Apple’s new M2 MacBook Air chargers tested: Twice the ports or twice the speed?
Macworld|October 2022
Which Apple charger should you buy for your new M2 MacBook Air?
JASON CROSS
Apple’s new M2 MacBook Air chargers tested: Twice the ports or twice the speed?

We’re big fans of the new M2 MacBook Air (fave.co/ 3NFo4nO). It’s not a perfect laptop—we want a better webcam, it’s a fingerprint magnet, and it’s expensive—but we do think it’s one of the best everyday laptops for everyday users. When you buy one, you have three power adapters to choose from, depending on the model you select.

If you opt for the base model, it will include a 30W USB-C Power Adapter (fave.co/3AO0ceA) by default, but you can pay an extra $20 to replace that with either the standard 35W Dual USB-C Port (fave.co/3dWeL61) or Compact Power Adapter (fave.co/3CvixOB), or the 67W USB-C Power Adapter (fave.co/3Cuinac).

When you buy a higher-end model with at least 512GB of storage, you are given the 35W dual-port model by default, but you can switch to the 67W single-port model at no cost.

Each option has its pros and cons, so we tested them all to help you decide which one to choose.

POWER ADAPTER PERFORMANCE COMPARED

To test the charging performance of these three power adapters, we took a brand new M2 MacBook Air and drained it down to 1 percent battery life, then used its included USB-C to MagSafe cable to attach it to one of the power adapters. We had no applications running and kept the lid closed while charging, opening it briefly every 10 minutes to record the current state of charge before closing it again.

This gives us a look at the total charge performance over time for all three adapters, and the tale is interesting (if not really surprising).

The charging rates for all adapters are limited as the laptop approaches a full charge that's normal behavior for nearly all rechargeable batteries. The 67W USB-C Power Adapter is the fastest, as you'd expect.

What's that fourth line in green? Since the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power

This story is from the October 2022 edition of Macworld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2022 edition of Macworld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MACWORLDView All
Apple connects Podcasts app with Music, News+, and other subscriptions
Macworld

Apple connects Podcasts app with Music, News+, and other subscriptions

Subscriptions to eligible services automatically appear in the Podcasts app.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2023
How to insert fractions in Word and Pages
Macworld

How to insert fractions in Word and Pages

Microsoft and Apple try to help you put the numbers in the correct place and have it look good, too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2023
Three overlooked Apple apps you should start using right now
Macworld

Three overlooked Apple apps you should start using right now

The company has spent a lot of time working on several of the core apps across its platforms, trying to ensure that they provide a great experience.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023
RIP Lightning: In lieu of flowers, please send dongles
Macworld

RIP Lightning: In lieu of flowers, please send dongles

A eulogy for the little iPhone port that could.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023
How to create and customize your Contact Poster in iOS 17
Macworld

How to create and customize your Contact Poster in iOS 17

It's an all-new way to express yourself to those you call or message.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2023
3 new Apple features I'd literally be lost without
Macworld

3 new Apple features I'd literally be lost without

iOS 17 and watchOS 10 get new features to help you find your way (and your remote).

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023
LIMINK AL ALLOY PORTABLE TRIPLE MONITOR (LK14)
Macworld

LIMINK AL ALLOY PORTABLE TRIPLE MONITOR (LK14)

While it is easy to connect external displays to your MacBook for expanded desk-based screen space, you can't easily take this set up on the road with you or pack it neatly away in a drawer.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023
Intel announces Thunderbolt 5 with double the bandwidth
Macworld

Intel announces Thunderbolt 5 with double the bandwidth

The new standard will likely be available on Macs in 2024 or 2025.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2023
Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new features
Macworld

Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new features

In Sonoma, Ventura, and Monterey, Safari helps you be more productive and secure.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2023
How to add widgets to the macOS Sonoma Desktop
Macworld

How to add widgets to the macOS Sonoma Desktop

Widgets provide quick access to the information you need

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023