Which Charger Cable for My MacBook Air M1

[Romkugl]

I need a 3 meter long (118 inch?) USB-C to USB-C charging cable for my MacBook Air M1 - preferably in black, which excludes an original from Apple. But I'm not quite sure what type of cable I should buy. I know it has to be USB-C to USB-C, but there are different types, USB-C 2.0, 3.0, 3.2, and generation 1, and 2. It should be as close to the original as possible.

So, which cable can be used for my MacBook Air M1?

Thanks in advance.

 

[usagora]

preferably in black, which excludes an original from Apple.

Does it? ?

Only half joking (not sure if a layer of spray paint would inhibit proper heat dissipation or surive that heat without warping/deterioating).

This charger looks promising:

USB C Wall Charger, 100W PD 3.0 PPS 4-Port GaN III Fast Charger Type C Charging Station Foldable Power Adapter Travel Charger Block Compatible w/MacBook, Laptop, iPad, iPhone, Samsung and More-Black

EHO is a leading brand in laptop/mobile charger and accessories. We are continually striving to create the best-possible mobile experience and empower the digital lives of people all around the world. All of our chargers are made with mainstream fast-charge technologies to ensure that it can char...

www.amazon.com

As for the USB-C cable, I'm sure any new USB-C cable from a reputable manufacturer will do just fine.

 

[Pugly]

The types of cables and usb versions are for data rates. Charging is a different matter, and I usually assume any charging cable is just a usb 2.0 for data speed… if it’s not advertised as otherwise.

Different cables may have power specifications, but I’ve been able to charge a MBA with any cable I have around.

 

[Romkugl]

@usagora

Hehe needs an extra cable for "fixed" mounting in my home office, and black fits best with my dark desk. The original white cable should be carried around in my computer bag. But thanks for the tip, I actually already have an extra charger lying around, just missing a good USB-C cable.

@Pugly

Okay, so there is no difference in speed, no matter which USB-C cable I connect to the original MacBook charger?

 

[Phil77354]

Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Flow, 6ft Silicone)

Soft to the Touch: You've never felt a cable like this before. The silicone finish feels remarkably soft between your fingers as you plug the cable into your device. Super Strength: Our softest cable ever is also one of our strongest. Thankes to a 25,000-bend lifespan, this cable is more than...

us.anker.com

 

[Romkugl]

@Phil77354

Anker is a really good bid. They make good quality.
Unfortunately they do not make a cable of 10ft which is what I am looking for.

 

[usagora]

@Phil77354

Anker is a really good bid. They make good quality.
Unfortunately they do not make a cable of 10ft which is what I am looking for.

You could always by a "coupler" like this to connect multiple cables together, but of course then the coupler becomes a potentially "weakest link". But this one seems to have good reviews:

BOLS USB C Female-to-Female Adapter(2 pcs), Supports Fast Charging and Data Transfer Extension, up to 10GBbps Rate…

Note: 1. In order to achieve video and high-speed, it is necessary to ensure that the connected cables and adapters are also straight (that is, point-to-point rather than cross connection) 2. The charging and data transmission speed depends on the device, wall charger and Type C cable Features: 1...

www.amazon.com

So does this one:

Cellularize USB C Coupler Female to Female Adapter (2 Pack) 40Gbps 240W Type-C Extender Extension Thunderbolt QC & Data Transfer for USB-C Devices

...

www.amazon.com

 

[Pugly]

All the ubs c cables I see sold are at least 60 watts, which is more than the MBA’s included 30 watt charger.

USB c power is confusing, but it’s more simple than the data rate. A MBP can use a specialized cable, but not the air.

 

[thatsthequy]

Its easy if it is for charging only (no data), but as soon as data is involved I just buy Thunderbolt 3/4 cables. Little pricier but always higher quality and there is no faffing about when it comes to sorting out speeds and compatibility.

 

[Romkugl]

Thank you for your inputs. I found a 3 meter long USB-C 3.2, Gen.2 Cable in black. It said it could handle up to 100W, so I hope it's good enough. Waiting to have it shipped.

 

[AudiHeel]

We have 2 at our house. A white from Anker that is 10 feet and was about $18, and a black Best Buy Essentials 9' that was only $12. I use the black one and it's been great. The USB-C holds nicely and has yet to pull loose and stop charging unexpectedly.

eta - it's only $9.99 now