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rKunda

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jul 14, 2008
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Been considering a spare charger for the new MBA. I don’t understand the nuances of charging profiles etc. is there an advantage to the base Apple 30w charger over the cheaper 30w anker one that’s much smaller?
 
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As long as the substitute is quality built there shouldn’t be problem. Anker typically seems to have good reviews.

Within reason, it’s the circuitry design in the MBA that determines power acceptance levels. You could use a 100watt charger and the computer wouldn’t care. It would only accept the 30watts it’s designed to take.

It’s much like going to hardware store and buying a replacement lightbulb. Within reason, your home light fixture doesn’t care if you screw in a 25watt bulb or a 100watt bulb (heat issues and circuit breaker maximum rating not being considered).

If it was me I’d buy a bigger charger, say 45+watts, with additional USB port(s) to allow greater flexibility. Plus it (the charger) will likely run cooler since it wouldn’t be running near it’s designed maximum limit.
 
Stick to good name brands and you're fine

Most of the time I just use my 20W Anker Nano III charger found Here since I don't need to charge very often

Better yet you could just get Anker's 30W Powerport charger found Here and that will work great too.

Another charger I have around the house is this one from Nekteck found Here. That gives you 60W of power for the same price or slightly less than the Anker's 30W charger above. I can also use it for other laptops that can take higher watts than the MBA. No matter how much watts are supplied by the charger your MBA will regulate the max input of watts that it can take, which is 30W.

A good guide to check out is from Wirecutter on Laptop chargers found Here.

There are lots of good choices out there now a days from really solid aftermarket suppliers
 
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I've been using an Anker 30w type-c + USB dual charger, and have had no issues with that.
 
Was about to start my own thread!
Unlike the OP, I was hoping that replacing my [new M1] MBA's charger with the Anker 60W would allow it to charge faster. I traded down from an Intel MBP and miss the fast charging speed.

Does this work? Or is the MBA limited to 30W no matter what charger I use?
Specifically, I bought this Anker 60W Power Delivery Fast Charger , and came here to ask
(1) is it safe to use with the M1 MBA
(2) will it charge at the faster 60W speed
(3) will is charging speed be limited by using the cable it came with?

I have similar questions about using the Anker Nano Charger PIQ 3.0 with my iPhone 11 Pro, but I'm more convinced that will work without issue.

More concerned about the MBA - and if purchasing the charger is a waste of money because the computer or the cable is limiting its efficacy.

Thanks.
 
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Was about to start my own thread!
Unlike the OP, I was hoping that replacing my [new M1] MBA's charger with the Anker 60W would allow it to charge faster. I traded down from an Intel MBP and miss the fast charging speed.

Does this work? Or is the MBA limited to 30W no matter what charger I use?
Specifically, I bought this Anker 60W Power Delivery Fast Charger , and came here to ask
(1) is it safe to use with the M1 MBA
(2) will it charge at the faster 60W speed
(3) will is charging speed be limited by using the cable it came with?

I have similar questions about using the Anker Nano Charger PIQ 3.0 with my iPhone 11 Pro, but I'm more convinced that will work without issue.

More concerned about the MBA - and if purchasing the charger is a waste of money because the computer or the cable is limiting its efficacy.

Thanks.
The M1 MacBook Air does appear to charge at over 30 watts. I've seen mine charge at 32+ watts (via coconutBattery) with a 45 watt 3rd party charger. Not sure what it'll do with a 60W charger.

Meanwhile, the included Apple 30W charger seems to charge the MBA at around 26W.
 
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The M1 MacBook Air does appear to charge at over 30 watts. I've seen mine charge at 32+ watts (via coconutBattery) with a 45 watt 3rd party charger. Not sure what it'll do with a 60W charger.

Meanwhile, the included Apple 30W charger seems to charge the MBA at around 26W.
Agreed, I use a 61W RavPower GaN charger while using my MBA on full screen brightness it charges at 35-36W. I wouldn't be surprised if I closed the lid that it charges at 40W? 45W?

If you run through your battery a lot just buy the 61-65W GaN chargers, they're just as small as the 30W apple charger and cost probably half as much
 
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