Which Charger Do You Need for Your MacBook [2009 – 2021]

　　MacBook chargers generally do not last long. Many people have to buy several charges over 5-6 years. Once the power adapter is dead, you may not remember which one you need to buy for your MacBook, and this article is going to help with your purchase.

　　Which MacBook charger do you need?

　　Owners of MacBook Air 2018 and newer and MacBook Pro 2016 and newer (including M1) need USB-C chargers. Owners of 2009-2010 MacBooks need either L or T-shaped MagSafe power adapters. The rest need MagSafe 2 power adapters. However, the wattage depends on the MacBook model, year, and size.

　　Here’s the process you should use when shopping for a power adapter:

　　Identify the MacBook model

　　Find the right charger from the tables below

　　Buy a genuine Apple charger

　　Table of Contents

　　How To Identify the MacBook model

　　Are all MacBook chargers the same?

　　Using MacBook Air charger for MacBook Pro

　　Using a MacBook Pro charger for MacBook Air

　　What is the difference between MagSafe and MagSafe 2?

　　Are MagSafe L and T interchangeable?

　　How to identify an original MacBook charger?

　　Are fake MacBook chargers safe?

　　Replacement MacBook chargers

　　MacBook Air Chargers

　　MacBook Pro 13″ Chargers

　　MacBook Pro 15″/16″ Chargers

　　MacBook Pro 17″ Chargers

　　MacBook (not Air or Pro) Chargers

　　How To Identify the MacBook model

　　Before purchasing any parts, you need to know the specifications of your computer.

　　To identify MacBook year and model follow these steps:

　　Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen

　　In the dropdown menu click on the first item “About This Mac”

　　Under Overview tab locate the information about the MacBook type, size, and year.

　　Identify MacBook model and year

　　For instance, in the screenshot above, I have MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, early 2015).

　　Now I can locate my laptop in the MacBook Pro 13-inch model table and see that I need 60W MagSafe 2 power adapter.

　　The table also has an Amazon link which I can use to order the charger I need.

　　But before you proceed with the purchase, let me answer some commonly asked questions about MacBook chargers.

　　Click here to scroll down to tables.

　　Are all MacBook chargers the same?

　　As you can see from the table below, there are four different types of MacBook chargers: USB-C, MagSafe 2, L-shaped MagSafe, T-shaped MagSafe. They also differ by wattage.

　　For instance, the MagSafe 2 power adapter comes with 45W, 60W, and 85W variations.

　　Using MacBook Air charger for MacBook Pro

　　According to Apple, it is acceptable to use power adapters with different wattages with MacBooks with a caveat. When using a charger from MacBook Air with a more powerful MacBook Pro expect a longer charging time.

　　For example, a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2012-2015 requires 60W MagSafe 2 charger.

　　However, it is possible to use a 45W MagSafe 2 charger (the one that comes with MacBook Air) without any issues. The difference is that the 45W power adapter has less power, and it may not charge fast enough while MacBook Pro is under heavy load.

　　I have both 45W and 60W chargers at home and found that 60W charger indeed works faster than the less powerful one.

　　At the same time, I was able to charge with a 45W adapter while watching YouTube videos. So yes, you can use a lower wattage charger with your MacBook.

　　Using a MacBook Pro charger for MacBook Air

　　It is perfectly safe to use a MacBook Pro power adapter on lower-wattage models, such as MacBook Air as long as the charging ports are compatible. However, a more powerful charger can wear out the MacBook battery prematurely.

　　For example, a MacBook Air 2012-2017 model requires 45W MagSafe 2 charger. But it is ok to use a 60W charger of a MacBook Pro with it.

　　A power adapter with more watts will charge MacBook Air faster.

　　On the other hand, the faster the battery is charging, the more heat it generates. Eventually, the extra heat may degrade the MacBook Air battery faster.

　　I have both MacBook Air 13-inch 2014 and MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 models.

　　I use their chargers interchangeably, and I never had any issues in 4 years with either one. And I didn’t notice any abnormal battery degradation personally.

　　What is the difference between MagSafe and MagSafe 2?

　　MagSafe 1 comes in two shapes: L and T.

　　MagSafe 2 comes only in T shape.

　　Both MagSafe and MagSafe 2 T-style power adapters, look almost the same. The only difference is MagSafe 2 is longer and thinner while MagSafe 1 (the older one) is slightly shorter and thicker.

　　MagSafe and MagSafe 2 are not interchangeable due to size differences.

　　Are MagSafe L and T interchangeable?

　　Yes, MagSafe 1 power adapters that come in L and T shapes are interchangeable. MagSafe 2 adapters are not interchangeable with either type of MagSafe 1 chargers.

　　How to identify an original MacBook charger?

　　It is tough to tell the difference between fake and original MacBook charger.

　　Counterfeit chargers lately have the same external attributes: look, labels, and even serial numbers. The only way to tell the difference is by connecting the charger and then checking the System Report.

　　Steps to identify the original MacBook charger:

　　Plugin the power adapter to the AC and plug it into the MacBook.

　　Start Spotlight Search and type in System Information.

　　In the System Information app, click on the Power section under Hardware.

　　Scroll all the way down and find the AC Charger Information section.

　　The original charger has a unique serial number. If the serial number is not all zeroes, then the charger is genuine.

　　Original MacBook Charger has serial number

　　

　　Here’s how the fake charger looks in System Information:

　　Fake MacBook charger does not have serial number

　　Are fake MacBook chargers safe?

　　According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) study “consumers face potentially fatal risks after 99% of fake Apple chargers failed a basic safety test.”

　　While the research was done on 400 various iPhone chargers, it is reasonable to assume that more expensive MacBook charges carry similar safety risks.

　　Replacement MacBook chargers

　　You can buy so-called replacement chargers on Amazon, and they usually cost 3-4 times less than original ones.

　　Out of curiosity, I tore down both original and replacement chargers, and here’s what I found:

　　Replacement charger is not UL-certified and does not have serial number

　　Replacement chargers do not have the Apple logo on the side, and also they are not certified by UL.

　　I don’t know about you, but I would never buy anything that was not properly certified. Especially, if it can fry my expensive laptop.

　　Replacement chargers have a comparable number of components inside. The only thing I noticed is the lack of isolation between parts, which potentially can cause overheating and fire hazards.

　　By the way, fake chargers are one of the top reasons why MacBooks overheat and lose battery charge quickly.

　　More isolation in original charger (on the right)

　　MacBook Air Chargers

　　Here’s the table of MacBook Air chargers.

　　I also included links to Apple and Amazon websites, so you can make a purchase if needed.

　　MBA 13″ Model and YearPower Adapter

　　MacBook Air (M1, 2020)30W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, 2020)30W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, 2019)30W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, 2018)30W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, 2017)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (11″, early 2015)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, early 2015)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (11″, early 2014)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, early 2014)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (11″, mid 2013)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, mid 2013)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (11″, mid 2012)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, mid 2012)45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

　　MacBook Air (13″, mid 2011)45W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Air (11″, mid 2011)45W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Air (13″, late 2010)45W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Air (11″, late 2010)45W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Air (mid 2009)45W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Air Power Adapters (2009-2021)

　　You can buy chargers from Amazon:

　　

　　Apple 30W USB-C

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Air 2018-2020

　　Check the Price

　　You will need to buy the cable for the USB-C power adapter too.

　　Apple 45W MagSafe 2

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Air 2012-2017

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger

　　Apple L-shaped

　　MagSafe Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Air 2009-2011

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″ Chargers

　　MBP 13″ Model and YearPower Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, M1, 202061W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, 202061W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, 201961W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, 201861W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, 201761W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, 201661W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″, early 201560W MagSafe 2 charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″, mid 201460W MagSafe 2 charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″, late 201360W MagSafe 2 charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″, early 201360W MagSafe 2 charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″, late 201260W MagSafe 2 charger

　　MacBook Pro 13″, mid 201260W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 13″, late 201160W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 13″, early 201160W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 13″, mid 201060W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 13″, mid 200960W T-shaped MagSafe adapter

　　MacBook Pro 13″ Chargers, 2009-2020

　　You can buy chargers from Amazon:

　　

　　Apple 61W USB-C

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 2016-2020

　　Check the Price

　　You will need to buy the cable for the USB-C power adapter too.

　　

　　

　　Apple 60W MagSafe 2

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro

　　late 2012 – 2015

　　Check the Price

　　60W MagSafe L-shaped

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro

　　2009-mid 2012

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″/16″ Chargers

　　MBP 15″/16″ Model and YearPower Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 16″, 201996W USBC Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 15″, 201987W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 15″, 201887W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 15″, 201787W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 15″, 201687W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 15″, mid 201585W MagSafe 2 Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″, mid 201485W MagSafe 2 Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″, late 201385W MagSafe 2 Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″, early 201385W MagSafe 2 Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″ Retina mid 201285W MagSafe 2 Charger

　　MacBook Pro 15″, mid 201285W L shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, late 201185W L shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, early 201185W L shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, mid 201085W L shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, 2.53GHz, mid 200960W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, mid 200985W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, late 200885W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, early 200885W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, Core 2 Duo85W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″, glossy85W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 15″ Chargers, 2008-2020

　　You can buy chargers from Amazon:

　　

　　Apple 96W USB-C

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 16″ 2019

　　Check the Price

　　

　　Apple 87W USB-C

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 15″ 2016-2019

　　Check the Price

　　You will need to buy the cable for the USB-C power adapter too.

　　

　　Apple 85W MagSafe 2

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 15″

　　mid 2012 – 2015

　　Check the Price

　　85W MagSafe L-shaped

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 15″

　　2010-mid 2012

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger

　　MacBook Pro 17″ Chargers

　　MBP 17″ Model and YearPower Adapter

　　MacBook Pro 17″, late 201185W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, early 201185W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, mid 201085W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, mid 200985W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, early 200985W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, late 200885W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, early 200885W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, 2.4GHz85W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″, Core 2 Duo85W T-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook Pro 17″85W T-shaped MagSafe

　　You can still buy some chargers from Amazon:

　　85W MagSafe L-shaped

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook Pro 17″

　　2011 – 2011

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger

　　MacBook (not Air or Pro) Chargers

　　MB Model and YearPower Adapter

　　MacBook 12″, 201730W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook 12″, Early 201630W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook 12″, Early 201530W USB-C Power Adapter

　　MacBook 13″, Mid 201060W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook 13″, Late 200960W L-shaped MagSafe

　　MacBook 13″, Mid 200960W T-shaped MagSafe Power Adapter

　　MacBook 13″, Early 200960W T-shaped MagSafe Power Adapter

　　You can buy chargers from Amazon:

　　

　　Apple 30W USB-C

　　Power Adapter

　　for MacBook 12″

　　Check the Price

　　You will need to buy the cable for the USB-C power adapter too.

　　Apple 60W L-shaped

　　MagSafe Power Adapter

　　for MacBook 2009-2010

　　Buy Original ChargerBuy Replacement Charger