While Apple provides a USB-C power adapter for all its MacBooks, having a spare charger is a great idea. You don’t have to sit and wait for your device to charge to start using it. There are many premium chargers from trusted brands that are more affordable than Apple’s pricey chargers, and RAVPower has some of the best.
But before you buy a charger for your MacBook Pro, it’s important to understand wattage requirements. MacBooks have different power requirements, and getting the right charger will ensure you maximize battery life.
Charger Wattage Requirements for Different MacBooks
| Device | Charger Wattage Requirements |
| MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) | 96 W |
| MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) | 140 W |
| MacBook Pro (15-inch) | 87 W |
| MacBook Pro (14-inch) | 67 W or 96 W |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016 and later) | 61 W or 67 W |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020 and later) | 96 W |
| MacBook Air (2022 and later) | 30 W, 35 W, 67 W, or 70 W |
Larger MacBooks often need more powerful chargers to fill up their batteries at top speeds.
Understanding Charger Wattage
Electrical power is measured in watts (W), which is the rate of energy transfer. A charger with more watts has faster charging and multi-device charging capabilities. But it’s worth noting that a high-wattage charger won’t necessarily make your Mac charge faster. For example, if your MacBook is designed to use a 45W charger, it won’t draw more than 45W if you use a 100W charger.
If a charger’s wattage isn’t indicated, use this calculation: Watts = Volts x Amps. When you know the wattage, you can make an informed decision and buy the right charger for your MacBook.
What is Fast Charging?
Fast charging requires three things:
- A device capable of fast charging
- Knowledge of the maximum charging speed of your device(s)
- The correct power source
To make devices charge faster, most manufacturers either vary a charger’s voltage or boost the amperage to increase the potential energy. Standard USB 3.0 ports output 5V/1A for small devices, and most phones are capable of handling 5V/2.4A. For fast charging, manufacturers increase voltage to 9V or 12V and above, and amperage to 3A and above. USB-C supports up to 100W and 20V, making faster charging speeds possible.
Most new MacBook Pro models, introduced in 2021 or later, support fast charging, going from 0% to 50% in around 45 minutes. Confirm if your Mac supports fast charging and the maximum wattage it can handle. Then get a charger that supports the wattage. The maximum charge speed is usually displayed in watts.
How to Choose the Best Charger for Your MacBook
Compatibility: Ensure the charger you buy is compatible with your MacBook model. Refer to your MacBook’s manual to know its charging requirements. The wattage rating must correspond with your MacBook’s requirements.
Portability: A portable power bank is ideal for travel. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around. You can throw one in your bag as you head out for vacation or business trips.
USB-C or MagSafe: Some older MacBooks use a MagSafe charger, while some newer models use a USB-C charger. Get the right battery pack for your Mac.
Cable length: A longer cable may be better if you typically use your MacBook while it’s charging. But the longer the cable, the more resistance. So don’t get a very long cable as your phone might charge slowly.
Brand reputation: Buy a charger from a reputable brand such as RAVPower. With over 45 million global users, you can be sure you’re buying a high-quality product that’s capable of powering your device efficiently.
The Best RAVPower Chargers for Your MacBook Pro
200W USB-C 6 Port GaN Desktop Charger: AF-PC008
If you find yourself needing to routinely charge more than six devices simultaneously, get the RP-PC151. Offering 200W, the GaN Charger can power 3 MacBooks, 2 mobile phones, and earbuds at once. The charger has 6 ports which deliver enough power for all your devices. The USBC1/2 ports output 140W, the USBC3 outputs 45W, the USBC4 outputs 20W, while the USBA1/2 output 18W. The USBC1 and USBC2 ports can fully charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro in 1.5 hours.
The power bank offers universal compatibility and can charge the following devices:
- Laptops: MacBook series, Dell XPS series, HP Spectre x360 15”, Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- Gaming devices: Nintendo Switch, Sony PS5, Xbox Series X, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally
- Phones and Tablets: iPhone 15 14 13 12 series and Samsung Galaxy S23 S21 series
- Other Devices: Smartwatch, GoPro, AirPods, and DJI Mavic 3
This power bank for MacBooks is small and compact and will help you say goodbye to tangled cables and wire clutter. It is ideal for office desks because it saves precious desktop space. Safety features protect your devices when charging. RAVPower also provides a 140W USB C cable and a 4.9ft AC cable.
100W GaN II DUAL USB-C Wall Charger: RP-PC151
This GaN II charger has enough power to take a 16” MacBook Pro from 0% to 100% in 1.7 hours. It fully charges the iPad Air 4 in 2.2 hours and the iPad Pro 11 in 2 hours. It cleverly distributes 100W of power between its 2 USB-C PD ports to fast charge 2 devices at once.
GaN II maximizes charging efficiency and ensures the charger produces less heat. It’s small in size but super fast. It’s also 35% smaller and a lot lighter than Apple’s 96W charger. Additionally, Apple’s charger only comes with one USB C port.
This 100W wall charger for Macs is compatible with many devices, such as:
- Laptops: MacBook series and Dell XPS series
- Phones and Tablets: iPhone 15 and older series, Samsung Galaxy S23 and older series, iPad Pro/Mini/Air
- Gaming devices: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck
- Other Devices: Smartwatch, GoPro, and AirPods
This MacBook wall charger supports USB PD 3.0 and PPS to juice up all your USB-C-powered mobile devices. It’s equipped with advanced safety features and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Choose a MacBook Charger with the Right Wattage
Nothing feels as good as being able to charge your Mac on the go. You don’t have to worry about running out of power on long trips when you’re working remotely. For the best charging experience, use a RAVPower charger that provides the right wattage for your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or MacBook.
Meta Description: If you’re in the market for a MacBook charger, take time to understand charger wattage so you can buy the best.