Buy from Apple directly, an authorized reseller, or a third-party manufacturer — each route has different costs and guarantees
The fastest way to replace a MacBook charger is Apple's own online store or a physical Apple Store, where you get the exact charger your model needs and a one-year warranty. If you want to save money or need the charger today, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart stock Apple chargers and third-party alternatives. Third-party brands like Anker, Belkin, and Hyperjuice cost less but vary in build quality and how long they last — read the return policy before ordering, because some third-party chargers stop working after a few months.
The charger you need depends on your MacBook model and year. Newer MacBooks (2021 and later) use USB-C or the newer MagSafe connector, while older models use MagSafe 1 or 2, which are no longer made by Apple. Knowing which one you have before you shop saves you from buying the wrong thing.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's store guarantees the charger matches your MacBook and includes a one-year warranty, but costs more than third-party options.
- Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart stock both Apple chargers and cheaper third-party brands, with return windows of 15 to 30 days.
- Third-party chargers from Anker and Belkin work with most MacBooks but may not last as long as Apple's version.
- Older MacBook models that used MagSafe 1 or 2 cannot use chargers made after 2015, so check your model year before ordering.
Apple Store and Apple.com — may provide match and warranty
Buying directly from Apple means you get the exact charger your MacBook needs and a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. Apple's website lists chargers by MacBook model, so you cannot order the wrong one. In-store pickup is usually available the same day if you live near an Apple Store.
The cost is higher than other retailers — a 67-watt USB-C charger runs about $79 on Apple.com, compared to $50 to $60 for the same wattage from Anker or Belkin. Shipping takes 3 to 5 business days unless you choose expedited delivery, which costs extra. If you need a charger when ready, visiting a physical Apple Store is faster than ordering online.
Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart — lower prices and faster shipping
All three retailers stock Apple chargers at the same price as Apple.com, plus third-party alternatives that cost 30 to 50 percent less. Best Buy's website shows which chargers work with your specific MacBook model, and you can pick up in-store the same day if stock is available. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on most chargers, and Walmart offers in-store pickup or next-day delivery in many areas.
The trade-off is that these retailers do not may provide the charger is genuine Apple hardware — some listings mix Apple and third-party options. Read the product description carefully to see whether you are buying an Apple charger or a brand like Anker. Return windows are 15 days at Best Buy, 30 days at Walmart, and 30 days for Amazon (longer for Prime members on some items), so you have time to test the charger before you are stuck with it.
Third-party chargers — what Anker, Belkin, and Hyperjuice offer
Anker, Belkin, and Hyperjuice make USB-C chargers that work with any MacBook that charges via USB-C, which includes all models from 2016 onward except the 2012 to 2015 MacBook Air and Pro. These brands cost $30 to $50 for the same wattage that Apple charges $79 for. They are widely available on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, and most come with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The risk is durability — some third-party chargers overheat, fray at the cable, or stop charging after six months to a year. Anker and Belkin have better track records than unknown brands, but they are not may provide to last as long as Apple's charger. If you buy a third-party charger, check the return policy and keep your receipt so you can send it back if it fails within the return window.
Hyperjuice chargers are more expensive ($60 to $100) but are designed specifically for MacBooks and include features like multiple USB-C ports so you can charge your MacBook and other devices at once. They are sold on Amazon and Hyperjuice's own website.
Finding the right charger for your MacBook model
Your MacBook's charging port determines which charger you can use. To find your model, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select "About This Mac", and look at the model name and year. Then match it to the list below.
MacBook Pro and Air (2021 and later) use USB-C or MagSafe 3, which is a magnetic connector that also charges via USB-C. Any USB-C charger rated 60 watts or higher works, and MagSafe chargers are optional — they make charging easier but are not required.
MacBook Pro (2016 to 2020) and MacBook Air (2018 to 2020) use USB-C only. A 45-watt or higher USB-C charger works for all of these models.
MacBook Pro (2012 to 2015) and MacBook Air (2010 to 2017) use MagSafe 2, which is a different connector than MagSafe 3. Apple no longer makes MagSafe 2 chargers, so you must buy a used one from eBay or a refurbished one from a reseller. New third-party MagSafe 2 chargers are rare and often unreliable.
MacBook (2015 and earlier) uses MagSafe 1, which is even older and harder to find. Used chargers on eBay are your only realistic option.
Checking authenticity and avoiding counterfeits
Counterfeit Apple chargers are sold on Amazon and eBay, especially for older MagSafe models. A fake charger may work at first but can overheat, damage your MacBook's battery, or stop working after a few weeks. To reduce the risk, buy from Apple directly, from Best Buy or Walmart in-store, or from Amazon's official Apple Store page rather than third-party sellers.
If you buy from a third-party seller on Amazon, check the seller's rating and read recent reviews that mention whether the charger is genuine. Authentic Apple chargers have a serial number on the power brick and come in Apple's standard white box. If the price seems too low — more than 40 percent off the Apple Store price — it is likely counterfeit.
Warranty and return options by retailer
| Retailer | Warranty | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store / Apple.com | 1 year (Apple hardware) | 14 days | may provide match, fastest in-store pickup |
| Best Buy | Manufacturer warranty | 15 days | Same-day pickup, price matching |
| Amazon | Manufacturer warranty | 30 days (Prime: longer on some items) | Fast shipping, wide selection of brands |
| Walmart | Manufacturer warranty | 30 days | In-store pickup, next-day delivery |
| Anker / Belkin direct | 2 years (manufacturer) | 30 days | Lowest price, longest warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB-C charger with my MacBook?
Any USB-C charger rated 45 watts or higher works with USB-C MacBooks, but Apple recommends using at least 60 watts for faster charging. Lower-wattage chargers (like phone chargers) will charge your MacBook but very slowly. Third-party USB-C chargers from Anker and Belkin work just as well as Apple's version.
Is it safe to use a third-party charger?
Chargers from established brands like Anker and Belkin are safe, but unknown brands carry a higher risk of overheating or damaging your battery. Stick to brands sold at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and check recent reviews before ordering. If a charger feels hot or smells like plastic, stop using it when ready.
Where can I buy a charger for my 2013 MacBook Pro?
Your 2013 MacBook Pro uses MagSafe 2, which Apple no longer manufactures. Search eBay for "MagSafe 2 charger" or check refurbished electronics retailers, but inspect the seller's rating carefully because counterfeit chargers are common. Buying used from a seller with hundreds of positive reviews is safer than buying from an unknown seller.
Do I need to buy a MagSafe 3 charger for my new MacBook, or can I use USB-C?
USB-C chargers work fine with MagSafe 3 MacBooks — the magnetic connector is optional. MagSafe chargers are more convenient because they attach magnetically and disconnect if you trip on the cable, but they cost more. You can use a regular USB-C charger and add a MagSafe charger later if you want.
What wattage charger do I need?
For MacBook Air, a 45-watt charger is enough. For MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch, Apple recommends 96 watts for fastest charging, but a 67-watt charger still works — it just charges more slowly. Check your MacBook's original charger to see what wattage it came with, then buy the same or higher.