design and cost-effectiveness when compared to Apple's official charger. This Anker charger proves to be a stellar alternative for MacBook Air users aiming to maximize charging efficiency. However, its appeal doesn't end there.
This charger is also great for anyone with a 13-inch MacBook Pro, while Apple's official charger outputs 67W, a 2W power difference is pretty negligible. This small sacrifice means you can save a bit of money, and have a nicer-looking and more compact charger.
Single port output: 15W (MagSafe), 100W (USB-C), 100W (USB-C), 22.5W (USB-A)
Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Size: 15.2 x 11.5 x 11.2 cm (5.98 x 4.53 x 4.41 in)
Reasons to buy
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MagSafe makes your iPhone a desktop display
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100W power is enough for most laptops
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Great looking device
Reasons to avoid
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Maximum power outputs drop quickly with multiple devices
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Not really portable
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Confusing power combinations
The Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN charger is a delightful addition to my meticulously arranged desktop setup, thanks to its 15W MagSafe feature that brings a touch of elegance when I place my iPhone on the MagSafe charger in landscape mode, it transforms into a beautiful desktop clock, merging functionality with style. In general, the charger’s design is visually appealing and enhances the overall look of my workspace.
The charger’s robust 100-watt output provides ample power to charge my MacBook or phone through its two USB-C ports or lower-powered devices through the single USB-A port, which makes the charger very versatile. However, the 100W single port rating does drop quite a bit when multiple ports (or the MagSafe pad) are in use at the same time.
The only feature I find missing is a second wireless charger beneath the top surface, which would have been ideal for charging my AirPods or Apple Watch, thereby increasing its versatility. Nevertheless, given the rarity of chargers that offer both wireless charging and a powerful desktop charger combination, this is one of the best desktop chargers I’ve used.
Charging your MacBook need not be confined to a fixed wall socket; there are now chargers that offer remarkable mobility and prowess to keep your laptop powered on the go. One such standout is the Anker Prime power bank, featuring an impressive 20,000mAh battery capacity, which is sufficient to charge even a 16-inch MacBook Pro a couple of times over. What's even more noteworthy is its substantial 200W maximum output, ensuring your MacBook operates at full throttle wherever you are.
This power bank's display is more than just a flashy feature. It serves as an invaluable tool, providing precise information such as the remaining power percentage and a countdown timer for monitoring battery charging and discharging. Furthermore, the display offers real-time insights into your devices' charging speed, helping you determine which devices to charge with optimal output. This feature enhances the overall efficiency and usability of the power bank, and makes it my favorite power bank right now.
Size: 104.5 x 78.4 x 33.8 mm (4.11 x 3.09 x 1.33 in)
Weight: 656 g (23 oz)
Reasons to buy
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All the power a deskful of devices is going to need
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Looks sleek
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Single port power enough for demanding devices
Reasons to avoid
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Stand for charger isn’t stable enough
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Hardwired in mains power
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Not made for traveling
The Anker Prime 240W desktop charger has proven to be a valuable addition to my workspace, effectively addressing the issue of managing multiple cables from various outlets in my power strip. The charger boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, although the stand struggles to keep the charger upright, and the fixed power cable restricts optimal positioning.
Nonetheless, if you’re seeking a solution for powering multiple devices simultaneously, this charger is an excellent choice. Its 240W capacity, distributed across four outlets, effortlessly accommodated my array of devices. Even under the strain of multiple laptops, the charger performed flawlessly and maintained a cool temperature. The single ports, offering 140W or 100W, were particularly useful for my more power-hungry devices.
While the Anker Prime 240W charger is somewhat pricey compared to less powerful alternatives, it’s worth considering whether your devices can fully utilize its power capacity. Despite the cost, investing in this charger could be a prudent move for future-proofing your tech setup.
Very fast charging speeds (if your device supports them)
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Numerical charge indicator
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Big capacity
Reasons to avoid
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A little heavy
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Different max outputs depending on port combinations
When it comes to quickly charging your devices or ensuring your MacBook remains operational on the go, a robust power bank with high-speed ports is a must. The Ugreen power bank excels in both speed and capacity, offering the ideal solution for such needs. While there are other power banks with similar capacities available at a lower price point, few can match the swift charging capabilities packed into a device of this compact size.
With the capacity to deliver 145W of power distributed among its USB ports, including a high-speed 100W-capable USB-C port, this power bank is well-equipped to rapidly charge your MacBook or serve as an extended power reserve. Its substantial capacity allows you to recharge your laptop multiple times over, ensuring extended productivity.
Additionally, the presence of multiple ports makes it possible to run your camera and accessories at the same time, especially in locations where a constant power supply is unavailable. The Ugreen power bank delivers both speed and versatility in a compact package, making it an excellent choice for your charging and power needs on the go.
Capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously
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Lots of ports
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Interchangeable international plugs
Reasons to avoid
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Large size
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No cable included
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No bag or storage for additional plugs
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro has easily become my primary wall charger – with its super powerful performance leaving me thoroughly impressed. With four ports capable of delivering a whopping 140W of power, it effortlessly charges even my most power-hungry laptops at maximum speed. The ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing charging efficiency is a definite plus.
What I find particularly useful is the inclusion of adapters for various countries. This feature not only makes the charger an ideal travel companion but also eliminates the need for separate adapters, saving me both money and the hassle of remembering to pack them!
However, there is a minor downside. The charger's size is quite substantial, which means it occupies a significant amount of space in my bag and around the socket. This can make it challenging to use in confined spaces. It's probably on the larger end of what I'd be comfortable carrying around.
There is no easy answer to this is every laptop has a different minimum and maximum power draw. Laptops like the MacBook Air with M2 chips can get away with running on as little as 30W, although are capable of up to 65W. Larger laptops like the MacBook Pro 16 M2 Max need chargers that are near triple digits in wattage or more. The best thing to do it check the product information for your specific laptop model.
Do I need a specific cable for my laptop charger?
Some laptops have thier own power connections, like Apple's MagSafe connector. However, most laptops also charge via USB-C, even devices like MacBooks or Microsoft Surface devices which have their own power connections can still use their USB-C ports to charge. To charge by USB-C though, you need to make sure that the cable can cover enough power, a lot of cables can carry 100-240W now, which are the ones that you will need. There are still some lower powered options out there though, so make sure you read the wattage before buying.
We choose the best laptop chargers on a number of different criteria. Firstly, the charger needs to be powerful enough to power even the most low powered laptops. In this guide we have included options that cover the whole spectrum of power-draw, from low-power devices like the MacBook Air, to the big daddy of the Macs – the MacBook Pro 16 M2 Max.
We also judge chargers on how useful they are at simultaneously charging other devices that you might use around your laptop, like a phone or keyboard, woth multiple ports. And lastly, we look at build quaility, looks and reliability to ensure the charger looks good and stays safe.
Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.
