Third-Party Macbook Air M2 Fast Chargers

[marvel2]

I'm looking to find a third-party fast charger for my M2 MBA. Primarily because I want the fast charging without the bulk of the OEM Apple 67w charger. Third party charges uses GaN technology to achieve smaller form factors.

Anker makes the 735 charger that's rated at 65W. I'm wondering if this charger will achieve the same charging speeds as Apple 67w charger.

It's only a 2w difference, but Apple seems to make strange amp/volt requirements for their devices to "unlock" the fastest charging speeds. For example, the iPhone will achieve its fastest charge at 9 V/2.2A = 20w, which isn't common to other devices/chargers.



These are the specs of the Anker charger.

Output:

Single Port: USB-C 1 (65W Max) / USB-C 2 (65W Max) / USB-A (22.5W Max)

Dual Port: USB-C 1 + USB-C 2 (45W Max + 20W Max) / USB-C 1 + USB-A (40W Max + 22.5W) / USB-C 2 + USB-A (12W Max + 12W Max)

Triple Port: USB-C 1 (40W Max), USB-C 2 (12W Max), USB-A (12W Max)

 

[pilotkid]

I have the Anker 735 65W charger and use it to fast charge my M2 Air. I can confirm that it quick charges it with the properly rated USB C cable. And its soooo much smaller than the 67W brick that Apple sells.

***Edit: I actually have the Anker 715(I believe the only difference is mine is a single USB-C port) charger but it should work exactly the same way.***

 

[marvel2]

I have the Anker 735 65W charger and use it to fast charge my M2 Air. I can confirm that it quick charges it with the properly rated USB C cable. And its soooo much smaller than the 67W brick that Apple sells.

***Edit: I actually have the Anker 715(I believe the only difference is mine is a single USB-C port) charger but it should work exactly the same way.***

Excellent, thank you! What USB-C cable is required to get the fast charge capability? I suppose something rated for 65W and above? I don't always seem them advertising this on certain cables.

 

[rmadsen3]

I have the Anker 735 65W charger and use it to fast charge my M2 Air. I can confirm that it quick charges it with the properly rated USB C cable. And its soooo much smaller than the 67W brick that Apple sells.

***Edit: I actually have the Anker 715(I believe the only difference is mine is a single USB-C port) charger but it should work exactly the same way.***

MagSafe cable, too, works for Anker fast-charging -- is this correct? Thanks.

 

[pilotkid]

Excellent, thank you! What USB-C cable is required to get the fast charge capability? I suppose something rated for 65W and above? I don't always seem them advertising this on certain cables.

Yea, basically just make sure the USB-C cable is rated with 65W PD or above. I personally would get the Anker braided cable to go along with your charger...Thats what I'm using as well.

 

[geta]

Is it possible to use USB-C/MagSafe cable with Anker 715/735 charger?

 

[marvel2]

I have the Anker 735 65W charger and use it to fast charge my M2 Air. I can confirm that it quick charges it with the properly rated USB C cable. And its soooo much smaller than the 67W brick that Apple sells.

***Edit: I actually have the Anker 715(I believe the only difference is mine is a single USB-C port) charger but it should work exactly the same way.***

I just bought the 735 GaN Prime charger with a USB tester. I'll try and remember to share what I see when it comes to charging.

 

[1BadManVan]

Ugreen makes a nice a compact 65 watt charger as well. No issues with it at all.

 

[Arctic Moose]

I have the 66W Minix Neo P1, but with different branding:

NEO P1

Stay powered up on-the-go with MINIX NEO P1 - a versatile power bank supporting Apple PD 3.0, Android QC4+, QC 3.0, and more. Charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more efficiently with 65W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 and 36W USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 ports.

minix.com.hk

MINIX 66W Turbo 3-Port GaN Wall Charger 2 x USB-C Fast Charging Adapter, 1 x USB-A Quick Charge 3.0, Compatible with MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 15/13/12 mini/11, Galaxy S9 S8 and More (NEO P1)

MINIX 66W Turbo 3-Port GaN Wall Charger 2 x USB-C Fast Charging Adapter, 1 x USB-A Quick Charge 3.0, Compatible with MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 15/13/12 mini/11, Galaxy S9 S8 and More (NEO P1)

www.amazon.com

I prefer the form factor over the alternatives (and both the total volume and the weight is a bit less than the Anker) and it charges plenty fast. I haven't actually measured compared to the standard charger though.

There is also a four-port 100W version, which is quite a bit smaller than the 67W Apple charger:

NEO P3

Experience the power of NEO P3, a versatile charger with USB-C ports up to 100W and GaN Technology. Ideal for trips, work, and entertainment. Supports PD 3.0, PPS, and QC 3.0.

minix.com.hk

 

[marvel2]

I have the 66W Minix Neo P1, but with different branding:

NEO P1

Stay powered up on-the-go with MINIX NEO P1 - a versatile power bank supporting Apple PD 3.0, Android QC4+, QC 3.0, and more. Charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more efficiently with 65W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 and 36W USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 ports.

minix.com.hk

MINIX 66W Turbo 3-Port GaN Wall Charger 2 x USB-C Fast Charging Adapter, 1 x USB-A Quick Charge 3.0, Compatible with MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 15/13/12 mini/11, Galaxy S9 S8 and More (NEO P1)

MINIX 66W Turbo 3-Port GaN Wall Charger 2 x USB-C Fast Charging Adapter, 1 x USB-A Quick Charge 3.0, Compatible with MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 15/13/12 mini/11, Galaxy S9 S8 and More (NEO P1)

www.amazon.com

I prefer the form factor over the alternatives (and both the total volume and the weight is a bit less than the Anker) and it charges plenty fast. I haven't actually measured compared to the standard charger though.

There is also a four-port 100W version, which is quite s bit smaller than the 67W Apple charger:

NEO P3

Experience the power of NEO P3, a versatile charger with USB-C ports up to 100W and GaN Technology. Ideal for trips, work, and entertainment. Supports PD 3.0, PPS, and QC 3.0.

minix.com.hk

That's a nice alternative. If we're splitting hairs, the Anker 735 is smaller in total volume.

Anker 735 dimensions: 2.6 x 1.54 x 1.14 = 4.56 cubic inches
MINIX NEO P1 dimens: 2.08 x 2.08 x 1.2 = 5.19 cubic inches


I was also considering this guy, which isn't cube shape so slips in easier to pouches. It's total volume is the same as the apple 35w dual usb-c charger, but this can charge at 65w fast charging.

Sankton 65w dual usb-c charger: 3.5 x 1.9 x .6 = 3.99 cubic inches
Apple 35w dual usb-c charger: 1.86 x 1.86 x 1.13 = 3.91 cubic inches

SANKTON 65W 2 Port Foldable USB C Slim Wall Charger with Intelligent Power Allocation, Fast PD GaN Charger for iPhone, Samsung, MacBook Pro/Air, iPad, Laptops, White

USB C Charger, SANKTON 65W 2 Port Foldable USB C Slim Wall Charger, Fast PD GaN Charger for iPhone 13/13 Mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/SE/12/11/XR/XS, Samsung, MacBook Pro/Air, iPad, Laptops, White

www.amazon.com

 

[marvel2]

Yea, basically just make sure the USB-C cable is rated with 65W PD or above. I personally would get the Anker braided cable to go along with your charger...Thats what I'm using as well.

Most cables are either 60W or 100W from what I've found. I'm hoping we could just use a cable at 60w for fast charging, but something tells me we're going to need a 100w cable.

 

[Arctic Moose]

That's a nice alternative. If we're splitting hairs, the Anker 735 is smaller in total volume.

So it is, I must have been looking at the spec of the wrong product, or the particular Amazon listing I was looking at was incorrect, sorry! (And, of course, the Anker 715 beats both of those at 4.08 if you actually only have use for one port.)

The Minix is available in white with different branding:

USB C Wall Charger, Aergiatech 65W PD3.0 GaN PPS QC3.0 Type C Fast Charging Power Adapter Foldable 3Port Charger Block for iPhone, for MacBook Pro, for iPad Pro, Switch, Galaxy S22/ S21/S20 White

USB C Wall Charger, Aergiatech 65W PD3.0 GaN PPS QC3.0 Type C Fast Charging Power Adapter Foldable 3Port Charger Block for iPhone, for MacBook Pro, for iPad Pro, Switch, Galaxy S22/ S21/S20 White

www.amazon.com

 

[TailsToo]

I'm looking to find a third-party fast charger for my M2 MBA. Primarily because I want the fast charging without the bulk of the OEM Apple 67w charger. Third party charges uses GaN technology to achieve smaller form factors.

Anker makes the 735 charger that's rated at 65W. I'm wondering if this charger will achieve the same charging speeds as Apple 67w charger.

It's only a 2w difference, but Apple seems to make strange amp/volt requirements for their devices to "unlock" the fastest charging speeds. For example, the iPhone will achieve its fastest charge at 9 V/2.2A = 20w, which isn't common to other devices/chargers.

These are the specs of the Anker charger.

Output:

Single Port: USB-C 1 (65W Max) / USB-C 2 (65W Max) / USB-A (22.5W Max)

Dual Port: USB-C 1 + USB-C 2 (45W Max + 20W Max) / USB-C 1 + USB-A (40W Max + 22.5W) / USB-C 2 + USB-A (12W Max + 12W Max)

Triple Port: USB-C 1 (40W Max), USB-C 2 (12W Max), USB-A (12W Max)

I'm looking to find a third-party fast charger for my M2 MBA. Primarily because I want the fast charging without the bulk of the OEM Apple 67w charger. Third party charges uses GaN technology to achieve smaller form factors.

Anker makes the 735 charger that's rated at 65W. I'm wondering if this charger will achieve the same charging speeds as Apple 67w charger.

It's only a 2w difference, but Apple seems to make strange amp/volt requirements for their devices to "unlock" the fastest charging speeds. For example, the iPhone will achieve its fastest charge at 9 V/2.2A = 20w, which isn't common to other devices/chargers.



These are the specs of the Anker charger.

Output:

Single Port: USB-C 1 (65W Max) / USB-C 2 (65W Max) / USB-A (22.5W Max)

Dual Port: USB-C 1 + USB-C 2 (45W Max + 20W Max) / USB-C 1 + USB-A (40W Max + 22.5W) / USB-C 2 + USB-A (12W Max + 12W Max)

Triple Port: USB-C 1 (40W Max), USB-C 2 (12W Max), USB-A (12W Max)

I always liked Aukey products, and they have a 90w version that will let you charge your phone while fast charging at 65 watts. And it’s about the same price as most of the other 65w ones.

Omnia Mix3 90W GaN 3-Port Fast USB and USB-C PD Wall Charger

Our AUKEY Pa-B6s Omnia Mix3 90w 3-Port Pd Charger Enables You to Charge Faster with Smaller, Lighter-Weight Chargers from AUKEY’s Omnia Series

racktodoor.com

 

[marvel2]

I always liked Aukey products, and they have a 90w version that will let you charge your phone while fast charging at 65 watts. And it’s about the same price as most of the other 65w ones.

Omnia Mix3 90W GaN 3-Port Fast USB and USB-C PD Wall Charger

Our AUKEY Pa-B6s Omnia Mix3 90w 3-Port Pd Charger Enables You to Charge Faster with Smaller, Lighter-Weight Chargers from AUKEY’s Omnia Series

racktodoor.com

I actually have the 60w Dual USB-C Aukey Omnia charger. I tested it with my usb tester and was able to get close to that full 60w charging the charger is capable of.

Only thing I don't like about the 90w Omnia is the size. If I can get ~60w fast charging in about the same form factor as the Apple 35 Dual USB-c charger, I would be very content with that.

 

[Phreddyl]

I have the Anker 735 65W charger and use it to fast charge my M2 Air. I can confirm that it quick charges it with the properly rated USB C cable. And its soooo much smaller than the 67W brick that Apple sells.

***Edit: I actually have the Anker 715(I believe the only difference is mine is a single USB-C port) charger but it should work exactly the same way.***

Still happy with the purchase? Works well? It’s this one right?

Limited-time deal: Anker USB C Charger, 715 Charger (Nano II 65W), GaN II PPS Fast Compact Foldable Charger for MacBook Pro/Air, Galaxy S20/S10, Dell XPS 13, Note 20/10+, iPhone 13/Pro/Mini, iPad Pro, Pixel, and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T5QN2TR?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_JMGZC7CZFS3S16MQP0BR

 

[Rustyfan]

Is it possible to use USB-C/MagSafe cable with Anker 715/735 charger?

Yes, it works fine. I have the 735 myself and use the USB-C Apple Magsafe that came with my M2 Air.

 

[Cliff3]

This article is worth the read: https://www.macworld.com/article/819438/best-macbook-usb-c-charger.html

I opted for an Anker 737 which has power to spare for an MBA, an iPad, and an iPhone. The Anker chargers are all on sale for the next few days.

 

[Jayzer]

Thanks Rustyfan. I'm looking specifically at the 735 too, but the page (on both Amazon & the Anker site) has the specific warning "This charger does not support MagSafe charging for M2 MacBooks. It's recommended to use a standard USB-C to USB-C cable." I did a chat at Anker & the rep confirmed that, for what it's worth. I'll be (trying) to use the 735 with an M2 Air (2022) myself. Can you reconfirm that it's def working with the magsafe? Or anyone else here with similar experience? Thanks!

PS: I'm more than a little confused because there are conflicting reports both here (on other threads) & in the Amazon customer reviews: some say yes it works, others no, meanwhile the 'official' Anker position is no. Any clarification or more experience reports would be much appreciated!

 

[Jayzer]

PS 2: Just now I received an updated response from Anker customer support: "Because of the charging strategy of the M2 Macbook that disconnects its MagSafe port when it receives a power adjustment, there will be disconnections when charging the M2 MacBook with the original Magsafe charging cable with multi-port chargers. It's recommended to use a standard USB-C to USB-C cable to power the M2 Macbook."

This is consistent with other comments I've seen here & from customers on Amazon. My best understanding now is that Anker chargers (and/or other multi-port chargers) will work with the Magsafe cable without issue, as long as it is the ONLY cable drawing power from the charger. If one of the other ports on the charger is drawing power to charge another device, there will inevitably be fluctuations in power delivery via the Magsafe cable, which will cause it to disconnect.

So it appears that problems (if any) are due to "the charging strategy of the M2 Macbook". However, this leaves open the question if the same problems occur with Apple's new 35w dual-port charger. I haven't tested it myself but I'm guessing not, since by now we would have heard a loud chorus of complaints, so it's probably safe to say that the Apple dual-port charger is specifically tailored to the M2's charging strategy.

The other question is whether incompatibility with M2 Magsafe charging is unique to Anker chargers or extends to other brand multi-port chargers using some variant of the IQ system to distribute power among connected devices. If anyone reading this has an answer to that one and can recommend another brand of multi-port charger that avoids such issues, please chime in!

* NOTE: They also pointed out that there are TWO VERSIONS of the 735 charger: Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W) vs. Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W). They say the former model will ONLY work with a USB-C cable, NOT a Magsafe cable (I verified that this model is the only one with the warning on their website and Amazon quoted in my first post). The latter model WILL work with the Magsafe cable when charging only one device individually, to avoid "power adjustments". ... So if you want to use Magsafe, consider only the Anker 735 (Nano II 65W) and avoid the 735 (GaNPrime 65W). They say that is the only one of all their chargers that will not work with Magsafe under any circumstances. (Based on this experience, I'm impressed with Anker's customer service.)

It seems clear from comments above by Rustyfan and others that the 735 (Nano II 65W) and other Anker chargers can function well with a Macbook M2 Magsafe connection, at least if no other devices are connected, which is obviously best for fast charging in any case. Apologies for the length of this post, but hope it includes some info helpful to others with similar questions.

 

[Nahmeanz]

This article is worth the read: https://www.macworld.com/article/819438/best-macbook-usb-c-charger.html

I opted for an Anker 737 which has power to spare for an MBA, an iPad, and an iPhone. The Anker chargers are all on sale for the next few days.

Are you getting Magsafe disconnect issues with the 737 that @Jayzer is mentioning?

Looking too get the Anker 737 to fast charge the Macbook Air 15, an iPhone, and Airpod Pros or Apple Watch at the same time.

 

[nikhsub1]

I use this 100W one and it works great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BF4R1T6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Cliff3]

Are you getting Magsafe disconnect issues with the 737 that @Jayzer is mentioning?

Looking too get the Anker 737 to fast charge the Macbook Air 15, an iPhone, and Airpod Pros or Apple Watch at the same time.

I have not had any problems whatsoever with the Anker 737. I use it with the Magsafe cable, and I have used it with both 110 volt and 220 volt mains.

 

[TorontoSS]

PS 2: Just now I received an updated response from Anker customer support: "Because of the charging strategy of the M2 Macbook that disconnects its MagSafe port when it receives a power adjustment, there will be disconnections when charging the M2 MacBook with the original Magsafe charging cable with multi-port chargers. It's recommended to use a standard USB-C to USB-C cable to power the M2 Macbook."

This is consistent with other comments I've seen here & from customers on Amazon. My best understanding now is that Anker chargers (and/or other multi-port chargers) will work with the Magsafe cable without issue, as long as it is the ONLY cable drawing power from the charger. If one of the other ports on the charger is drawing power to charge another device, there will inevitably be fluctuations in power delivery via the Magsafe cable, which will cause it to disconnect.

So it appears that problems (if any) are due to "the charging strategy of the M2 Macbook". However, this leaves open the question if the same problems occur with Apple's new 35w dual-port charger. I haven't tested it myself but I'm guessing not, since by now we would have heard a loud chorus of complaints, so it's probably safe to say that the Apple dual-port charger is specifically tailored to the M2's charging strategy.

The other question is whether incompatibility with M2 Magsafe charging is unique to Anker chargers or extends to other brand multi-port chargers using some variant of the IQ system to distribute power among connected devices. If anyone reading this has an answer to that one and can recommend another brand of multi-port charger that avoids such issues, please chime in!

* NOTE: They also pointed out that there are TWO VERSIONS of the 735 charger: Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W) vs. Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W). They say the former model will ONLY work with a USB-C cable, NOT a Magsafe cable (I verified that this model is the only one with the warning on their website and Amazon quoted in my first post). The latter model WILL work with the Magsafe cable when charging only one device individually, to avoid "power adjustments". ... So if you want to use Magsafe, consider only the Anker 735 (Nano II 65W) and avoid the 735 (GaNPrime 65W). They say that is the only one of all their chargers that will not work with Magsafe under any circumstances. (Based on this experience, I'm impressed with Anker's customer service.)

It seems clear from comments above by Rustyfan and others that the 735 (Nano II 65W) and other Anker chargers can function well with a Macbook M2 Magsafe connection, at least if no other devices are connected, which is obviously best for fast charging in any case. Apologies for the length of this post, but hope it includes some info helpful to others with similar questions.

I know this is late but i just want to say this is incredibly informative. I have been looking at the Anker charger for a long time and didn't know this at all. I have a 1 port 65w anker charger though so I'm assuming I'll have no issues charging with magsafe. But still, this is very useful - thank you!

 

[awer25]

I can't seem to get anything to fast charge my 15" MBA M2 other than the Apple charger. With Apple, I get 70W (20V/3.5A). I tried a bunch of Anker chargers and found the following using an AVHzY CT-3 USB tester and both original Apple USB-C cables and Anker 100W rated cables, with the MBA battery around 50%:

Anker 737 (120W max): 28W (19.3V/1.5A)
Anker 715 (65W max):30W (20V/1.5A)
Anker 577 TB3 docking station (85W max): 30W (20V/1.5A)
Anker 737 Power Bank (140W max): 58W (using device screen's output, bypassing CT-3)
Apple 96W: 70W (20V/3.5A)

If it wasn't for the Apple charger results, I'd think my tester isn't set right. For those without a tester, what are you using to gauge whether the machine is fast charging?

 

[TorontoSS]

I can't seem to get anything to fast charge my 15" MBA M2 other than the Apple charger. With Apple, I get 70W (20V/3.5A). I tried a bunch of Anker chargers and found the following using an AVHzY CT-3 USB tester and both original Apple USB-C cables and Anker 100W rated cables, with the MBA battery around 50%:

Anker 737 (120W max): 28W (19.3V/1.5A)
Anker 715 (65W max):30W (20V/1.5A)
Anker 577 TB3 docking station (85W max): 30W (20V/1.5A)
Anker 737 Power Bank (140W max): 58W (using device screen's output, bypassing CT-3)
Apple 96W: 70W (20V/3.5A)

If it wasn't for the Apple charger results, I'd think my tester isn't set right. For those without a tester, what are you using to gauge whether the machine is fast charging?

quick question - was anything else plugged into the other ports on the anker ones?