Lost your laptop charger? Here's a quick rundown on your options when it comes to finding a better or faster one.
7 min readLike laptops themselves, laptop chargers have gotten thinner, lighter and more standardised over the past decade. They might be just as easy as ever to lose track of, but they're also typically easier (and cheaper) to replace.
For many, the laptop charger included in the box with your brand new MacBook or Windows PC will do the trick just fine. However, that freebie rarely lasts as long as the laptop it comes bundled with. What's more, there are benefits to doing your research when it comes to laptop chargers.
Whether you're ready to upgrade or are looking to replace a lost power brick, here's everything you need to know before you buy the best laptop charger.
Before you buy a laptop charger
Before you pull the trigger on any of the below laptop chargers, you'll want to double-check that it uses the correct type of charger cable for your laptop. If you're in the market for the best laptop charger, you'll also want one that's graded for (or close to) the maximum charging speeds that your laptop might be capable of.
These days, most major laptop manufacturers have moved towards chargers that rely on USB-C. If that's the brief, then you're spoiled for choice. However, if cost is no object and you want the kind of overkill laptop charger that sets you up for the next decade then the Anker Prime is going to be an apt fit.
It features a quartet of high speed USB-C ports plus a pair of USB-A ones and can go as fast as 140W on a single port and 250W in total. It ain't cheap, but it's the perfect combination of high-performance and tiny form-factor.
"Anker's Prime Charger sets a new high bar for ports, power and portability in a wired charger. It's the rare everyday gadget that sparks genuine joy but the overkill results it delivers come at a premium that isn't going to be for everyone."
Gadgets editor
If the asking price of this one is a little too dear, Anker also sells a cheaper version that ditches the dial that might be worth considering.
What laptop charger do I need?
No USB-C port? No problem.
While many modern laptops have opted to embrace the more standardised USB-C port when it comes to charging, some (and older) models rely on a variety of other power plugs. For a sense of what laptop brands use each type of charger plug, check out the table below.
Brand | USB-C | Surface Connect | 3mm | 4.0mm | 4.5mm | 5.5mm | 7.4mm | 7.9mm | Round tip | Slim tip | MagSafe |
| Apple |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS |
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| Dell |
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| HP |
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| Lenovo |
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| Microsoft |
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| Acer |
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This 100W laptop charger by KFD is hardly the only player in the category offering these speeds, but it does come in at almost $20 less than the closest competitor we could find. If you want a fast charger for your laptop for less, it's a solid pickup that doesn't compromise when it comes to features and flexibility.
The KFD 100W Turbo 3-Port GaN charger comes with a pair of USB-C ports plus a single USB-A slot and a set of interchangeable travel plugs that make it easy to take with you overseas.
TOZA isn't exactly a household name but this fast MacBook Pro charger by the brand is an obvious standout in a crowded field. It'll play nice with any of the more recent MacBooks that rely on USB-C for charging and comes with a 2-meter USB-C to USB-C cable included in the box.
Despite the relatively-unknown brand and thrifty price-tag, there's a long list of safety features here. Speed isn't compromised either. The hardware here is capable of juicing up an empty MacBook Pro to 100% charge in about 1 hour and 47 minutes. With a competitive price and a 96W to its name, this accessory doesn't complicate something that should be simple. That's a formula that's very easy to like, especially at this price.
If you're looking to replace a lost charger for your Microsoft Surface Pro (or Surface Go) and don't or can't make use of any of the USB-C chargers above, then this one by Tree.NB is probably the generic alternative that you're after. It's not very expensive and it supports up to 65W fast charging for Microsoft's tablet PC.
Other bells and whistles here include built-in over-voltage and short circuit protection, but if we're being real, the main selling point here is that you're paying less than half what Microsoft is asking for its own 65W Surface charger.
How do laptop chargers work?
Most people don't think about the particulars of how laptop chargers work all that often, but if you're looking to lock in on the best iPhone charger or find one that suits your Microsoft Surface Pro tablet then there's no better time for a quick refresher.
Regardless of whether you're looking at a new laptop charger or one that'll work with your Samsung smartphone, we're talking about the same fundamental tech. When you plug it into a wall socket or other power source, a charging brick converts high voltage alternating current electricity into a low voltage direct current (DC) instead. When this current is safely run through your laptop, it triggers a chemical reaction that creates a charge within the battery inside it. As your laptop chugs along, that charge gets gradually consumed.
This process isn't as dumb as it sounds. If you run too much power through your laptop too quickly you could end up overheating the battery. To help solve that, most laptops rely on a chip controller and other safety measures.
Best HP laptop chargers
While many modern HP laptops feature USB-C and can be charged using the accessories mentioned above, a few older and select models rely on a more traditional AC power adapter with either a 7.4mm or 4.5mm power plug instead.
The bad news is that your options when it comes to these laptop chargers tend to be more limited in both features and availability. The upshot is that they're usually a little cheaper. Check out our recommendations below.
Best Lenovo laptop chargers
When it comes to charging, Lenovo laptops vary widely in both speed and compatibility. Although some models support USB-C charging, a few older and select models rely on a more traditional AC power adapter with either a 4.0mm, 7.4mm, slim tip or round-tip power plug instead.
As usual, laptop chargers that use these ports tend to be more barebones when it comes to features and availability. On the other hand, they're also usually a little cheaper than a USB-C fast charger. You can find our recommendations for each of these Lenovo laptop power plugs below.
Best Dell laptop chargers
Dell and HP are very much on the same page when it comes to laptop chargers. Newer Dell laptops feature USB-C and can be charged using the accessories mentioned above. Older ones rely on a more traditional AC power adapter with either a 4.5mm or 7.4mm power plug instead. These chargers aren't as rich when it comes to features but are usually a little cheaper.
Best Acer laptop chargers
Acer is in its own lane when it comes to laptop charging. Many modern Acer laptops offer USB-C charging. However, older and select models are armed with a 3mm or 5.5mm power plug instead. Although laptop chargers that use these power plug standards are typically cheaper than the alternatives, they're also lighter when it comes to features and speeds.
Best ASUS laptop chargers
The situation when it comes to ASUS laptop chargers is very similar to what Acer has going on. Most newer ASUS laptops feature USB-C. Older and other models rely on a more traditional AC power adapter with either a 4mm or 5.5mm power plug instead.
What to consider when buying an laptop charger
Ports
If a charger doesn't have the right ports for your laptop, there's no point even considering it. For that reason, the first thing you check out should be the number and type of ports.
Speed
While the number of ports on a given charger should be a consideration, the speed at which those ports operate is a much more important thing to keep in mind. Higher is better here, as it means you'll be able to get your laptop battery topped up sooner rather than later.
Safety
When it comes to accessories that deal directly in the transmission of power, like chargers, it can pay to go with a more expensive and well-known brand since it means you'll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they probably aren't cutting corners on safety.
Price
Price of course is another thing to consider - but if you're just after a simple charger, you don't need to shell out the big bucks.
Compare laptop chargers
Check out the comparison table below for a sense of how the laptop chargers on this page compare to the rest of the category.
Model | Price | Availability | Ports | Max Charge Speed | GaN | Interchangable plugs | Interchangable tips | Includes cable |
 Anker Prime Charger | $299.95 | Anker | 4x USB-C, 2x USB | 140W | Yes | No | No | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Anker 735 Charger | $79.90 | Amazon | 2x USB-C, 1x USB | 65W | Yes | No | No | No |
 HEYMIX 120W USB C Charger | $99.99 | Amazon | 3x USB-C, 1x USB | 100W | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
 TOZA MacBook Pro Charger | $45.99 | Amazon | 1x USB-C | 96W | No | No | No | Yes |
 Belkin Connect 100W USB-C Core GaN Power Adapter | $99.95 | Amazon | 1x USB-C | 100W | Yes | No | No | Yes |
 KFD 100W Turbo 3-Port GaN Charger | $65.99 | Amazon | 2x USB-C | 100W | Yes | Yes | No | No |
 ZYRON 100W USB-C Charger | $89.99 | Amazon | 2x USB-C, 1x USB | 100W | Yes | No | No | Yes |
 Cygnett 140W GaN USB-C Laptop Charger | $149.95 | Cygnett | 1x USB-C | 140W | Yes | No | No | Yes |
 Hunda 65W USB-C Laptop Charger | $32.99 | Amazon | 1x USB-C | 65W | No | No | No | Yes |
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