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Is it safe to use a third party wall adapter for a MacBook?

dcll

Banned
I need a wall adapter and was looking on amazon and really don't want to buy the Apple branded if I don't have to but I don't want something that can cause issues.
 

Pagusas

Elden Member
All depends on the third party, but yes mostly. Third party USB-c chargers are getting way more common, and many of us charge our macbook pro's via our external monitor (which is basically a third party charger).

My advice is don't be a cheapskate when dealing with your expensive equipment.
 
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dcll

Banned
I have the official cable, I just need a new wall brick. If I buy this party it would be a reputable brand like Anker
 

eddie4

Genuinely Generous
Nothing wrong with using 3rd party, just make sure it's not really cheap, and double-check the watts/amps to make sure it puts out what your MB needs. Otherwise, you might end up with slow charging or other issues.
 

dcll

Banned
I am just going to by the Apple adapter after reading mixed reviews on amazon about various chargers. I can actually get the 30w official adapter on eBay for 15 bucks right now
 

belmarduk

Member
I wouldn't... a few years ago I got one of those for an older MacBook Air and the damn thing started sparking... almost started a fire. Apple's USB-C cables are only about $20. Since you own a Mac, I would assume you can afford that.
 
All depends on the third party, but yes mostly. Third party USB-c chargers are getting way more common, and many of us charge our macbook pro's via our external monitor (which is basically a third party charger).

My advice is don't be a cheapskate when dealing with your expensive equipment.

Pretty much this.

OP: I work in IT and I've seen a lot of PCs shit the bed due to jacked up power adapters / docks. Underpowering an electrical system is a bad call 100% of the time - and a lot of the third party stuff does just that. Or it is wonky and shorts out the USB-C port at best.
 

daveonezero

Banned
USB C is a fucking mess. There are so many standards it is a nightmare. I was like you and missing my Macbook Air charger. Was going to buy one but after a bit of research found all this out.

For a short while I just charged it with batter packs that I charge with wall chargers for a short while. It worked fine. The two I have are USBC and could charge it while I used it.

I did find this cable though which seems to be the only one that does "everything". Display, 100w charging and speed.


Past that I ended up finding the original charger and not buying another. I think you would be ok with any nice quality charger. To make sure you could get a simple power monitor for the cable and charger.
 
My work provided me with a third party(Monorice) charger, It makes a horrible electric buzzing sound when charging but otherwise is okay.
 

haxan7

Banned
I wouldn’t. I don’t use macs but my boss does and they always blow up on him. He has multiple cheap adapter setups that he thinks are the same because they’re all made of white plastic.
 
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