MacBook Compatible Cables and Chargers

MacBook charger types

Apple laptops come in a few different models: the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Each one uses a different charger, depending on its design and year of release, but doesn’t mean it’s hard to find the right charger for any one of them. They come in two types of connector ports, which are MagSafe and USB-C. The original MagSafe is considered “L-shaped” because of its design style, while MagSafe 2 is “T-shaped.” Then there are the USB-C chargers that are more prominent in newer MacBooks.

There are also different wattage varieties to bear in mind, ranging from as low as 29W to as high as 96W. You do need to use the appropriate connector and wattage for your MacBook, though you won’t damage your laptop if you use one with a higher wattage. It just won’t charge faster. However, if you use one with a lower wattage, it will either charge slowly or not generate enough power to the laptop.

USB-C adapters and cables are convenient because they use the most common charging port available. Many devices already use USB-C, and for MacBooks that use it, the advantage is that USB-C cables can transfer both power and data at the same time. Another is that there are third-party adapters and cables that can work with these laptops, so you don’t have to use an official Apple one if you don’t want to.

MacBook adapters and cables

Not all ports are available on every MacBook laptop, so adapters can help bridge the gap and ensure compatibility instead. Some MacBooks will only come with USB-C ports and a headphone jack, but nothing else. No USB-A, no HDMI, no memory card slot, and no extra ports.

Adapters come in a variety of designs and specialties. You can often find unique multifunction adapters made for MacBooks that plug in to either one or both USB-C ports. Plug in components and peripherals to the adapter and you can use them on the laptop without issue. This is important if you need them for your workstation at home or work. With HDMI or Mini DisplayPort, you can plug in a larger external monitor for a desktop experience.

Some can be singular in focus, like a USB-A-to-USB-C or a memory card adapter. Ethernet for wired Internet connections may be another. Some older ports, like VGA and DVI, are also compatible through the proper adapters, bridging together technology in a convenient way.

When is the right time to get a charger or adapter?

Chargers can last a long time, provided you treat them with the same care you give your laptop. However, sometimes adapters and cables can start to degrade because of repeated twisting, pulling, heating or cooling cycles or power fluctuations from the electrical grid. There’s also the danger of using a malfunctioning charger or losing one or both of these components.

It may be a good idea to have an extra adapter and cable for travel purposes. Apple’s adapters also feature a removable plug that you can replace with one compatible in a different part of the world. Even if you don’t have that, they can handle voltage in other countries, so long as you use a plug adapter that fits in the outlets there.

Apple’s USB-C cables are designated by a “Designed by Apple” marker on the cable that also includes a serial number associated with the type of charger it works with. It’s good to know in case you need to replace the cable and not the adapter itself. That doesn’t mean third-party cables won’t work, only it’s better to use those that offer appropriate levels of power and data transfer.