third party USB-C charging cable for 15" Macbook Pro

[andrewj]

Are there good third party options that can handle the 87W charging load for the 15" MBP Pro? Especially one that's 6 feet long to replace the one that came the original purchase? I've been looking around, and I haven't found one that's long enough that can handle the 87W requirement (though have seen some that can do 60W).

(This Anker cable note states that it won't charge 87W at full speed: https://www.anker.com/ca/products/variant/anker-powerline-c-to-c-2-0-cable-6ft/A8188091)

 

[IngerMan]

Why risk it when it’s a crucial device. I use the grounded extension as well, it adds 1.8meters.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable?fnode=8b

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLL82AM/A/usb-c-charge-cable-2-m?fnode=8b

 

[andrewj]

It would be great if there was a more "durable" alternative to the Apple one.

 

[jlc1978]

While this does not directly address your question, I am using a generic USB C cable with a Macally charger that puts out 60W and haven't had any problems; nor is the charging speed that much slower that I even notice it. I bought that as a backup power supply to carry along when traveling and have been using it a week or so to test it.

When I go to System Report it shows a 60W power supply and the charging numbers don't seem to be much different than when I use the Apple charger.

The main challenge would seem to be if you run processor intensive tasks that use a lot of power 60W may slow more than 87W since it lacks the extra power need to run the Mac and charge the battery quickly.

here is an interesting article on charging MBPs. It appears even Apple's 87W charger normally only delivers 60W:

https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/25/60w-usb-c-charger-good-for-all-macbooks/

 

[jlc1978]

I just tested my Anker 60w to get an idea of how fast it charges. With wifi on and surfing the web my 15” MBP went from 24% to 54% in about 45 minutes. Extrapolating that one data point I estimate it would take around three hours to go from 0 to 100% under similar circumstances.

Overall, think it is a good substitute for Apple’s, especially since it has 3 USB charging ports as well. Only downside is it uses a standard detachable cable so no folding plug option.

 

[mikecwest]

Any luck with in car chargers? I’ve tried my Anker with Type C to Type A cable, tried three, but Mac still says its using 12w and not charging. Anker is supposed to be 49W charger...

The last one I tried was one that specially states USB 3.1 Specs.It has the SSP logo on it, and feels much thicker than the others.. still only 12w in system report. Car Charger says 2.4a/9v....should be 21.6w?

I tried another CAR charger, and only 10?

Another Belkin charger, stops working and flashes blue....

 

[rawrmcrawrrawr]

Any luck with in car chargers? I’ve tried my Anker with Type C to Type A cable, tried three, but Mac still says its using 12w and not charging. Anker is supposed to be 49W charger...

The last one I tried was one that specially states USB 3.1 Specs.It has the SSP logo on it, and feels much thicker than the others.. still only 12w in system report. Car Charger says 2.4a/9v....should be 21.6w?

I tried another CAR charger, and only 10?

Another Belkin charger, stops working and flashes blue....

You need a car charger with USB C. It also needs to support PD. You must use a Type C to Type C cable or it will not charge. Here is an example. https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Anke...1541530683&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+pd+car+charger

 

[mikecwest]

You need a car charger with USB C. It also needs to support PD. You must use a Type C to Type C cable or it will not charge. Here is an example. https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Anke...1541530683&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+pd+car+charger

Thanks. I was looking at that one, but I am out of town on the road, so I was hoping to get something in a store...but no luck yet.

Have you used that one yet?
[doublepost=1541532034][/doublepost]

Why risk it when it’s a crucial device. I use the grounded extension as well, it adds 1.8meters.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable?fnode=8b

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLL82AM/A/usb-c-charge-cable-2-m?fnode=8b

That really ticks me off. $2800 and it doesn’t come with a power cable?

 

[billgrates3]

I have used the Griffin magsafe-ish cable for >2 years, and it's worked great. MBP15 charges quickly and the magsafe feature has saved my MBP from falling 4-5 times.
https://griffintechnology.com/devices/apple/macbook/breaksafe-magnetic-usb-c-power-cable

 

[jlc1978]

I have used the Griffin magsafe-ish cable for >2 years, and it's worked great. MBP15 charges quickly and the magsafe feature has saved my MBP from falling 4-5 times.
https://griffintechnology.com/devices/apple/macbook/breaksafe-magnetic-usb-c-power-cable

The Amazon reviews complain that it disconnects too easily - has that been an issue for you? I'd like a Magsafe style cable and the Griffin stuff I've used in the past has been good; and am wondering if the Amazon complaints are overblown.

 

[537635]

https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerline-ii-3ft-usb-c-to-usb-c-3-1/A8485011

Can confirm it's a great cable (Anker, what else), quality, non-sticky (like Apple) and charges at full power (MBP 15 2018).

 

[billgrates3]

The Amazon reviews complain that it disconnects too easily - has that been an issue for you? I'd like a Magsafe style cable and the Griffin stuff I've used in the past has been good; and am wondering if the Amazon complaints are overblown.

I have not found that to be the case. There are two parts to the plug: 1) the USB-C portion that goes into the Mac, which is very tightly connected, 2) the cable end - both are strongly magnetic.
I don't think the Griffin comes loose any more easily than the old Apple Magsafe power connector did.

 

[ricky1989]

Brought back the magsafe with this cable, have been using it on the 13" 2018 for 3 months now. No issues so far, ultra convenient having the cable snap itself into place. https://elecjet.com/products/elecjet-magnetic-usb-c-charger-cable

 

[Nickpad3]

Are there good third party options that can handle the 87W charging load for the 15" MBP Pro? Especially one that's 6 feet long to replace the one that came the original purchase? I've been looking around, and I haven't found one that's long enough that can handle the 87W requirement (though have seen some that can do 60W).

(This Anker cable note states that it won't charge 87W at full speed: https://www.anker.com/ca/products/variant/anker-powerline-c-to-c-2-0-cable-6ft/A8188091)

[doublepost=1541950740][/doublepost]Check out Caldigit 2M cable. http://www.caldigit.com/Thunderbolt-3-USB-C-Type-C-Charge-Cable/#Thunderbolt3 Claim to make 100W.

 

[satinsilverem2]

I would just get the OEM Apple cable. its 19 dollars which really isn't that much even by Apple standards.

 

[mikecwest]

my issue turned out to be that the Anker chargers I had, did not support 45 watts as I thought.....I now have a 45 watt charger for the car......