Buy These Adapters Instead of the Apple USB-C Dual Charger for $59
When you’re traveling or out and about, one USB-C adapter is never enough. You’ll likely need at least two USB-C ports – one for your iPhone and one for charging your MacBook, iPad, or other peripherals. While you can get plenty of third-party multiport chargers, Apple has never made one—until now.
Apple currently offers two dual-port USB-C chargers that support up to 35W charging (on both ports). They come in two sizes ( standard and compact ) and both cost $59. It’s too much. Buy something else instead.
What do you get with Apple’s Dual USB-C Adapter?
What you get for your $59 is a beautifully designed, durable adapter that will work reliably with all of your Apple devices. The best part about this charger is that it does not distinguish between two ports. You’ll get a full 35W output in both cases (something not all third party chargers can do).
If you connect two devices, the power is distributed between the two devices in a rather elegant way. The Apple support page provides the following examples:
- If you connect a Mac laptop and an iPhone or iPad, each device gets up to 17.5 watts.
- When connecting an iPhone and iPad, each device receives up to 17.5 watts.
- If you connect a Mac laptop or iPhone and an Apple Watch or AirPods, the Mac laptop or iPhone gets up to 27.5W and the Apple Watch or AirPods gets up to 7.5W.
And that’s all, really. It’s not a super-fast and versatile gallium nitride (GaN) power adapter, and it’s not cheap. If it’s imperative that your power adapters are made by Apple, you now have the option to carry one unit instead of two. But you can get more bang for your buck by choosing a third-party alternative.
Cheaper and better alternatives to Apple’s dual port adapter.
If you don’t want to spend that much money, or you need a larger capacity adapter, or if you just don’t like rewarding Apple for its overpriced accessories , there are several options for you.
TECKNET 65W GaN Charger , $37
This is a three-port charger with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. This is a GaN charger, which means it has a large capacity but is also compact (it only weighs 110 grams). It easily charges your iPhone and has enough power to charge your iPad Pro or MacBook. The USB-C ports can output up to 65W in a single charge mode, while the USB-A port supports 30W charging.
RAVpower GaN chargers , $40
RAVpower is a popular power adapter manufacturer and has a huge lineup of GaN chargers to look out for. It has various two-, three- and four-port chargers with power outputs ranging from 30W to 120W. Our favorite is the $40 65W Dual Port USB-C Charger with 45W and 20W split (perfect for charging your MacBook and iPhone at high speed at the same time).
Anker Chargers , $28.
It’s a similar story with Anker, arguably the best third-party iPhone accessory maker. Their dual 40W USB-C charger costs just $28. And if you don’t mind spending about $50, you’ll get a 65W dual-port GaN charger split into 45W and 20W.