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You do not need to pack a separate charger for every device. A good USB-C charger can power your MacBook and iPhone from one outlet, but finding the right one means balancing size, ports, and charging speed. For most people who carry a MacBook Air and an iPhone, I recommend the compact Anker 523 47W charger.
Summary
- MacBook Air and iPhone: Choose the two-port Anker 523 47W for compact, flexible charging. It does not reach the fastest MacBook Air charging speeds.
- One phone at a time: Consider the researched Anker Nano Charger Neo. For the fastest documented iPhone 18 Pro charging, choose Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max.
- MacBook Pro: Choose the 67W Anker for a smaller everyday charger, the 100W model for faster 14-inch charging, or the larger 140W model for the fastest charging on a compatible 16-inch model.
- Not sure how much power you need? Compare the options below, then check your Mac in the power table before buying.
My two top charger picks
Choose the two-port Anker for a MacBook Air and iPhone, or the one-port Neo if you usually charge one device at a time. For the fastest documented iPhone 18 Pro charging, see the Apple adapter below.
Anker 523 Charger (Nano 3, 47W)
Two ports for a MacBook Air and an iPhone.
Up to 45W for one device, or 27W + 20W for two devices.
Keep in mind: It does not reach Apple's 70W MacBook Air fast-charge target.
Anker Nano Charger Neo (45W to 65W)
A compact one-port charger I recommend based on research.
Up to 65W advertised; supports iPhone 17 Pro fast charging.
Keep in mind: Maximum-speed iPhone 18 Pro compatibility remains unverified.
Compare my charger recommendations
| Product | Where to buy | Best for | Ports | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for most peopleView Anker 523 Charger (Nano 3, 47W) on AmazonAnker 523 Charger (Nano 3, 47W) |
|
| Compact two-port travel pick; not the 70W MacBook Air fast-charge option | |
| Researched one-port optionView Anker Nano Charger Neo (45W to 65W) on AmazonAnker Nano Charger Neo (45W to 65W) |
|
| Researched option; fastest iPhone 18 Pro charging remains unverified. See the Apple alternative below. | |
| View Anker Prime 67W Charger on AmazonAnker Prime 67W Charger |
|
| Compact, but below the 96W 14-inch MacBook Pro fast-charge target | |
| MacBook Pro travel pickView Anker 100W Charger with Smart Display on AmazonAnker 100W Charger with Smart Display |
|
| Fast-charges the 14-inch; a travel compromise for current 16-inch models | |
| View Anker 140W 4-Port Charger on AmazonAnker 140W 4-Port Charger |
|
| Fastest current 16-inch MacBook Pro charging; larger than most people need | |
| Car chargerView Anker PowerDrive III Duo 40W Car Charger on AmazonAnker PowerDrive III Duo 40W Car Charger |
|
| Compact two-device phone or tablet charging in the car | |
| View Leviton CC1P6-W 60W GaN USB-C outlet on AmazonLeviton CC1P6-W 60W GaN USB-C outlet |
|
| Professionally installed fixed-location option; not a GFCI outlet |
Look for your device and how you plan to charge it in the Best for column. The notes explain the main tradeoff for each choice. If charging speed matters to you, check your Mac’s requirements in the next table too.
For the fastest iPhone 18 Pro charging, wattage alone is not enough. The charger also needs a compatible feature called Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS). Apple’s adapter is the documented choice for that speed; I have not confirmed whether the Anker Neo reaches it.
How much power does my Mac laptop need?
The wattage tells you how much power a charger can supply. But your Mac will only draw as much as it can use. A higher-wattage charger can help a compatible Mac charge faster, but it is often larger and heavier.
Apple says a USB-C Mac can use a compatible USB Power Delivery adapter with more or less wattage than recommended. Use a reputable, undamaged charger and cable. A lower-power charger may charge slowly or struggle to keep up while you work.
Charger too powerful?
Safe. The Mac requests only the power it can use. A 140W charger will not force 140W into an iPhone.
Charger too weak?
Also safe. A charger that is too weak may take many hours to add charge, macOS may show Slow Charger, or it may merely slow the battery drain while you use the computer.
If you leave the Mac asleep or shut down overnight, a lower-wattage charger will usually add charge. However,Apple notes that an especially weak power source may still be unable to charge the battery. This is normally only an issue if you charge your computer with a USB-A charger.
Find your Mac in the table and compare the Practical minimum with Fastest supported. You do not have to buy the fastest option if a smaller charger better suits your routine. Older USB-C MacBooks are in the expandable section below the table.
| Mac laptop | Practical minimum | Fastest supported |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo13-inch, 2026–present | 20W | No faster mode listed |
| MacBook Air13-inch, 2022–present | 30W | 70W |
| MacBook Air15-inch, 2023–present | 35W | 70W |
| MacBook Pro14-inch, 2021–present | 67W | 96W |
| MacBook Pro16-inch Apple silicon, 2021–present | 100W | 140W |
How to read this table: “Practical minimum” is my recommendation for normal use with one Mac, not the lowest wattage that can make the battery percentage move. A smaller charger may work while the Mac is asleep or lightly used, but it may charge very slowly or lose ground under a demanding workload. A charger above the “Fastest supported” figure is safe, but it will not make that Mac charge any faster.
Older and discontinued USB-C MacBooks (2016–2022)
| Mac laptop | Practical minimum | Fastest supported |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook12-inch Retina, 2016–2017 | 30W | 30W |
| MacBook Air13-inch, 2018–2021 | 30W | 30W |
| MacBook Pro13-inch, 2016–2020 | 61W | 61W |
| MacBook Pro13-inch M2, 2022 | 67W | 67W |
| MacBook Pro15-inch, 2016–2019 | 87W | 87W |
| MacBook Pro16-inch Intel, 2019 | 96W | 96W |
Detailed charger recommendations
What’s the best travel charger for MacBook, iPhone, and iPad?
This is the charger I use when I travel. It is a good fit for a MacBook Air and iPhone. It is compact and has two USB-C ports, so you can charge both devices at once. Power is shared when both ports are in use, so connect one device at a time when you want a faster charge.
With an iPhone 17, 17 Pro, or 17 Pro Max connected alone, it supports Apple’s approximately 50 percent charge in 20 minutes. It can also fast-charge an iPhone 18 Pro, but it does not support the AVS mode needed for Apple’s fastest 15-minute result. It is not the fastest option for a MacBook Air, either. But the compact size combined with dual ports makes it a very functional choice if you don’t need the fastest computer charger out there.
Which one-port charger would I choose for an iPhone?
If you usually charge one device at a time, the Nano Charger Neo is a compact alternative with a folding plug. Anker advertises up to 65W, and its published power profile meets the iPhone 17 Pro’s fast-charging requirements. It also works great for an iPad, MacBook Air or MacBook Neo.
I cannot yet confirm that it reaches the fastest iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max speed. Though some preliminary tests suggest it might. If that speed is your priority, choose Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. With that adapter and the cable included with the phone, Apple specifies about 50 percent in 15 minutes.
Buy at Best BuyWhat’s the best charger for a MacBook Pro?
For a smaller everyday charger: Choose the 67W model for a 14-inch MacBook Pro when compact size matters more to you than the 96W fast-charge option. It is also suitable for a 13-inch MacBook Pro and fast charging on supported 13-inch MacBook Air models.
For faster 14-inch MacBook Pro charging: Choose the 100W model if you want the 96W fast-charge option. When two USB-C devices are connected, it divides power between them. It is also a smaller travel compromise for a 16-inch MacBook Pro, though it will not deliver that model’s fastest charging.
For the fastest 16-inch MacBook Pro charging: Choose the 140W model if you need the extra power and do not mind a considerably larger, heavier charger. Your Mac’s model and cable also matter; see the cable guidance below.
Check the Mac table above for your specific model, including older 13-inch, 15-inch, and Intel 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
What’s a good USB-C car charger?
The Anker PowerDrive III Duo has two USB-C ports, with up to 20W per port. It is a good fit for charging two phones or tablets in the car. I would not choose it for a MacBook Air: under light use it may slow battery drain, but it provides too little power to count on for laptop charging. But if you just need to eek out a bit more battery while doing work from the passenger seat of a road trip it might help.
Is there a good USB-C charger built into the wall?
This is my fixed-location pick for a nightstand, kitchen counter, or home office. I have the 30W Leviton version, and it works great, though I have not personally tested this newer 60W GaN model. Its two USB-C ports provide up to 60W to one device or 30W each to two devices. Leviton provides the full specifications and installation documents.
This product replaces a hardwired electrical receptacle. Have a licensed electrician confirm that it fits the box, circuit, and local code requirements, and have the electrician install it.
Cables and compatibility
Should I still buy chargers with USB-A ports?
I would not build a new charging setup around USB-A. Choose USB-C for new chargers and cables. Some of my picks include a USB-A port, which can still be useful for an older accessory you already own. But USB-C is what all new devices will likely have, and it can charge significantly faster.
Which USB-C cable do I need?
Your cable also needs to support the power you want the charger to deliver. For the fastest iPhone 18 Pro charging, use the cable included with the phone or another USB-C cable rated for at least 60W. For charging above 60W, choose a cable rated for at least 100W.
For 140W charging on a 16-inch MacBook Pro, use the appropriate Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. Models introduced in November 2023 or later can also use a 240W-rated USB-C cable. Check which cable comes with your charger before buying another.
USB-C cables can look alike but support different charging, data, and display capabilities. Unfortunately, many USB-C cables, including ones from Apple, do not indicate their charging abilities. My guide, Which USB-C cable do I need? My picks by connector, can help you choose.
Further reading
If your device still charges slowly or shows a battery health warning, I can help you check the charger, cable, battery, and settings. I offer one-on-one tech tutoring in San Francisco and Washington DC, and over Zoom. Book a session if you would like help.