MagSafe is safer and simpler, but USB-C has a few advantages of its own.
The latest MacBooks are known to feature Apple’s smart charging solution: MagSafe. This is one of those features that is a deal breaker for some people. And it’s no wonder: these chargers attach magnetically and disconnect if the cable is pulled suddenly, such as when tripped over. But Apple laptops can also be charged via USB-C, which has become an industry standard. While you can’t use both at the same time, they can both be great charging options depending on what you need at any given time.
Although it has the same name, don’t confuse the MacBook’s charging technology with the iPhone’s MagSafe, which is a different technology. While the iPhone’s MagSafe is based on the Qi standard, the MacBook’s MagSafe uses a proprietary – and much smaller – connector. Yet the idea is the same: magnetically attaching a charger rather than plugging in a standard USB connector.
MagSafe on MacBook has also seen a few iterations, with MagSafe 3 being the current one. Each generation has the same fundamental goal, although different physical sizes and power capabilities mean they are not compatible with each other.
The differences between MagSafe and USB-C
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There are pros and cons to using MagSafe or USB-C to charge your MacBook. For MagSafe, the biggest advantage is obvious: your laptop is protected if the cable becomes an obstacle. If someone trips on the cable or you accidentally pull it too hard, there’s a good chance it will simply become unplugged. It won’t drop your MacBook with it.
USB-C, on the other hand, is a standard connector. You need to insert it into the correct port on your laptop. And if an accident happens, there’s a good chance your Mac will be dragged by the cable and hit the ground.
But there are also significant differences in terms of charging power. The MagSafe cable is designed for faster charging. If you have a 2021 MacBook Pro, 2022 MacBook Air or later, MagSafe can charge your Mac at up to 140W. Of course, if you have the right power adapter. Apple sells a $99 adapter that pairs with the MagSafe cable to enable fast charging. We’re talking about a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, which is pretty quick.
USB-C is a different story. Although there are cables that can theoretically deliver even higher wattages, most of them do not. The standard for USB-C is 60W of power, which is half of what MagSafe can provide. There are special cables that provide up to 100W or 240W of power – Apple even sells a 240W USB-C cable. This is something you should keep in mind before buying a new cable if you’re looking for fast charging.
When USB-C Works Best
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As we’ve seen, MagSafe is the better choice in most cases. It’s physically safer, supports fast charging, and leaves your USB-C ports free for other accessories. It’s also much simpler: you don’t have to worry about complicated charging standards and specifications. Just use the Apple combo and you’re good to go.
But USB-C can also offer some conveniences. Most notable is a single cable that handles everything. This makes traveling much easier, since you don’t need a mess of cables in your backpack. A fast USB-C charger can power your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and anything else with USB-C. MagSafe is only for Macs.
Plus, if you own a MacBook Pro released after November 2023, there’s an added benefit: these can charge at up to 240W via USB-C. You’ll need the right cable and power adapter, but that’s yet another advantage of USB-C, if super-fast charging is something you care about. It’s really about choosing what best suits your needs; keeping one of each cable on hand allows you to swap them out as needed.
